What you’ll learn
A hands-on curriculum designed to take you from “just curious” to confidently working with core Cybersecurity tools and techniques in as few as 12 weeks (full-time) or 24 weeks (part-time). Learn through guided labs and projects, with live sessions aligned to Bucharest time (EET/EEST).
Prework
Set up your cybersecurity lab with virtualization, Kali or Parrot Linux, and vulnerable VMs. Learn Linux command line, Python, Bash, Git, networking fundamentals, binary, hexadecimal, memory, C basics, cryptography, and problem-solving techniques.
Introduction & Fundamentals
Learn core security principles (CIA, AAA, Zero Trust, defence in depth), STRIDE threat modelling, risk management, and compliance frameworks (NIST CSF 2.0, ISO 27001, CIS Controls, GDPR, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, NDPA). Explore Linux, Windows, Active Directory, networking, HTTP, APIs, authentication, cryptography, PKI, IAM, cloud, containers, Kubernetes, and the cyber kill chain.
Offensive Security (Red Team)
Master penetration testing from reconnaissance, OSINT, scanning, and enumeration to exploitation, privilege escalation, lateral movement, and reporting. Cover phishing, the OWASP Top 10 (2025), REST and GraphQL API testing, Active Directory attacks, password cracking, buffer overflows, Wi-Fi, cloud, container, and AI security testing.
Defensive Security (Blue Team)
Learn SOC operations, logging, SIEM (Splunk, Elastic, Microsoft Sentinel), Sigma detection rules, threat hunting, IDS/IPS (Snort, Suricata, Zeek), EDR/XDR, incident response, digital forensics, malware analysis, threat intelligence, SOAR, vulnerability management, and cloud defence.
Specialisations & Capstone
Explore cloud security, Zero Trust, DevSecOps (SAST, DAST, SCA), Terraform and IaC security, secrets management, software supply chain security (SBOM, SLSA), AI & LLM security, AI red teaming, deepfakes, and electives in mobile, IoT, and OT/ICS security. Prepare for certifications, bug bounties, portfolios, and technical interviews.
Chapter 0: Pre-work
The prework gets everyone to the same starting line before live classes begin. People come to this course from all sorts of backgrounds, so this stage is about making sure nobody is lost on day one. It's self-paced, you move as fast or as slowly as you need, and we're around the whole time to help you plan it and get unstuck. You don't need any experience to start. By the time you finish you'll be comfortable on the command line, you'll have written a little code, your lab will be built and working, and you'll have broken your first cipher.
Lab Setup
- Virtualisation, a Kali or Parrot machine, and vulnerable target VMs on an isolated lab network
Linux Fundamentals
- Moving around Linux, files and permissions
- Pipes and redirection
How Computers Work
- Binary and hex
- How data is stored and memory
- What happens when a program runs
Python and Bash
- Variables, loops, functions
- Reading and writing files
- Small scripts that automate the dull stuff
- A bit of Bash
C and Memory
- A first look at C and how memory is laid out
- The root of memory-safety bugs (buffer overflows, use-after-free)
Networking Basics
- IP addresses, ports, and the client/server idea
Git and GitHub
- Version control, so your work and your notes are tracked from the start
Project: The Enigma
- You're given a cipher text and have to break it and recover the hidden message, using classical ciphers (Caesar, Vigenère, substitution) and the language of your choice, then write up how you did it
Learning schedule
From Monday to Friday 10:30am to 4:30pm (Bucharest time)
Lecture Session
10:30am - 12:00pm
Lecture Session
12:30pm - 02:00pm
Hands-on Session
03:00pm - 04:30pm
How you’ll learn
Online Live Learning
- Join interactive live sessions online and collaborate with instructors and peers in real time. Sessions are scheduled to work well for learners in Romania (Bucharest time, EET/EEST), so you can participate without timezone friction.
