Compare our Cybersecurity and IT Programs
Explore available discounts, scholarships, and program options to find the path that best fits your goals, schedule, and budget.
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We offer several ways for participants to build cybersecurity and IT skills, depending on their goals, experience level, and the amount of support they want along the way. Some programs include substantial scholarship support, while others focus on affordability, flexibility, stackable learning, or certification preparation.
This page compares our current options so you can find the path that best fits your needs.
Quick Comparison
| Program | Scholarship/Discount | Best For | Includes IT Certification | Career Support | Flexibility | Academic Credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cybersecurity Workforce Program | No scholarship opportunities at this time | Flexible learning, foundational cybersecurity skills | Yes, with the full program | Limited | High | Not credit-bearing, but the full program and some bundles have ACE credit recommendations* |
| 2. Cybersecurity Work Role Pathways | 80% scholarship | Career transition or advancement in cybersecurity | Yes, pathway-specific CompTIA certification | Yes | Moderate to High | Not credit-bearing |
| 3. IT Certification Pathways | Competitive pricing | Certification-focused learning | Yes | No placement services | High | Not credit-bearing |
Cybersecurity Workforce Program
Best for flexibility
The Cybersecurity Workforce Program is a strong option for learners who want a flexible way to build foundational cybersecurity skills while keeping future academic goals in mind. At this time, there are no scholarship opportunities available for this program.
The Cybersecurity Workforce Program and some of its bundles have received an ACE (American Council on Education) credit recommendation. This means the program has been reviewed for academic rigor and workforce relevance, allowing learners to present their achievements to colleges and universities for potential credit toward a degree. Acceptance of ACE-recommended credit is always determined by the receiving institution, and the program itself is not a credit-bearing degree program.
The full program is especially well-suited for participants who may want to continue into formal education later. The cost of the full program includes one IT certification of the participants' choice from the IT Certification Pathways (ITCP) catalog.
For participants who are newer to the field, have limited time, or want to explore whether cybersecurity is the right fit before committing to a larger program, the Cybersecurity Workforce Program also offers smaller, stackable bundles. These bundles start at $300 and make it possible to begin learning at a lower cost and at a manageable pace.
Each bundle includes a digital badge that participants can add to a resume or LinkedIn profile to demonstrate the skills they have gained.
Instruction is delivered through online, virtual, asynchronous training, with weekly live office hours that give participants direct access to instructors for guidance and support.
Why choose this option
- Flexible learning format
- Lower-cost entry points through stackable bundles
- Good fit for participants exploring the field
- Includes an IT certification in the full program
- Digital badges included with each bundle
Cybersecurity Work Role Pathways
Best for guidance and career support
The Cybersecurity Work Role Pathways program offers an 80% scholarship on the cost of the program, making it one of the most supported options available to participants.
Built on the success of the Cybersecurity Workforce Program, this program combines online, virtual, asynchronous training with placement services and career support. Each pathway is aligned to Department of Defense (DoD) work roles, helping participants build the exact skills needed for specific cybersecurity career paths.
The goal of this program is not only to help participants learn new skills, but also to help them apply those skills in the real world. For that reason, the cost of the program includes:
- One CompTIA certification exam tied to the specific work role pathway
- Placement services, including resume review, interview coaching, and connection with a placement specialist
The included certification is predetermined for each pathway and cannot be changed or substituted. If a participant already holds that certification, no alternative certification is offered.
This program is ideal for participants who are highly motivated to start a new career in cyber or tech or to advance their professional development. It does require a stronger level of commitment than other options, including active collaboration with the support team and completion within the program timeline, while still offering the flexibility of asynchronous online learning.
Why choose this option
- 80% scholarship support
- Career-focused training aligned to DoD work roles
- Includes certification and placement support
- Strong choice for career changers or advancement
- Best for participants ready to commit to a structured path
IT Certification Pathways
Best for certification-focused learners
If your goal is to earn an industry-recognized certification without enrolling in a larger training program, IT Certification Pathways is likely your best option.
CompTIA certifications are widely recognized in the IT and cybersecurity job market, and they can play an important role in career advancement. According to ISC2’s 2025 Cybersecurity Hiring Trends study, when hiring entry- and junior-level cybersecurity professionals, most security managers said they would consider candidates with only previous IT work experience (90%) or those with only an entry-level cybersecurity certification (89%) over candidates with only education in IT, cybersecurity, or computer science. This suggests that relevant experience and certifications can often outweigh a degree alone for early-career cybersecurity roles.
While certifications may be included in some of our cyber programs under certain circumstances, ITCP is designed for participants who want to go straight to certification preparation and do not need the added structure or support services of a larger workforce program.
The training content is the official CompTIA curriculum, enhanced by our own support resources, including pacing guides and a helpdesk system. At a competitive price, ITCP includes:
- Training materials with labs
- One certification exam
- One retake
- Access to our mailing list for updates and news in cyber and tech
This is a strong option for self-directed learners who want a streamlined, certification-first path.
Why choose this option
- Best for participants focused primarily on certification
- Official CompTIA content
- Includes labs, exam, and retake
- Added support through pacing guides and helpdesk
- Competitive pricing
Which Option Is Right for You?
Choose the Cybersecurity Workforce Program if you want a flexible starting point, are exploring whether cybersecurity is right for you, or want stackable learning options at a lower cost.
Choose Cybersecurity Work Role Pathways if you want a more guided experience, need strong career support, and are ready to commit to a structured pathway with a clear workforce outcome.
Choose IT Certification Pathways if you already know you want a certification and prefer a direct, cost-effective route without the added services of a larger program.
Cybersecurity Workforce Insights
of cybersecurity hiring managers would consider candidates with previous IT work experience alone when evaluating entry-level roles.
would consider candidates who hold only an entry-level cybersecurity certification, highlighting the strong value of industry certifications.
of hiring managers planned to hire more cybersecurity professionals, demonstrating continued demand for trained professionals entering the field.
Recommended Resources
- 2025 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study
A global report examining workforce trends, skills shortages, and the evolving cybersecurity profession.
- ISC2 Cybersecurity Hiring Managers Guide
A guide for hiring managers that highlights the importance of certifications, practical training, and job-ready skills in cybersecurity hiring.