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Cyber Specialist (CySpec): Polytechnic Cyber Work-Learn Scheme
Explore MINDEF’s Polytechnic Cyber Work‑Learn Scheme, a 3‑year‐and‑3‑month programme for NS pre‑enlistees from polytechnic cybersecurity diplomas.
Last updated 9 July 2025
Cyber Specialists are trained to deal with advanced cyber threats, engage in real-world cybersecurity operations and contribute to the nation’s cyber ecosystem.
Their roles range from threat monitoring and assessment, to cyber forensics, incident response, malware analysis, and penetration testing.
Vocational training, on-the-job training and academic training will equip CySpecs with vocational knowledge and skills that will prepare them well for a future in the cybersecurity industry.
The Cyber Specialist Award
Specialised cybersecurity operations
Cyber Specialists will conduct specialised real-world cybersecurity operations in areas such as:
Cyber Forensics
Incident Response
Malware Analysis
Penetration Testing
Developmental opportunities
Cyber Specialists will have opportunities to develop their cybersecurity skills through: (a) vocational training and (b) On-the-Job Training (OJT).
Vocational training will equip them with vocational knowledge and skills that include how cybersecurity fundamentals are applied in MINDEF/SAF’s context.
Following vocational training, they will commence OJT, where they will train on specific systems, and learn tasks and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the specific units they are deployed to, and hone their skills through specialised real-world cybersecurity operations.
*Cyber Specialists will serve a total of 3 years and 3 months, so that their ORD is aligned with their polytechnic peers. This allows them to matriculate into University, or to join the wider workforce at the same time as their polytechnic cohort peers.
Salary and benefits
After a minimum period of service, Cyber Specialists will receive competitive Regular salary and will be entitled to Regular benefits such as leave and medical coverage.
Application and selection process
All National Service (NS) pre-enlistees from Cybersecurity-related diploma courses are eligible to apply. Applicants are expected to possess baseline knowledge and skills in cybersecurity. Interested pre-enlistees may register their interest by filling out the application form (Please note that the application form will not be available outside of the application window).
The selection process will commence one year ahead of your enlistment. Shortlisted applicants will be put through rigorous selection tests assessing aptitude and cybersecurity skills. Prior experience and knowledge of programming, network security, cryptography and malware analysis will be useful. Selected individuals will be offered the Cyber Specialist Award before your enlistment.
Applicants for the Polytechnic Cyber Work-Learn Scheme will be required to go through a selection process:
A) Cyber Selection Test. The Cyber Selection test is required to ensure that the candidates are able to meet MINDEF / SAF's operational requirements.
B) Security Vetting. Candidates will need to be vetted for security clearance, as they will be deployed for operationally-sensitive roles.
Application window
Interested pre-enlistees may apply for the Polytechnic Cyber Work-Learn Scheme in their second year of studies.
Only shortlisted applicants will be notified.
Register your interest for the Polytechnic Cyber Work‑Learn Scheme!
FAQs
Q1. Why do I need to enlist one year ahead of my peers from polytechnic?
The Polytechnic Cyber WLS leverages the Polytechnics' shift towards a year-long internship model for students to learn through meaningful work assignments and industry exposure in their third year. Students who join the Polytechnic Cyber WLS would enlist one year ahead of their peers so that they can fulfil their internship requirements with The DIS.
Q2. Why do I serve three years of NS, compared to my peers who only serve two years?
Cyber Specialists under the Polytechnic Cyber WLS will serve a short term contract of three years and three months and be remunerated as a Regular for part of this contract. The extended duration enables Cyber Specialists to be assigned tasks such as cyber threat monitoring and assessment, cyber forensics and penetration testing.
Q3. What are the eligibility criteria?
Students from relevant Cybersecurity-related diploma courses are eligible to apply for the Polytechnic Cyber WLS. Some relevant cybersecurity diploma courses are:
Singapore Polytechnic: Diploma in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics
Ngee Ann Polytechnic: Diploma in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics
Nanyang Polytechnic Diploma in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics
Republic Polytechnic: Diploma in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics
Temasek Polytechnic: Diploma in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics
Q4. Do I have to pass IPPT to qualify for the Polytechnic Cyber WLS?
Applicants for the Poly Cyber WLS will need to pass the NAPFA Stations for Pre-Enlistees. This is a requirement from MOE, as the six station NAPFA provides a comprehensive indicator of your health and performance-related fitness'. The results of the NAPFA will also determine your BMT intake.
Q5. Do I have to go through BMT?
Yes. Basic Military Training is an initiation to the military for new recruits. It allows you to learn and adjust to the requirements of working and living within a military organisation.
Q6. What remuneration will I receive during my time as a Cyber Specialist?
After a minimum period of service, the Cyber Specialists will receive a competitive Regular Salary, and will be entitled to Regular benefits such as leave and medical coverage. Further details will be made available in the eventual sponsorship agreement.
Q7. What will I do during the Polytechnic Cyber WLS?
Upon admission into the scheme, you will undergo BMT first, followed by the Cyber Specialist Cadet Course (CSCC) for Vocational Training that also fulfils the academic requirements which allows you to graduate from polytechnic studies.
At the end of their CSCC, the Cyber Specialists will be deployed to relevant cyber units based on their skillsets.
Q8. What if I choose to exit the Poly Cyber WLS after I have accepted the offer?
Candidates are required to fulfil the full service duration. For candidates who exit the scheme prematurely, service period rendered before the enlistment of their polytechnic cohort peers will not be counted towards the fulfilment of NS obligations. Further details will be made available in the eventual sponsorship agreement.
Q9. Are there any assessments during the service period for the Polytechnic Cyber WLS?
Yes. Candidates will be assessed on their ability to meet the training objectives for the Cyber Specialist Cadet Course.
Q10. What will happen if I fail the assessment?
Candidates who fail the assessments during the Cyber Specialist Cadet Course would be deemed to have also failed their Polytechnic internship. They will be exited from the Polytechnic Cyber WLS and disrupted from NS to re-attempt Poly Year 3 again. After completing the Year 3 academic requirements, they will be re-enlisted for NS. The student will not have the opportunity to be re-enlisted under the Poly Cyber WLS.
For any enquiries, please contact us!