Free Online Cybersecurity Workforce Certification Training
PNW is proud to introduce highly qualified professionals into the cybersecurity workforce. Register for this free online certification training to enhance your career opportunities! This program is only open to USA citizens and USA permanent residents.
The CWCT application is currently open for the training sessions beginning in 2026. Interested applicants can review the Steps to Apply page for qualification and documentation requirements for the program.
Training Paths
From system administration to digital forensics, discover which training path is right for you. The 8-week non-credit college level courses are offered online with virtual live lectures at a scheduled time.
Programs
This track offers four courses that cover topics in fundamentals of python, artificial intelligence, AI ethics, safety, fairness, governance, and machine learning. Other optional courses may include other advanced topics such as Generative AI.
This track offers two courses covering AI fundamental knowledge, AI applications, capabilities, limitations, biases, ethical implications and skills to use AI tools on different tasks.
Cybersecurity-System Administration (CS_SA)
This track offers six courses that cover the fundamentals of computer systems, networks and cybersecurity, as well as advanced topics in cyber infrastructure development and security protection.
CWCT-Entry is part of the CWCT Cybersecurity System Administration Certificate Program, offering three fundamental courses in the CS_SA track, the CWCT100 A+, the CWCT105 Security+, and the CWCT115 Cisco CyberOPs. It prepares participants for the above certifications with fundamental knowledge and skills to enter into the cybersecurity field.
This track offers four courses that cover the fundamentals of computer systems, networks, digital forensics investigation, and advanced topics in windows forensics and cell phone forensics.
Cybersecurity Workforce Development
This project is supported by National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Grants, housed at the National Security Agency: #H98230-20-1-0351 and #H98230-23-1-0087, as well as the DoD Cyber Academic Engagement Office Grant: HQ0034251E014-210263
Since 2014, Purdue University Northwest has been a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE 4Y) designated jointly by the NSA and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Partners
Purdue University Northwest in collaboration with Ivy Tech Community College, the University of Missouri at Kansas City (UMKC), University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), as well as other partner schools such as Sam Houston State University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), Wright State University, establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Cybersecurity certification based national training program CWCT for veterans, transitioning military, first responders, government personnel, and military spouse who are looking for job reskilling and upskilling.
The new CWCT Training started in September 2025, and this pathway is part of the National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program led by the University of West Florida and funded by the DoD CIO Cyber Academic Engagement Office.