Specialized Training (also “Advanced Technical Training” or “Specialized Education”) is advanced and technical training directed at specific roles in cybersecurity, providing deep knowledge and specialized skills for security professionals. This training focuses on specific technical areas such as forensic analysis, incident response, vulnerability management, or security architecture, being fundamental for developing the competencies necessary for roles such as CISO, security analysts, and security engineers, and ensuring that security professionals have the skills needed to address complex security challenges.

What is Specialized Training?

Specialized training is an advanced training program that focuses on developing specific technical competencies for critical roles in cybersecurity, including analysts, engineers, architects, and security leaders.

Types of Training

Technical Training

  • Malware Analysis: Malware analysis techniques
  • Digital Forensics: Digital incident investigation
  • Penetration Testing: Ethical penetration testing
  • Security Architecture: Secure architecture design

Role Training

  • CISO: Information security leadership
  • Security Analyst: Threat and incident analysis
  • Security Engineer: Control implementation
  • Security Architect: Solution design

Professional Certifications

  • CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional
  • CISM: Certified Information Security Manager
  • CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor
  • CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker

Specialized Training System

Program Management

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import pandas as pd
import numpy as np
from datetime import datetime, timedelta
import json

class SpecializedTrainingManagement:
    def __init__(self):
        self.training_programs = {}
        self.courses = {}
        self.certifications = {}
        self.students = {}
        self.enrollments = {}
        self.assessments = {}
        self.career_paths = {}
    
    def create_training_program(self, program_id, program_config):
        """Create specialized training program"""
        self.training_programs[program_id] = {
            'program_id': program_id,
            'name': program_config['name'],
            'description': program_config['description'],
            'target_role': program_config['target_role'],
            'skill_level': program_config.get('skill_level', 'intermediate'),
            'duration_weeks': program_config.get('duration_weeks', 12),
            'delivery_method': program_config.get('delivery_method', 'blended'),
            'prerequisites': program_config.get('prerequisites', []),
            'learning_objectives': program_config.get('learning_objectives', []),
            'curriculum': program_config.get('curriculum', []),
            'certification_path': program_config.get('certification_path', []),
            'instructors': program_config.get('instructors', []),
            'max_students': program_config.get('max_students', 20),
            'status': 'active',
            'created_date': datetime.now()
        }
    
    def create_course(self, course_id, course_config):
        """Create specialized course"""
        self.courses[course_id] = {
            'course_id': course_id,
            'title': course_config['title'],
            'description': course_config['description'],
            'category': course_config['category'],
            'skill_level': course_config.get('skill_level', 'intermediate'),
            'duration_hours': course_config.get('duration_hours', 40),
            'delivery_method': course_config.get('delivery_method', 'in_person'),
            'instructor': course_config.get('instructor'),
            'learning_objectives': course_config.get('learning_objectives', []),
            'syllabus': course_config.get('syllabus', []),
            'hands_on_labs': course_config.get('hands_on_labs', []),
            'assessment_methods': course_config.get('assessment_methods', []),
            'certification_credits': course_config.get('certification_credits', 0),
            'prerequisites': course_config.get('prerequisites', []),
            'created_date': datetime.now()
        }
    
    def create_certification_program(self, cert_id, cert_config):
        """Create certification program"""
        self.certifications[cert_id] = {
            'cert_id': cert_id,
            'name': cert_config['name'],
            'issuing_body': cert_config['issuing_body'],
            'category': cert_config['category'],
            'skill_level': cert_config.get('skill_level', 'intermediate'),
            'validity_years': cert_config.get('validity_years', 3),
            'exam_requirements': cert_config.get('exam_requirements', []),
            'experience_requirements': cert_config.get('experience_requirements', []),
            'continuing_education': cert_config.get('continuing_education', 0),
            'cost': cert_config.get('cost', 0),
            'recognition_level': cert_config.get('recognition_level', 'professional'),
            'created_date': datetime.now()
        }
    
    def register_student(self, student_id, student_data):
        """Register student"""
        self.students[student_id] = {
            'student_id': student_id,
            'name': student_data['name'],
            'email': student_data['email'],
            'current_role': student_data.get('current_role', 'unknown'),
            'target_role': student_data.get('target_role', 'unknown'),
            'experience_years': student_data.get('experience_years', 0),
            'current_certifications': student_data.get('current_certifications', []),
            'skill_assessment': student_data.get('skill_assessment', {}),
            'learning_preferences': student_data.get('learning_preferences', []),
            'enrollment_date': datetime.now(),
            'status': 'active'
        }
    
