Cisco NetAcad and College Board Launch AP Cybersecurity
Cisco NetAcad and College Board Launch AP Cybersecurity
https://blogs.cisco.com/learning/cisco-partners-with-college-board-to-launch-ap-cybersecurity
Publish Date: 2026-05-21 09:46:00
Source Domain: blogs.cisco.com
This blog was co-authored by Jennifer Mulhern, Vice President of AP Program Access, College Board
Cybersecurity professionals have become essential to protecting our society’s critical infrastructure. Yet globally, 4.8 million cybersecurity-related vacancies remain unfilled, and organizations across industries are feeling the impact. As the demand for talent continues to grow, the pipeline isn’t keeping pace.
As AI introduces more sophisticated cyber threats, many students are eager to explore careers in the field. Too often, they lack access to learning experiences that help them build real-world skills. Instead, they’re asked to choose between coursework that prepares them for college and learning that prepares them for careers.
We have the opportunity to bridge that gap.
Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, College Board will launch AP Cybersecurity as part of a new set of Advanced Placement® (AP®) Career Kickstart courses. Cisco is proud to support this effort through Cisco Networking Academy, which will serve as a resource to bring industry-aligned curriculum, hands-on labs, and educator support to classrooms nationwide.
Connecting college readiness with career relevance
The AP Cybersecurity course is designed to bring greater real-world relevance to foundational academic learning, ensuring students are prepared both for related college coursework and the demands of today’s workforce.
Students can earn college credit based on their AP Exam score and enter higher education with a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles. This allows them to build on that knowledge more quickly and intentionally as they progress through their academic and career journey.
For those who choose Cisco Networking Academy as their instructional resource, the AP Cybersecurity course will also provide preparation for the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity certification. This industry-recognized credential signals job-ready skills in a…
