CISA Learning Offers Cyber Training for Government Staff, Veterans and More

With the goal of replacing multiple online learning platforms, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently announced the launch of CISA Learning.

Here’s how the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS) announced the education and training effort:

“We are excited to announce CISA’s new Learning Management System has replaced the Federal Virtual Training Environment (FedVTE) and will replace multiple other platforms. CISA Learning will be the go-to learning platform CISA staff, contractors and external partners. CISA Learning will continue to offer the same no cost online cybersecurity training as FedVTE on topics such as cloud security, ethical hacking and surveillance, risk management, malware analysis and more.”

And in case you are thinking that this announcement does not apply to you, the platform is available to help a variety audiences. CISA Learning is available for

• Federal government employees and contractors
• State, local, tribal, and territorial government employees
• U.S. military personnel and veterans
• General public 

In addition, the cybersecurity training offered is wide and deep. The materials available cover:

• Courses for all proficiency levels from beginner to advanced
• 850 hours of training mapped to the NICE Framework
• Certification prep courses on topics such as Ethical Hacking, Certified Information Security Manager, and Certified Information Systems Security Professional
• The ability to work at your own pace from any computer or mobile device 

In case you have questions about the new CISA Learning, there is an FAQ page you can view or download in PDF format. Here is how that two-page document begins:

"CISA Learning will initially replace the Federal Virtual Training Environment (FedVTE) and in the coming weeks also replace CISA’s Content Management System (CCMS), Regional Role Based Training (RRBT) and Registration Hub into a single system for CISA staff, contractors and external partners that provides:

• Comprehensive Tracking: Learners can easily manage training records and their professional development journey leveraging a wide array of CISA’s learning resources.
• Versatile Learning: From classroom-based courses to virtual instructor-led sessions and self-paced online modules, CISA Learning has it all!
• Enhanced Reporting: Provides comprehensive reporting including self-reporting for staff and organizational leaders."

MEDIA COVERAGE

This November, the CISA Learning announcement was covered by multiple media outlets with some additional commentary. Here are a few examples:

Federal News Network hosted an episode of its podcast, Federal Drive, on this topic with interviews of CISA staff describing training with detailed descriptions of the benefits provided to all:

"'This is really the one-stop go-to learning solution for our workforce, but our external partners free of charge,' Kolmstetter said. 'CISA does so much in the learning and skilling and understanding what is needed as far as training that we want to share that. We don’t need it just for our workforce, but we want to share that with many partners and stakeholders and citizens, so that everybody can benefit from this.'

"Kolmstetter said CISA is migrating the user data of more than 500,000 individuals from FedVTE to CISA Learning. That includes approximately 412,000 federal employees; 25,000 users from state, local, tribal and territorial governments; 12,000 users at public universities and nonprofits; and 92,000 veterans."

The Cyber Express led with the headline "CISA Rolls Out Next-Gen Learning Platform to Boost Cybersecurity Skills."

“CISA Learning introduces a range of advanced features designed to meet the agency’s evolving needs. These include:

• Classroom-Based Courses: In-person training sessions for hands-on learning.
• Virtual Instructor-Led Training: Remote learning opportunities with real-time interaction.
• Self-Paced Online Modules: Flexible training options that cater to individual schedules.

“By offering these diverse formats, CISA Learning ensures a more adaptable and engaging experience for users, whether they are learning from an office, at home, or in the field. …”

OTHER NICCS TRAINING FOR DIVERSE AUDIENCES

NICCS offers several other excellent resources for various groups. For example, the website encourages veterans and military personnel to begin a new cybersecurity career:

“The demand for cybersecurity experts is growing faster than the current U.S. job market, making cybersecurity one of the most highly sought-after careers in the country. There are 457,000 open cybersecurity jobs in the U.S and cybersecurity professionals report a median salary of $120,000, which is nearly three times the national average.

"Transfer your skills and experience. Military service members are trained to maintain situational awareness, learn on the job, make security decisions and respond to evolving challenges in unique environments. These are critical skills needed in a cybersecurity career. Furthermore, if you have a security clearance, this will help you obtain federal positions and speed up the hiring process.

"Continue to serve your country. Cybersecurity presents the opportunity for you to continue in a mission space that protects citizens and our nation’s critical infrastructure and technology. Choose a career path that allows you to thwart adversaries and defend our country in cyberspace.”

To help veterans enter this rewarding career field, CISA provides a user guide for those who formerly served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This guide expands on the information listed above and includes even more resources to help veterans begin a career in cybersecurity.

There is another NICCS portal for Cybersecurity for Underserved Communities as well:

“With over 457,000 open cybersecurity positions across the United States, now more than ever we need qualified, determined individuals to enter the cybersecurity workforce. CISA awards cooperative agreements to non-profit organizations to help bring cybersecurity education, training, and career programs to underserved communities and diverse populations with limited resources.

‘‘Executive Order 14035 states that 'underserved communities' refers to those sharing a particular characteristic [or] geographic communities who have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social and civic life. In the Federal workforce, this includes individuals who belong to communities of color [as well as those] that face discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation and gender identity; pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions; parents; and caregivers.

‘‘Learn more about these non-profits’ efforts below, and for more information about cybersecurity career opportunities and workforce development initiatives at CISA, please visit cisa.gov/careers.”

The portal provides information on organizations such as CyberWarrior, NPower, South Memphis Renewal Community Development Corporation, Per Scholas and CYBER.ORG.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I often hear from government professionals and others around the country about the lack of quality training and/or resources to grow into a cybersecurity career.

This new CISA Learning portal offers many opportunities to get that training and engage in new ways, no matter what your role.

I urge readers to check out their portal and act now as we head into 2025.