Evolve Security Academy
Evolve Security Academy Reviews and Key Information
Evolve Security is a company that provides technical cyber security services like managed penetration testing, security strategy consultation, and corporate training. The company eventually created Evolve Security Academy, a cyber security bootcamp that helps beginners launch careers in cyber security.
Boasting a holistic curriculum, Evolve Security Academy seeks to transform its students into top-tier cyber security talents in as short as 20 weeks. If that sounds like something you’d sign up for, you’re in luck. In this in-depth Evolve Security Academy review, we’ll walk you through the core features of this coding bootcamp.
Evolve Security Academy at a Glance
| Cost of Tuition | $14,500 (In-Person), $12,500 (Remote), $7,250 (OSCP Bootcamp Program) |
| Financing Options | Loans, Installments, Upfront Payment, GI Bill, Scholarships |
| Courses Offered | Cybersecurity Bootcamp Program, Cybersecurity Fundamentals, OSCP Bootcamp Program |
| Career Services and Job Assistance | Job Preparation, Network of Industry Partners |
What Can You Learn at Evolve Security Academy?
Evolve Security Academy students get the chance to explore cyber security, from the most fundamental level through to the most advanced topics in the field. Its program offerings include a cyber security prep course and an immersive cyber security training program.
Both programs are ideal for beginners who simply want to explore the field or perhaps launch a cyber security career. Cyber security professionals who wish to get a leg up in the career ladder can also enroll in Evolve Security Academy’s OSCP Bootcamp Program.
Cybersecurity Fundamentals
This free introductory course is perfect for those who want to dip their toes into cyber security and get a firsthand glimpse into the life of a cyber security professional without paying a dime. While a beginner-friendly course, expect to dive deep into the core elements of the cyber security field like ethical hacking, computer networking, and Linux fundamentals.
You will have access to Evolve Security Academy’s CyberLAB simulation platform, the perfect learning environment for you to get real-world experience on what happens in the cyber security sector. This course is a prerequisite to taking Evolve Security Academy’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp Program.
Cybersecurity Bootcamp Program
This 20-week part-time cyber security program teaches you cyber security fundamentals from the ground up. You will learn about scripting for security, the current threat landscape, security operations architecture, cryptography, incident response, and more. To master these topics, prepare to commit around 20 hours per week to your studies.
Some of the tools you’ll use in the program are MySQL, Apache, Django, PostgreSQL, Git, AWS, Python, and Carbon Black. Aside from rigorous cyber security training, you’ll also undergo job preparation training to help you in your job search.
This includes career coaching sessions to help you ace your job interviews and impress prospective employers. You will also gain access to Evolve Security Academy meetups, which will give you the chance to expand your network, increase your visibility in the industry, and find a job.
Evolve Security Academy also boasts a list of hiring partners that choose outstanding graduates to work at their companies.
OSCP Bootcamp Program
Evolve Security Academy’s OSCP Bootcamp Program trains cyber security professionals who plan on sitting the Offensive Security Certified Professionals (OSCP) certification exam. Lasting 18 weeks, this training program offers a structured learning experience as well as unlimited access to the school’s proprietary CyberLAB platform.
The program grants you hands-on experience in identifying vulnerabilities in corporate networks, investigating cyber security threats, and using the tools used by penetration testers. Classes are held four days a week in the evening, so you get to train for the OSCP certification exam without sacrificing your day job.
Admissions: How Do You Get Accepted to Evolve Security Academy?
To attend Evolve Security Academy, you’ll need to follow the school’s six-step admissions process. While that may sound like a lot, rest assured that the process does not include any aptitude or technical skills test. That said, you must have familiarity with basic cyber security concepts, computer networking, and Linux.
Evolve Security Academy Application Process
The application process at Evolve Security Academy begins with the completion of the application form. The form only takes a minute to complete and requires your full name and contact details.
After this, a school representative will reach out to you to schedule an interview. This could be held in person or online. An admission board review follows the interview, during which the board decides whether to accept you right away or put you on the waitlist.
Assuming you get accepted, you will receive an enrollment agreement that lays out your class schedule, curriculum, and tuition fee. If you find these acceptable, you will be required to make a down payment to secure your seat.
Finally, all accepted candidates are expected to complete Evolve Security Academy’s Cybersecurity Fundamentals. Doing so ensures that you’re well-equipped to undergo the immersive training program. The course is free so consider this stage as a bonus in jumpstarting your training.
Evolve Security Academy Interview
The application interview is an opportunity to stand out from other candidates and get immediately accepted into the program. This interview covers two areas. The first one focuses on your education and professional background as well as your interest in cyber security.
