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Evolve Security Academy is a cybersecurity training institution that offers a 20-week, part-time cybersecurity bootcamp live-online and instructor-led. The holistic Cybersecurity Bootcamp provides hands-on and immersive training, giving students the concrete and practical skills they will actually need on the job. Students gain real work experience through the live security assessment work they perform on non-profit organizations. With over 600,000 unfilled cyber security jobs in the U.S. and 1,000,000 globally, Evolve’s primary focus is on creating top-tier cyber security talent and placing students into high-paying jobs.
Interested students can apply via Evolve Security Academy’s website and then schedule an Admissions Advisor call.
Successful graduates of the cybersecurity bootcamps will receive a designation of Evolve Security Certified Professional (ESCP) certification after successful completion of written and lab exams. Throughout the course, Evolve Security Academy also prepares students to find a job with interview and job preparation from our Career Coach.
Advanced training is also available with our OSCP Bootcamp. This is an immersive 8-week, part-time, live-online, and instructor-led program. This course provides students with a deep dive into OSCP exam content and practical penetration testing concepts and methodologies through comprehensive labs from Evolve Security Academy. Students receive guided preparation for Evolve Academy's Penetration Testing lab exam as well as for the OSCP exam.
Had high hopes after reading the reviews here on Course Report and other bootcamp review websites. I was at a point in my life where I need a change and thought Evolve Security checked all the boxes. My feedback below is based on ensuring future students are well aware of what they'd get themselves into, instead of relying on the below 'rosy' reviews. It should've caught me earlier when the reviews were this good since really is anything actually worth 5 stars? I will break each experience...
Had high hopes after reading the reviews here on Course Report and other bootcamp review websites. I was at a point in my life where I need a change and thought Evolve Security checked all the boxes. My feedback below is based on ensuring future students are well aware of what they'd get themselves into, instead of relying on the below 'rosy' reviews. It should've caught me earlier when the reviews were this good since really is anything actually worth 5 stars? I will break each experience I had into categories below so you're aware of where I'm coming from.
Pre-bootcamp exercises:
Thought this was straight forward but it's a lot of material. I don't think anyone truly competed all before starting. However, I do think you need to have a firm knowledge of networking concepts. Also equally important is knowing SQL, even at the beginner level which you'll need for one of the assignments later on. You'll also need to be comfortable/intermediate with Python 3 and Bash. I suggest learning it enough to understand what and when to run For Loops. Look up and review what bash scripts are in cyber security. That should've been included in the pre-bootcamp exercise. You will also need to review basics of cryptography more which wasn't stressed so much in Evolve but is required knowledge in Security+.
Course Material:
The course material is a mix of online teaching/webinar-style videos and un-downloadable papers of notes. Nothing seriously wrong with the teaching videos or notes.
The problems lie mostly in the homework and labs. There were plenty of typos and hard to figure out what was actually not wrong. Homework wasn't reviewed either which is good if you hate homework but it's bad if you do it and submit without any feedback. Instructors checked occassionally and were supposed to leave comments on errors on homework. That did not happen all the time, for almost all sections of the course materials. I did not expect it to be this way given the amount of money on the bootcamp. Our class did not feel it was ever a concern from Evolve to review and return feedback on time and it got to a point where we just didn't care as much.
Some of the homework were 10xs difficult than beginner level. This is my main problem with Evolve. At least if you're going to feature difficult homework, call it out earlier in the bootcamp in the prep exercises. Even those with technical knowledge found the assignments to be extremely challenging. And there was hardly any follow up on those modules so you can bet that some classmates didn't complete or even get a chance to ask since homework wasn't reviewed.
There is also a strong leaning towards Linux and Apple which was clearly obvious as the majority of the course material was intended for these. It was difficult for those without a Mac to follow through as some of the commands or plug-ins had to be downloaded. Windows/PC is still used a lot in IT and Security so it would've made more sense to feature courses around Windows Malware and importantly having courses in general for those with PCs only.
