Learning
Everything the academy publishes, organised the way you will actually use it: decide, prepare, then prove it.
Stage one
Decide what to certify in
Before you spend a dollar, work out which credential the jobs you want are actually asking for.
IT certifications
The full sequence from foundation credentials through security core to specialisation, with realistic study hours and typical costs for each.
DoD 8570 / 8140
Approved baseline certifications by workforce category and level, plus what changes as Directive 8140 replaces 8570.
Stage two
Choose how you will learn it
Classroom, virtual, degree programme or self-study. Each has a different cost, pace and funding route.
Training providers
Classroom and virtual providers, including those approved for VA education benefits and COOL funding.
Colleges & universities
Degree programmes that award credit for certifications you already hold, and which ones accept the most.
Professional entities
Associations and organisations, what each is genuinely useful for, and which offer military rates.
Stage three
Prepare and prove it
Study materials, practice, group study and the exam itself.
Study resources
Recommended books, labs and free material by certification, plus how member study groups run.
Certification testing
Where to sit the exam, what it costs, and which benefit will pay for it.
Reference
The matrix, in short
The single most-used page on this site. Open the full version for every category and level.