(ISC)² unveils ‘100K in the UK’ scheme to expand cyber workforce

The all-new ‘100K in the UK’ programme, in fact, represents a multi-year, multi-million-pound investment towards cyber security workforce skills development throughout the UK.

There has never been a better or more urgent time to start a cyber security career. The UK is one of the largest cyber security career markets in Europe, with more than 300,000 active cyber security practitioners. However, it’s also challenged by a cyber security workforce shortage of more than 33,000, with UK Government figures stating that at least 17,500 individuals need to enter the industry on an annual basis merely to maintain the status quo.

Next generation

“The cyber security profession needs the next generation to join its ranks now more than ever,” urged Clar Rosso, CEO at (ISC)². “Unfortunately, until now, individuals looking for their first cyber security job have often not known where to start, what to expect or how to convince employers to give them a chance. To address this issue, we have developed the (ISC)² entry-level cyber security certification to be a trusted endorsement of an individual and their foundational knowledge, skills and abilities.”

Rosso added: “Through the ‘100K in the UK’ scheme, we’re committed to giving 100,000 cyber security career pursuers the opportunity to achieve this certification for free, in turn making a powerful contribution that positively impacts the UK’s cyber security workforce challenge today when it’s needed rather than years from now.”

Simon Hepburn, CEO of the UK Cyber Security Council, observed: “Cyber security certifications that validate young professionals and career changers looking for their first role are essential for delivering a much-needed expansion of the UK’s cyber security talent pool. We welcome all initiatives designed to attract more first-time cyber security professionals to the profession. The ‘100K in the UK’ scheme is a timely industry commitment given the strong need to recruit for entry-level and junior-level cyber security positions, which are outstripping the workforce supply by a significant margin,”

How ‘100K in the UK’ works

The ‘100K in the UK’ scheme is open to all UK residents who do not hold an (ISC)² cyber security certification. Recent graduates, career changers and IT professionals looking to move into cyber security are encouraged to apply here.

Once enrolled, participants will gain access to the online self-paced education course for the (ISC)² entry-level cyber security certification. Participants will also will receive a voucher to cover the full cost of the (ISC)²  entry-level cyber security certification exam, which they can pursue as soon as they feel ready. The examination can only be taken in-person at an authorised Pearson VUE Test Centre here in the UK.

After successfully completing the examination, candidates will become full members of (ISC)² with access to a wide array of professional development resources designed to help them throughout their careers. The (ISC)² entry-level cyber security certification is the first step on a career-long journey that will help cyber security professionals to gain experience and work towards advanced qualifications such as the (ISC)²  CISSP and the (ISC)² CCSP.

What the exam covers

The (ISC)² entry-level cyber security certification examination evaluates candidates on the following five core subject areas:

*Security principles 

*Business continuity, disaster recovery and incident response concepts 

*Access control concepts  

*Network security  

*Security operations

The examination outline provides additional details on each domain, while the online self-paced course materials help to guide candidates through the subject areas.

*For more information about the (ISC)² ‘100K in the UK’ scheme, including registration and enrolment instructions as well as important Terms and Conditions, visit https://cloud.connect.isc2.org/100K-inthe-UK