Soft Start Program
Empowering California’s Cybersecurity Education

Join an emerging model for tech-driven education — Soft Start Cybersecurity Education is free, flexible, and designed for complete beginners. Our courses make it easy to learn the essentials and take your first step into one of the fastest-growing fields in the world.

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SoftStart.com Cybersecurity Program – A program of the California Cybersecurity Task Force, Workforce Development and Education Subcommittee
 

The goal is simple: to make cybersecurity education accessible, practical, and empowering for everyone.

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About Soft Start Cybersecurity Program

Funded by the National Telecommunications and Information Agency

The program offers two certificates: beginner and intermediate. Each certificate offers four modules, delivered as short video lessons and micromodules that make it easy to follow along at your own pace.

Soft Start Cybersecurity Education – Beginner Course

Beginner Course

If you’re new to cybersecurity, this is where your journey begins. The Beginner Cybersecurity Certificate is designed for students with zero prior experience — no tech background required.

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Soft Start Cybersecurity Education – Intermediate Course

Intermediate Course

Ready to take your cybersecurity skills to the next level? The Intermediate Cybersecurity Certificate is designed for learners who have either completed the Beginner course or already have some experience in the field.

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Short videos, real examples, hands-on practice — discover the flexible learning path that fits your schedule.

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Soft Start Cybersecurity Education Matters

From protecting your personal information to powering entire industries, cybersecurity touches everything. That’s why the Soft Start Cybersecurity Education program is built to be inclusive, practical, and empowering. Protect yourself today, prepare for opportunities tomorrow.

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Who’s it for?

Cybersecurity isn‘t just for IT experts — it’s for:

  • Students exploring career options
  • Professionals who want to upskill
  • Parents & families who want to keep their digital lives safe
  • Curious beginners ready to learn something new

Wherever you’re starting from, Soft Start Cybersecurity Education makes it easy.

What you’ll learn

Every lesson is designed to help you understand and apply cybersecurity in real life. By the time you finish, you’ll:

  • Spot common online threats
  • Write your first lines of code in Python
  • Try out cloud and network tools
  • Understand what ethical hackers do (and even try some basics yourself)
  • Know the first steps toward a cybersecurity career
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Adult learner studying from home, taking notes while completing an online cybersecurity course on a laptop.

Student Experience

Soft Start Cybersecurity Education makes learning simple

  • Bite-sized lessons – No hour-long lectures. Learn in 10–15 minutes at a time
  • Hands-on activities – Try exercises that bring the lessons to life
  • Self-paced – Learn whenever, wherever. Pause, rewind, replay
  • Certificates that count – Show off your new skills with a digital certificate at the end

Start your cybersecurity journey

Pre-Register to Join the Interest List!

How It Works

  • Add your email to the interest list.
  • We’ll send you updates as milestones are reached.
  • You’ll get first notice when the website launches and when placement details are ready.

Don’t wait for “someday.” Pre-Register today.

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