The Cyber Workforce Accelerator Program
Considering a career in cybersecurity? Build your skills at no cost!
Program Overview
The Cyber Workforce Accelerator (CWA) Program is designed to fast-track your entry into the cybersecurity field.
- Program Length: 48 hours accelerated training (plus exam)
- Program Cost: $0–No cost to participants (grant funded)
- Schedule: Rolling enrollment, year-round
- Format: 100% online training
- Certifications Earned: SOC Operations Analyst Certification
Why Choose the Cyber Workforce Accelerator (CWA) Program at MC?
Our comprehensive program provides hands-on experience that prepares you for real-world cybersecurity challenges.
- Work in a Security Operations Center: Experience authentic SOC environment with real-world tools and scenarios.
- Respond to Simulated Real-World Cyberattacks: Practice incident response with realistic threat scenarios and attack vectors.
- Earn a Digital Badge + Certificate of Completion: Receive industry-recognized credentials to showcase your SOC expertise.
- Network with Professionals and Employers: Connect with industry experts and potential employers in the cybersecurity field.
- Flexible 48-Hour Program: Complete comprehensive SOC training in an intensive 48-hour format designed for working professionals.
What You'll Learn
The BCR Cyber Workforce Program is structured to provide you with job-ready skills for Security Operations Center (SOC) roles. Our curriculum focuses on practical, hands-on training that mirrors real-world cybersecurity environments.
Core Skills
- Network security monitoring
- Threat detection and analysis
- Security operations
- Incident response procedures
Technical Tools
- SIEM platforms (Splunk, QRadar)
- Network analysis tools
- Vulnerability assessment
- Digital forensics basics
BCR Cyber's SOCOA I Training & Certification
This fully funded, no cost program provides specialized Security Operations Center (SOC) training through BCR Cyber's SOC Operations Analyst I (SOCOA I) Training & Certification–an Industry-Recognized Credential (IRC), that employees trust. You will learn technical cybersecurity knowledge, including threat analysis, security operations, enterprise security, and hands-on incident response. The training and certification includes:
Part I – Asynchronous Training – 40 Hours: Introductory cybersecurity training with an emphasis on enterprise governance and practical knowledge used day-to-day by SOC analysts, including networking, Linux command line, and cyber-attack details.
Part II – Experiential Range Training – 8 Hours: Students work collaboratively to detect, mitigate, and remediate security incidents during live instruction on the BCR Cyber Series 3000 Cyber Range.
Certification Exam: A 100 question, 90-minute exam.
Apply nowNoncredit Training
- ITI: The Information Technology Institute offs a wide range of career-focused, hands-on courses taught by industry professionals in our state-of-the-art technology classrooms.
- TechMAP: The Technology Metro Area Pathways (TechMAP) grant program, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, aims to support current and aspiring IT professionals in the DMV-area to obtain industry-recognized certifications and high-quality employment, particularly in the field of IT.
Career Outlook
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
Career opportunities include Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst, Cybersecurity Specialist, Information Security Analyst, Incident Response Analyst, Network Security Analyst, and Threat Intelligence Analyst.
FAQs
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 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.
This course is open to participants who are:
- Maryland residents with U.S. citizenship/ Green Card holder or valid US employment authorization and no criminal convictions
- At least 18 years old (or turning 18 years old within 6 months of the program start)
- Seeking employment in IT/Cyber
- Seeking or have completed an Associates Degree in IT/Cyber OR have two of the following certifications: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network +, CompTIA Security+. (Montgomery College TechMap students only need to have one of the certifications.)
Contact
Questions? Contact our program coordinator at cybersecuritylab@montgomerycollege.edu.