Self Study
- Part-time: 9 hours live learning + ~11 hours self-study (≈20 hours/week)
- Full-time: 22.5 hours live learning + ~17.5 hours self-study (≈40 hours/week)
Flipped Classroom Method
- Prepare with short readings and videos, then use live time for practice, Q&A, and feedback, so you learn by doing, not by memorising.
Guided Practice
- Work through hands-on exercises, labs, and real projects with guidance, code reviews, and portfolio-building support, ideal for focused upskilling.
What you’ll need
You don’t need a computer science degree to join. We assume no prior knowledge and guide you through the fundamentals in the first weeks, so you build confidence from the ground up. Whether you’re starting fresh or upskilling alongside your current role, the program is designed to help you progress quickly and consistently, online, in English, and in Bucharest-friendly time slots.
- Laptop or Computer: A device capable of running necessary security tools, virtual machines, or other software. Minimum requirements: 16GB RAM, 512GB storage (SSD is preferred), Core i5 CPU or above
- Stable Internet Connection: Reliable internet access for live learning sessions, hands-on labs, and assignments.
- Basic Computing Knowledge: Understanding of how computers and operating systems function.
- Basic Web Knowledge: Familiarity with how the web works, including HTTP, HTTPS, and web browsers.
- English Proficiency: B1 level with the ability to understand technical materials and communicate effectively, as the bootcamp is conducted in English.
- Commitment to Learning: Willingness to dedicate several hours per week for live learning sessions, assignments, and self-study.
Find a financing option that works for you
Cost shouldn't stop you. We offer monthly installment plans, funding options, and in Germany our programmes can be 100% funded through a Bildungsgutschein. Not sure what fits? Book a call and we'll walk you through it.
Explore financing options
Career Services Center
Career Development Workshops
Open sessions for you and the wider CLA community. Get practical guidance on portfolio storytelling, LinkedIn optimization, and job-search habits, plus quick drop-ins for last-minute CV improvements.
Personalised Career Counseling Sessions
Structured 1:1 sessions to clarify your direction, define realistic next steps, and build a plan, whether your goal is internal growth, a new role, or moving into a tech-adjacent position.
Mock Interviews
Practice common behavioural and role-specific interview questions, learn how to talk about your projects clearly, and get support with remote interview dynamics and salary conversations.
Resume & Cover letter Reviews
Get tailored feedback on your CV/resume and cover letter so recruiters can quickly understand your strengths. We focus on clarity, ATS-friendly structure, and presenting projects in a way that fits Romania and EU hiring expectations.
Job and Internship Round-Up
A curated selection of opportunities shared by our career team, covering junior roles, internships, and skill-building positions, including remote-friendly options where available.
Career Resources Platform Access
Access career materials, templates, assignments, and tech industry resources inside our learning platform, so you can keep improving even after the bootcamp.
Professional Guidance & Networking Events
Meet tech professionals for practical advice and perspective. Join our Career Chats to learn how different roles work in real teams and expand your network in Romania and beyond.
Alumni Networking
Stay connected with classmates and CLA alumni to share opportunities, exchange ideas, and keep learning together through thoughtful discussions and community support.
Why choose Code Labs Academy?
1-to-1 career coaching
Personalised support from career specialists: CV and LinkedIn refresh, mock interviews, and a tech-focused job-search strategy.
Portfolio-ready projects
Graduate with a GitHub-ready portfolio of real-world projects, built in class and polished with mentor feedback.
Industry-driven curriculum
Curriculum refreshed every quarter to match current hiring needs in AI, cybersecurity, and web development.
Recognised certificate
Showcase your AZAV-accredited Code Labs Academy certificate on LinkedIn, your CV, and visa applications.
Frequently asked questions
What our graduates say
Learning in a small group with a very friendly and understanding instructor. I had a lot of fun, got an insight into areas that were completely new to me, learned a lot and in the end achieved exactly what I wanted.
LarsAs for the best part and most memorable experience, it's hard to pinpoint just one. However, I would say that the most memorable aspect of the CLA bootcamp is the sense of accomplishment and pride that comes with completing the program, especially th ...
