Question 1

What are the benefits of becoming a CAE?

Accepted Answer

• Receive national recognition for the institution’s cybersecurity program and curricula.
 • Ensure student confidence in degree programs as a top choice to develop the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the cybersecurity workforce.
 • Serve as a source and facilitator for government-academic researcher exchanges.
 • Join the CAE community of cybersecurity professionals, educators, researchers, and advocates to grow the cyber field and develop a collaborative network with top schools.
 • Qualify to compete for student scholarships and grants through the Department of Defense Cyber Service Academy (CSA) and CyberCorps Scholarships for Service program managed by the National Science Foundation (NSF).
 • Participate in the monthly CAE Lecture Series and listen to NSA SMEs and CAE SMEs give lectures on interesting topics, as well as information sessions on student internships and full-time positions with CAE government agencies.
 • Opportunity for student participation in the NCAE Cyber Games competition.

Question 2

What is the difference between the NCAE and the CAE?

Accepted Answer

The National Centers of Academic excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) program creates and manages a collaborative cybersecurity educational program with community colleges, colleges, and universities. The Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE-C) Community is the organized group of community colleges, colleges, and universities that hold a designation from the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) program.

Question 3

Do CAE institutions receive funding from the NSA?

Accepted Answer

While the NSA does not provide funding to CAE-C designated institutions, once a school obtains one of these designations, it can compete for grants like the Department of Defense Cybersecurity Scholarship Program (DoD CySP) and can apply for the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Scholarship for Service program.

Question 4

How do I get started with the CAE application process?

Accepted Answer

The first step is to look over the eligibility checklist.  All CAE designation candidates must fill out and submit the online CAE Program Applicant Checklist (https://www.caecommunity.org/about-the-ncae-c-program)on the CAE Community website for entry into the Candidates Program.

Question 5

Can my institution have more than one designation/program of study?

Accepted Answer

Schools are not limited to a single designation and are encouraged to pursue more than one. Please look over the designation checklists for eligibility requirements.

Question 6

What are the National Centers?

Accepted Answer

For more information on the CAE National Centers, check out the "About Us" tab on the website's main navigation bar.

Question 7

Who can I contact at NSA to learn more about the program?

Accepted Answer

caepmo_uwe@uwe.nsa.gov

Question 8

Where can I find program requirements to become a CAE?

Accepted Answer

Program requirements can be found at the PMO's webpage.(https://public.cyber.mil/ncae-c/)

Question 9

What resources are available to me in going through the designation process?

Accepted Answer

Requirement documents, cycle assignments, training videos, and other resources can be found here(https://www.ncyte.net/academia/institutions/centers-of-academic-excellence)