LONDON, May 17, 2022 – ISC2 – the world’s largest non-profit association of certified cybersecurity professionals – today announced it will help expand the UK’s cybersecurity workforce by offering free certification and education for 100,000 cybersecurity career pursuers through the new ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) cybersecurity certification. The 100K in the UK program (now known as the ISC2 One Million ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity Courses and Exams) represents a multi-year, multi-million-pound investment towards cybersecurity workforce skills development throughout the UK.
There has never been a better or more urgent time to start a cybersecurity career. The UK is one of the largest cybersecurity career markets in Europe, with more than 300,000 active cybersecurity practitioners. However, it is also challenged by a cybersecurity workforce shortage of more than 33,000, with UK government figures stating that at least 17,500 new people need to enter the industry annually just to maintain the status quo.
“The cybersecurity profession needs the next generation to join its ranks now more than ever,” said Clar Rosso, CEO, ISC2. “Unfortunately, until now, individuals looking for their first cybersecurity job often do not know where to start, what to expect, or how to convince employers to give them a chance. To address this, we have developed the ISC2 entry-level cybersecurity certification to be a trusted endorsement of an individual and their foundational knowledge, skills and abilities. Through the 100K in the UK scheme, we are committed to giving 100,000 cybersecurity career pursuers the opportunity to achieve this certification for free, making a powerful contribution that positively impacts the UK’s cybersecurity workforce challenge today, not years from now.”
“Cybersecurity certifications that validate young professionals and career changers looking for their first role are essential to delivering a much-needed expansion of the UK cybersecurity talent pool. We welcome all initiatives to attract more first-time cybersecurity professionals to the profession. The ISC2 100K in the UK scheme is a timely industry commitment given the strong need to recruit for entry- and junior-level cybersecurity positions which are outstripping the workforce supply by a significant margin,” said Simon Hepburn, CEO of the UK Cyber Security Council.
How 100K in the UK Will Work
The scheme is open to all UK residents who do not hold an ISC2 cybersecurity certification. Recent graduates, career changers and IT professionals looking to move into cybersecurity are encouraged to apply here.
Once enrolled, participants will gain access to the online self-paced education course for the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) certification. Participants also will receive a voucher to cover the full cost of the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) certification exam, which they can pursue as soon as they feel ready. The exam can only be taken in-person at an authorised Pearson VUE test centre in the UK.
After successfully completing the exam, candidates will become full members of ISC2 with access to a wide array of professional development resources to help them throughout their careers. The ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity certification is the first step on a career-long journey that will help cybersecurity professionals gain experience and work toward advanced qualifications such as the ISC2 CISSP and ISC2 CCSP.
What the Exam Covers
The ISC2 entry-level cybersecurity certification exam evaluates candidates on the following five subject areas:
- Security Principles
- Business Continuity (BC), Disaster Recovery (DR) and Incident Response Concepts
- Access Controls Concepts
- Network Security
- Security Operations
The exam outline provides additional details on each domain, and the online self-paced course materials help to guide candidates through the subject areas.
For more information about the Free ISC2 One Million ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) Courses and Exams , including registration and enrollment instructions, and important terms and conditions, visit https://www.isc2.org/1mcc.
AboutISC2
ISC2 is an international nonprofit membership association focused on inspiring a safe and secure cyber world. Best known for the acclaimed Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®) certification, ISC2 offers a portfolio of credentials that are part of a holistic, pragmatic approach to security. Our membership, more than 158,000 strong, is made up of certified cyber, information, software and infrastructure security professionals who are making a difference and helping to advance the industry. Our vision is supported by our commitment to educate and reach the general public through our charitable foundation – The Center for Cyber Safety and Education™. For more information on ISC2, visit www.isc2.org, follow us on Twitter or connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
© 2022 ISC2 Inc., ISC2, CISSP, SSCP, CCSP, CGRC, CSSLP, HCISPP, CISSP-ISSAP, CISSP-ISSEP, CISSP-ISSMP and CBK are registered marks, and CC is a service mark of ISC2, Inc.
# # #
Media Contact:Amanda Steinman
Senior PR Manager
ISC2
asteinman@isc2.org