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CWA Workforce Development Program

Launching Maryland’s
Next Cyber Talent.

BCR Cyber’s SOCOA I Training & Certification

The CWA features a robust Workforce Development (WFD) program built around BCR Cyber’s SOC Operations Analyst I (SOCOA I) training and certification — an Industry-Recognized Credential (IRC) designed to fast-track jobseekers into cybersecurity roles. Fully funded to train 1,100 Marylanders at no cost to participants, the WFD program is removing barriers and opening doors to high-demand careers. 

And it’s all delivered virtually — no need to attend in person. Participants can complete the full program remotely, making it flexible and accessible for working adults, career changers, and students across Maryland. 

The SOCOA I Certification is an Industry Recognized Credential (IRC) and prepares learners for entry-level positions in Security Operations Centers (SOCs). Through a combination of technical instruction and immersive, hands-on experience, participants build the real-world skills employers are looking for — from threat analysis and enterprise security to live incident response. 

The training and certification includes:

  • Part I – Asynchronous Training – 40 Hours: Foundational cybersecurity instruction focused on enterprise governance, threat analysis, networking, Linux command line, and attacker behavior. 
  • Part II – Experiential Range Training – 8 Hours: Collaborative, instructor-led exercises on the BCR Cyber Series 3000 Cyber Range where participants detect, mitigate, and remediate simulated attacks.
  • Certification Exam: A rigorous 100-question, 90-minute test measuring technical and operational proficiency.
SOCOA I Cert from BCR Cyber

Getting Started is Easy!

Participants must enroll through one of Maryland’s participating community colleges. This includes access via both credit-bearing and non-credit training programs offered by the institution. 

Registration is digital – you do not need to physically register in-person.

To ensure readiness for the training, participants must also meet basic academic or certification criteria. Please review the enrollment criteria shown here. 

Graduates walk away with the SOC Operations Analyst I Certification — a credential aligned with federal standards, leading industry frameworks, and employer expectations. That means they’re not just ready to work — they’re ready to contribute on day one. 

Check back soon for details how to enroll!

CWA-WFD Participant Eligibility

  • Must enroll through a participating community college
  • Must have or be seeking an Associates Degree in IT/cyberOR have two of the following certifications: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+
  • Must be looking for employment in IT/cyber
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must be domiciled in Maryland
  • Must have no criminal convictions
  • Must be 18 years old or older or 17 turning 18 within six months of the program start

Strategic Industry Partner Consortium:
Aligning Training with Workforce Needs 

BCR Cyber maintains a Strategic Industry Partner Consortium made up of more than 40 cybersecurity employers — including organizations such as Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton and Accenture. This consortium plays an active role in informing BCR Cyber’s training programs, helping ensure content remains aligned with current industry standards, technologies, and workforce demands. 

Employer input shapes the design and delivery of training — from foundational knowledge to applied skills — providing participants with relevant, job-focused instruction. Consortium members also engage with program graduates, regularly recruiting from the trained talent pool to fill critical roles within their organizations. 

This industry-informed model ensures that BCR Cyber training remains current, practical, and directly connected to real workforce opportunities. 

Benefits of the CWA-WFD Program

  • No-cost to participants
  • Experiential training and education
  • Technical knowledge and hands-on skills
  • 48 hours of training, deliveredin two parts
  • Available virtually through all MD community colleges
  • SOC Operations Analyst I Certification
  • State of Maryland IRC
  • Career and employment opportunities