The Cyber Scheme has launched a new assessment, with corresponding training, to help entry level, graduate and junior cyber security professionals follow the best possible route to a career in security testing.

The Cyber Scheme Fundamental Level (CSFL) training course and exam is an ideal starting point for anyone who wants to become a cyber security tester (formerly referred to as a penetration tester or ethical hacker). 

The Cyber Scheme Fundamental Level (CSFL): Emphasis on practical skills

It takes time, effort and a huge opportunity cost to bring testers to a level where they can become a billable asset. A gap has been identified between the practical skills and knowledge demonstrated by a recent graduate or career starter, and those required by employers.

This assessment aims to fill that gap, and to quicken the journey from career starter to billable consultant. It has been created by The Cyber Scheme, a company with a proven track record in creating NCSC certified and assured training and assessments for technical, offensive security at the highest level available. 

The CSFL assessment measures the competence of a junior and/or graduate cyber security professional looking for, or already in, an entry level role. There is an emphasis on practical skills, in addition to a multiple-choice theory section which aims to prepare candidates for future, higher level certifications. Candidates are given the fundamental skills and knowledge to begin the journey towards becoming a certified security tester. If required, this assessment will also help expedite progress to Check Team Member, or equivalent, and will certify and demonstrate the practical knowledge employers are looking for. 

Qualification bridges the gap

This qualification can either be booked independently or as part of a company’s onboarding scheme for new staff. The Cyber Scheme are also providing a number of discounted places, available for those transitioning from technical roles in the military or the police force.

Whilst The Cyber Scheme offer face to face training for this assessment, the knowledge and skills required to be successful can also be obtained through self-study and experience, and this qualification is achievable regardless of cyber security education or academic background. 

The Cyber Scheme firmly believe this is an essential qualification for those looking to obtain an entry level job in technical cyber security. It provides the skills employers are looking for, and bridges the gap between education and practical learning. 

To support the assessment, The Cyber Scheme has developed a comprehensive training course which will highlight and enhance the skills and knowledge required in order to be successful in the exam. The course takes place over two and a half days from a purpose built assessment centre in Cheltenham – following The Cyber Scheme’s belief that in-person training is of a much higher level, is much more bespoke and is much more effective than anything provided online or remotely. 

As soon as candidates enter the classroom they will be immersed in the world of cyber security with practical hands-on exercises and expert tuition from a Cyber Scheme Instructor. They will learn about Linux systems, Windows systems, how to script in bash and in python. Also taught are the fundamentals of computer networking, web application technologies and vulnerability scanning, as well as the laws and ethics associated with security testing. This training will give candidates the essential skills of an ethical hacker at junior level. 

Training is led by Paul Richards, a subject matter expert in ethical hacking and penetration testing who specialises in helping others progress within cyber security through training, mentoring and the highest standard of assessment. 

Topics covered include: 

·       The Laws and Ethics Associated with Security Testing 

·       Building and Maintaining a Security Testing Device 

·       Fundamental Linux CLI for the Purpose of Security Testing 

·       Fundamental Linux Scripting for the Purposes of Security Testing 

·       Fundamental Python Coding for Ethical Hackers 

·       Fundamental Windows Operating System Commands 

·       Computer Networking Fundamentals 

·       Packet capturing for Security Testing and Ethical Hacking 

·       Web Application Fundamentals 

·       Vulnerability Analysis Fundamentals 

·       Testing Mobile Devices Fundamentals 

·       An Introduction to Testing in the Cloud.

Assessments and training can now be booked; the first dates are in November 2023.

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