Also as a bootcamp grad, note you'll be spending more time googling, looking at stack overflow, and watching YouTube videos. I didn't think it was going to be like this mostly but turns out it was at least 60-70% of the time like this.
Quizzes:
There are quizzes after each section of every module. Some of the questions were hard to understand and were timed. Some of them were also too easy. It should've been modeled after the Security+ or Network+ past exams so that we'd understand more and find it more useful.
Assessments:
This is only available for the in-person bootcamp cohorts. It's basically a test to see what you've learned from some of the modules and based on actual interview questions. At first we thought the assesments were intimidating but over time it was good 1 and 1 time with our instructor. Towards the end of the bootcamp, we slacked off these assesments, and naturally because it got really busy.
Projects:
You get a nonprofit client to work with. The client project also is on-site at their physical location. Our cohort enjoyed this part of the bootcamp for the most part since it was hands-on and we got a chance to see how an actual penetration test looked like, including putting together a client report and assesment. What was confusing was how Evolve organized the assesments. The assesments were conducted not only on-site but in the Evolve Security Academy office and there was confusion on who was supposed to organize what program or run whatever command (sorry I can't give these command details away). There was also a reliance on some of the more technical classmates and it felt like the instuctors had deferred it back to us. I would've thought they would guide more since it was our first time but to some point, it felt hands off. At least our cohort were working closer together so we helped each other out.
Some classmates didn't really do much for the client which happens in class settings. I do think they could've participated more or at least managed something part of the assesment for their own experience instead of taking credit for the project. However, we managed to present to the client and they liked our work a lot.
ESCP exam:
This exam happens at the end of the bootcamp. I felt it was extremely hard. We were caught up with the work with the client where practicing with others and studying was left at the way side. We also didn't have one of our key instructors to go over issues with. I wasn't expecting a lot of hand-holding but I did want to study more instead of having to deal with a client. I know it's hard already in a bootcamp and not having enough time to study was also harder. You are expected to pass this ESCP in order to pass the entire bootcamp, so I thought this should've been something we studied for 2-3 weeks and in groups with one another.
Instructors:
Overall all of the instructors were good but I do think the typos and mistakes overshadowed the amount of learning. One of the instructors was a strong penetration tester and we were supposed to have him instruct us but he left for a few weeks because of personal issues. We didn't have anyone except our Teacher's Assistant who is also quite busy working for Evolve separately. I think the depth of knowledge is different from both and it was a cop out that we didn't get a chance to really get into malware or forensics which was hardly touched on and was supposed to be discussed by the lead instructor.
Separately there was a google sheet for feedback for each instructor or after each week. It didn't feel like it was being reviewed honestly. Also Evolve could've had a section after each module asking what students felt so that they would actually review it in the course. We had left some comments on there that asked or spoke about whta could be better but not sure it was going to be implemented, at least in our cohort.
You can try to catch an instructor at the beginning or at the end of each class. There was also time to go over with the Teacher's Instructor. I thought this was good at least I could reach out. I do think there should've been a review time too to go over in more detail the harder subjects i.e Cryptography.
Job Preparation:
This is the reason why I took the boot camp. It seemed like everyone had a fantastic experience which means they should've gotten jobs! Sorry it wasn't so. At your disposal is a career coach and a few resume reviews and a few job recruiters who are only based in the Chicago region. For those seeking remote positions, I don't think anyone gave information on how this could be done. I didn't like how the recruiters seemed to offer contract roles only and only in Chicago. What about those who lived elsewhere? But that's that's on them to figure out. There wasn't any talk of developing projects or figuring out how to network but rather deferring that back to us. Also some of the past alums seemed to be helpful while others seemed too busy or not willing to really help. I would've expected a direct hire style since those graduates were working in a few well known companies like banks or consulting companies but there's nothing like that built yet. You still have to reach out to alums and you still have to apply through job sites.
