Cybersecurity bootcamps are intensive, accelerated training programs designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the cybersecurity workforce. These online cybersecurity bootcamps typically take a few weeks to complete (some may take several months), at a fraction of the cost of a formal degree. Of course, not all cybersecurity bootcamps are made equal, which is why we’ve compiled a list of the best cybersecurity bootcamps to help you choose the right one for you.
Best Cybersecurity Bootcamps
Choosing the right cybersecurity bootcamp requires careful consideration of your goals, your learning style, and your budget. You need to research different cybersecurity courses, attend information sessions, and network with alumni to get a feel for the environment. Make sure the curriculum aligns with your interests and the instructors have real-world experience. Consider all of the factors at play, like location, the start date, duration, accreditation, and financial aid options to choose a bootcamp that best fits your needs and helps you achieve your cybersecurity career aspirations.
This 100% online cybersecurity boot camp from the University of South Florida CTPE equips you with job-ready cybersecurity analysis skills in just 6 months. You can learn at your own pace with a flexible schedule, dedicating 10-15 hours per week.
The curriculum combines curated content from industry experts with hands-on projects, including 55 labs and 30 mini projects to complete your cybersecurity education. You'll master core concepts like the tools you culminate in a mentor-guided capstone project, and prepare to pass the CompTIA Security+ exam with a free voucher. Career coaches will guide you through resume building, job search strategies, and interview preparation. It’s an intensive program that prepares you for in-demand cybersecurity roles with a starting salary of around $95,000. In the end, you’ll be well-equipped to deal with the latest cyber-attacks and join the cybersecurity industry.
Features:
1-on-1 mentorship
Flexible online classes
Career preparation
Part-time
Duration:
6 months
Price:
$10,900
Springboard’s online bootcamp equips you with job-ready skills and the confidence to excel in defensive and offensive cybersecurity roles.
You’ll earn core concepts through a curriculum designed by industry experts and gain practical experience through 50 labs, a capstone project, and interactive AI learning units. You'll also graduate with a CompTIA Security+ Certification, a valuable credential recognized by corporations and defense organizations worldwide.
Springboard's proven human-centric approach provides you with unparalleled support throughout your learning journey. A dedicated mentor will guide you and provide personalized feedback, while your career coach will help you craft your resume, build your online presence, and ace your interviews.
With a 91.5% job placement rate and a job guarantee, Springboard gives you the confidence to invest in your future. This bootcamp is perfect for individuals looking for a career change or those seeking to advance their skills in the rapidly growing cybersecurity field.
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Features:
Online only
Job Guarantee
Mentorship available
CompTIA Security+ certification
Duration:
6 months
Price:
$9,900
BrainStation's Cybersecurity Bootcamp Online offers a six-month intensive program designed to transform you into a sought-after cybersecurity professional. This live, instructor-led program covers both defensive and offensive cybersecurity strategies, equipping you with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in this rapidly growing field.
Boasting a 90% hiring rate within six months of graduation, BrainStation's program provides a cutting-edge curriculum that delves into essential skills like Python, scripting, networking, and ethical hacking. Dedicated career coaches will guide you through every step of your job search journey, ensuring you're prepared with polished resumes, a strong online presence, and the confidence to ace interviews.
The comprehensive curriculum encompasses five key units, including Cybersecurity Foundations, Defensive and Offensive Cybersecurity, Advanced Offensive & Defensive Security, Cybersecurity Strategy, and Professional Development.
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Features:
Multiple start dates
Part-time and Full-time Options
Career Coaching
Practical focus
Duration:
12 weeks
Price:
$16,500
This intensive program, offered in both full-time (12 weeks) and part-time (26 weeks) formats, welcomes individuals with all levels of experience. The curriculum delves into essential cybersecurity skills, including Python scripting, networking, and ethical hacking, all under the guidance of expert instructors with extensive real-world experience.
Fullstack Academy's commitment to hands-on learning ensures you gain the practical experience necessary to excel in the field. Through engaging projects and simulation exercises, you'll have the opportunity to apply your acquired knowledge and hone your abilities.
With flexible scheduling options, you can choose the program format that best fits your lifestyle and existing commitments. Whether you're seeking a full-time immersion or prefer a more gradual pace, Fullstack Academy caters to your needs. Experienced career coaches offer personalized guidance on resume writing, interview preparation, and salary negotiation, empowering you to land your dream job in the cybersecurity field.
Live online classes offer the convenience of remote learning, allowing you to participate in the program from anywhere in the world. This flexible format removes geographical barriers, making the program accessible to all.
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Features:
Hands-on learning
Online & Flexible
Expert Instructors
Career Support
Duration:
12-26 weeks
Price:
$13,495
You can jumpstart your journey into the high-demand field of cybersecurity in as little as 15 weeks with Flatiron School's comprehensive bootcamp. The program offers both full-time (15 weeks) and part-time (40 weeks) options, allowing you to tailor your learning to your schedule and lifestyle.
Flatiron offers an industry-aligned curriculum so you can gain the skills and knowledge employers demand, including Python scripting, networking, ethical hacking, and more.
