Competition
The NCL competition provides students with experience in solving real-world cybersecurity challenges such as identifying hackers from forensic data, pentesting and auditing vulnerable websites, recovering from ransomware attacks, and more.
NCL Spring 2024 Season Schedule
Registration is open January 29 - March 22 and costs $35 to participate. Late registration is March 23 - 26 with a cost increase to $45.
Gymnasium
Jan. 29 - May 24
A practice environment with guides of past challenges to help players prepare for the competition.
Practice Game
March 25 - 31
A week-long event that gives practice solving challenges without guides.
Individual Game
April 5 - 7
A weekend-long competitive event where individual players will attempt to solve as many challenges as they can.
Team Game
April 19 - 21
A weekend-long competitive event. Players will compete in teams of up to 7 and work to solve as many challenges as they can. You can also participate as a team of 1 if you would like to compete solo.
NCL Categories
The Scouting Report
Through their participation in the NCL, Players will earn a Scouting Report, which helps to:
- Identify possible careers
- Track skills for career readiness
- Assist in the hiring process
Visit the NCL Manual to learn more about the Scouting Report.
Practice Resources
Set yourself up for success by preparing for the NCL season with these free resources.
Results
How did they do? Check out the leaderboards and Power Rankings from past NCL seasons.
What our community thinks
Competing in these games is always a really fun experience! It's the time where all the cyber security kids from my classes get to meet and really learn from one another. - Colorado State University, Pueblo Student
NCL is one of the first activities where I felt like I can actually apply what I learn in my classes. The satisfaction I get from figuring out a difficult challenge is unmatched. - Penn State University Student
I love NCL because it made me certain that cybersecurity is the career field I wish to pursue. I will certainly compete again next year. - Regent University Student