The second one focuses on your cyber security background, particularly your technical experience or knowledge of the field. While you don’t have to be an expert, having a basic understanding of cyber security is necessary.
Paying for Evolve Security Academy
Evolve Security Academy offers a variety of payment options to its students. Take your pick from any of the options listed below.
Upfront Payment
If you decide to pay upfront, you will immediately receive a $250 discount from the tuition cost.
Income Share Agreement (ISA)
Evolve Security Academy does not offer an income share agreement.
Private Student Loans
Evolve Security Academy partners with Skills Fund to allow students who can’t pay out of pocket to pay for their education by taking out a student loan. Skills Fund has two repayment options: deferred tuition payment and interest-only installments. The first option allows you to join your program without worrying about costs until three months after graduation.
Scholarships
Evolve Security Academy has a merit-based scholarship that partially covers the tuition cost. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must submit a brief essay that explains why you deserve it. Successful applicants will be selected after an interview.
GI Bill
The in-person program is certified by the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs State Approving Agency. Therefore, you can use your GI Bill benefits in this program. Note that due to COVID-19, Evolve Security Academy has transferred its in-person classes to live online instruction.
Installments
At Evolve Security Academy, you can also choose to pay for your tuition in two installments. Pay at the beginning of the program and fulfill the rest by the 10th week.
What Makes Evolve Security Academy Unique?
Evolve Security Academy has been recognized by many renowned companies like NBC, ABC, and Tech Crunch as one of the best cyber security bootcamps today. It is also one of the few tech schools to be certified by the Offensive Security institution to provide OSCP training.
If you’re looking for a bootcamp that can provide you a beginner’s and advanced tracks to a career in cyber security, consider attending Evolve Security Academy. A bonus: none of Evolve Security Academy’s programs are offered full-time. This means that you can still receive your training without compromising your other responsibilities and commitments.
Price Range
$0-$12,500Programs Available
Programs Pace
9 Reviews
9 Reviews
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Anonymous
I was part of the PRO cohort (in-person) and it has changed my perception of the security industry. From someone with limited to no experience in the field before the bootcamp, it was fast paced and challenging, but even more rewarding when you finally understood the concepts introduced. The instructors and TAs demonstrate exceptional knowledge of IT and security as well as provide further instructions when needed, but without spoiling the lab or experience. I personally enjoyed the real-life experience the most as we had the opportunity to work with a not-for-profit organization and had to deliver a real security assessment. The job support was a large part of the final weeks and really pays off for the most ambitious students as they will most likely all land jobs within the next few months after completing the cohort, at least that was my and my classmates’ experience as we all have jobs as analysts or consultants. I will finish this review by saying that students that are willing to learn and put in the effort will definitely have a rewarding experience, and grow both personally and professionally.
April 20, 2019
Anonymous
Learned so much! Course curriculum and all other covered topics were relevant and very applicable to mainstream trends and issues.
April 23, 2019
Anonymous
Evolve Security Academy is the #1 cyber security bootcamp in the world for a reason. The instructors are top-notch and often the ones who create the curriculum. Through the program, I was able to drink from the source, literally, and meet and learn from the pros in the industry in a casual, face to face setting. The Evolve experience helped me significantly in taking my CompTia certification, but went way beyond just that. I also greatly appreciated the game-changing tool set of skills and languages and the real-life, hands on training, which gave me an edge on my job interviews. Overall, I must say that this is the best investment in my future that I’ve ever made.
June 20, 2019
Anonymous
Evolve Security Academy remote boot camp. A zero regret experience.
I graduated from the 2018 remote cohort and also took the Practical Penetration Testing Course early in 2019. The latter? Excellent. In this review, I focus on the former.
The boot camp had many strong points, including the jocularity, the banter, the fun with the other students. But I will emphasize the two most important.
1) The two lead instructors.
The first gave us a gold mine of information security theory and real life stories, many which had an “insider” flavor. A glimpse at the real industry, the shocking facts, the breaches, the enemy moves, the truths the news buries. He inspired and invigorated. The second gave us the clarity, detail and guidance to get our newly gained information off the ground and put it to practical use in real world scenarios, including our final project for a real company. He launched and equipped. The complementary strengths of the two instructors made the camp balanced, thorough, and exciting. I came for a challenge. Check. The icing on the cake? Boot camp became the highlight of each day.
2) The course materials.
The academy covers everything from A to Z. Physical security. Network security. Policy. Cryptography. Social engineering. To name a few. Lectures, labs, common and unusual tools, real-world experience, and best of all, access to the minds of industry leaders who walk the walk.