You’ll learn from experienced professionals who bring real-world insights into the classroom and hone your skills through practical projects and simulations, preparing you for the challenges of the job.
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Features:
Full or part-time courses
Flexible
Career support
Practical Labs
Duration:
15 weeks
Price:
$16,900
This program offers a job offer guarantee within six months of graduation and has a 93% hiring rate for job-seeking students. Gain practical skills through labs, simulations, and real-world projects, all while learning from experienced instructors in a flexible, interactive environment.
No prior technical background is needed, so you can start with the basics and build your knowledge progressively. The bootcamp includes a voucher for the respected industry certification, ComTIA Security+.
Modules include the Introduction to Cybersecurity, Networking, Security Program, OSINT & Social Engineering, Threat Intelligence, Scripting for Security, Security Operations Architecture, and more.
Evolve Academy also provides comprehensive job preparation support, including career coaching, resume prep, mock interviews, and employer partnerships.
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Features:
Live online
Job offer guarantee
CompTIA+ certification and voucher
Hands-on learning
Duration:
8-20 weeks
Price:
$13,950
Code Fellows offers a variety of courses to meet you where you are, regardless of your experience level. Beginners can start with Ops 101, a one-day workshop that introduces you to the tools and techniques of ethical hacking and cybersecurity. This is a great way to get a taste of the program and see if this career path is right for you. Ops 102 takes you a step further, providing an introduction to computer operations. You'll learn about hardware components, system interfaces, and how to deploy Windows and Linux operating systems. This hands-on course gives you the foundational skills needed to kickstart your tech career.
For those seeking a career in Network Operations or Systems Administration, Ops 301 is the perfect fit. This exciting course follows the fictional Globex Corporation as it grows, teaching you how to build and maintain a fully functional network and information system. Finally, for aspiring Cybersecurity Engineers, Ops 401 offers the most advanced training. Students come in with various backgrounds and leave with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in this dynamic field.
Through interactive courses, hands-on labs, and a supportive community, Code Fellows equips you with the tools and confidence to launch your cybersecurity career.
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Features:
400 hours of content
Practical focus
Online
Part-time, self-paced
Duration:
10 weeks
Price:
$12,000
You can launch your cybersecurity career in just 24 weeks with Coding Dojo's part-time online bootcamp. Coding Dojo offers flexibility, fitting seamlessly into your schedule with 25-hour weekly sessions. You’ll develop critical skills in penetration testing, ethical hacking, and network security, gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools like Wireshark, Kali Linux, and Metasploit, learn defensive and offensive tactics, explore the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and gain expertise in event & incident management.
The bootcamp includes vouchers for the CompTIA Security+ and CySA+ exams, alongside knowledge applicable to certifications like Network+, Linux+, Server+, Cloud+, and CEH. You can also access dedicated career services to tailor your job search strategy, build your resume, and ace interviews.
This bootcamp empowers you to confidently embark on a rewarding career in cybersecurity, whether you're seeking a career change or aiming for advancement in your current role.
Rating:
Features:
Flexible part-time classes
Career support and mentorship
Duration:
24 weeks
Price:
$16,995
You can start your journey to a rewarding career in cybersecurity with Clarusway's comprehensive part-time bootcamp. This 5-month program equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to become a successful cybersecurity analyst, regardless of your background.
Program highlights include an industry-leading curriculum where you can gain practical experience with real C-SOC tools, covering essential topics like CompTIA Security+, C-SOC experience, job hunting, and resume building. You can fit your studies around your current commitments with a convenient part-time schedule, and learn from industry experts who share their real-world knowledge and insights.
Clarusway also offers one-on-one mentoring and career coaching to ensure your success.
Rating:
Features:
Mentorship
Career Coaching
Part-time program
No prior technical knowledge needed
Duration:
22 weeks
Price:
$9,500
What Are the Benefits of a Cybersecurity Bootcamp?
So, why would you choose a cybersecurity bootcamp? Cybersecurity bootcamps offer several benefits for individuals looking to enter or advance their careers in this rapidly growing field. Here are some of the key advantages:
Accelerated Learning: Bootcamps typically range from a few weeks to a few months, significantly shorter than traditional degree programs. This allows you to gain the necessary skills and knowledge quickly and start your career sooner.
Practical Focus: Bootcamps emphasize hands-on learning through labs, simulations, and real-world projects. This equips you with practical skills that employers are looking for, making you job-ready upon completion.
No IT Background Required: Many bootcamps accept students with no prior IT experience. They provide foundational training to prepare you for the more advanced cybersecurity topics.
Part-time and Online Options: Many bootcamps offer part-time and online options, allowing you to fit your studies around your existing commitments. This makes them ideal for working professionals who want to pursue a career change.
Job Placement Assistance: Many bootcamps offer career support services, such as resume writing, interview coaching, and job placement assistance. This helps you land your dream job in cybersecurity. That means you can enter the field quickly and start earning a lucrative living right away.
What Are the Components of a Good Cybersecurity Bootcamp?
Not all bootcamps are created equal. Make sure to do your research so that you can find the right one for you.