    def enroll_student(self, enrollment_id, enrollment_data):
        """Enroll student in program"""
        self.enrollments[enrollment_id] = {
            'enrollment_id': enrollment_id,
            'student_id': enrollment_data['student_id'],
            'program_id': enrollment_data.get('program_id'),
            'course_id': enrollment_data.get('course_id'),
            'cert_id': enrollment_data.get('cert_id'),
            'enrollment_date': datetime.now(),
            'start_date': enrollment_data.get('start_date'),
            'end_date': enrollment_data.get('end_date'),
            'status': 'enrolled',
            'progress': 0,
            'completion_date': None,
            'final_grade': None,
            'certificate_issued': False
        }
    
    def conduct_assessment(self, assessment_id, assessment_data):
        """Conduct student assessment"""
        self.assessments[assessment_id] = {
            'assessment_id': assessment_id,
            'student_id': assessment_data['student_id'],
            'enrollment_id': assessment_data['enrollment_id'],
            'assessment_type': assessment_data['assessment_type'],
            'questions': assessment_data['questions'],
            'answers': assessment_data['answers'],
            'score': assessment_data['score'],
            'max_score': assessment_data['max_score'],
            'percentage': (assessment_data['score'] / assessment_data['max_score'] * 100) if assessment_data['max_score'] > 0 else 0,
            'passing_threshold': assessment_data.get('passing_threshold', 70),
            'passed': assessment_data['score'] >= (assessment_data['max_score'] * assessment_data.get('passing_threshold', 70) / 100),
            'assessment_date': datetime.now(),
            'time_taken_minutes': assessment_data.get('time_taken_minutes', 0),
            'feedback': assessment_data.get('feedback', '')
        }
        
        # Update student progress
        self.update_student_progress(assessment_data['student_id'], assessment_data['enrollment_id'])
        
        return True
    
    def update_student_progress(self, student_id, enrollment_id):
        """Update student progress"""
        if enrollment_id not in self.enrollments:
            return False
        
        enrollment = self.enrollments[enrollment_id]
        
        # Get all student assessments for this enrollment
        student_assessments = [
            a for a in self.assessments.values()
            if a['student_id'] == student_id and a['enrollment_id'] == enrollment_id
        ]
        
        if not student_assessments:
            return False
        
        # Calculate progress based on completed assessments
        total_assessments = len(student_assessments)
        passed_assessments = len([a for a in student_assessments if a['passed']])
        
        # Calculate percentage progress
        if enrollment.get('program_id'):
            # For programs, calculate based on completed courses
            program = self.training_programs[enrollment['program_id']]
            total_courses = len(program.get('curriculum', []))
            progress = (passed_assessments / total_courses * 100) if total_courses > 0 else 0
        else:
            # For individual courses, calculate based on assessments
            progress = (passed_assessments / total_assessments * 100) if total_assessments > 0 else 0
        
        enrollment['progress'] = min(progress, 100)
        
        # Check if complete
        if enrollment['progress'] >= 100:
            enrollment['status'] = 'completed'
            enrollment['completion_date'] = datetime.now()
            enrollment['certificate_issued'] = True
        
        return True
    
    def create_career_path(self, path_id, path_config):
        """Create career path"""
        self.career_paths[path_id] = {
            'path_id': path_id,
            'name': path_config['name'],
            'description': path_config['description'],
            'target_role': path_config['target_role'],
            'entry_level': path_config.get('entry_level', 'beginner'),
            'target_level': path_config.get('target_level', 'expert'),
            'stages': path_config.get('stages', []),
            'required_courses': path_config.get('required_courses', []),
            'required_certifications': path_config.get('required_certifications', []),
            'experience_requirements': path_config.get('experience_requirements', []),
            'estimated_duration_months': path_config.get('estimated_duration_months', 24),
            'created_date': datetime.now()
        }
    
    def assess_student_readiness(self, student_id, target_role):
        """Assess student readiness for a role"""
        if student_id not in self.students:
            return None
        
        student = self.students[student_id]
        
