Operational Technology Cybersecurity Specialist Certificate Program
Started Oct 6, 2025
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Full course description
Important Enrollment Information
- Once registered, you will access your USF registration portal. An Enrollment Form must be completed by your employer to activate Employer Support Services provided through Automation Strategy and Performance (ASP).
- Onboarding communication begins the first Monday of each month following your order. We recommend submitting payment at least 5 days in advance to allow time for your employer to complete and submit the Enrollment Form. Otherwise, you may be placed in the following month’s cohort.
- If paying for an individual or group via a Purchase Order (PO), please email a copy of the PO to lifelonglearning-support@usf.edu and reference the program name: USF Operational Technology Cybersecurity Specialist Certificate Program. Be sure to include the participant’s First Name, Last Name, and Email Address. USF will confirm your registration and provide access to your portal. Please ensure the employer completes the Enrollment Form to enable ASP platform access.
Important note for group registrations: If registering multiple participants, the employer must submit a separate Enrollment Form for each individual. The information collected is used to build each participant’s user profile.
Format
- Online learning portal
- Virtual lab sandbox
- Industry IT testing and certification
- On-the-job learning exercises
- Mentor Moments
Course Description
As critical infrastructure systems such as water, power, and transportation increasingly rely on automation and smart technologies, the threat of cyberattacks continues to grow. In 2023 alone, cyberattacks on city and municipal governments more than doubled, highlighting the urgent need for skilled cybersecurity professionals.
The University of South Florida’s Operational Technology Cybersecurity Specialist Certificate Program is the only nationally accredited training pathway recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Florida Department of Education. Designed for senior-level employees with experience in operational systems or IT, this program prepares participants to identify, assess, and respond to cybersecurity threats that impact essential services and public infrastructure.
Delivered online with flexible pacing, the program combines weekly coursework, hands-on job activities, and mentorship from organizational leaders. Participants will develop 17 key competencies and earn the CompTIA Security+ certification, emerging as qualified Operational Technology Cybersecurity Specialists ready to safeguard communities and support national security.
This program is a Corporate Training and Professional Education Partnership with Automation Strategy and Performance (ASP) and is recognized by U.S. government agencies and the State of Florida. Participants can expect a combination of online coursework, applied learning, mentorship, and a timeline designed to accommodate working professionals.