Build Your Cyber Skills
Check out the following learning resources that teach core cybersecurity concepts, offer hands-on practice, and connect you to courses, programs, and research opportunities.
INSuRE
Want real research experience that matters? INSuRE links student teams at participating NCAE universities with Problem Mentors from government agencies, national labs, and FFRDCs to investigate problems of national interest. Structured as a research course, you’ll scope a problem, apply applied-cyber research methods, brief your mentor, and deliver results—building workforce-ready skills in analysis, collaboration, communication, and project management. Along the way, you’ll get exposure to mission-driven organizations and potential employers who use INSuRE to spot emerging talent.
CLARK
CLARK is a free, curated cybersecurity curriculum library where you can browse peer-reviewed labs, lessons, and modules organized into quality-checked collections. Materials include videos, slides, and hands-on exercises you can reuse for self-study, class support, or competition prep.
XP Cyber
XP Cyber is an academic cyber range built to prepare the next generation workforce. Learners step into complex, real-world business environments and complete the same tasks performed by in-demand cyber roles. The catalog of challenges is mapped to the DoD Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF), the NICE Framework, and NCAE-C Knowledge Units, so practice aligns with recognized standards. U.S. educators receive free, year-round access and can use XP Cyber for capstone experiences, advanced challenge labs, competition prep, in-class demonstrations, or free-play exploration. Students access the range through their instructors, gaining hands-on experience that evidences readiness for internships and entry-level roles.