        # Get student assessments
        student_assessments = [a for a in self.assessments.values() if a['student_id'] == student_id]
        
        if not student_assessments:
            return None
        
        # Calculate performance metrics
        total_assessments = len(student_assessments)
        passed_assessments = len([a for a in student_assessments if a['passed']])
        avg_score = sum(a['percentage'] for a in student_assessments) / total_assessments if total_assessments > 0 else 0
        
        # Assess readiness based on metrics
        readiness_score = 0
        
        # Academic performance factor
        if avg_score >= 90:
            readiness_score += 40
        elif avg_score >= 80:
            readiness_score += 30
        elif avg_score >= 70:
            readiness_score += 20
        else:
            readiness_score += 10
        
        # Experience factor
        experience_years = student.get('experience_years', 0)
        if experience_years >= 5:
            readiness_score += 30
        elif experience_years >= 3:
            readiness_score += 20
        elif experience_years >= 1:
            readiness_score += 10
        
        # Certification factor
        current_certs = len(student.get('current_certifications', []))
        if current_certs >= 3:
            readiness_score += 20
        elif current_certs >= 2:
            readiness_score += 15
        elif current_certs >= 1:
            readiness_score += 10
        
        # Training progress factor
        student_enrollments = [e for e in self.enrollments.values() if e['student_id'] == student_id]
        if student_enrollments:
            avg_progress = sum(e['progress'] for e in student_enrollments) / len(student_enrollments)
            readiness_score += (avg_progress / 100) * 10
        
        # Determine readiness level
        if readiness_score >= 80:
            readiness_level = 'ready'
        elif readiness_score >= 60:
            readiness_level = 'almost_ready'
        elif readiness_score >= 40:
            readiness_level = 'needs_development'
        else:
            readiness_level = 'not_ready'
        
        # Generate recommendations
        recommendations = self.generate_readiness_recommendations(readiness_score, student, target_role)
        
        assessment = {
            'student_id': student_id,
            'target_role': target_role,
            'readiness_score': readiness_score,
            'readiness_level': readiness_level,
            'performance_metrics': {
                'avg_score': avg_score,
                'passed_assessments': passed_assessments,
                'total_assessments': total_assessments,
                'experience_years': experience_years,
                'certifications': current_certs
            },
            'recommendations': recommendations,
            'assessment_date': datetime.now()
        }
        
        return assessment
    
    def generate_readiness_recommendations(self, readiness_score, student, target_role):
        """Generate readiness recommendations"""
        recommendations = []
        
        if readiness_score < 40:
            recommendations.append({
                'type': 'foundational_training',
                'priority': 'high',
                'description': 'Complete foundational cybersecurity training',
                'actions': ['Basic security concepts', 'Network security fundamentals', 'Incident response basics']
            })
        
        if readiness_score < 60:
            recommendations.append({
                'type': 'skill_development',
                'priority': 'medium',
                'description': 'Develop specific skills for target role',
                'actions': ['Role-specific training', 'Hands-on labs', 'Mentoring program']
            })
        
        if readiness_score < 80:
            recommendations.append({
                'type': 'certification',
                'priority': 'medium',
                'description': 'Obtain relevant certifications for the role',
                'actions': ['Study for relevant certifications', 'Take practice exams', 'Join study groups']
            })
        
        if readiness_score >= 80:
            recommendations.append({
                'type': 'maintenance',
                'priority': 'low',
                'description': 'Maintain and update existing knowledge',
                'actions': ['Continuing education', 'Stay updated with latest threats', 'Mentor others']
            })
        
        return recommendations
    
    def generate_training_report(self, program_id=None, student_id=None):
        """Generate training report"""
        report = {
            'report_date': datetime.now(),
            'program_metrics': {},
            'student_metrics': {},
            'certification_metrics': {},
            'recommendations': []
        }
        
        if program_id:
            # Program-specific report
            program = self.training_programs[program_id]
            program_enrollments = [e for e in self.enrollments.values() if e['program_id'] == program_id]
            
            total_enrollments = len(program_enrollments)
            completed_enrollments = len([e for e in program_enrollments if e['status'] == 'completed'])
            avg_progress = sum(e['progress'] for e in program_enrollments) / total_enrollments if total_enrollments > 0 else 0
            
