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Cyber Workforce Academy – Maryland

Funded by EARN Maryland and the SANS Institute, this program helps Maryland residents build job-ready cybersecurity skills and pursue GIAC certifications. Participants gain hands-on training designed to prepare them for entry-level and advancing roles in today’s cybersecurity workforce.

Key Dates
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Program Overview

The Cyber Workforce Academy Maryland offers three training pathways designed to help you launch or advance a career in cybersecurity. 

Through SANS OnDemand training, hands-on labs, and GIAC certification exam attempts, participants build practical skills employers demand. Each pathway is structured to match your current experience level and move you toward job opportunities in Maryland's cybersecurity workforce.

Thinking Woman Holding a Pen and Reading

Industrial Control Systems Security Pathway Key Dates

Applications for the ICS and Core pathways are currently open. The AI Accelerator cohort application window is closed, with training now under way. During the application process, you will select your preferred pathway based on your current experience level, as not all applicants will qualify for every option.

Apply Now
Feb 2027

Official Application Window Begins

March 2027

Applications close

April 2027

Training Start

Jan 2028

Training completion

Breaking Into Cybersecurity After 30

See how Tim successfully transitioned into cybersecurity careers, without prior experience.

Breaking into cybersecurity after 30

Learning Pathways

Select the pathway that matches your experience level and career goals. Each option is designed to help you move into or advance within cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity Core

Start from zero and build the core skills needed to enter cybersecurity. This pathway is designed for individuals with no prior cybersecurity experience.

SEC275: Foundations: Computers, Technology, & Security

AI Accelerator

Develop in-demand skills at the intersection of AI and cybersecurity. Designed for both beginners and early-career professionals looking to expand into AI-driven security roles.

SEC401: Security Essentials - Network, Endpoint, and Cloud

Industrial Control Systems Security

Gain hands-on skills to help secure critical infrastructure systems. This pathway is designed for IT professionals and early-career cybersecurity practitioners who have limited experience and are looking to specialize or advance within the field.

SEC504: Hacker Tools, Techniques, and Incident Handling

Brian Hennessy

If you're considering a career in cybersecurity, just do it. Jump in and start consuming information. Embrace the imposter syndrome and just know that your ignorance on a topic can be overcome with time and dedication.
Brian HennessyCyber Workforce Academy Maryland Alum

Frequently Asked Questions

The Cybersecurity Core pathway includes three SANS training courses; each paired with a GIAC certification exam attempt. You’ll progress step-by-step, building from foundational knowledge to hands-on incident handling skills:

  1. SEC275: Foundations: Computers, Technology, & Security + GFACT Certification 
  2. SEC401: Security Essentials + GSEC Certification 
  3. SEC504: Hacker Tools, Techniques, and Incident Handling + GCIH Certification 

The AI Accelerator pathway includes two required courses followed by your choice of a final specialization: 

  1. SEC411: AI Security Principles and Practices (no GIAC exam)  
  2. SEC535: Offensive AI – Attack Tools and Techniques + GOAA Certification 
  3. Final course (choose one): 

A. SEC598: AI and Security Automation for Red, Blue and Purple Teams + GASAE Certification B. SEC595: Applied Data Science and AI/Machine Learning for Cybersecurity Professionals + GMLE Certification 

The ICS/OT Security pathway offers a combination of four required courses that must be completed in order with the corresponding GIAC Certification exam passed to continue onto later courses. 

  1. SEC275: Foundations: Computers, Technology, & Security + GFACT Certification
  2. ICS310: ICS Cybersecurity Foundations (no GIAC exam) 
  3. ICS410: ICS/SCADA Security Essentials + GICSP Certification
  4. ICS515: ICS Visibility, Detection and Response + GRID Certification

GIAC certification exams are included with most courses and are required to progress through the program. Some courses do not include a certification exam and do not require one for completion.

  • Admission to the SANS Cyber Academy is highly competitive.
  • Selection is based on aptitude, commitment, and the ability to succeed in an intensive training environment.
  • Not everyone who applies will be accepted, and only the most qualified applicants will be selected.

The SANS Institute does not charge any fees to apply for the SANS Cyber Academy programs, but applicants for some academy programs may need to pay fees for official transcripts (unless directly told they can submit unofficial transcripts only) which are handled by external colleges/universities companies with their own charges.

  • Maryland residents that are either U.S. permanent residents or U.S. Citizens
  • Transitioning U.S military stationed in Maryland
  • Not enrolled in any other academic or training programs
  • These programs are intended for individuals without advanced cybersecurity certifications or deep specialization in the field

This pathway is for individuals starting a new career in cybersecurity. Applicants should have no prior cybersecurity work experience and should not hold advanced cybersecurity certifications.

This pathway is for individuals entering cybersecurity as well as those currently working in entry-level IT or cybersecurity roles. It is intended for those with limited experience who are looking to build specialized skills.

This pathway is designed for IT professionals and early-career cybersecurity practitioners. Applicants should have technical experience and be in an entry-level cybersecurity role or have limited experience without deep specialization.

Apply Now

Seats Are Limited. Start Your Application Today.

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Moses Thompson

My SANS Cyber Workforce Academy experience directly impacted my ability and capacity to learn cybersecurity principles, techniques, tools, and standards. Career-wise, my experience played a major role in obtaining my most recent employment opportunity.
Moses ThompsonCyber Workforce Academy Maryland Alum