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Lots of jobs in computer security are open, but companies are having trouble finding people who have the right skills. There are thousands of jobs available and not enough trained workers, so it’s a great time to start a career in cybersecurity.
The Cyber Workforce Accelerator (CWA)™ program is expanding Maryland’s cybersecurity talent pipeline by partnering with the state’s community colleges and providing job seekers with hands-on training and meaningful job opportunities.
You can earn the SOC Operations Analyst I Certification. This is a special certificate that the State of Maryland recognizes, and it will help you get an entry level cybersecurity job.
After finishing this course, you will be able to:
This program doesn’t cost you anything! It gives you special training to work in a Security Operations Center (SOC). You’ll get the SOC Operations Analyst I (SOCOA I) Training & Certification from BCR Cyber. Companies know and trust this certificate.
Part I – Learning on Your Own (40 Hours): You’ll learn the basics of cybersecurity. This includes things like:
– rules for computer safety
– how to understand computer threats
– how computer networks work
– using Linux computer commands
– and how computer attackers behave.
Part II – Hands On Practice (8 Hours): You’ll work with an instructor on the BCR Cyber Series 3000 Cyber Range. This is like a special practice area where you’ll find, fix and stop fake computer attacks.
Certification Exam: You’ll take a tough test with 100 questions in 90 minutes. This test will show how well you understand the technical and hands on parts of the training.
You’ll earn the SOC Operations Analyst I Certification. This is a special certificate that the State of Maryland recognizes. It helps get you ready for your first job in computer security. You’ll get hands on training that teaches you real skills that companies are looking for.
Established in 2024, the Cyber Workforce Accelerator (CWA) program provides Cyber Ranges to all 16 Maryland community colleges for use in both workforce development programs and community college curriculum across the IT and cybersecurity spectrum. Developed by the Maryland Association of Community Colleges (MACC) and BCR Cyber, the CWA builds upon the resounding success of BCR Cyber’s Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) ACT Training Program. Since its inception, the EARN ACT Training Program has trained more than 1,000 unemployed or underemployed students and transitioned them into family-sustaining wage IT and cyber careers.
The nation is experiencing a supply shortage of qualified IT and cybersecurity workers, and Maryland is a hotbed of demand. This documented shortage has both economic and national security repercussions. Studies indicate there are more than 30,000 cybersecurity job vacancies in Maryland alone. The CWA helps address this need, as well as helping to create employment opportunities for Marylanders.
The BCR Cyber Series 3000 Cyber Range simulates cyberattacks and introduces students to cybersecurity concepts and operations. The BCR Cyber Series 3000 Cyber Range is the fourth iteration specifically designed for workforce development. BCR Cyber has used this device to train and place over 2,500 participants with the most advanced cybersecurity strategies and techniques in an environment that simulates real threats in real time. The range’s hands on training encompasses cyber threat detection, compromise mitigation and system remediation, and is complemented by placement services.
CWA will consist of a workforce development program utilizing BCR Cyber’s SOC Operations Analyst I training and certification.
This certification has recently been conditionally approved by the State of Maryland as an Industry Recognized Credential (IRC) through its Blueprint initiative. SOC Operations Analyst I Certification is an IRC designed to prepare individuals for entry level Security Operations Center (SOC) roles. This training provides technical cybersecurity knowledge, including threat analysis, security operations, enterprise security and hands-on incident response.
The certification aligns with federal government standards, industry frameworks and employer requirements to ensure candidates are prepared for real world cybersecurity challenges.
BCR Cyber will then lead efforts to place participants who complete this program into meaningful employment opportunities. In addition, all of Maryland’s 16 community colleges will now have access to the cyber ranges to use for their own curriculum development and course inclusion at their own physical locations. BCR Cyber will provide training to all 16 community college’s faculty on how to operate the BCR Cyber Series 3000 Cyber Range.
Students will now be able to demonstrate their knowledge in a hyper-realistic and stimulating environment alongside both their peers and professors.
The program’s workforce development goal is to close the cybersecurity workforce gap in the state of Maryland. The state has funded 1,100 participants to be trained through this effort in its first year.
You’ll earn the SOC Operations Analyst I Certification. This is a special certificate that the State of Maryland recognizes. It helps get you ready for your first job in computer security. You’ll get hands on training that teaches you real skills that companies are looking for.
To ensure its training programs are aligned with today’s cybersecurity industry standards, BCR Cyber created a public-private consortium consisting of more than 40 strategic industry partners. Together, this consortium provides BCR Cyber with valuable guidance on industry requirements and needs.
Additionally, BCR Cyber has established valuable strategic relationships with state and federal government IT departments, enabling them to deliver cutting edge cybersecurity training to their employees. By collaborating closely with these government entities, BCR Cyber helps in strengthening their cybersecurity posture and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. You can learn more about BCR Cyber on their website.