            report['program_metrics'] = {
                'program_name': program['name'],
                'total_enrollments': total_enrollments,
                'completed_enrollments': completed_enrollments,
                'completion_rate': (completed_enrollments / total_enrollments * 100) if total_enrollments > 0 else 0,
                'avg_progress': avg_progress
            }
        
        if student_id:
            # Student-specific report
            student = self.students[student_id]
            student_enrollments = [e for e in self.enrollments.values() if e['student_id'] == student_id]
            student_assessments = [a for a in self.assessments.values() if a['student_id'] == student_id]
            
            total_courses = len(student_enrollments)
            completed_courses = len([e for e in student_enrollments if e['status'] == 'completed'])
            avg_score = sum(a['percentage'] for a in student_assessments) / len(student_assessments) if student_assessments else 0
            
            report['student_metrics'] = {
                'student_name': student['name'],
                'total_courses': total_courses,
                'completed_courses': completed_courses,
                'completion_rate': (completed_courses / total_courses * 100) if total_courses > 0 else 0,
                'avg_score': avg_score,
                'current_certifications': student.get('current_certifications', [])
            }
        
        # General certification metrics
        total_certifications = len(self.certifications)
        active_certifications = len([c for c in self.certifications.values() if c.get('status') == 'active'])
        
        report['certification_metrics'] = {
            'total_certifications': total_certifications,
            'active_certifications': active_certifications
        }
        
        return report

# Usage example
training_mgmt = SpecializedTrainingManagement()

# Create training program
training_mgmt.create_training_program('PROG-001', {
    'name': 'Advanced Security Analyst Program',
    'description': 'Advanced program for security analysts',
    'target_role': 'security_analyst',
    'skill_level': 'advanced',
    'duration_weeks': 16,
    'delivery_method': 'blended',
    'prerequisites': ['Basic security knowledge', 'Network fundamentals'],
    'learning_objectives': [
        'Advanced threat analysis',
        'Incident response procedures',
        'Security tool mastery'
    ],
    'curriculum': ['COURSE-001', 'COURSE-002', 'COURSE-003']
})

# Create specialized course
training_mgmt.create_course('COURSE-001', {
    'title': 'Advanced Threat Analysis',
    'description': 'Advanced security threat analysis',
    'category': 'threat_analysis',
    'skill_level': 'advanced',
    'duration_hours': 40,
    'delivery_method': 'in_person',
    'instructor': 'Dr. Security Expert',
    'learning_objectives': [
        'Identify advanced persistent threats',
        'Analyze malware behavior',
        'Correlate security events'
    ],
    'hands_on_labs': ['Malware analysis lab', 'Threat hunting lab'],
    'certification_credits': 20
})

# Register student
training_mgmt.register_student('STU-001', {
    'name': 'Alice Johnson',
    'email': 'alice.johnson@company.com',
    'current_role': 'junior_analyst',
    'target_role': 'senior_analyst',
    'experience_years': 2,
    'current_certifications': ['Security+'],
    'learning_preferences': ['hands_on', 'lab_based']
})

# Enroll student
training_mgmt.enroll_student('ENR-001', {
    'student_id': 'STU-001',
    'program_id': 'PROG-001',
    'start_date': datetime.now(),
    'end_date': datetime.now() + timedelta(weeks=16)
})

# Conduct assessment
training_mgmt.conduct_assessment('ASSESS-001', {
    'student_id': 'STU-001',
    'enrollment_id': 'ENR-001',
    'assessment_type': 'midterm',
    'questions': 20,
    'answers': 18,
    'score': 18,
    'max_score': 20,
    'passing_threshold': 70,
    'time_taken_minutes': 45
})

# Assess readiness
readiness = training_mgmt.assess_student_readiness('STU-001', 'senior_analyst')
print(f"Student readiness: {readiness['readiness_level']}")
print(f"Readiness score: {readiness['readiness_score']}")

