Current Sites
Cyber Security
Cisco CCNA Cyber Ops Certification
Overview
This course is tough. So are you.
START A NEW CAREER
Per Scholas is accepting applications for future courses and we encourage you to apply. As a response to COVID-19, enrolled classes have moved to a remote learning environment. We will be in-touch with applicants after you have applied to provide updates on future courses.
This course equips you with the knowledge to fill a wide range of entry-level Cybersecurity jobs.
A Snapshot
Hands-on experience and workplace exposure
Tuition, materials and hardware at no cost
Career counseling & connections to employment
The course runs for 17 weeks.
Monday-Friday, 9:00am – 4pm
“Everyone at Per Scholas was always responsive and positive.”
Lisa Edwards
Analyst, Barclays
Curriculum
START A NEW CAREER
Want to jumpstart your career in Cybersecurity? Per Scholas is now offering a 17-week Cybersecurity course, powered by Barclays. You will learn each new skill by practicing it yourself because 75% of the coursework is hands on. Classes are small, so your instructor can always help if you need it.
By the time you finish, you’ll be prepared for an entry-level job as a Cybersecurity analyst.
Schedule
Cybersecurity will be held Monday through Friday from 9:00AM to 4:00PM for 17 weeks. The course includes technical instruction and professional development curriculum. Review the syllabus for the specifics.
Syllabus
Week 1 of 16
technical skills focus
Windows Overview
Understanding what windows event viewer is and how it works. Understanding how to troubleshoot performance issues Understanding tools in windows. Understanding the windows command line
professional development focus
CREATING YOUR BRAND. Begin to create your unique personal brand.
Enhance your brand and marketability by increasing your confidence through public speaking.
technical skills focus
Windows Overview- continued
Configure Windows IIIS, Writing Basic Windows Batch Scripts, Writing and editing Windows FTP Scripts, Setting up Windows SSH Key
professional development focus
PROFESSIONALISM. ENHANCE YOUR PRESENTATION, , USING THE SKILL OF EMPATHY. PRACTICE YOUR 60 SECOND PITCH
Deliver your first “60 Second Pitch” and receive feedback. Learn the importance of building and protecting your professional brand.
Learn to “see things through the eyes of the employer.”
technical skills focus
Unix/Linux Overview
Learn about operating system architecture. Explore Unix/Linux by identifying files and processes, and learning basic and advanced commands.
professional development focus
FINANCIAL CAPABILITY WORKSHOP. LEARN VALUABLE MONEY MANAGEMENT SKILLS, SUCH AS BUILDING ASSETS AND REDUCING DEBT
Attend a comprehensive Financial Capability workshop conducted by our Financial Coach. Learn valuable skills such as budgeting, asset building, reducing debt and more. Following the workshop, you will have an opportunity to meet one-on-one, print out your credit report and have a confidential meeting with the Financial Coach.
technical skills focus
Unix/Linux Overview Pt. 2
Expand your Unix knowledge by learning programming in Bash. Create bash scripts!
professional development focus
CREATE YOUR MARKETING DOCUMENTS. CREATE A POWERFUL RESUME AND COVER LETTER.
Introduction to resumes and cover letters. Learn to create a powerful resume, and a well written and impactful cover letter.
technical skills focus
Cisco CCENT Part 1
Embark on your first step towards the Cisco CCENT exam. Learn about networking fundamentals. Topics includes firewalls, access points, wireless controllers, fault isolation and troubleshooting.
professional development focus
INTERVIEWING SKILLS. BE ABLE TO GIVE IMPACTFUL ANSWERS TO ANY INTERVIEW QUESTION.
Learn how to skillfully answer interview questions in the form of PAR statements, so you highlight your skills and professional accomplishments.
technical skills focus
Cisco CCENT Part 2
Learn how to configure,verify and troubleshoot IPv4 and IPv6 subnetting. Compare and contrast IPv4 and IPv6 address types.
professional development focus
ENHANCE YOUR PROFESSIONAL BRAND. VERBAL AND NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS SKILL.
Learn the correct business handshake, positive body language, proper tone of voice, and many other communication skills that will reinforce your professional brand. Set up a professional email account and ensure that your online brand projects a professional image.
technical skills focus
Cisco CCENT Part 3
Explore switching fundamentals. Learn about Ethernet frames. Configure, verify and troubleshoot VLANS. Learn the skills to troubleshoot any local network.
professional development focus
PREPARATION - THE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW.
Learn how to be thoroughly prepared for an interview, so you create a great first impression. Included are how to dress professionally, how to prepare impactful questions for the employer, how to research the company.
technical skills focus
Cisco CCENT Part 4
Explore routing fundamentals. Learn routing concepts, understand how to read a routing table. Learn how to implement, configure and troubleshoot services like DNS and DHCP.
professional development focus
EMPATHY - SEEING THINGS THROUGH THE EYES OF AN EMPLOYER.
