The CAE-CD Designation Requirements document can answer many of the questions institutions have about the application process. 

The current CAE-CD Designation Requirements document can be found here, and is valid through the end of December 2025. 

For the requirements document which goes into effect January 2026, download the new CAE Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) Program Guidance document here.

The timeline below has been updated with the new submission deadlines. Applicants who are unsure of their assigned cycle number should contact the CAE Candidates Program National Center at ccnc@whatcom.edu.

*PoS - Program of Study

**Application Due – The date institutions must submit a completed application for pre-submission review (PSR). Partial applications will not be forwarded for review. The PSR is required before there will be a full review of the CAE application.

***Pre-submission Review (PSR) Feedback Deadline – The date the pre-submission reviewer will provide feedback to the institution.