Welcome to the Cyber Workforce Accelerator™
Zero Cost, Full Potential: Your Cybersecurity Career Starts Here!

With hundreds of thousands of open positions, demand for trained cybersecurity specialists is skyrocketing. Now is the perfect time to break into one of the fastest-growing, highest-paying industries—without spending a dime.

The Cyber Workforce Accelerator (CWA)™ delivers a no-cost virtual training program to equip you with highly-valuable skills, hands-on training, and industry-recognized credentials for immediate entry into today’s cybersecurity workplace. Whether you're just getting started, changing careers, or leveling up, cutting-edge education technology will equip you with valuable real-world skills to launch a promising cybersecurity career. 
 
SOCOA I Digital BadgeEarn Industry-Recognized Credentials
Earn SOC Operations Analyst I (SOCOA I) Training and Certification, an Industry-Recognized Credential (IRC) recognized by the State of Maryland, to demonstrate your skills and knowledge for entry-level cybersecurity positions. Delivered virtually with no in-person attendance required. Upon completion, job placement assistance is available and employers are ready to hire—get started today!
Curriculum
CWA is designed to get you job-ready fast. Delivered 100% online including training on a Cyber Range, this program provides the technical skills needed for entry-level SOC roles. Topics including threat detection, incident response, Linux, networking, and governance focusing on security analysis, operations, enterprise protection and more. 
  • Part I - Asynchronous Virtual Training (40 Hours): Build foundational expertise in cybersecurity governance, threat analysis, networking, Linux command line, and attacker behavior
  • Part II -  Experiential Range Training (8 Hours): Engage in instructor-led exercises on the BCR Cyber Series 3000 Cyber Range, to detect, mitigate, and remediate simulated cyber attacks
  • Certification Exam - A rigorous 100-question, 90-minute test to measure your technical and operational proficiency
     
Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, career options in the cybersecurity field are excellent, with expected job growth of 33% through 2033, and a median annual wage for Information Security Analysts of $124,910. The wide range of employers includes:
  • Federal, State, and local government agencies
  • Private employers in all industry sectors
  • Cybersecurity and IT-specific organizations and employers
  • Consultation services
     
Program Format & Schedule
  • Total Time Commitment: 48 hours (plus exam) completed within 60 days of start date
  • Flexible Start Dates: Program runs year-round
  • Training Format: 100% online and self-paced
     
Eligibility and Registration 
To register online for the training program, participants must meet the following criteria:
  • Must enroll through a participating Maryland community college (Frederick Community College is a participant)
  • Be pursuing or have either an IT/Cybersecurity Associate’s degree or two of the following certifications:
  • Actively seeking employment in IT/Cybersecurity
  • Maryland resident with U.S. citizenship, Green Card, or valid U.S. employment authorization
  • No criminal convictions
  • Age 18+ years of age (or 17 years of age, turning 18 within 6 months of program start)

Get Started Today
Cybersecurity is booming and so many jobs are waiting to be filled. This is your chance to enter one of today’s fastest-growing, best-paying industries—completely free. Get ready to launch your rewarding cybersecurity career! Simply follow the steps below.
 
  1. Click the “Complete CWA Interest Form” button below to open a new page.
  2. On the new page, click “Add to Cart”, “View Cart”, and then "Check Out” (you will need to either Sign in or Create a New Profile).
  3. Complete "Check Out" information and click Submit.
  4. You will then receive a confirmation email with a link to click and complete the Maryland Cyber Workforce Accelerator (CWA) Application. (If you don't see it arrive in your email inbox, be sure to check your spam or junk folder.)
  5. You will be notified by FCC of your application status. If accepted, you will be provided with class start date and details. 
Complete CWA Interest Form Online 
Contact Us
Contact us at CEBusiness@frederick.edu or call (301) 624-2756. We look forward to hearing from you.
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