About this qualification

This qualification is designed to give learners the knowledge and associated skills and behaviours required to work in a variety of roles in cyber security. It will also prepare learners to progress to further study and apprenticeships in this area.

This qualification is designed for learners who want to upskill or retrain within the digital sector. It is also suitable for learners who want to further their studies in the digital sector. This higher technical qualification (HTQ) will give learners the skills, knowledge and behaviours to meet specific employer needs and industry requirements.

Who is it suitable for?

This qualification is designed for learners who want to begin or advance their career within cyber security. It is also suitable for learners who wish to progress to further study in this specialised area.

What are the entry requirements?

There are no specific prior skills/knowledge a learner must have for this qualification. However, learners may find it helpful if they have already achieved a relevant level 3 qualification. Learners must be at least 18 years old. 

How is this qualification structured?

This qualification is made up of 6 mandatory units and is graded pass, merit or distinction.

How is it assessed?

Internally assessed and externally quality assured portfolio of evidence, including task-based controlled assessments.

How many credits are required to complete it?

To be awarded this qualification, learners must achieve 120 credits at a minimum of a pass in each of the 6 mandatory units.

Do you need to be working to take this qualification?

Work/industry placement experience is not required.

What related qualifications can you progress to?

Learners who achieve this qualification could progress to the following:

• further education:
• related apprenticeships
• higher education

Career opportunities

Learners who achieve this qualification could progress to the following:

• employment:
  • cyber security engineer
  • cyber security consultant
  • cyber security architect
  • cyber security analyst
  • cyber security specialist
  • IT security technician
  • embedded engineer

Funding for our qualifications

Find out more about funding for this and other qualifications on our funding page.

For more information about Higher Technical Qualifications, please click here.