Who should apply?

U.S. citizens (native or naturalized) over the age of 18 with an interest in cybersecurity and considering a career at the DoD should apply. U.S. Citizens living abroad are eligible and encouraged to apply. U.S. Permanent Residents, U.S. Residents, and other visa holders that do not have U.S. citizenship are NOT eligible.

Are there any prerequisites to apply?

No specific career or education prerequisites are required, but a background or interest in cybersecurity is beneficial. Applicants must be US citizens (native or naturalized) and over the age of 18 to be eligible for the competition.

Is there a cost to participate?

No, the competition is 100% FREE for everyone. There is no cost to apply or participate.

What is the application process?

Fill out the online application form, which includes questions about your cybersecurity experience, skills, and background.

When should I apply?

As soon as possible to ensure your spot, given we may need to limit participants due to high demand. Early applicants will also receive additional career development resources and support from Correlation One. The current application deadline can be found in the “Key Dates” section above. 

How will I know if I have successfully applied and registered?

Applicants will receive a confirmation email after they complete their application. The week before the competition, we will send all qualified applicants the information to register for the competition.

What skills are tested in the competition?

The competition will have challenges in the following skills categories: Forensics, Malware/ Reverse Engineering, Networking & Reconnaissance, Open-Source Intelligence Gathering (OSINT) and Web Security. Each category will have challenges of easy, medium, and hard difficulty. 

What software or hardware do I need to participate?

A modern web browser and internet connection are required. If additional toolsets are required, they will be open-source and we will notify participants before the competition.

What are the rewards for winning the competition?

Prizes include $5,000 for 1st place, $2,500 for 2nd place, $1,000 for 3rd place, and $500 for 4th-10th places. There will also be ten $300 prizes raffled off to participants. Anyone who completes a challenge during the competition will have a chance to win the raffle. Prize winners will be asked to provide proof of their eligibility in order to receive their prize.

When and where will the competition take place?

We will share an announcement once the next competition dates are finalized. If you applied to the May 2024 competition, we will reach out to you once the application is open. If you did not apply to the May 2024 competition, please click on the “apply now” button on this page and fill out the form so we can email you once the application is open.

Can students participate in the competition?

Yes, students are eligible to participate in the competition. Working professionals and unemployed individuals are eligible as well. The only eligibility requirements are that applicants must be US citizens (native or naturalized) and over the age of 18.

What’s the competition format?

The competition will be a Capture the Flag (CTF) format, with challenges across various cybersecurity categories.

If I do not participate in the competition, can I still apply for a job at the DoD?

Yes, not participating in competition does not preclude you from applying for jobs at the DoD. We recommend that you still fill out the application form so Correlation One can assist you in your job application process.