New Cyber Security entry level exam launched by CIISec, QA and APMG
14th May 2020
CIISec, QA and APMG urge individuals to take their first steps into the Cyber Security profession with new entry level exam
Foundational knowledge exam opens gates to the profession and helps address skills gap by giving an entry level qualification into Cyber Security
Exam based on framework of essential security skills supports new careers and wider knowledge of security best practice
The Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) QA and APMG have partnered to develop the Information and Cyber Security Foundation (ICSF) Exam. The entry level exam will help bridge the gap for individuals looking to join the cyber security profession. The ICSF exam was developed against the CIISec’s knowledge framework and is the ideal gateway into the profession testing a person’s foundation knowledge against 45 skill areas.
Amanda Finch, CEO, CIISec says she feels now is a good time to launch this exam with cyber training being sought after by individuals looking to diversify and organisations looking to raise awareness “At this challenging time people will be looking to upskills and display knowledge they have. If someone has taken an interest in the profession we want them to be able to validate this, the ICSF exam is the first steppingstone in a Cyber Security career.”
The exam will help address the cyber security skills gap, Finch said “The skills shortage is discussed a lot in our industry, so we wanted to collaborate to encourage more new joiners into the profession, to validate a foundational knowledge and help people stand apart at the beginning of their cyber security careers.”
The ICSF exam gives people a basic level of knowledge and understanding in Information Security and lowers the technical barrier of entry to the Cyber profession by providing topical access to the “Cyber Security Body of Knowledge (CyBOK)” for Levels 1 and 2.
Individuals who pass the exam will be awarded Accredited Affiliate level CIISec Membership, a digital badge for promoting their achievement on social media platforms and the postnominal AfCIIS.
Terry Neal, Director of Cyber Business Development, QA said “We’re really excited to have devised such a powerful exam. Making sure that there is a standardised way to test foundational knowledge is vital to maintaining and raising the standard of individuals within the profession. The exam is an affordable alternative to other comparable qualifications that often require individuals to take multiple days out of work to attend a course prior to gaining the qualification.”
The ICSF is a self-study, proctored examination comprising of 100 multiple-choice questions in a two-hour exam, with a pass mark of 65% and distinction of 80%. The exam will be taken online and remotely proctored through the APMG portal. A copy of the CIISec Knowledge Framework will be provided to each examinee for self-study purposes.
Find out more about the exam here
