Use Military Credentialing Assistance to Earn Cybersecurity Certifications at the Georgia Cyber Center

For service members looking to build their cybersecurity skills, Military Credentialing Assistance (CA) can be a valuable resource. Through its approved Credentialing Assistance vendor program, the Georgia Cyber Center at Augusta University helps eligible military personnel access industry-recognized IT and cybersecurity certification training using their available CA benefits.

Whether you’re working toward a certification required for your current role, strengthening your technical skills or preparing for a future career in cybersecurity, the right credential can help you take the next step.

What Is Military Credentialing Assistance?

The Department of Defense Credentialing Assistance program helps eligible service members pursue professional certifications that support their military duties and career development.

Funding and eligibility requirements vary by service branch, but the program may cover approved training, study materials and certification exams. For service members interested in information technology and cybersecurity, these credentials can help demonstrate technical knowledge and prepare them for new responsibilities.

The Georgia Cyber Center offers certification packages through its approved vendor program, giving service members a way to put their CA benefits toward industry-recognized credentials.

Cybersecurity Certification Options

The Georgia Cyber Center offers a growing selection of industry-recognized IT and cybersecurity certification options to support service members at different stages of their careers. Through partnerships with leading certification organizations, including CompTIA, EC-Council and ISC2 (coming soon), service members can pursue credentials that support career advancement, technical specialization and Department of Defense cybersecurity workforce qualification requirements.

CompTIA Certifications

CompTIA certifications provide pathways ranging from foundational IT knowledge to advanced cybersecurity expertise. Options include:

• CompTIA Security+: Builds foundational cybersecurity knowledge and supports qualification pathways for a range of Department of Defense cyber workforce roles.
• CompTIA Network+: Covers networking concepts and skills relevant to network operations and IT support.
• CompTIA CySA+: Focuses on cybersecurity analytics, threat detection and defense.
• CompTIA PenTest+: Develops skills related to penetration testing and vulnerability assessment.
• CompTIA SecurityX: Supports advanced cybersecurity knowledge for security architecture and other senior technical roles.
• Additional IT certifications: Options include A+, Linux+, Cloud+, Server+, Data+, DataSys+, Project+ and Tech+.

EC-Council Certifications

EC-Council certifications emphasize specialized cybersecurity skills, including ethical hacking, network defense, incident response and digital forensics. Certification options include:

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Develops skills in identifying vulnerabilities, understanding attacker methodologies and conducting authorized security assessments.
• Certified Network Defender (CND): Focuses on protecting, monitoring and defending network infrastructure against cybersecurity threats.
• Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI): Covers digital forensic investigations, evidence collection and the analysis of cyber incidents.
• EC-Council Certified Incident Handler (ECIH): Prepares cybersecurity professionals to identify, respond to and recover from security incidents.

ISC2 Certifications: Coming Soon

The Georgia Cyber Center is also expanding its credentialing opportunities to include globally recognized ISC2 certifications. These credentials support cybersecurity professionals pursuing technical, operational, risk management and leadership roles.

Anticipated options include:

• Certified in Cybersecurity (CC): Establishes foundational cybersecurity knowledge for individuals entering the field.
• Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP): Focuses on implementing, monitoring and administering secure IT systems.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Validates advanced knowledge across cybersecurity management, architecture, operations and risk management.
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP): Focuses on cloud security architecture, design, operations and risk management.

Choosing the Right Certification

The right certification depends on your experience, career goals and, where applicable, the qualification requirements for your assigned Department of Defense Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF) work role.

Service members should confirm their specific certification requirements, Credentialing Assistance eligibility and available training options before submitting a funding request. Certification availability and funding eligibility may vary by military branch and program.

How to Use Your Military Credentialing Benefits

Getting started with the Georgia Cyber Center is straightforward.

1. Request a quote. Submit the online form on the Credentialing Assistance webpage with your contact information and desired certification.

2. Submit your funding request. Use the quote to apply through your branch’s designated education and credentialing portal, such as ArmyIgnitED or the Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC).

3. Wait for approval. Your military branch reviews the request and determines eligibility. Be sure to allow enough time for approval before your intended start date.

4. Receive your training materials. Once funding is approved and processed, the Georgia Cyber Center provides the applicable training materials, access information and exam voucher, as outlined in your approved package.

5. Complete your training and certification exam. Work through your training and prepare for the exam within your branch’s required completion window.

Application procedures and funding limits differ by branch; be sure to review the current requirements for your service before applying.

Why Choose the Georgia Cyber Center?

Located in Augusta, Georgia, near Fort Gordon and the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence, the Georgia Cyber Center is part of a growing cybersecurity ecosystem that connects military, government, academia and private industry.

For service members pursuing CompTIA certifications through Credentialing Assistance, the Georgia Cyber Center offers a 15% discount off CompTIA public pricing. Its listed certification packages are structured to fit within your military branch’s annual CA funding limit, including applicable training materials and exam vouchers.

You don’t have to be stationed at Fort Gordon to use the program. Training materials and exam vouchers are delivered digitally, so eligible service members at other installations can also participate.

For those serving in cybersecurity or IT roles, earning an industry-recognized certification can support ongoing professional development and help build skills that remain relevant beyond military service.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Cybersecurity Certification

If you’re ready to explore your options, start by reviewing the available certifications and requesting a quote from the Georgia Cyber Center.

Explore Military Credentialing Assistance and Request a Quote

Questions? Contact the Georgia Cyber Center’s training team at gacybertraining@augusta.edu.

Funding, eligibility, approved certifications and application requirements are determined by each service branch and may change. Confirm current requirements with your education services office before submitting your request.