APMG chat with the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISEC) about their Information and Cyber Security Foundation certification
Could you tell us a little about the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISEC)?
The Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) was formed in 2006 to advance the professionalism of information security practitioners and thereby the professionalism of the industry. CIISec is the only pure-play cyber and information security institution to be dedicated to raising the standard of professionalism in cyber and information security. We have a growing membership that represents over 25,000 individuals and provides a universally accepted focal point for the profession, ensuring standards of professionalism for practitioners, qualifications, operating practices, training and individuals.
CIISec is the natural home for the cyber professional community at every career stage. This is achieved through having programmes that support development, recognition, and success. With CIISec’s framework-based approach to best practices and skills, this gives the industry a way to validate security skills. Our frameworks, in particular CIISec’s Skills Framework, have been developed in conjunction with industry, government and academia and are aligned with and recognised by other accreditation bodies. The CIISec Skills Framework is widely accepted as the de-facto standard for measuring the competency of Information and Cyber Security professionals. The Skills Framework has been adopted by a number of schemes in the UK and internationally and is being used by the Council.
What is the Chartered Institute of Information Security’s Knowledge Framework?
Much like the Skill’s Framework which focuses on the skills an individual needs to be a security professional, as well as also being a benchmarking tool for competency, the Knowledge Framework focuses on the foundational level of knowledge that a security professional should have. It can be used by individuals to read up on the knowledge needed of certain skills at levels one and two, but also by our Membership Assesors as a basis for accreditations and training courses – as well as of course leading to the ICSF exam.
Why did you develop with APMG, the Information and Cyber Security Foundation certification (ICSF)?
CIISec and APMG have worked collaboratively for many years to develop certification schemes, particularly with the NCSC Certified Training Scheme which initially used the CIISec Skills Framework and the NCSC CCP scheme. As a leading examination Institute, we know that APMG have extensive knowledge on creating training courses and exams so are a perfect fit for sharing their knowledge on building questions for exams. APMG also provide a competent platform that hosts the exam meaning that the user experience is streamlined.
Who is the certification for?
The certification is an official starting point for individuals entering the profession. It can also be taken by various groups of people eg; departments within a company to provide a baseline of foundational knowledge in cyber.
What does achieving this certification demonstrate?
It demonstrates that an individual has acquired a foundational level of knowledge in cyber. The person receives Accredited Affiliate membership of CIISec and a digital badge so that they can show off to their peers that they have achieved a qualification and taken steps to acquire knowledge in cyber. It’s a good first step in a person’s development.
It shows that you firstly have the commitment and dedication to growing your knowledge in cyber, and it also shows that you have a foundational knowledge of the industry. Upon completion you receive Accredited Affiliate membership of CIISec as well as a digital badge so that you can demonstrate to your peers and potential employers that you have achieved a qualification. It’s a great first step in your development personally, and professionally.
How can people study for ICSF?
The ICSF exam is accessible to all through self-study so whether you are somebody brushing up your cyber knowledge, or somebody wanting to get into the industry, the ICSF exam is there to give you flexibility whilst still providing you with a worthwhile certification upon completion. You can find out more about the exam via the CIISec website.