On the “con” side, I pour cold water, not on Evolve Academy, but on a mindset I had. If you share my former mindset, this warning is for you. Again, to be perfectly clear, it’s no negative reflection on Evolve, but a chill to the naive mental flames looking, without the right background, to boot camp as a magic key to success.
Coming into boot camp, I had tech knowledge but lacked real world experience. I knew I had an uphill battle. Therefore, I worked diligently at boot camp. Very diligently. I finished with good grades, an inside lead from an instructor, encouragement, help from the academy, references, etc. And I’ve continued to study, refine my resume and apply to countless jobs. I even relocated from a rural area to a metro one for better job exposure. All to no avail. (I hope to report a change to this eventually, but as the unsuccessful job applications mount, I’ve lost my early optimism.) Boot camp just didn’t kick the career door open. As much as I enjoyed the boot camp, all the effort I spent has ended up being a waste (to date). The warning? Expect to need something more than boot camp to break into cyber security. Background in a different tech area. A four year tech degree.
These sour grapes being set out as a disclaimer, I urge those with the right background — ninjas, experienced, etc. — not to wait. Enroll in Evolve today. You’ll have ZERO regrets.
July 24, 2019
Anonymous
I highly recommend Evolve to enhance cyber security expertise at any stage of your career. Personally, attending Evolve was pivotal for my sector switch into more hands-on work in cyber and incident response. In fact, Evolve instructors helped me identify IR as a potential professional path. Students from both technical and non-technical backgrounds will benefit and as with any program, the more time you put in the more you will get out of it. The instructors and staff are 200% dedicated to your success and are genuinely open and supportive. My only recommendation would be to carve out enough time and energy to focus on the coursework and take advantage of the tremendous resources they offer.
July 26, 2019
Anonymous
I started this cybersecurity Bootcamp not having much knowledge what so ever (I must admit I was pretty intimated at first). After just a few weeks into the Bootcamp, I was able to confidently and fluently converse with others using IT Jargon commonly found in the industry. I can’t say enough about the great instructors that made this experience fun, enjoyable and most importantly brought a surplus of knowledge from the public and private sector of the ever-growing IT corporate world. The instructor and his teaching assistants were highly attentive when students ran into a problem in the homework or labs. This Bootcamp also offers office hours before and after class, which was helpful when needing to prepare your VM for labs and assignments covered in the lectures.
I highly recommend this Bootcamp for anyone that is looking to truly improve themselves and further their career into a high growth industry. Lastly, I want to note that I took this course while working a full-time 9-5 job. It may seem like a daunting task to juggle both (and at times it could be), but our great instructor and an incredibly supportive cast of students made it much easier and manageable. The one thing that attracted me to the Bootcamp was the high rate of job placement. Many students were landing jobs mid-way through the cohort and everyone felt like the interviews were quite easy compared to the vast knowledge they had gained through the Bootcamp. The instructors also make it a priority to continuously ask interview questions throughout the Bootcamp to further prepare you for interviews.
I took time to look at a few cybersecurity Bootcamps, but ultimately chose Evolve Security (and very glad I did) !!!!
August 11, 2019
Anonymous
Want to get in cyber security career? Evolve Academy is the right place. Had and extensive training that covers most of cyber security industry topics. Trainers are experts in this domain so all my questions were answered at the highest leveI. Even if you don’t understand something this guys will make sure you do. Highly recommend this place, specially PRO boot camp if you want to get more in-depth training.
Job hunting module that is part of curriculum was super helpful and landed me in a job just after graduation so I am enormously grateful for that to Evolve Cyber Security Academy.
Keep it up!
August 24, 2019
Anonymous
The staff has an incredible way of taking complex concepts and breaking them down into digestible bits. Coming into the course without any experience in the field, I can attest to the initial difficulty of what is going to be learned. However, the staff is willing to put forth the time and effort to ensure you grasp a solid understanding of the material.
August 29, 2019
Anonymous
As a person who really thrives in a learning environment with instruction and support, I knew that it would be important for me to find a program that would offer me what I need. Initially, I was worried about the online learning environment and felt that it might be alienating. In fact, I think our class ended up being more social and connected than an IRL one because of the way the Zoom classroom is setup – we all face each other, literally. I made friends and possibly future colleagues. So, the social support component of this program is not to be underestimated. I really think the coursework is well designed. There are some hiccups here and there but honestly those difficulties seemed like a natural part of the learning process. I was super grateful to have plentiful career prep conversations, both with instructors as well as other classmates. I’ve met some really great people through Evolve’s network and I honestly feel I have earned a solid foundation for my entry into infosec.
October 6, 2019