H.R. 3435 — Federal Cyber Workforce Training Act of 2025

This section defines terms related to a Federal cyber workforce development institute—including "cyber work role," "NICE framework" (i.e., NIST Special Publication 800-181 on cybersecurity workforce roles), and "work-based learning" (as defined in the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006)—and directs the National Cyber Director, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, Secretary of Defense, Director of the Office of Personnel Management, and other relevant agency heads, to submit to the appropriate congressional committees and make publicly available, not later than 180 days after enactment, a plan for establishing such an institute. The plan must specify institute functions, including (1) modularized, hands-on training and assessments for new hires and mid-career transitions in cyber work roles from diverse backgrounds; (2) curriculum development coordinated with federal agencies per the NICE framework, prioritizing entry-level positions and incorporating work-based learning; (3) training for HR personnel on cyber hiring; (4) upskilling/reskilling modules; (5) a badging system modeled on intelligence community practices; and (6) in-person and virtual options irrespective of college degree status. Plan elements must include recommendations on organizational placement (potentially interagency), alignment with NIST publications, use of existing versus new federal resources, curriculum details modeled on programs such as the Joint Cyber Analysis Course and Federal Cyber Defense Skilling Academy, policies for training non-completion, an interim security clearance process, and interagency governance.