Gain an insight into what employers are looking for, and learn to skillfully answer questions that meet their needs
technical skills focus
General Computer Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting various computer scenarios. Understand the troubleshooting methodology
professional development focus
PRACTICE! INTERVIEWING IS A SKILL AND LIKE ANY SKILL, YOU NEED TO PRACTICE.
Practice the interviewing skills you have learned by participating in peer-to-peer interviews. You will also receive valuable feedback from your Career Coach
technical skills focus
Network Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting various network scenarios. At the end of this week you will take the Cisco CCENT Exam
professional development focus
CUSTOMER SERVICE. EMPLOYERS EXPECT YOU TO HAVE OUTSTANDING SERVICE SKILLS.
You will learn to be a customer service pro with our Customer Service workshop. You’ll explore the important customer service traits and skills that are required to be successful in business today. Learn “de-escalation” skills and turn unhappy customers into happy, and satisfied ones. (service recovery). Learn and practice the key skill of listening and participate in several role plays to highlight the importance active listening plays in delivering great customer service.
technical skills focus
SQL Overview
Learn SQL in practical and hands on scenarios. Learn how to query and generate reports in Microsoft SQL Server
professional development focus
MEET WITH AN EMPLOYER AND PRACTICE YOUR INTERVIEWING SKILLS. FINALIZE YOUR RESUME AND YOUR CAREER PORTAL PROFILE.
Participate in employer-led mock interviews. You’ll get to practice and improve your interview skills with industry professionals
technical skills focus
Apache Web Configurations
Troubleshooting web servers. You will learn how to understand and interpret apache error logs.
professional development focus
TIME TO BEGIN YOUR JOB SEARCH. CREATE A LINKEDIN PROFILE.
Create a comprehensive and structured job search campaign. You will also create a professional LinkedIn profile, and learn its many features. Learn to network like a pro
technical skills focus
Web Development Overview
You will be able to identify the structure of a HTML page. You will also learn about the various HTML tags that make of a webpage.
professional development focus
PRACTICE YOUR INTERVIEWING SKILLS AND GAIN VALUABLE FEEDBACK FROM THE SKILLED PER SCHOLAS STAFF.
Participate in the Per Scholas Assessment Panel interview. Students will come come fully prepared to sell themselves, in a real-world setting.The interview will be filmed and conducted by 3 of our most experienced staff members. Immediate feedback will be given and the video will be shared with you and your Career Coach for private viewing.
technical skills focus
Cisco Intro to Cybersecurity Part 1
Cisco Intro to Cybersecurity certificate module. You will learn key concepts like how to protect against malware, along with an overview of Cybersecurity in finance and telecommunications.
professional development focus
MEET BUSINESS SOLUTIONS AND DISCUSS CURRENT JOB OPPORTUNITIES. PRACTICE YOUR 60 SECOND PITCH.
Meet one-on-one with our Business Solutions team. Begin to explore the different positions that will be available to you. Practice your 60 Second Pitch
technical skills focus
Cisco Intro to Cybersecurity Part 2
Cisco Intro to Cybersecurity certificate module part 2. You will learn how to defend against global threats and about security vulnerabilities and the available security solutions.
professional development focus
ADVANCEMENT STRATEGIES. LEARN TO CLIMB THE CAREER LADDER WITH TIME-TESTED TECHNIQUES.
Learn to develop outstanding relationships with all levels of an organization. Learn valuable conflict resolution skills and other tips on how to resolve problems in the workplace. Understand regulations around sexual harassment and cultural diversity. Learn valuable strategies on how to advance your new IT career.
technical skills focus
Scripting, RegEx, and Searches
Explore some advanced concepts and tools. Learn about industry security solutions like Splunk.
professional development focus
LET’S REVIEW ALL THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED
Final Review and delivery of "60 Second Pitch"
Instructors
Learn from the best
Learn from certified teachers with years of real-world training experience. Our instructors don’t just teach you what you need to know, but how to learn it.
Career Development
Building Your Career
You need more than just technical skills to get a good job. Excellent people skills are just as important. We’ve got you covered.
Start Out Right
Construct a professional resume and practice your interview skills. Find out exactly what employers are looking for and how you can impress them.
Get your foot in the door
Get customized referrals to open jobs at our hundreds of employer partners. Call on dedicated career developers for personalized advocacy, coaching and support.
Connect to our network
Meet and learn from working IT professionals. Visit employer sites and see their operations firsthand. Attend industry networking events and start making professional contacts.
