FAQ: BCR Cyber's COMET Cybersecurity Training for Maryland Government Employees

What is the COMET program and who is offering it?

The COMET (Cybersecurity Operational Methods and Education Training) program is a free cybersecurity training initiative offered by BCR Cyber, a leading provider of cybersecurity training and job placement services, funded through the Maryland Department of Labor’s EARN grant.

Who is eligible to participate in the COMET program?

The program is exclusively for Maryland state and local government employees who are 18 years or older and have manager approval for training during business hours, with specific experience requirements for each training track.

What are the two training tracks available and their requirements?

Incumbent Training requires at least one year of IT/cybersecurity experience and covers Security Operations Fundamentals, Cyber Range Simulation, and AI in SOC. Advanced Incumbent Training requires at least two years of experience and includes intensive training culminating in a CompTIA Security+ certification test voucher.

When does the COMET program take place?

The program runs from September 29 through November 3, 2025, with Incumbent Training from 1-3 p.m. daily and Advanced Incumbent Training from 3-5 p.m. daily.

What are the application requirements and deadline?

Applicants must be Maryland or local government employees, meet experience requirements, be 18+, and have manager approval. The application deadline is September 15, and applications can be submitted at https://bcrcyber.com/comet/.

What specific skills and certifications does the program provide?

The program builds skills from IT fundamentals to advanced cybersecurity techniques, including Security Operations Fundamentals, Cyber Range Simulation, AI in SOC concepts, and prepares participants for CompTIA Security+ certification in the advanced track.

Why is this training program significant for Maryland government employees?

This program provides free, comprehensive cybersecurity training that enhances expertise and prepares employees for real-world cybersecurity challenges, helping to strengthen the state’s cybersecurity workforce capabilities.

How is the training delivered and what makes it effective?

Training is delivered through live instruction and utilizes BCR Cyber’s advanced cybersecurity range that simulates real threats in real-time, providing hands-on training in threat detection, compromise mitigation, and system remediation.

What is BCR Cyber’s track record with cybersecurity training?

Established in 2017, BCR Cyber has trained thousands of individuals and successfully placed over 83% into employment, operating the world’s first cybersecurity range specifically dedicated to workforce development.