Network:
Since its a Chicago based company, they do have a relatively familiar name. I was able to get by during some meetups talking about Evolve. Some folks were curious as to what a cybersecurity bootcamp is. Evolve is also connected to a few organizations like United Airlines and CME group who have some graduates who work there. However, note that those who work there might not have been a direct hire so you have to weigh that back in as a contractor.
Conclusion:
If you're deciding on going to Evolve, it's mostly b/c you saw the news about the job shortage in cybersecurity or you might have some knowledge in programming or IT. You'll have a clear advantage if you come from either programming or IT as concepts are pulled from those areas or cybesecurity is part of those subjects. If you're not as techincal, it will be hard for you. I don't think Evolve did a great job helping those out who are not as technically inclined. You can work had to try and learn cybersecurity concepts but what's expected from you is to pass the ESCP exam which is a bit more difficult for those who are new.
Also looking back I do wish I had told instructors how I felt but felt pressured since not everyone felt they could speak out. I spent so much money and only now realized I could've spent that money learning the Security+ exam inside/out and following through with online courses. Yes online courses are also detailed and might not be updated but they cost significantly less. There are also alternatives like pluralsight, ITPROTV or pentesteracademy/pentesterlab. Also there are more amazing cybersecurity communities out there online and Security professionals overall are helpful. I think what made Evolve interesting is the name it gave and for the glowing reviews. It's also slightly well known in Chicago but not heard as much else where (that's only because Evolve is still new).
I would also look into job descriptions. If you read what the industry is really looking for, it sounds very 'experienced'. I wouldn't let that deter you from pursuing cybersecurity but be realistic of what you'd have to pay and what you'd get in return. You can also spend nearly the same amount of money for a grad certificate or even at for-profit online college or gone on edx.org for a micro-masters degree which would've had peer reviewed the content and passed it through educational boards. (Like those typos would've not existed)
I wish all the best to those who are part of Evolve. I wished it was worth the time and effort. I also think they should just own up to the work and take this review as a critique from someone wants others to be successful and not disillusioned by cybersecurity. Evolve offered a foundational knowledge but it didn't feel like it was worth much.
Course Report is excited to offer an exclusive Evolve Security Academy scholarship for $1000 off tuition!
Course Report readers can receive an Exclusive Scholarship to Evolve Security Academy!
How much does Evolve Security Academy cost?
Evolve Security Academy costs around $13,950. On the lower end, some Evolve Security Academy courses like OSCP Bootcamp (Live-Online) cost $5,250.
What courses does Evolve Security Academy teach?
Evolve Security Academy offers courses like Cybersecurity Bootcamp: Live-Online, OSCP Bootcamp (Live-Online).
Where does Evolve Security Academy have campuses?
Evolve Security Academy has an in-person campus in Chicago.
Is Evolve Security Academy worth it?
Evolve Security Academy hasn't shared alumni outcomes yet, but one way to determine if a bootcamp is worth it is by reading alumni reviews. 166 Evolve Security Academy alumni, students, and applicants have reviewed Evolve Security Academy on Course Report - you should start there!
Is Evolve Security Academy legit?
We let alumni answer that question. 166 Evolve Security Academy alumni, students, and applicants have reviewed Evolve Security Academy and rate their overall experience a 4.86 out of 5.
Does Evolve Security Academy offer scholarships or accept the GI Bill?
Yes, Course Report is excited to offer an exclusive Evolve Security Academy scholarship for $1000 off tuition!
Can I read Evolve Security Academy reviews?
You can read 166 reviews of Evolve Security Academy on Course Report! Evolve Security Academy alumni, students, and applicants have reviewed Evolve Security Academy and rate their overall experience a 4.86 out of 5.
Is Evolve Security Academy accredited?
While bootcamps must be approved to operate, accreditation is relatively rare. Evolve Security Academy doesn't yet share information about their accreditation status.
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