Certification Management

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class CertificationManagement:
    def __init__(self):
        self.certification_tracking = {}
        self.continuing_education = {}
        self.renewal_alerts = {}
        self.certification_paths = {}
    
    def track_certification(self, cert_id, student_id, certification_data):
        """Track student certification"""
        tracking_id = f"TRACK-{len(self.certification_tracking) + 1}"
        
        self.certification_tracking[tracking_id] = {
            'tracking_id': tracking_id,
            'cert_id': cert_id,
            'student_id': student_id,
            'certification_name': certification_data['certification_name'],
            'issuing_body': certification_data['issuing_body'],
            'issue_date': certification_data['issue_date'],
            'expiry_date': certification_data['expiry_date'],
            'certification_number': certification_data.get('certification_number'),
            'status': 'active',
            'verification_url': certification_data.get('verification_url'),
            'continuing_education_required': certification_data.get('continuing_education_required', 0),
            'continuing_education_completed': 0,
            'renewal_reminder_sent': False,
            'created_date': datetime.now()
        }
        
        return tracking_id
    
    def add_continuing_education(self, tracking_id, ce_data):
        """Add continuing education"""
        if tracking_id not in self.certification_tracking:
            return False
        
        ce_id = f"CE-{len(self.continuing_education) + 1}"
        
        self.continuing_education[ce_id] = {
            'ce_id': ce_id,
            'tracking_id': tracking_id,
            'activity_name': ce_data['activity_name'],
            'provider': ce_data['provider'],
            'credits_earned': ce_data['credits_earned'],
            'completion_date': ce_data['completion_date'],
            'verification_document': ce_data.get('verification_document'),
            'status': 'completed',
            'created_date': datetime.now()
        }
        
        # Update completed credits
        tracking = self.certification_tracking[tracking_id]
        tracking['continuing_education_completed'] += ce_data['credits_earned']
        
        return True
    
    def check_renewal_requirements(self, tracking_id):
        """Check renewal requirements"""
        if tracking_id not in self.certification_tracking:
            return None
        
        tracking = self.certification_tracking[tracking_id]
        
        # Check if close to expiring
        days_to_expiry = (tracking['expiry_date'] - datetime.now()).days
        
        renewal_status = {
            'tracking_id': tracking_id,
            'certification_name': tracking['certification_name'],
            'days_to_expiry': days_to_expiry,
            'expiry_date': tracking['expiry_date'],
            'continuing_education_required': tracking['continuing_education_required'],
            'continuing_education_completed': tracking['continuing_education_completed'],
            'ce_remaining': tracking['continuing_education_required'] - tracking['continuing_education_completed'],
            'renewal_status': 'current'
        }
        
        if days_to_expiry < 0:
            renewal_status['renewal_status'] = 'expired'
        elif days_to_expiry < 30:
            renewal_status['renewal_status'] = 'urgent'
        elif days_to_expiry < 90:
            renewal_status['renewal_status'] = 'due_soon'
        
        # Check continuing education requirements
        if tracking['continuing_education_required'] > 0:
            ce_remaining = tracking['continuing_education_required'] - tracking['continuing_education_completed']
            if ce_remaining > 0:
                renewal_status['ce_status'] = 'incomplete'
            else:
                renewal_status['ce_status'] = 'complete'
        else:
            renewal_status['ce_status'] = 'not_required'
        
        return renewal_status
    
    def generate_renewal_alerts(self):
        """Generate renewal alerts"""
        alerts = []
        
        for tracking_id, tracking in self.certification_tracking.items():
            renewal_status = self.check_renewal_requirements(tracking_id)
            
            if renewal_status['renewal_status'] in ['urgent', 'expired']:
                alerts.append({
                    'alert_id': f"ALERT-{len(alerts) + 1}",
                    'tracking_id': tracking_id,
                    'student_id': tracking['student_id'],
                    'certification_name': tracking['certification_name'],
                    'alert_type': 'renewal_urgent',
                    'priority': 'high',
                    'message': f"Certification {tracking['certification_name']} expires in {renewal_status['days_to_expiry']} days",
                    'created_date': datetime.now()
                })
            
            if renewal_status['ce_status'] == 'incomplete' and renewal_status['days_to_expiry'] < 60:
                alerts.append({
                    'alert_id': f"ALERT-{len(alerts) + 1}",
                    'tracking_id': tracking_id,
                    'student_id': tracking['student_id'],
                    'certification_name': tracking['certification_name'],
                    'alert_type': 'continuing_education',
                    'priority': 'medium',
                    'message': f"{renewal_status['ce_remaining']} continuing education credits remaining for {tracking['certification_name']}",
                    'created_date': datetime.now()
                })
        
