SME Academy cybersecurity students

Cybersecurity Education That Opens Doors

Launch Your Cybersecurity Career
in Months, Not Years

SME Academy delivers hands-on, certification-focused cybersecurity training at $99/semester. Real instructors. Real labs. Real careers.

95% Career Placement$99 / Semester12+ CertificationsHands-On Labs

500+

Students Enrolled

12+

Certifications

8+

Years of Service

95%

Career Placement Rate

Career Pathways

Find Your Path in Cybersecurity

Whether you're starting from scratch or advancing your career, SME Academy has a structured pathway designed to get you there.

Beginner

Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Build your foundation in networking, digital safety, threat identification, and core security concepts. No prior experience required.

12 Weeks CompTIA ITF+ IT Support / Security Analyst

Learning Progression

1
Network Basics
2
Threat Landscape
3
Digital Safety
4
Security Tools
5
ITF+ Exam Prep

Course Catalog

What You'll Learn

Every SME Academy course is built around real-world skills, industry certifications, and employer-ready outcomes.

Beginner 4 Weeks

Network Security Essentials

Covers TCP/IP, firewalls, VPNs, network monitoring, and common attack vectors. Students configure and defend a simulated network environment.

Modules

  • TCP/IP & Protocols
  • Firewall Configuration
  • VPN & Encryption
  • Network Monitoring
  • Attack Simulation
CompTIA Network+Enroll
Beginner 4 Weeks

Threat Intelligence & Digital Safety

Understand the modern threat landscape, social engineering, phishing, malware analysis, and how to protect individuals and organizations.

Modules

  • Threat Actors & Motives
  • Phishing & Social Engineering
  • Malware Analysis
  • Incident Response Basics
  • Digital Hygiene
CompTIA ITF+Enroll
Intermediate 6 Weeks

Penetration Testing Fundamentals

Learn the full penetration testing lifecycle from reconnaissance to reporting. Hands-on labs using industry-standard tools in a controlled environment.

Modules

  • Recon & OSINT
  • Scanning & Enumeration
  • Exploitation Techniques
  • Privilege Escalation
  • Reporting
CompTIA Security+Enroll
Intermediate 5 Weeks

Web Application Security

Dive into OWASP Top 10, SQL injection, XSS, authentication bypass, and API security. Students attack and defend a purpose-built vulnerable web app.

Modules

  • OWASP Top 10
  • SQL Injection
  • XSS & CSRF
  • Authentication Attacks
  • API Security
Advanced 10 Weeks

CISSP Exam Preparation

Comprehensive review of all 8 CISSP domains. Includes practice exams, domain coaching, and a structured study plan aligned to the ISC² exam blueprint.

Modules

  • Security & Risk Management
  • Asset Security
  • Security Architecture
  • Network Security
  • Identity & Access Management
  • Security Assessment
  • Security Operations
  • Software Development Security
CISSPEnroll
Advanced 8 Weeks

CompTIA CySA+ Prep

Focused preparation for the CySA+ exam covering threat detection, behavioral analytics, vulnerability management, and incident response.

Modules

  • Threat Detection
  • Behavioral Analytics
  • Vulnerability Management
  • Incident Response
  • Compliance & Reporting
CompTIA CySA+Enroll

Student Stories

Real Students. Real Outcomes.

Hear from SME Academy graduates who transformed their careers through our programs.

"I came in with zero IT experience. Twelve weeks later I had my ITF+ and a job offer. SME Academy didn't just teach me cybersecurity — they showed me I belonged in this field."
MT

Marcus T.

Security Analyst · Federal Contractor

Fundamentals, Spring 2025

Meet the Instructors

Learn from Industry Professionals

Every SME Academy instructor is an active cybersecurity practitioner with real-world experience and a passion for teaching.

RI

Instructor Profile

Lead Instructor — Ethical Hacking

Former red team operator with experience in government and private sector engagements. Specializes in penetration testing methodology and hands-on lab instruction.

CEH, OSCP, CompTIA Security+
12+ years in offensive security
RI

Instructor Profile

Lead Instructor — Fundamentals

Dedicated to making cybersecurity accessible to first-generation tech professionals. Known for patient, practical instruction that builds real confidence.

CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+
8+ years in IT and security education
RI

Instructor Profile

Lead Instructor — Certification Prep

Brings enterprise security leadership experience to the classroom. Guides students through the most challenging certification exams with structured domain coaching.

CISSP, CISM, CISA
15+ years in information security management

How to Enroll

Start in 5 Simple Steps

Most students complete the entire admissions process in under a week. Our team is with you at every step.

01

Submit Application

Complete the short online form below. Takes less than 10 minutes.

02

Upload Documents

High school diploma or GED, government ID, and any prior certifications.

03

Advisor Interview

A 20-minute virtual or in-person conversation to confirm program fit.

04

Receive Decision

Admissions decisions delivered within 3–5 business days.

05

Enroll & Pay $99

Confirm your seat with a single $99 semester payment. You're in.

SME Academy admissions process

Student Portal

Your Learning Hub, All in One Place

Enrolled students get access to a personalized dashboard — track your progress, access lab environments, connect with mentors, and manage your certifications.

Lab Environment Access
Course Materials
Certification Tracking
Mentor Connect
Session Schedule
Career Services
SME Academy student portal dashboard
"We don't just teach cybersecurity — we build careers, close the skills gap, and open doors that were never meant to be closed."

— SME Academy Founder

SME Academy graduation ceremony

SME Academy was founded on the belief that world-class cybersecurity education should be accessible to everyone — regardless of background, income, or prior experience. Our $99 tuition model, community-first approach, and industry-aligned curriculum are proof that excellence and accessibility are not mutually exclusive.

Upcoming Events

Join Us

NOV8

Cybersecurity Fundamentals — Fall Cohort Kickoff

SME Academy Campus In-Person
RSVP
NOV19

Open House — Explore SME Academy Programs

SME Academy Campus In-Person
RSVP
DEC6

Ethical Hacking Workshop — Cohort 2 Orientation

Virtual + In-Person Hybrid
RSVP

Get Involved

Join the Movement

SME Academy is more than a school — it's a community. Whether you want to mentor, volunteer, or partner with us, there's a place for you here.

Become a Mentor

Share your cybersecurity expertise with the next generation. Mentors commit to 2–4 hours per month and make a lasting impact on student careers.

Apply to Mentor

Volunteer & Partner

Host a workshop, sponsor a cohort, or bring your team to speak at a career panel. We welcome industry collaboration at every level.

Get in Touch

Start Your Journey

Apply Now

Enrollment is open. Seats are limited. Take the first step toward a cybersecurity career today — our admissions team will guide you through every step of the process.

Open today 09:00 am – 05:00 pm

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