SANS Cyber Academies User Guide

: June 18, 2024
: SANS

Table of Contents

Application Guide
Start An Application
Next Steps
Application Timeline
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

Cyber Academies
User Guide

Application Guide

Eligibility Requirements

Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for the specific SANS Cyber Academy you wish to apply for. Please check the specific Academy webpage for details.
The eligibility requirements may vary depending on the academy.
You may be eligible to apply to one or more academies, so please note that you can only apply to one. SANS does not accept multiple applications.

Start An Application

If you do not have a SANS account, follow the instructions to create an account to access the application. Keep track of your password for future use of the SANS portal.
Click “Apply Now” and choose “Start a New Application” https://application.sans.edu/portal/aca

This step will ask you to create your SANS account. NOTE: do not use a PO Box address as your mailing address.

Once you have created your SANS account come back to the “Apply Now’ button and choose “Continue Your Application.”
When you have submitted the information requested, you have started an application. (The application process includes multiple steps.) You will receive an automated email with instructions on how to access an online Aptitude Assessment. Use your SANS login information to access it.
All applicants need to complete the aptitude assessment.

By not completing the aptitude assessment, SANS cannot continue forward with your application.

No prior experience in cybersecurity is needed but all applicants to the SANS Cyber Academy are required to complete this 1-hour online assessment which measures general information security aptitude. The online assessment is your best chance to demonstrate your potential to succeed in cybersecurity. There are no recommended study guides or materials available to help prepare for this assessment.
PRO TIP: We recommend taking the assessment when you have the full hour to devote to it without being interrupted, since you will have only 1 attempt. Do not be concerned if you are unfamiliar with any of the topics covered in the assessment. Many of the best cybersecurity students come from backgrounds outside of technology. When you begin the assessment, you must complete it in its entirety. You cannot stop midway and come back to it later.
We do not recommend that you start an application and attempt the assessment on the last day of the application cycle (July 1, 2024), as you may not be able to complete it on time if you experience any technical issues.

Next Steps

SANS regularly reviews assessment results and invites certain applicants to continue with their application.
Applicants invited to complete their application will be asked to submit documentation such as:
– A resume
– A short video testimonial.
– Complete a questionnaire.
– DD-214 or other military verification (Applies only to veterans, transitioning service members and active-duty spouses).
Applicants who do not move forward in the application round will be informed no later than July 24, 2024.
Not all applicants will be invited to complete their application.

Application Timeline

The online assessment must be completed no later than 10:00am ET on July 1, 2024, the last day of the application cycle.
Applicants invited to complete their application must submit all application materials by 10:00am ET on July 8, 2024.
Admission decisions will be released by July 24, 2024.
Students invited to enroll must accept or deny enrollment by 10:00am ET by August 8, 2024.
Access to New Student Orientation online on August 19, 2024
Training is scheduled to begin on September 3, 2024.

Please note: No extensions will be offered to any stage of the application process. If you miss one deadline you are welcome to apply again in the future. No exemptions will be made out of fairness to other applicants.
Due to the anticipated substantial number of applications, SANS may not be able to respond to any questions already answered in this guide. All applicants will be informed of their status no later than July 24, 2024.