Pathways to Cyber Careers
Explore trusted tools that explain real cybersecurity roles, show the skills employers look for, and connect you to training, scholarships, internships, and job data.
National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS)
The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS) is a learning and career hub managed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). NICCS connects students, educators, and job seekers to an expansive catalog of cybersecurity courses, academic programs, and resources. Its career tools are mapped to the NICE Workforce Framework, making it easy to understand the knowledge, skills, and abilities behind real cyber roles. Whether you’re exploring majors, building foundational skills, or preparing for certifications, NICCS helps you find reputable training and chart a clear pathway into the cybersecurity workforce.
Resources to check out:
Education & Training Catalog — find vetted cybersecurity courses and programs, many mapped to the NICE Framework.
Cyber Career Pathways Tool — explore NICE Work Roles and see how skills connect across entry-level paths.
NICE Workforce Framework — look up any role’s tasks, knowledge, and skills to plan what to learn next.
Cybersecurity Scholarships — scholarship info and pathways to service-based cyber careers.
Internships & Apprenticeships — centralized links to programs that build real-world experience.
Career Explorer
The CAE Career Explorer offers a comprehensive snapshot of cybersecurity job data nationwide, along with direct access to employment opportunities. Explore cybersecurity demand across states via an interactive map, and find open positions across the nation in the sector and location of your choice.
Cyberseek
CyberSeek is your guide to the cybersecurity job market. Its interactive Career Pathway charts entry-to-advanced roles with typical skills, salaries, and common transitions, while the nationwide Heat Map shows local demand and supply by state and metropolitan areas. Use it to compare starter roles, see which certifications and skills are commonly requested, and spot regions where opportunities are growing.