The Cyber Challenge:
Defending the Digital World
Learners have up to 7 months to complete 6 courses, 1 exam, and 1 industry certification leading them to their first entry level job opportunity in the cybersecurity industry, all funded by Cisco.
Jump start your new career today!
The Learn-A-Thon is FREE.
Participation can begin anytime between October 1, 2024 until May 23, 2025.
Level: Beginner to Intermediate.
Resume help, interview skills training, and access to an exclusive Cyber Job Fair once completed.
Participate in the Cyber Challenge and start your journey today!
Ready to get started?
Select the optional “Intro to Cyber Security” course if you have no prior IT background or the “Networking Basics Course”
Select “Get Started”
Create a profile
Once you complete the first course come back to this page to complete the rest of the courses in the prescribed order below.
Complete the Learn-A-Thon Pathway In This Order
Intro to Cybersecurity (6 hours) *OPTIONAL
Networking Basics (25 hours)
Networking Devices & Initial Config (25 hours)
Endpoint Security (40 hours)
Network Defense (40 hours)
Cyber Threat Management (20 hours)
Career Path Exam (50 questions)
In 2022, the Cisco Networking Academy partnered with the U.S. White House to bolster the nation’s cyber workforce by enhancing education and training initiatives through cutting-edge courses and career opportunities in cybersecurity.
This year Cisco has partnered with the Minnesota State I.T. Center of Excellence to launch a year-long Cyber Challenge beginning in October of 2024. This program is designed to support individuals with no prior knowledge or skills in cybersecurity with introductory and entry-level courses and culminates in a career path exam that prepares participants for industry certification.
Participants who inform Cisco of their successful acquisition of the CCST Cybersecurity Certification will receive an exclusive invitation to a prestigious career fair to showcase their expertise, skills, and potential to employers in the industry.
