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Get Clearance Ready

Next Session: Oct. 25, 2023

Commonwealth Cyber Intiative Clearance Preparedness Program logo

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.

This informational seminar series, which is free, includes 10 monthly 60-minute virtual modules, in which you’ll learn about the clearance process and what you can expect in clearance-level roles. There is no registration deadline.

Sessions will also allow participants to connect and interact with industry professionals. You'll be awarded a digital certificate when you complete the program.

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. 

Prepping for Clearance Process Boosts Career Options

  • 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 certificate.
Woman wears headphones in computer room
Being ready to pass a security clearance check increases the pool of career choices opened to you. CCI's program can give you a head start in the process.

Session Schedule

MODULE TIMES AND DATES
Kick-off and introduction to the security clearance process February 22, noon to 1 p.m.
Guide to the clearance paperwork process March 22, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Government agency clearance rules/regulations April 26, noon to 1 p.m.
A deep dive into the legality of drug use May 24, noon to 1 p.m.
Cybersecurity authorities, laws, and regulations June 28, 3 to 4 p.m.
Industry: Charles Clancy, MITRE July 26, noon to 1 p.m.
Federal: Debra Jordan, FCC Homeland Security Bureau August 23, noon to 1 p.m.
Industry: Matthew Posid, Chief Security Officer, KPMG September 26, noon to 1 p.m.
Federal speaker October 25, noon to 1 p.m.
Social media: What to consider in a virtual world November 29, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Students interested in learning about the clearance process
  • Students studying cybersecurity or cyber-adjacent fields

Complete the Eventbrite registration for the Clearance Preparedness program. Once you register, you'll receive a Zoom invitation for the 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 80 percent of sessions, or eight modules, to receive the certificate. 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 on the fourth Wednesday of the month (with one exception) starting February 22. The last session will be held on November 29, as the fourth Wednesday of the month is Thanksgiving week. 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.

No, you only need to register once. You'll get a ZOOM link before each module.