Applied Technology Academy adds Centri cybersecurity certifications

Applied Technology Academy has partnered with Centri to bring hands-on defensive cybersecurity certifications to students, teams and organizations. The deal expands access to practical training in incident response, threat hunting, digital forensics and security operations through ATA’s training network.

Why it matters: - The partnership gives ATA learners access to practical cybersecurity training built around real-world defensive work, not just theory. - The collaboration targets a skills gap in cybersecurity, where teams need defenders who can perform in incident response, detection engineering, digital forensics and security operations. - The arrangement broadens Centri’s certification reach through ATA’s instructor-led delivery model.

What happened: - Applied Technology Academy announced a strategic partnership with Centri on Oct. 13, 2026. - ATA will offer Centri’s hands-on certification pathways to individuals, teams and organizations. - Centri was formerly known as Security Blue Team. - The training is available through ATA’s Centri training page: More information.

The details: - Centri’s certification programs use realistic labs, applied assessments and scenario-based learning. - ATA says the offerings are designed to help learners build skills in cyber defense, incident response, digital forensics, threat hunting, detection engineering and security operations. - Blue Team Level 1, or BTL1, is a junior-level certification focused on phishing analysis, threat intelligence, digital forensics, SIEM and incident response. - Blue Team Level 2, or BTL2, is an intermediate certification covering malware analysis, threat hunting, vulnerability management, advanced SIEM and adversary emulation. - Certified Detection Engineering Associate, or CDEA, covers Git workflows, Zeek, Sigma, YARA, threat intelligence integration and AI for defenders. - Certified Security Operations Manager, or CSOM, is aimed at professionals responsible for planning, building and maturing SOC capabilities. - Certified Penetration Testing Associate, or CPTA, focuses on penetration testing methodology, vulnerability assessment, web application testing, cloud security testing, Active Directory fundamentals, privilege escalation and technical reporting. - Centri also provides access to Blue Team Labs Online, a gamified lab platform with realistic investigations, cloud-based labs and hands-on challenges. - ATA described itself as a provider of instructor-led technical, cybersecurity, AI and workforce training for corporate, government and military clients. - Centri described itself as a global provider of practical defensive cybersecurity certifications and training.

Between the lines: - The partnership reflects a broader shift in cybersecurity training toward applied, testable skills that map more closely to day-to-day security operations. - ATA is using Centri’s certifications to strengthen its position in practical cyber defense training, while Centri gains a distribution and delivery partner. - The messaging suggests both companies want to appeal to learners and employers looking for job-ready skills rather than exam-only credentials.

What's next: - Centri certification training programs are now available through Applied Technology Academy. - Interested learners can contact ATA at info@appliedtechac.com for more information. - ATA will likely use the partnership to expand its cybersecurity training catalog for students and organizations seeking hands-on certification paths.

The bottom line: - ATA and Centri are pairing training delivery with practice-heavy certifications to make defensive cybersecurity education more job-relevant and accessible.