CLIC
Frequently Asked Questions
Program
You will earn two (2) certifications from Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC):
- GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies (GFACT)
- GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)
You will also earn a Certificate of Completion from Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst.
*Note: This program does not grant credits towards a degree or certificate program at Toronto Metropolitan University.
CLIC Program Schedule
Date | Session | |
|---|---|---|
Section 1 | April 29, 2024 | Section 1 Start |
April 29 – May 17, 2024 | Onboarding Various items as per your Onboarding Checklist | |
May 16, 2024 | Orientation Virtual Live | |
May 20 – July 14, 2024 | SANS SEC275: Foundations – Computers, Technology, & Security Online, self-guided 25+ hours per week of self-study + weekly Technical Advisor calls | |
July 18, 2024 | CLIC deadline to complete GFACT Certification Exam Virtually proctored or in-person at a Pearson Vue Exam Centre | |
July 22 – 26, 2024 | Cyber Career Webinars and Resources Online, self-guided | |
July 29 – Aug. 11, 2024 | Break | |
Section 2 | July 29, 2024 | Section 2 Start |
August 12 – 17, 2024 | Mandatory SANS SEC401 Bootcamp Virtual Live Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM EST Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST | |
August 19 – October 13, 2024 | SEC401: Security Essentials – Network, Endpoint, and Cloud Online, self-guided 25+ hours per week of self-study + weekly Technical Advisor calls | |
October 17, 2024 | CLIC deadline to complete GSEC Certification Exam Virtually proctored or in-person at a Pearson Vue Exam Centre | |
October 21 – 25, 2024 | Break Cyber Career Webinars and Resources Online, self-guided | |
October 28 – November 1, 2024 | Mandatory Cybersecurity Professional Practice Course Virtual Live Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST | |
November 4 – 8, 2024 | Career Specialization Planning & Job Search Workshops Online, Workshops & 1:1 Advising |
The program is offered entirely online and includes both self-study and live-online, instructor-led courses.
Yes, however the program schedule is intensive. There are significant time commitments required in order to successfully complete the program and pass the certification exams.
The program uses both synchronous and asynchronous learning, with live instructor-led courses as well as periods of self-study.
This program is for anyone with an interest in cybersecurity who is looking for a rewarding and challenging career, and also:
- Newcomers to Canada who have an IT background;
- Business professionals seeking cybersecurity knowledge for career growth;
- Up-and-coming cybersecurity professionals who are seeking certifications for career advancement;
- New grads looking for post-graduate training in cybersecurity;
- Career changers with an interest in cybersecurity and looking for a rewarding and challenging career.
No. CLIC is for anyone with an interest in cybersecurity, whether you are looking to launch a career in cybersecurity or elevate your career with cybersecurity skills.
Through our strategic partnership with SANS Institute – the global leader in cybersecurity training and certification – CLIC-trained cyber professionals will be armed with the highest level of cyber competency and expertise, and will, we believe, ultimately become industry leaders.
This program is for anyone with an interest in cybersecurity. The training we provide is hands-on, technical and deployable, and prepares people for a fulfilling and challenging career in most technical cyber roles. The program is also for those who are already in the cybersecurity sector and would like to upgrade their skills, as well as managers and leaders of cyber teams who want to stay current with their employees’ expertise.
No matter what your career goal is, CLIC provides the highest level and most comprehensive cybersecurity foundational knowledge available.
You will be instructed by experts from SANS Institute and Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst.
Our next intake is May 2024.
If you already have the GFACT, you may be considered for Advanced Standing.
Advanced Standing requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please book an appointment with the Admissions Team at catalysttraining@torontomu.ca to discuss.
Yes, our Career Support team will work with you to help you build your resume, prepare for interviews, and land a job or advance your current career.
Application
There are three parts to the CLIC application process.
Online Application
Complete and submit the online application form. After the initial online application has been submitted, further information including details and deadlines for subsequent steps will be provided by email.
SANS Aptitude Assessment
You will be invited to take an online aptitude assessment consisting of 30 questions designed to measure skills such as logic, critical thinking, problem-solving and fundamental computer knowledge.
Personal Statement and Video Interview
If you pass the aptitude assessment, you will be invited to complete a video interview and upload a Statement of Interest. Submit a one‐page Statement of Interest which answers the following questions.
1. Why are you interested in cybersecurity and in this program specifically?
2. Highlight your educational history, previous experience, skills and courses you have that will help you succeed in this program and start or advance your career in cybersecurity.
3. Tell us about your career goals and how this program will help you achieve your goals.
Please note, applicants must complete the entire application process in order to be considered for admission; incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
To make changes or update to your initial application, please email catalysttraining@torontomu.ca outlining the changes you would like to make.
We will look at each individual application holistically, taking into account the SANS Aptitude Assessment, your personal Statement of Interest and your resume, as well as the video interview.
Email is the main communication channel. Please ensure that you check your email on a regular basis.
Yes, all applicants will be contacted by email during the application process.
You may only apply once per intake. If your application is not successful, you may reapply for a future intake.
You will receive an admission decision within 30 days from completing your full application.
If you are unable to start the program on the given start date, we will cancel your admission and you can apply for a future cohort. We do not offer deferrals.
Yes. There is no additional tuition cost for applicants from outside of Canada.
Please note that the Program does not qualify you for a study permit in Canada. Please also note that any employment in Canada is subject to legal requirements that are the sole responsibility of the prospective employee.
Yes, all applicants will need to take the assessment as part of the application process.
No, assessment results are not released.
Yes, we allow one retake.
50%
If you haven’t heard from us, please email CatalystTraining@torontomu.ca.
Finances
The tuition cost for the program is $16,500 CAD + HST.
This includes the cost of taking the GSEC and GFACT certification exams.
No, the tuition covers all the materials and fees required to complete the program. Please note: the program fee covers one attempt at the Certification Exam.
Yes, the all in tuition fee of $16,500 + HST includes the cost of both the GSEC and GFACT exams.
It’s absolutely worth asking your current employer if they will invest in your cybersecurity journey. We have put together this letter with all the details you would need to make your case. Feel free to copy and paste all or part of the letter, or book a call with one of our advisors for advice on how best to approach this conversation with your current employer.
General
We offer equal opportunity for all applicants. Please review CLIC’s Accommodations Policy and note accommodation for applicants with disabilities will be provided at each stage of the admission process. If you require accommodation, please contact us at catalysttraining@torontomu.ca.
Please review the Student Code of Conduct. You will be required to agree to abide by this Code as part of your Offer of Admission.
Please contact our Admissions Team at catalysttraining@torontomu.ca.