Key to Success
Our students don't just land the job. They keep the job. Employers say customer service skills matter most. So you can guarantee it will be re-emphasized and applied with every piece of tech you learn.
“I entered this program with the hope of one day being successful. What I didn’t know that Per Scholas taught me, is that I am already successful. The key is to know your value, to own it, and to apply it to everything that you do.”
Sommer Linnere
Student Life
A Community of Support
You'll work hard. There's no doubt about it.
But if you’re like most students, you’ll look forward to each new day. And you’ll marvel at all the changes you see in yourself. Prepare yourself to spend your days in class and your evenings studying. Many students have children and hold part-time jobs and, despite those demands, they find a way to succeed. You will, too.
Buckle up
We'll be moving quickly. There’s a lot to pack in, and the standards are set high. But we also structure your training experience so that you have plenty of time to learn and practice each new skill.
Meet your new family
Your classmates will come from all walks of life and range in age from 18 to 65 (or older). It won’t take long before you see them as a second family—a community dedicated to everyone’s success. Study groups form somewhat naturally in and out of the classroom. Potluck dinners optional.
The staff are also some of the most dedicated and positive sources of encouragement you will ever encounter. Even on the days when some challenges might feel impossible, they will do everything in their power to help you continue to advance forward.
“For the first time I felt motivated to accomplish something that will push me in the direction of success.”
Paul Hill
Per Scholas graduate, CompuCon
Facilities
Modern Facilities
Our facilities always include modern classrooms; well-equipped training labs; and places to relax, socialize and study.
Your own workstation
You will work from your own lab-based computer workstation for the entire course. There, you’ll follow along in lectures and demonstrations, practice new skills, review course materials and measure how much you’ve learned.
Admissions
Discover how to take advantage of our free courses.
Eligibility
Admission to Per Scholas is competitive with some strict requirements. You may qualify if you:
- Are unemployed
- Work only part-time
- Work in a minimum wage or other low-paying job
- Work only sometimes throughout the year
- Receive any public benefits such as unemployment insurance, Medicaid, subsidized housing, nutrition or income support
Other requirements include:
- You have an interest in technology.
- You live in or near one of the cities in which we operate.
- You have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
- You are legally authorized to work in the U.S.
- You can read, write and speak in English.
- You can pass a basic academic assessment test.
- You can attend classes full-time for the entire duration of the course.
- You are ready to make an important commitment to building your future.
Other factors that may affect your eligibility are addressed in the FAQs.
Process
Apply to Per Scholas by completing our online application. Once you have submitted an application, our Recruitment and Admissions team will follow-up directly and support your application and interview process virtually.
Costs
It’s free.
No cost. No catch. We invest in your success. All we ask in return is that you take the course seriously and work as hard as you can.
We are a national nonprofit organization. Our courses, job placement and other services are funded by generous donors and are 100% free to students and graduates.
Because our services are free, we can’t offer any other kind of financial support. But if you’re worried about making ends meet at Per Scholas, talk to one of our admissions specialists. We may be able to find other ways to help.
FAQs
Curious? Let’s break it down.
A wide variety: everything from working in an office supporting other computer users to helping secure a global corporate network or becoming a field technician installing and servicing remote locations. You can also seek a job as a vulnerability tester or a security auditor.
They all fall into the general categories of Cybersecurity analyst and network security technician.
Infrastructure management involves keeping computer systems running smoothly and securely at all times.
Desktop support means helping other people—whether customers or employees—use computer systems and software effectively.
As a security auditor you can ensure companies adhere to strict government and corporate policies governing the protection of private information.
Starting salaries vary greatly, but the average is about $45,000 per year.
Most people who learn about Per Scholas for the first time think: “Too good to be true.” We know it seems that way, but it is true. Our services are provided at no cost to you, using funds we raise from foundations, corporations, government and generous individuals.
The costs you can prepare for include transportation or childcare—expenses that take care of you so you can focus on your studies.
Students will have the opportunity obtain the Cisco CCNA Cyber Ops Certification.
Yes. Per Scholas courses are approved for people receiving unemployment insurance, as well as other benefits that would ordinarily require them to spend time working or looking for work. Your benefits should not be affected. If you have questions or concerns about your situation, please contact us.
Unfortunately, we cannot process your application until you have received clearance to work in the U.S. However, if you are experiencing problems, we can refer you to other organizations that may be able to help.
We have onsite staff available to help students navigate childcare options. Ask to speak with the Childcare Navigator when you attend an info session.
We comply fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other relevant laws and regulations. Please contact us at [email protected] or (718) 991-8400 to discuss your specific situation and needs.
We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. See our full EEO statement here.