Cyber security is an increasingly important field in the tech industry. Inordinate amounts of data are stored online and in the cloud, and cyber security professionals are the first line of defense against digital criminals. By joining a cyber security bootcamp, you can acquire the skills necessary to take advantage of the hot job market.
But how can you identify the best cyber security bootcamp? It’s important to consider factors like cost, duration, and online options, as well as the breadth, depth, and overall relevance of the curriculum. Ultimately, the best cyber security bootcamp for you will depend on your specific goals, but caveats aside, here are our picks for the top cyber security bootcamps in the industry.
Table of Contents
- The 10 Best Cyber Security Bootcamps
- Cyber Security Bootcamp Cost
- What Is the Best Cyber Security Bootcamp for Beginners?
- Cyber Security Bootcamp Application Process
- Can You Get a Job With a Cyber Security Bootcamp?
- What Jobs Are Available to Cyber Security Bootcamp Graduates?
- Are Cyber Security Bootcamps Worth It?
The 10 Best Cyber Security Bootcamps
Cyber security bootcamps come in a wide range of formats and levels of intensity. Full-time bootcamps, which are known for rigorous hours, are the standard option. These programs typically require five to six full days per week. Part-time programs, in which students attend classes for a few hours each day, at night, or on weekends, are also available.
An increasingly popular option is online cyber security bootcamps, which offer live virtual classes, real instructors, and a peer network. There are also self-paced programs, which allow students to set their own schedules. With so many scheduling and curriculum options to choose from, you should be able to find the best cyber security bootcamp for you on the following list.
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Cyber Security Bootcamp Cost
A typical cyber security bootcamp costs anywhere from a few thousand dollars to nearly twenty thousand dollars, with most programs being offered for between $12,000 and $18,000. Included in the cyber security bootcamp price tag are the costs associated with providing the curriculum, the salaries of instructors, and the salaries of career services professionals.
If you’re looking for an affordable cyber security bootcamp, flexible online schools like Springboard are the way to go. The cheapest cyber security bootcamp is Deep Dive Coding, but its offerings are limited to certification exam prep. For veterans using the GI Bill, the cyber security bootcamps at Evolve Security Academy and Divergence Academy are the cheapest. Another way of lowering your cyber security bootcamp cost is by applying for grants and scholarships.
What Is the Best Cyber Security Bootcamp for Beginners?
The best cyber security bootcamp for beginners is Coding Dojo’s program, which requires no prior experience and begins with two weeks of introductory material to ease students in. Not only can you join Coding Dojo without already being in the cyber security industry, but you will also benefit from being affiliated with one of the best coding bootcamps for any subject.
You can enroll in Coding Dojo’s cyber security bootcamp online, and within 24 weeks, you will be career-ready. The program is designed to fit around your busy schedule, with a mix of self-paced study, live, instructor-led lectures, and personalized support. All students have access to TA support around the clock, which is especially beneficial to beginners.
Cyber Security Bootcamp Application Process
The best cyber security bootcamps, like universities, can be quite selective. While admission requirements vary, virtually all top cyber security programs have an application and interview process. You must first fill out an application and send it to the admissions team, who will then make a decision about whether to invite you for an interview.
Some top cyber security bootcamps might ask that you complete an aptitude or analytical-thinking test as part of your application. These short quizzes usually include logic questions, but rarely require a background in programming.
Cyber Security Bootcamp Interview Process
The initial interview is a combination of fact-finding and goal assessment, with some practical testing thrown in. Some advanced cyber security bootcamps might require applicants to take a basic coding test, but if your program is designed for beginners, this is unlikely.
If all goes well, students either proceed to a final interview or are admitted outright. You may need to undergo further tests to qualify for income share agreements, scholarships, or other perks. At this point, you’ll decide how you want to cover your cyber security bootcamp cost of tuition, and get started on any required prework before classes start.
Can You Get a Job With a Cyber Security Bootcamp?
Yes, you can get a job with a cyber security bootcamp. The whole purpose of these programs is to provide students all the knowledge and support they need to become employable in the field of cyber security. To optimize your chances of getting a job after your bootcamp, make sure to research each school’s alumni outcomes.
All the best cyber security bootcamps offer rigorous career services, including mock interviews, professional career counseling, resume assistance, and access to exclusive employer networks. These resources are extremely helpful when it comes time for students to transition into the workforce.
Cyber Security Bootcamp Job Guarantees
Some leading cyber security bootcamps, including Springboard, offer students a job guarantee, providing further evidence that the training students receive will set them up for success. Most cyber security bootcamp job guarantees state that if students don’t get hired within six months of graduation, they will receive a full refund.
Companies Hiring Cyber Security Bootcamp Grads
Many tech companies hire cyber security bootcamp graduates. With a cyber security bootcamp, you can get a job at major companies like Meta, Amazon, and Google. More likely, however, is that you end up at a mid-size company or startup. The tech industry values experience, and over time, you will earn the credentials to receive more lucrative and compelling job offers.
What Jobs Are Available to Cyber Security Bootcamp Graduates?
After graduating from any of the best cyber security bootcamps, you should have little trouble stepping into most entry-level cyber security roles. The opportunities available to you will also depend on your work history and other educational credentials. Here are some of the most common job titles held by cyber security bootcamp graduates.
Cyber Security Analyst
- Average salary: $80,298
This is one of the most common job titles held by bootcamp graduates. Security analysts are responsible for protecting an organization’s computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. To do this, they monitor for security breaches, conduct risk assessments, and implement security measures.
Penetration Tester
- Average salary: $92,779
After graduating from a top cyber security bootcamp, you will have the required skills to become a penetration tester. These experts, also known as ethical hackers, identify vulnerabilities in an organization’s computer systems and applications by conducting controlled tests to simulate cyber attacks.
IT Support Specialist
- Average salary: $53,974
Depending on the exact curriculum of your chosen cyber security bootcamp, you might qualify for IT support specialist roles immediately after graduation. These professionals assist in configuring security settings and protocols, troubleshoot issues, and educate employees on security best practices.
Are Cyber Security Bootcamps Worth It?
Cyber security bootcamps are worth it for anyone hoping to learn in-demand skills as quickly as possible. Cyber security analysts, information security engineers, and network security analysts are all high-paying and fast-growing occupations. The best cyber security bootcamps can prepare you for these roles by teaching you the foundational skills you need to succeed.
While there are other ways to break into the industry, a cyber security bootcamp is undeniably a smart investment. Compared to college, these programs are quite inexpensive, and many of them have special financing options that can reduce the burden of tuition even further. A bootcamp is often the fastest way to change careers and enter the field of cyber security.
