Get Clearance Ready
Registration for 2027 will open in November 2026. Dates for the 2027 program are below. Check this page for updates or subscribe to the CCI newsletter to hear when future sessions are announced.
If you want a career in a field that requires a security clearance, get a head start by attending the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative’s Clearance Preparedness Program.
The 2027 sessions begin in February. Registration is open for this free informational seminar series. By attending the six bi-monthly 60-minute virtual modules, you’ll learn about the clearance process and what you can expect in clearance-level roles.
Sessions will also allow participants to connect and interact with industry professionals. You'll be awarded a digital badge when you complete the program.
Program Benefits
By participating in this program, you'll:
- Gain an inside view of the security clearance process
- Receive exclusive access to employer connections
- Connect with industry professionals with security clearances
- Get essential knowledge for positions that require access to national intelligence information
- Boost your résumé's professional development section
- Receive a digital badge
Registration & Requirements
You must register to receive a digital badge and provide your .edu email address to access the module link. There is no registration deadline.
Please register using your school email, which ends in .edu.
You do not have to register for each monthly module. Once you sign up, you'll continue to get ZOOM links for each session.
Requirements:
- You must attend 100 percent of the sessions, or six modules, to receive the digital badge
- Attendance will be monitored
- You must be online for most of the session for your attendance to count
Session Schedule
| MODULE | DATE |
|---|---|
| Kick-off and introduction to the security clearance process | Feb. 10, 2027 12-1 p.m. ET |
| Guide to the clearance paperwork process | Feb. 24, 2027 12-1 p.m. ET |
| Government agency clearance rules/regulations | March 10, 2027 12-1 p.m. ET |
| A deep dive into the legality of drug use | March 24, 2027 12-1 p.m. ET |
| Cybersecurity authorities, laws, and regulations | April 7, 2027 12-1 p.m. ET |
| Social media: What to consider in a virtual world | April 21, 2027 12-1 p.m. ET |
Watch Past Sessions
If you weren't able to attend the Clearance Preparedness sessions in person, get caught up by watching the recordings.
The CCI Clearance Prep Program has given me a holistic view of the security clearance process, from start to finish. I had the pleasure of hearing from security clearance experts and professionals who have made meaningful impacts on our nation through security clearance jobs. They have inspired me to pursue a career in the cleared space and have brought understanding to the process. I would highly recommend participating in the CCI Clearance Preparation Program as a way to become more knowledgeable about how to obtain opportunities with the federal government!
James Barogh, Virginia Tech
Thank-you for the opportunity to participate in the CCI Clearance Preparedness Program. The class was very informative, and I gained valuable insights into the clearance process that will be helpful for future opportunities in cleared roles. I appreciate the digital badge and will proudly share this accomplishment on LinkedIn and add it to my résumé.
Nadia Haji Abukar, Northern Virginia Community College
Frequently Asked Questions
Students interested in learning about the clearance process.
Students studying cybersecurity or cyber-adjacent fields.
An Eventbrite link will be available in November 2027 for you to register. Once you register, you'll receive a Zoom invitation for each module.
No, you only need to register once. You'll get a ZOOM link before each module.
No, this is an informational series. You will not receive a clearance through this program, nor will this fast-track your clearance process.
You will, however, be informed about, and prepared for, the security-clearance process.
You must attend 100 percent of the sessions, or six modules, to receive the digital badge. Attendance will be monitored. You must be online for most of the session for your attendance to count
No, there is no advance reading material required. Bring your questions.
Each module, which is an hour long, is held twice a month, starting Feb. 10. The last session will be held on Apr. 21. Check the session schedule for all dates.
Add the CCI Clearance Preparedness Program to your résumé under the Professional Development heading.
No, CCI is offering the program for free as a part of our Workforce Development Mission for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Additional Resources
