Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate (CSF)
Earn professional GIAC certifications as you complete the program.
Complete this program entirely online, on your schedule.
Designated by the NSA as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
This program supports DoD cybersecurity workforce readiness.
Build the Confidence to Pursue Technical Cybersecurity Studies
Getting started in cybersecurity may seem overwhelming, but developing foundational knowledge is an important first step. The Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate program equips you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to move confidently on to our more technical upper division undergraduate cybersecurity programs.
This program is open to students of any age (18+) who have previously earned at least 12 college credits. No prior technical experience is required.
Admissions Timeline
Apply by the 15th of any month
Receive a decision 30 days later.
Start courses as soon as one month after admission.
How Our Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate Works
Not just for undergrads, the CSF program is for students of all ages who have at least 12 college credits and want to gain foundational knowledge of cybersecurity.
Start When You Want To
You’re not limited to the standard semester schedule, so you can apply any month and start a few months later.
Take One Class at a Time
Take 3 online courses one at a time, with personalized support from a student advisor from start to finish.
Choose the Course Start Dates That Work for You
Complete your cybersecurity certificate in 6 to 9 months while working full-time or even pursuing a degree elsewhere.
Earn an Industry-Recognized GIAC Certification
You'll earn the GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies (GFACT) certification, validating your knowledge of foundational concepts needed to get started in cybersecurity.
Move Forward
Apply to the SANS.edu Applied Cybersecurity Certificate or Bachelor's Degree program having completed the first course for either program and the Introductory Python course for the bachelor's degree.
“The biggest thing for me was getting my foot in the door at SANS.edu, the leading cybersecurity school in the nation. If that’s your goal, the Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate program is a great way to start.”
The SANS.edu Advantage
Discover why 99% of our graduates would recommend SANS.edu to their peers.
SANS Courses + GIAC Certifications
Our programs are packed with hands-on labs and include GIAC certifications that employers trust.
World-Class Faculty
Learn the latest skills and techniques from the world's top cybersecurity practitioners.
Flexible for Working Professionals
Start when you want to and learn on a schedule that fits your life—with 100% online options.
Powerful Network
Make connections with some of the most talented students and teachers in the industry.
Dedicated Student Advising
Get personalized guidance from experienced success coaches who support you from enrollment to graduation.
SANS.edu Academic Pricing
Receive SANS.edu academic pricing on SANS courses and GIAC certifications.
Need Credits? Here Are Options.
If you don’t have the required prior credits to start one of our undergraduate programs, don’t worry. You can earn them through several affordable options beyond community colleges or universities.
- Take low-cost Sophia Learning courses to earn general education credits 100% online. Through Sophia, you can complete some or all of your required transfer credits. Learn more.
- Earn CLEP credits by testing out of subjects you already know. Learn more.
- Submit AP exam scores for eligible credit. Learn more.
Flexible Online Courses Taught by Leading Experts
You'll complete all courses in the Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate program entirely online. Each course is a carefully designed sequence of video lessons recorded by the course authors—all top experts currently working in cybersecurity.
- Train at anytime from anywhere
- Pause, play, and rewind content, including hands-on labs
- Get personalized support from a student advisor and access to subject matter experts
The Curriculum | 12 Credits
Designed for students who need to refresh their knowledge or who have no prior technical experience, this sequence of 3 courses introduces you to the fundamental technologies and skills that serve as the baseline for all professionals in cybersecurity.
3 Courses | Build Foundational Skills
Success Stories
- Slide 1 of 2
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I would recommend the Cybersecurity Fundamental Certificate program to anyone new to the field.”
Patrick SeibertCybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate GraduateRead Patrick's Story - Slide 2 of 2
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What I appreciated most was the depth of the information and the support from active professionals in the field. It's not just about passing a final exam; it's about truly grasping the foundations of cybersecurity.”
Darko DarkovCybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate GraduateRead Darko's Story
Learn From The Best
SANS Technology Institute faculty members are rock stars of the cybersecurity field, with a broad base of expertise in government and industry. Their up-to-date examples and deep knowledge ensure what you learn in class is immediately applicable on the job.
A Stepping Stone to a Cybersecurity Career
Although this program was designed as a bridge to further studies in cybersecurity, you'll also be primed with the skills and knowledge needed for various entry-level positions in cybersecurity and IT, including help desk, network administrator, and system administrator. When you learn to protect vital digital assets and thwart cyber threats, you'll begin a journey that will shape your future for years to come.
The SANS.edu Career Center only works with students in our upper division Applied Cybersecurity Certificate and bachelor's degree programs, but graduates of the Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate program are poised to transition into either program.
Your Pathway to Further Study at SANS.edu
The Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate program provides an affordable way to gain foundational cybersecurity knowledge and prepare yourself for our more advance upper division Applied Cybersecurity Certificate program or bachelor's degree program—or for cybersecurity studies elsewhere.
Applied Cybersecurity Certificate (ACS)
Prepare to launch a high-paying cybersecurity career at any age with just four hands-on courses.
- Requires 24 prior credits
- Earn 4 GIAC Certifications
- Earn 12 credits
Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Cybersecurity (BACS)
Transfer your college credits to SANS.edu and become one of the most job-ready candidates in cybersecurity.
- Requires 70 prior credits
- Earn 9 GIAC Certifications
- Earn 50 credits at SANS.edu
Build on Your Progress
Join Us For a Free Online Info Session
SANS.edu offers a career-focused cybersecurity education with a lot more flexibility and personalized support than you'll find in a "traditional" college. Join a free online info session to learn how our world-class programs can help you meet your cybersecurity career goals.
Tuition
Total Program Cost: $3,000
Tuition includes the cost of the courses, textbooks, and one GIAC certification test that serves as the exam for the final course.
Application Fee: $35 USD
Funding Options
A degree or certificate from SANS.edu is a great investment in your career. Explore funding options that can make your cybersecurity education more accessible.
Pay Per Course
Students pay tuition per course which allows you the financial flexibility to pay smaller amounts as you go.
Employer Assistance
Because we are regionally accredited, our tuition is eligible for most employer-sponsored education benefit programs.
VA Education Benefits
All SANS.edu programs are eligible for US and Canadian Veterans Education Benefits.
Education Benefits for Federal Employees
All SANS.edu programs are eligible for the education benefits available to US Federal Government employees.
529 College Savings Plans
529 College Savings Plan funds may be used to pay tuition for any SANS.edu cybersecurity degree or certificate program.
SANS Voucher
If you’d like to use a SANS Universal Voucher Account, confirm with your voucher administrator that course tuition is an eligible expense.
Canadian Funding Options
All SANS.edu programs are eligible for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and Canadian veterans’ education benefits.
External Cybersecurity Scholarships
Explore independent cybersecurity scholarships administered outside of SANS.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need More Information?
We’re happy to help. Join us for a free info session or request more information today.