IT Systems Security Practitioner

Program Description

IT systems security practitioners develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies to implement, monitor, and administer IT infrastructure using security best practices. They build,maintain and upgrade security technology for the safe use of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information; design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures; monitor and respond to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions; and perform forensic investigations. If you like to work hands-on with an organization’s security, then becoming an IT systems security practitioner could be for you.

Job titles related to IT systems security practitioners include information systems security engineer, network security engineer, security administrator, security analyst, systems engineer, and systems/network analyst.

This program prepares students to take the certification exams for CompTIA® A+, Network+, and Security+, and ISC2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) and a career as an IT systems security practitioner. Students learn how to install, configure, and troubleshoot PCs, mobile devices and networks as well as the theory, principles, technologies, and operations of computer networking. Students will also learn how to implement and manage network security to protect against threats, risks, and attacks and perform vulnerability assessments and audits. In addition, students learn about access controls and security operations, monitoring and incident recovery, cryptography and network security, and systems and application security.

Successful candidates must be self-driven, an analytical thinker, and a problem solver as well as have exceptional planning and project management skills and can work both independently and as a team member.  This career requires continued training and education.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, overall employment of information security engineers is projected to grow 14% from 2020 to 2030 in Maryland. Projected annual job openings in Maryland are 1,640. The salary range in Maryland is $78,220 - $172,060 with a median wage of $135,740. Additional career information may be found in Career Coach: https://ccbcmd.lightcastcc.com/

Program Objectives

Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:

1. prepare to pass the certification exams for CompTIA® A+, Network+, and Security+, and ISC2 SSCP;
2. perform the various responsibilities and tasks required for an IT systems security practitioner;
3. assess the security posture of an enterprise environment to recommend and implement appropriate security solutions;
4. monitor and secure hybrid environments, including cloud, mobile, and IoT;
5. operate with an awareness of applicable laws and policies, including principles of governance, risk, and compliance; and
6. identify, analyze, and respond to security events and incidents.

CCBC Pathway & Track

Technology and Engineering Pathway: Cybersecurity Track - Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs.  Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study.  You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals.

Program Credentials

CCBC Credential:  Students will be awarded a Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, and will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript). 

External Credential: Students will be prepared to sit for the CompTIA® A+, Network+, Security+, and ISC2 SSCP exams.

Certifying Organization:

• Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA®)
• Internaltional Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2)

Candidates for the SSCP certification must have a minimum of one-year cumulative work experience in one or more of the domains of the SSCP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). Candidates that do not have the required experience may become an Associate of ISC2 by passing the exam and then have two years to earn the required experience. To learn more about the requirements go to www.isc2.org/certifications/sscp

Financial Aid and Payment Options

We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education courses and programs. Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition, the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development.

Some CE Workforce Development Certificate Programs are eligible for early high school funding through Maryland Blueprint for qualifying BCPS high school students.  Please check with your School Counseling Office to determine your eligibility for the BCPS Tuition Benefit Program. 

Program Length

Approximately 68 weeks

Program Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Strong computer skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Access to the Internet to complete assignments

Computer Requirements for SSCP course:

• PC - Windows 10 or later or Mac - macOS 10.6 or later. Mac users are encouraged to have access to a Windows environment on their device.
• Browser - latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Application Process

To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate program application.  An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.

Open Entry – No screening or documentation required.

Prior Learning Assessment

This program has potential options for waiving select courses based on previous coursework or articulated coursework from an approved curriculum and demonstrated portfolio and/or prior occupational learning. Maximum number of program hours that may be earned from prior learning and recent certification training: 175

Program Course Sequence

Additional Information

Related Courses or Programs:
Cloud+; CCNA; Linux+; PenTest+; Introduction to Firewalls; and Introduction to Intrusion, Detection/Prevention Systems

Additional Expenses:
2 CompTIA® A+ Certification exams - $506 ($253 per exam); CompTIA® Network+ Certification exam = $369; CompTIA® Security+ Certification exam = $404, and SSCP Certification exam = $249.

Program Contact Information

Coordinator: Katherine Walton | kwalton3@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-4890| Catonsville BESS 100 L

Administrative Assistant: Sarah Faul | sfaul@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-3677| Catonsville BESS 100