Standard Pathway | Online Training & Exam
Complete North Star’s online training course modules and certification exam at your own pace. Explore basic cybersecurity principles, including phishing, password security, malware, software updates, data security and privacy, standards and frameworks, cyber insurance, cyber advising and much more.
This pathway is for advisors seeking training to pass the North Star Certification Exam. This full training course covers all the topics in depth that are on the certification exam. Learners may take this course for initial certification or to renew their certification. This pathway is available for FY 2025.
This course includes training and the certification exam.
Standard Pathway | In-Person Training & Online Exam
Attend an in-person, live session at the America's SBDC 2026 Training in Orlando, Florida. Explore basic cybersecurity principles, including phishing, password security, malware, software updates, data security and privacy, standards and frameworks, cyber insurance, cyber advising and much more. Afterwards, complete your online certification exam.
This pathway is for advisors seeking training to pass the North Star Certification Exam. This live training covers all the topics in depth that are on the certification exam. Learners may take this course for initial certification or to renew their certification. This pathway is available for FY 2026.
This pathway is hybrid - training is offered in person, with online/asynchronous exam to follow.
Renewal Pathway | Online Lite Training & Exam
Looking to renew your certification in a new fiscal year?
North Star is offering a shorter lite training experience that reviews the core concepts of the Standard Pathway training. After completing a refresher training course, complete your online certification exam and renew your North Star Certificate.
This pathway is for advisors seeking to renew their current North Star Certification. This lite training course covers all the topics at high level, that are on the certification exam. Learners may take this course to renew their certification only.
This pathway is available for FY 2026.
This course includes Lite training and the certification exam.
Alternative Pathway | Education/Credit & Verification
Working toward cybersecurity skill development in other ways? North Star Certification may be granted to those who have completed over five hours of academic credits or certification training at the industry level - this includes training for NIST, SANS, CISSP, or similar certifications.
This pathway is meant to verify cybersecurity knowledge for initial certification or to renew your certification. This pathway requires submission of our verification request form, and once equivalent training or education is verified by North Star staff, North Star certifications will be issued. This pathway is available for FY 2025.
This pathway accounts for external, accredited training toward North Star Certification, and does not require North Star Training or Certification Exam.
Frequently Asked Questions: Renewal
HOW DO I RENEW MY CERTIFICATION?
Before September 30th of your Certification fiscal year, you must complete "Lite" Training and Exam or progress through Standard/Alternative Pathways to maintain a valid certification for the following fiscal year.
HOW LONG DOES MY NORTH STAR CERTIFICATION LAST?
North Star Certification is valid through the end of the fiscal year in which you are certified (October 1st through September 30th)
DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE TRAINING AGAIN TO RENEW?
To renew, complete the North Star Renewal Training Course and Exam OR submit your equivalent continuing education/coursework for approval. The shorter, more targeted Renewal Lite Training Course is only available to those with a valid certification, and will be offered starting in October of the new fiscal year.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I LET IT EXPIRE / DON’T RENEW?
Those with expired certifications will join new learners through Standard and Alternative pathways, should they wish to get certified again. If your organization needs to maintain a number of certified staff to meet NOFO requirements, North Star Certifications that have expired will not count toward that requirement.
WHEN SHOULD I RENEW MY CERTIFICATION?
North Star Certifications are valid through the end of the fiscal year in which they were issued. Renewal can be completed at any time, as long as certification is complete before September 30th.
RENEWAL TIMELINE
North Star Certifications are only valid through September 30th.
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