Two people sitting behind desk with career development documents spread out

Take it at Your Pace

CyberMontana Career Development is built around a simple idea: learners need more than a one-time training event. They need a flexible system that helps them explore cybersecurity, build skills, validate readiness, and continue growing over time. This approach supports learners across multiple stages — from

This approach supports learners across multiple stages — from emerging workforce and career changers to incumbent workers and executive leaders — while also helping employers build stronger cybersecurity capability over time.

Start Anytime

Programs are open-enrollment and designed for flexibility.

Learn at Your Pace

Self-paced pathways support career exploration, re-skilling, and advancement.

Get Guided Support

CyberMontana staff can help learners identify a strong starting point.

Who this Serves

A lifelong learning model for Montana
Emerging Workforce.

For learners exploring IT and cybersecurity for the first time and building toward entry-level opportunities.

Re-Skilling Adults.

For career changers or adult learners building a new pathway into cybersecurity.

Incumbent Workers

For current professionals seeking upskilling, specialization, or career advancement.

Executives & Leadership

For leaders seeking sybersecurity literacy, governance awarenes s, and strategic capability.

Find Your Path Today

Explore
Train
Certify
Advance
Lead

Learning Pathways

Pathway 1 Explore & Train

Start with flexible, self-paced learning.

CyberMontana Professional Development programs are open-enrollment and self-paced, allosing learners to build confidence, explore options, and begin at the point that best matches their experience.

Programs

  • IT and Cybersecurity fondations
  • Security Pro
  • SOC Analyst
  • Penetration Tester
  • Security Engineer
  • Leadership and Management
  • GRC Analyst (in development)

Strengthen readiness with recognized credentials.

CyberMontana aligns training with industry-recognized certificates that help validate skills and support career movement across entry, transition, and advancement points.

Programs

  • ComTIA A+
  • Network+
  • Security+
  • CySA+
  • PenTest+
  • ScurityX
  • ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity
  • ISC2 SSCP
Pathway 2 Certify & Validate
Pathway 3 Advance & Lead

Grow into specialization, governance, and leadership.

Learners and employers can continue building capability through advanced pathwways in cloud security, security architecture, governance risk, compliance, and leadership-focused development.

Programs

  • Cloud Security
  • Security Architecture
  • Security Administration
  • Governance, Risk, and Compliance
  • Security Engineering
  • Leadership and Operations
  • Secure Software Development
  • Security Management

Training Partnerships

CyberMontana works with training partners that provide cybersecurity, IT, and emerging technology career development. Partner offerings may include online courses, certification preparation, self-paced training, and other workforce development resources.

Training partners and available course options may change over time as CyberMontana continues to build pathways that meet learner, employer, educator, and workforce needs across Montana.

Training Backbone

Cybrary

Accessible, role-based learning pathways that support exploration, skill-building, and practical workforce readiness.

Credential Validation

CompTIA

Widely recognized certifications that help learners validate skills and support employer confidence in job readiness.

Professional Development

ISC2

Professional credentials that support longterm credibility, cyber maturity, governenace awareness, and leadership growth.

Frequenly Asked
Questions

What is CyberMontana?

CyberMontana is a statewide initiative that partners with the University of Montana to provide cybersecurity training and workforce development for organizations and residents of Montana.

How much does Security Awareness Training cost?

The cost of the online training format is $30 annually per individual user or employee (public and non-profit sector pricing is also available).

Why is Security Awareness Training important?

Almost 90% of data breaches are caused by human error; the human factor is often the weakest link. Security-aware employees are the primary line of defense against cyberattacks.

*Tessian, 2020. The Psychology of Human Error

Who is Security Awareness Training for?

CyberMontana offers security awareness training targeted for employees and other groups connected to your organization, such as board members, to help Montana organizations become more secure.

How do I get started with CyberMontana Career Development?

