Maryland state and local employees have an opportunity to sharpen their cybersecurity skills at no cost. The COMET program, launching this fall, offers flexible training tracks designed to prepare government staff for today’s evolving digital threats.
In a recent press release, Maryland state and local government employees have an opportunity to boost their cybersecurity skills through BCR Cyber’s COMET program. Starting September 29 and running through November 3, 2025, the program is free for eligible government workers, funded by the Maryland Department of Labor’s Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) grant.
From the press release:
Program participants will build critical skills — from IT fundamentals to advanced CompTIA Security+ certification training — preparing them for real-world cybersecurity challenges in an ever-evolving field.
The Cybersecurity Operational Methods and Education Training (COMET) program offers two tracks tailored to different experience levels: Incumbent and Advanced Incumbent. The Incumbent track focuses on foundational cybersecurity knowledge, including Security Operations Fundamentals, Cyber Range Simulation, and a new course on Artificial Intelligence in Security Operations Centers (SOC). The Advanced Incumbent track provides more intensive, hands-on training in network security, applications, and devices, concluding with a CompTIA Security+ certification test voucher.
Both programs include live instruction and are designed for employees with IT or cybersecurity experience who have managerial approval to participate during work hours. Applications are open until September 15 and can be submitted at BCR Cyber’s website.
