Industry-Academia Network: Partnership highlight between ISC2 and OpenClassrooms
Sealing a partnership under the Industry-Academia Network of the Cybersecurity Skills Academy, ISC2 and OpenClassrooms will enable ISC2 to provide free access to a self-paced course and ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity certification exam for at least 50 learners from the French Vocational Education and Training (VET) provider OpenClassrooms,. This is also part of ISC2’s One Million Certified in Cybersecurity programme.
This partnership will further support the implementation of the pledge made by ISC2 under the Cybersecurity Skills Academy to boost Europe’s cybersecurity workforce by offering free training, certification exams, and scholarships—especially for women—to expand access to cybersecurity education and support career growth in the field.
On 18 June 2025, ISC2 and OpenClassrooms have signed a partnership under the Industry-Academia Network of the Cybersecurity Skills Academy, joining efforts to narrow the cybersecurity skills and talent gap in Europe by making cybersecurity careers accessible.
Cybersecurity skills are the backbone of Europe’s digital economy. By building our connections with academic partners, we’re committed to strengthening the region’s cyber resilience by growing the pool of certified talent. Recent ISC2 research shows that 89% of cybersecurity hiring managers value entry-level cybersecurity certifications when recruiting for entry-level roles. By expanding access to cybersecurity education, we’re removing barriers for individuals from all backgrounds to showcase their skills and contribute to a safer digital future for Europe.
Debra Taylor, ISC2 Acting CEO and CFO
Partnering with ISC2 is a powerful accelerator for our mission: making cybersecurity careers more accessible, inclusive, and employment-ready across Europe. By combining ISC2’s world-class certification with our online, mentored, and project-based pedagogy, we’re equipping thousands of IT professionals with the right skills to fill critical cyber roles, fast.
Guillaume Houzel, Managing Director for Growth, OpenClassrooms
The partnership
ISC2 and OpenClassrooms join forces to make cybersecurity careers accessible.
Partners:
Academia: OpenClassrooms
Industry: ISC2
Description:
With this partnership sealed under the Industry-Academia Network of the Cybersecurity Skills Academy, ISC2 and OpenClassrooms will deliver a 3-month bootcamp that is aligned with the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) certification. The program combines hands-on training with real-world projects on core operational cybersecurity topics, including threat monitoring, vendor risk management, vulnerability scanning, and incident response.
With this partnership, ISC2 will be providing free access to self-paced course and ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity certification exams to learners of OpenClassrooms, as part of ISC2’s One Million Certified in Cybersecurity programme.
Target audience: At least 50 university students and recent graduates, professionals seeking employment or career changers, anyone looking to expand their digital skills and cybersecurity knowledge. The program targets both students and adult learners, with suitability for individuals who are considering a career reskilling into cybersecurity. Thanks to its fully online delivery model, the program is accessible across underserved and remote regions in Europe.
It supports workforce development for all types of employers, including companies of all sizes, SMEs, public administrations, and operators of essential services or critical entities, by supplying qualified, job-ready, cybersecurity-aware professionals.
European Cybersecurity Skills Framework role profiles: Cyber Incident Responder, Cybersecurity Architect, Cybersecurity Auditor, Cybersecurity Implementer, Digital Forensics Investigator, Penetration Tester.
Sector: No specific sector targeted.
Location: EU-Wide, Online, Self-paced.
Languages:OpenClassrooms bootcamp: English, French. ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity exam: English, German, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese
Cost: Access to the bootcamp is tuition-based. Access to the ISC2 CC self-paced course and certification exam is included free of charge for all participants enrolled in the bootcamp.
Links to the initiative:
OpenClassrooms EU Cybersecurity – Skills Bootcamp (English)
OpenClassrooms EU Cybersecurity – Skills Bootcamp (French)
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity certification
Contact persons: EUpartnerships@isc2.org ; hello@openclassrooms.com