        return alerts
    
    def create_certification_path(self, path_id, path_config):
        """Create certification path"""
        self.certification_paths[path_id] = {
            'path_id': path_id,
            'name': path_config['name'],
            'description': path_config['description'],
            'target_role': path_config['target_role'],
            'certifications': path_config['certifications'],
            'prerequisites': path_config.get('prerequisites', []),
            'recommended_order': path_config.get('recommended_order', []),
            'estimated_duration_months': path_config.get('estimated_duration_months', 12),
            'total_cost': path_config.get('total_cost', 0),
            'created_date': datetime.now()
        }
    
    def recommend_certification_path(self, student_id, target_role):
        """Recommend certification path"""
        if student_id not in self.students:
            return None
        
        student = self.students[student_id]
        current_certs = student.get('current_certifications', [])
        experience_years = student.get('experience_years', 0)
        
        # Find relevant paths
        relevant_paths = [
            path for path in self.certification_paths.values()
            if path['target_role'] == target_role
        ]
        
        if not relevant_paths:
            return None
        
        # Evaluate each path
        path_recommendations = []
        
        for path in relevant_paths:
            # Calculate compatibility
            compatibility_score = 0
            
            # Experience factor
            if experience_years >= 5:
                compatibility_score += 30
            elif experience_years >= 3:
                compatibility_score += 20
            elif experience_years >= 1:
                compatibility_score += 10
            
            # Existing certifications factor
            existing_certs = len([cert for cert in current_certs if cert in path['certifications']])
            compatibility_score += existing_certs * 15
            
            # Prerequisites factor
            prerequisites_met = len([req for req in path['prerequisites'] if req in current_certs])
            if path['prerequisites']:
                compatibility_score += (prerequisites_met / len(path['prerequisites'])) * 25
            
            # Duration factor
            if path['estimated_duration_months'] <= 6:
                compatibility_score += 15
            elif path['estimated_duration_months'] <= 12:
                compatibility_score += 10
            
            path_recommendations.append({
                'path_id': path['path_id'],
                'path_name': path['name'],
                'compatibility_score': compatibility_score,
                'certifications_needed': [cert for cert in path['certifications'] if cert not in current_certs],
                'estimated_duration': path['estimated_duration_months'],
                'total_cost': path['total_cost']
            })
        
        # Sort by compatibility
        path_recommendations.sort(key=lambda x: x['compatibility_score'], reverse=True)
        
        return {
            'student_id': student_id,
            'target_role': target_role,
            'recommendations': path_recommendations,
            'generated_date': datetime.now()
        }

# Usage example
cert_mgmt = CertificationManagement()

# Track certification
tracking_id = cert_mgmt.track_certification('CISSP', 'STU-001', {
    'certification_name': 'CISSP',
    'issuing_body': 'ISC2',
    'issue_date': datetime.now() - timedelta(days=365),
    'expiry_date': datetime.now() + timedelta(days=730),
    'certification_number': 'CISSP123456',
    'continuing_education_required': 40
})

# Add continuing education
cert_mgmt.add_continuing_education(tracking_id, {
    'activity_name': 'Security Conference 2025',
    'provider': 'Security Institute',
    'credits_earned': 8,
    'completion_date': datetime.now() - timedelta(days=30)
})

# Check renewal requirements
renewal_status = cert_mgmt.check_renewal_requirements(tracking_id)
print(f"Renewal status: {renewal_status['renewal_status']}")
print(f"Remaining credits: {renewal_status['ce_remaining']}")

# Generate alerts
alerts = cert_mgmt.generate_renewal_alerts()
print(f"Alerts generated: {len(alerts)}")

Best Practices

Program Design

  • Relevance: Content relevant to specific roles
  • Progression: Progressive and logical curriculum
  • Practice: Focus on practical skills
  • Assessment: Rigorous and fair assessments

Implementation

  • Expert Instructors: Instructors with real experience
  • Laboratories: Realistic lab environments
  • Mentoring: Mentoring programs
  • Community: Foster communities of practice

Certifications

  • Relevance: Industry-recognized certifications
  • Maintenance: Continuing education programs
  • Tracking: Monitor expirations
  • Career: Clear career paths

References