Cyber and National Security

Operational Technology Cybersecurity Specialist Certificate Program

computer with cyber security icons

Increasing use of automation and “smart” technologies in operational systems has given rise to great opportunity to disrupt critical services such as water and power systems, municipal transportation, and even such infrastructure as nuclear power plants. According to Cyber Defense Magazine, cyberattacks on city and municipal governments more than doubled in 2023. 

The Florida legislature declared that it is a priority to protect Florida’s critical infrastructure against cyber attacks that can paralyze its communities and economy. USF offers the only nationally accredited Operational Technology Cybersecurity career path which is also recognized by the US Department of Labor and the Florida Department of Education. Cyber terrorists make it their profession to disrupt your operations. Our comprehensive program focuses on upskilling your best employees to an Operational Technology Cybersecurity professional so you can combat the threats to your city, county and government operations.

Curriculum & Course Details

Upon completion of this program, participants will be certified OT Cybersecurity Specialist professionals, recognized by multiple U.S. Government agencies and the State of Florida Department of Education.  Participants will walk away with an understanding of physical systems security issues and know how to recognize, assess, mitigate and respond to operational cybersecurity threats.

This advanced-level work is designed for senior level employees.

What participants should expect:

  • An average of three hours of online coursework weekly.
  • On-the-job learning activities related to:
    • Recognizing emerging OT threats to security.
    • System hardening.
    • Vulnerability assessments, response plans.
    • Negotiating actions, planning and strategies with complex stakeholders.
  • Opportunities to work with an in-house mentor, often the head of operations, a CFO or equivalent.


While 12 months is allowed to complete the program, learners progress at their own pace and can reach completion in less time as well.​

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should enroll?

This is a Certified Career Roadmap program, similar to a registered apprenticeship program.  This program is offered to individuals, and also, to any municipality entity across the United States. Participants will acquire CompTIA Security+ certification

The recommended individual to enroll typically has:

  • 5-10 years of experience with the operational systems of the organization.
  • An IT background or a role involved in the operational technology of the organization.
  • Access to with senior management in the organization.
     
    The learner and employer enter into a registered agreement that outlines career progression, compensation expectations and competency attainment. The employer will also designate an in house mentor for the learner.

What will participants learn?

Participants will gain and be able to demonstrate 17 specific competencies related to operational technology cybersecurity.

What is unique to this program?

  •  It is the only nationally accredited program for OT Cybersecurity and is recognized by the US Department of Labor, other federal agencies, and the Florida Department of Education.
  • It is powered by Automation Strategy & Performance, Inc., the largest and fastest growing employer group providing workforce solutions for emerging operational technology occupations. 

Tution & Funding Sources

As noncredit training programs, our courses are ineligible for traditional federally subsidized financial resources. 

Possible funding through CareerSource


We’re pleased to offer a 10% discount to USF alumni, USF faculty and staff, USF faculty and staff family members, USF students and veterans on the following courses and programs:

·       Human Resource Management Programs

·       K-12 Summer Camps

·       Process Improvement Programs

·       Project Management Programs*
*Excludes the already discounted PMP® Exam Preparation Course

·       Test Preparation Courses (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT and LSAT)

How to Receive the Discount
The discount can be applied only at time of registration. Simply register for your course online and use one of the following discount codes during the checkout process:

·       USF Alumni Association Members: USFAAM

·       USF Faculty and Staff:* USFFS

·       USF Faculty and Staff Family Members: SUMMEROFUSF

·       USF Students: USFS

·       Veterans: USFVA

If you have questions or technical issues in applying a discount, call us at 813-974-0950.

* The discount is not valid for courses paid for by a USF Department. It is only valid for self-pay students.

Policies & Procedures

COURSE FEES 

Course fees must be paid before beginning a class.  Fees are posted for each course. Some programs have special registration procedures and requirements. These are posted on the program/course web page.  

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, American Express, and company-approved purchase orders payable to USF Corporate Training and Professional Education. Personal checks, money orders, and cash are not accepted per university policy.    

ATTENDANCE 

To complete our open enrollment noncredit courses satisfactorily, you must attend 75 percent of multiple class meetings. One-day classes require full-day attendance. Some courses/programs may have additional completion requirements. Check the program description for details and/or check with your instructor. No course re-sits are allowed (participants that have not met the attendance requirement and are seeking a letter of completion for a course may re-register at full cost of attendance for a future offering).    

COURSE WITHDRAWALS/REFUNDS 

USF reserves the right to cancel any noncredit course, in which case registration fees are fully refunded. If it becomes necessary for USF to cancel, postpone or combine courses, or change a course location, you will be notified by email or phone. It is important that we have your current contact information. If a course is cancelled, you will receive a full refund. If a registration is received after the enrollment limit has been reached, a full refund will be issued. 

Withdrawals/Refunds from Corporate Training and Professional Education courses must be in writing, prior to the course start time.  Fees are associated with withdrawals/refunds. 

Submit requests via email to barnesk@usf.edu. No Withdrawals or Refunds will be issued after course start date.   

Allow 5-7 working days for credit card refunds and 6-8 weeks for check refunds. 

For USF policies: click here

 

Register Now

Quick Details

Format: Online

Duration: 12 months

Cost:$4,995

Connect with an advisor

George Boumrad
gboumrad@usf.edu