AFA Connect
How to start a CyberPatriot team
The competition is for middle and high school students. Teams practice defensive cybersecurity by securing Windows and Linux systems and completing a Cisco networking challenge. Beginners can participate; prior cybersecurity knowledge is not required.
2026–27 competition guide · Reviewed
- Who can compete?
- Students in a participating school or approved youth organization; Open, All Service, and Middle School divisions.
- Team size
- 2–6 students on the roster; no more than 5 compete at once. Each team needs an adult coach approved by its organization.
- Competition format
- Online rounds use a continuous 4-hour competition period. National Finals are held in person.
Official competition overview and eligibility
2026–27 registration fees
- Open Division
- $225 per team
- Middle School Division
- $175 per team
- All Service Division
- Fee automatically waived
All-girl teams can request a waiver. Title I schools can request one with the required documentation. The listed standard rates exclude the early-registration discount for teams created before July 15, 2026.
Check current fees and waiversRegistration deadlines
These dates apply to the 2026–27 season. Current program instructions control; confirm them before submitting or paying.
2026–27 competition schedule
Reviewed September 23, 2026
- Round 1 (Open and All Service divisions)
- October 22–25, 2026
- Round 2 (Open and All Service divisions)
- November 12–15, 2026
- Introductory round (Middle School division)
- November 12–15, 2026
- State round (all divisions)
- December 10–13, 2026
- Semifinals (qualifying teams)
- January 21–23, 2027
- National Finals
- March 12–16, 2027
Teams choose one continuous four-hour block during their competition window. The official schedule lists times in U.S. Eastern Time and controls any changes; check it before planning a round or travel.
Check the official competition scheduleRegister through the official program
- Choose an adult coach through your school or youth organization. For CyberPatriot 19, the official registration page asks both new and returning coaches to create an account in the new volunteer system.
- The coach registers each team for the season and adds students to its roster. Students should not create volunteer accounts; they complete the competitor questionnaire sent after the coach adds them.
- Arrange payment or request an applicable waiver, then follow the coach dashboard and official instructions to prepare for the rounds.
Before your team gets started
What computers does a CyberPatriot team need?
Plan with your school’s IT team before registering. The current specifications call for 64-bit host computers, at least 8 GB RAM and 40 GB free disk space, and enabled virtualization. Check the official page for supported operating systems, VMware Workstation Pro, Cisco Packet Tracer, and network access requirements.
CyberPatriot technical specificationsHow is CyberPatriot different from StellarXplorers?
CyberPatriot focuses on securing computer systems and networks. StellarXplorers focuses on space mission design. Compare the other guide’s team requirements and preparation steps to choose the activity that fits your students.
Explore StellarXplorers