Getting started depends on your goals and where you are in your career:

  • If you are new to cybersecurity, exploring career options, or unsure which training pathway is the best fit, the CyberMontana Self-Assessment is a helpful first step. It helps us better understand your background, interests, current skill level, and career development goals. 
  • If you are already working in ITcybersecurity, education, or a related field and know which credential or skill area you want to pursue, you may be ready to connect directly with CyberMontana about available training options. 

CyberMontana can help learners identify flexible career development opportunities in cybersecurity, IT, and emerging technology that support continued growth and career advancement.

What is the purpose of the CyberMontana Self-Assessment?

The CyberMontana Self-Assessment helps potential learners identify which program area may be the best fit based on experience, goals, confidence, interests, and learning preference.

What it helps with:

  • Gives learners a clearer starting point
  • Supports staff advising and learner guidance
  • Reinforces open-enrollment, self-paced entry
  • Connects interest areas to pathway recommendations

Why does the lifelong learning model work?

Together, Cybrary, CompTIA, and ISC2 create a connected ecosystem that supports exploration, training, credential validation, and long-term advancement. This allows CyberMontana to serve both individual learners and employer needs through a stronger, more scalable professional development strategy.

Do I need previous experience to participate?

Many training pathways are designed to support learners who are new to cybersecurity, IT, or emerging technology, while others are better suited for individuals who already have technical experience. 

CyberMontana can help learners identify options that match their current skill level and goals.

Can CyberMontana help me choose a course or certification?

Yes. CyberMontana can help learners explore professional development options and identify courses or credentials that align with their experience, career goals, and workforce needs. The Self-Assessment is the best place to start.  

How much time should I expect to spend on a course each week?

The amount of time needed each week will depend on the course, training partner, and learner’s experience level. Many CyberMontana Professional Development opportunities are designed to be flexible, allowing learners to make steady progress while balancing work, school, family, and other responsibilities. 

Some learners may choose to spend a few hours each week, while others may move more quickly depending on their schedule and goals. Courses that prepare learners for industry-recognized credentials may require additional study time outside of the course content. 

Before enrolling, learners are encouraged to review the expected time commitment for each course and choose a pace that supports long-term success. 

What is the training format for each course?

CyberMontana Career Development courses are delivered through flexible training options designed to support working professionals, students, educators, and organizations. 

Many opportunities are available online and self-paced through CyberMontana’s training partners, allowing learners to complete coursework around their existing work, school, and family commitments. Some training opportunities may include guided support, cohort-based learning, workshops, or other formats depending on the course, partner, and program goals. 

Course delivery formats may vary, so learners are encouraged to review the details of each opportunity before enrolling.

Will I receive support while completing a course?

Support may vary by course and training partner, but CyberMontana is committed to helping learners successfully connect with career development opportunities that fit their goals. Depending on the course, learners may have access to platform support, course resources, study materials, or guidance from the training provider. 

CyberMontana can also help learners understand available pathways, clarify next steps, and identify options that align with their experience, goals, and career interests. 

Can I take more than one course at the same time?

In many cases, learners may be interested in more than one course or training pathway. The ability to participate in multiple opportunities may depend on course availability, training partner requirements, learner goals, and available funding. 

CyberMontana can help learners think through a career development plan that supports steady progress without taking on too much at once.

What does it cost to participate in these programs and are certifications included with the training?

CyberMontana is committed to making Career Development accessible and ensuring that cost is not a barrier to participation. 

Costs for CyberMontana-sponsored Career Development opportunities may vary depending on the course, training partner, and available funding. In some cases, CyberMontana may be able to offer opportunities at no cost. 

Because funding and course availability can change, learners are encouraged to review current opportunities or contact CyberMontana to learn more about available options and any potential costs before enrolling.

Certification exam costs, vouchers, and related materials may vary depending on the course, training partner, and available funding. Some opportunities may include certification preparation, practice materials, or exam vouchers, while others may focus on skill development without including a certification exam.