Career-Focused Syllabus
A strong bootcamp curriculum should be designed specifically with career outcomes in mind. This means focusing on the most in-demand skills employers are seeking, including network security, operating system security, threat intelligence, incident response, and security tools and technologies.
Practical Projects
Real-world, hands-on experience is crucial for mastering cybersecurity skills. Look for a bootcamp that emphasizes practical projects, such as penetration testing, security incident simulations, building security tools, and forensic investigations.
Job Support
A good bootcamp doesn't just teach you skills; it helps you land your dream job. Look for a program that offers career coaching and access to a network of cybersecurity professionals and employers. Ideally, your bootcamp should offer direct support in finding and applying for cybersecurity positions.
Relevant Skills Developed
Beyond technical skills, a good bootcamp should also develop essential soft skills for success in the cybersecurity field, including critical thinking and problem-solving, communication and collaboration, attention to detail, and time management.
Certification
While not always necessary, earning a relevant cybersecurity certification can validate your skills and knowledge to potential employers. Look for bootcamps that offer preparatory courses for certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
Preparing for a Cybersecurity Bootcamp
Most bootcamps don’t require any prior knowledge or experience, but to make the most of your time, it’s good to go prepared.
Research and Assess Your Readiness
Research different programs, compare their curriculum and features, and choose the one that best aligns with your career goals and learning style. Before enrolling, assess your current understanding of IT and cybersecurity concepts, identify areas where you need to improve and find resources to address those weaknesses.
Get Familiar With the Fundamentals
Spend some time learning basic computer networking, including network protocols, infrastructure components, and security concepts. You should also learn the basics of Windows and Linux administration, command-line interfaces, and user management. Familiarize yourself with tools like Wireshark for network analysis and Nmap for vulnerability scanning.
Fulfill the Prerequisites
Some bootcamps have prerequisites, such as basic IT knowledge or specific certifications. Complete any necessary courses or qualifications to ensure your eligibility. Remember, you will need some soft skills to work in the field, too. Develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills through coaching, videos, or books.
Join the Cybersecurity Community
The cybersecurity community can help you enter the field. Network with bootcamp alumni, attend industry events, and participate in online forums. Read industry publications, follow cybersecurity news, and subscribe to relevant blogs and podcasts.
You should also contribute to open-source cybersecurity projects to gain practical experience and build your portfolio.
Landing a Job After a Cybersecurity Bootcamp: Success Stories To Learn From
Looking for some inspiration? Here are a few examples of bootcamp graduates that have made their way to the top.
Juan Melchor
Juan, despite losing his job and not having much experience in the industry, was able to find a job and launch a career again after attending a cybersecurity BootCamp.
Tayvion Payton
Tayvion is only 25 years old but managed to launch a highly successful cybersecurity career and is well on his way to becoming a millionaire, thanks to cybersecurity bootcamps.
Best Cybersecurity Bootcamps FAQs
What Is a Cybersecurity Bootcamp?
An intensive, accelerated program designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to launch a successful career in cybersecurity. Typically lasting several months, bootcamps focus on practical, hands-on learning through real-world projects, simulations, and labs. They offer a faster and more cost-effective alternative to traditional academic programs.
Are Cybersecurity Bootcamps Worth It When It Comes to Landing a Job?
Yes, cybersecurity bootcamps are worth it and many graduates successfully land cybersecurity jobs without further education. Bootcamps often provide valuable career support services, including resume writing workshops, interview coaching, and job placement assistance. Additionally, the high demand for cybersecurity professionals and the bootcamp's emphasis on in-demand skills make graduates highly competitive in the job market.
What Jobs Can You Apply for After a Cybersecurity Bootcamp?
Graduates are well-equipped for various entry-level and mid-level cybersecurity positions, such as:
Cybersecurity Analyst: Responsible for monitoring and analyzing security systems, identifying vulnerabilities, and responding to incidents.
Network Security Analyst: Focuses on securing network infrastructure, implementing security protocols, and detecting and mitigating threats.
Penetration Tester: Ethically hacks into systems to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors.
Security Engineer: Designs and implements security solutions, manages security systems, and oversees the organization's overall cybersecurity posture.
Does Cybersecurity Require Coding?
While some coding knowledge is beneficial, especially for advanced roles, many entry-level positions require only scripting skills. Bootcamps often cover basic scripting languages like Python and Bash, which are sufficient for many initial cybersecurity roles. However, gaining further coding expertise can open doors to more specialized and lucrative positions.
Is a Master’s in Cybersecurity Better Than a Bootcamp?
Whether a master's degree or a bootcamp is better depends on your individual career goals and learning style. A master's degree provides a broader and deeper understanding of cybersecurity concepts and theories, making it suitable for those seeking leadership or research roles. However, it requires a significant time and financial investment.
What Should Your Next Steps Be After a Cybersecurity Bootcamp?
Start applying for cybersecurity jobs! Utilize the career support services offered by your bootcamp and leverage your network of fellow graduates and instructors. Continuously update your knowledge and skills by pursuing industry certifications, attending professional development workshops, and participating in online communities to stay ahead of the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.
