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CDA.Institute
44 certification paths from Sentry to Commander.
CDA.Institute is the training and certification platform for the Cyber Defense Army ecosystem. No prior cybersecurity experience required. Six domains, six levels, one career-defining journey. Your first course is free.
44
Certification Paths
6
Defense Domains
6
Certification Levels
1
Eagle Standard
6 defense domains. 6 certification levels per domain. 36 individual certifications, plus 8 cross-domain paths and the Eagle Standard.
Six concentric defense domains, from the vault to the command tent. Every course maps to a domain. Every certification proves mastery.
The vault. What you're protecting.
The walls. Where attackers probe.
The garrison. Daily operations.
The gates. Who gets in.
The scouts. What's coming.
The command tent. Strategic oversight.
Answer a few questions about your background, interests, and goals. We will build you a personalized certification roadmap.
Start the PathfinderSix levels, from Sentry to Commander. Each maps to a CDArmy operator tier. Earn the Eagle Standard by achieving Commander certification in all six domains.
Foundations. Learn the landscape, understand the threats, and build your first security skills. No prerequisites. Start here.
Hands-on operations. Configure tools, monitor systems, and respond to basic incidents.
Analysis and investigation. Triage alerts, assess vulnerabilities, and produce professional reports.
Build and deploy. Design security systems, write detection rules, and automate defenses.
Strategic design. Create multi-environment security architectures and lead technical teams.
Lead under pressure. Command incident response, design security programs, and mentor the next generation.
Career changers, veterans, and newcomers who found their path through CDA Institute.
“I went from teaching high school to passing my M2 Analyst certification in 8 months. CDA Institute made the transition real.”
Early Access Operator
Career Changer -- TID Domain
“After 12 years in the Army, I needed a civilian career that valued discipline and mission focus. CDA spoke my language from day one.”
Early Access Operator
Military Veteran -- SPH Domain
“The hands-on labs in The Range are what set this apart. No slides, no memorization. You build it, break it, and defend it.”
Early Access Operator
IT Professional -- VSD Domain
CDA.Institute connects directly to the CDArmy ecosystem. Your certifications are not just credentials -- they are your operator license.
Courses with hands-on labs, real-world scenarios, and practical assessments. Start with the free Domain Zero course.
View coursesEarn domain-specific certifications at each level. Each cert maps to a CDArmy operator tier and real-world capability.
View certificationsCertified operators deploy through CDArmy on real-world missions. Earn points and compensation based on performance.
CDArmy MercsOur foundational course is free. No credit card, no commitment. Just start learning.
Continue your mission