Earn the CoSN Cybersecurity Readiness for Education (CCRE)

The support resources and CoSN CCRE training materials are designed for individuals who want to assess their own school or district's cybersecurity readiness or assist others in evaluating theirs. Individuals of all cybersecurity experience levels are welcome and encouraged to apply.

Earning the CCRE requires passing the official assessment with an 85% or higher score. Assessment registration includes access to the Learn how to use the Cybersecurity Rubric (CR) course in Canvas and the official assessment.

Upon passing, you will receive:

• Official CCRE Practitioner Certificate

• 5-Hour CEA Certificate

• Public listing on the CoSN CCRE website directory

• Authorization to use the CCRE designation in your email signature and tagline

To prepare for the exam, it is recommended you:

• • Review the CoSN Cybersecurity Rubric.

  • Complete the free online self study Canvas course: "Learn How to Use the CoSN Cybersecurity Rubric (CR)." This course tests you knowledge of the rubric.

  • Attend a CoSN Cybersecurity Rubric Master Class.

  • Sign up for the online self study or facilitated "Earn a CoSN Cybersecurity Readiness for Education (CCRE)" Canvas course. This course helps you apply the rubric. The facilitated course includes additional materials.

  • Join or create a small study group.

Note: The exam is based directly on the Cybersecurity Rubric and tests your knowledge of the rubric and  the ability to apply it within practical scenarios. 

Choose Your CCRE Learning Path

Whether you're looking to build your cybersecurity readiness knowledge or complete the CoSN Cybersecurity Readiness for Education (CCRE) Certificate Program, choose the learning path that's right for you.

Pricing

Your total cost depends on your CoSN membership status and whether you choose a complete learning bundle or individual learning components.

Option 1: CCRE Bundles (Recommended)

Best for participants who want a complete learning experience and wish to earn their CoSN Cybersecurity Readiness for Education (CCRE).

Each bundle includes:
-Learn to Use the Cybersecurity Rubric Self Study Course
-Earn a CoSN Cybersecurity Readiness for Education (CCRE) Course (Self Study OR *Facilitated Online)
-CCRE Assessment
Self-Study Bundle(opens in new tab) (Courses + Assessment):
Member $549 / Nonmember $873
Facilitated Bundle(opens in new tab) (*Instructor-led, Courses, Extra Materials + Assessment):
Member $649 / Nonmember $973

Option 2: Build Your Own Learning Path (A La Carte)

A. Official CCRE Assessment Only(opens in new tab)
Member: $349
Nonmember: $549

B. CCRE Self Study Courses Only (A La Carte)
Learn How to Use the CoSN Cybersecurity Rubric Self Study Course A La Carte(opens in new tab) Free
Earn a CoSN Cybersecurity Readiness for Education (CCRE) Self Study Course A La Carte(opens in new tab)
Member $225 / Nonmember $349

C. CCRE Facilitated Master Class
Participate in a facilitated learning experience through the Earn a CoSN Cybersecurity Readiness for Education (CCRE) Online *Facilitated Master Class A La Carte
*Find the next available section on the CoSN Calendar(opens in new tab) and register there.
Includes access to Learn How to Use the CoSN Cybersecurity Rubric Self Study Course A La Carte(opens in new tab) Free
Member $325 / Nonmember $449

Which Path Is Right for You?

• Complete the full CCRE Program: CCRE Bundle
• Learn at your own pace: Self-Study Bundle
• Participate in instructor-led learning: Facilitated Bundle
• Complete only the CCRE Assessment: Assessment Only
• Purchase only a learning course: A La Carte Course

Additional preparation options under How do I Prepare?

While early pilot programs were subsidized to kickstart regional adoption, the framework has evolved into a formalized, high-value initiative. By transitioning to this model, participants are now entering a formalized career pathway backed by the CoSN and earning an industry-recognized Official CCRE upon successful completion.

Yes, the CCRE assessment can be taken more than once. You can take the assessment three times. There is a time limit set for each attempt.

Your CCRE is valid for three (3) years from the date you successfully pass your exam.

The end date of your CCRE credential is listed in your CoSN Profile and you will be notified 90 days in advance of your expiry date.

Details on how to renew your CCRE can be found here.

Yes.

To further support school leaders in building robust cybersecurity defenses, CoSN is preparing to expand its professional designation pathway. Following the continuation of the CoSN Cybersecurity Readiness for Education (CCRE) Practitioner (Level 1) designation, CoSN plans to introduce advanced roles designed for district leaders seeking deeper expertise and recognition.

Future designations under development include:

• CoSN Cybersecurity Rubric for Education Evaluator (Level 2; Requires Level 1)

• CoSN Cybersecurity Rubric for Education Trainer (Level 3; Requires Level 1 & Level 2)

Full details regarding eligibility, training, and application processes are scheduled for official announcement by January 15, 2028.

For inquiries or additional information, please contact Dr. Jill Brown, Director of Professional Learning, at jbrown@cosn.org.

You can find out more about Master Classes on this page(opens in new tab), under "What is the Cybersecurity Rubric Master Class?" and "How do I request or find a Master Class?"

All training content, examination components, and rubric resources are proprietary assets exclusively licensed to CoSN. Under the terms of the official partnership framework, supplemental program elements, including Master Classes, are strictly unauthorized unless explicitly covered by a, signed MOU with CoSN. Any external delivery of these course materials, or independent hosting of training events without an executed agreement under CoSN’s provider framework, is strictly prohibited.