MikhailThe teachers and mentors are wonderful, at least the one I had. Moe taught me more than all my teachers in my whole life. He makes things clear and always encourages you to keep going despite all the challenges.
I really enjoyed the full-time web development bootcamp. The teachers were knowledgeable and always took the time to answer all my questions. The content of the course covers the most needed skills to start in the web development industry. I recommen ...
Without a tech background, after just a few months I am now able not only to understand complex machine or deep learning models, but also to design them myself. If you are looking for a career change in the tech industry, motivated and have some time ...
As a part of the web development bootcamp, I must say that It went beyond my expectations. The bootcamp is indeed interactive, fun, and informative. I learned a lot of things thanks to my mentors and to everyone working behind the scenes. I would hig ...
CLA guided me to become the front-end developer that I planned to be. Literally they took me from zero to hero in their bootcamp. Keep up the good work you offer!
After completing my master's degree in data analytics, I endeavoured to further my knowledge in the field with the goal of pursuing a career in either data science or analysis. However, I encountered difficulties finding answers to my questions, so I ...
"I liked everything how it was and definitely will recommend CLA for my friends if they ask.I truly appreciated the hands-on, practical approach to learning. The bootcamp’s structure allowed me to engage with real-world cyber security scenarios, whic ...
ArtemI've never regretted choosing CLA to learn UI/UX. While I had some doubts before starting, I quickly realized that CLA would help me enhance my existing skills and acquire new ones that are incredibly valuable for my career.
The cyber security bootcamp I attended in 2022 taught me the foundational understanding and skills required for me to pivot to a career in IT. My instructor was knowledgeable, patient and always willing to help. Before the end of my course I receiv ...
The balance between theory and practice is perfect, you get a chance to apply what you learn in homework and real projects that are reviewed by the TAs. I recommend this bootcamp to anyone who wants to start their career in Data Science.
It’s an online boot camp with asynchronous courses that can match any student all over the world. I appreciate the fact that it comes with a certificate at the end upon successful completion. To sum up, this bootcamp is all in one, you learn and mas ...
The teachers are great, tolerant, motivated and cheerful. The learning process is smooth and fun, you have the space to ask your questions and also participate. But the most important thing is that they prepare you for the practical world by realisin ...
The cyber security bootcamp was a rapid journey of discovery. I soaked up vast amounts of knowledge and feel ready to take the next step on my new career path.
MauriceThe Code Labs Academy web development course was very impressive, it was one of the best experiences I have had in my life. I highly recommend attending this bootcamp where you not only learn web development, but also get career advice and be ready t ...
I'm always looking for new opportunities to learn the latest technologies in Data Science, and the quality of Code Labs Academy's content exceeded my expectations. If you're passionate about technology and willing to put in the effort, this bootcamp ...
The CLA bootcamp was a fantastic experience that had a significant impact on me. The live sessions were engaging and enjoyable, and I was always motivated to practice what I learned. The instructors were incredibly helpful and supportive throughout t ...
As a graduate of the CLA Cybersecurity bootcamp, what I appreciated the most was the quality of the instructors. They were incredibly attentive and highly knowledgeable about the subject. The hands-on practices were not only interesting but also allo ...
LuizLearning everything about programming and data in a short period of time is 100 percent guaranteed, the teachers are very free with student and are willing to help no matter the day or time and also all projects made can be presented in job applicati ...
I already knew about CLA through posts on LinkedIn and reading user reviews. When I saw the bootcamp curriculum, I thought it would be essential for my career advancement. I like the exercises we do together and the examples that are presented. The a ...
AlexandreOne of the best ways to learn Data Science and Machine Learning, excellent teachers who always help you understand and give you more ideas and examples. If you want to know more about ML, CLA is the best place.
I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for the incredible experience I had at your bootcamp. It was not only super helpful but also incredibly fun. I learned a tremendous amount during my time there and wanted to share my thoughts with you. First a ...
