Cyber Security Technologist: Level 4 Apprenticeship

Individual employers will set the selection criteria, but this is likely to include A’ Levels, a relevant Level 3 apprenticeship, or other relevant qualifications, relevant experience and/or an aptitude test with a focus on functional math.

Level 2 English and Maths will need to be passed, if not already, prior to taking the end point assessment. We highly recommend prior.

Typical Job Roles

• Cyber Operations Manager
• Security Architect
• Penetration Tester
• Security Analyst
• Risk Analyst
• Intelligence Researcher
• Security Sales Engineer
• Cyber Security Specialist
• Information Security Analyst
• Governance & Compliance Analyst
• Information SecurityAssurance & Threat Analyst
• Forensics & Incident Response Analyst
• Security Engineer
• Information Security Auditor
• Security Administrator
• Information Security Officer

Professional Recognition

This apprenticeship is recognised for entry to both IISP and BCS Associate Membership and for entry onto the Register of IT Technicians confirming SFIA level 3 professional competence. Those completing the apprenticeship are eligible to apply for registration.

A 5% employer contribution fee may be applicable depending on the age of the apprentice and the size of your organisation.

Apprentices must achieve each of the Ofqual-regulated Knowledge Modules, as summarised below. Note there are 2 specialisms, Technologist and Risk Analyst.

Technologist

• Understands the basics of networks: data, protocols and how they relate to each other; the main routing protocols; the main factors affecting network performance including typical failure modes in protocols and approaches to error control.
• Understands, at a deeper level than from Knowledge Module 1, how to build a security case: describe what good practice in design is; describe common security architectures; be aware of reputable security architectures that incorporates hardware and software components, and sources of architecture patterns and guidance. Understand how to build a security case including context, threats, justifying the selected mitigations and security controls with reasoning and recognising the dynamic and adaptable nature of threats.
• Understands how cyber security technology components are typically deployed in networks and systems to provide security functionality including: hardware and software.
• Understands the basics of cryptography – can describe the main techniques, the significance of key management, appreciate the legal issue.

Risk Analyst

• Understands relevant types of risk assessment methodologies and approaches to risk treatment; can identify the vulnerabilities in organisations and security management systems; understand the threat intelligence lifecycle; describe different approaches to risk treatment
• Understand the role of the risk owner and contrast that role with other stakeholders.Understands, at a deeper level than from Knowledge Module 1, the legal, standards, regulations and ethical standards relevant to cyber security: governance, organisational structure, roles, policies, standard, guidelines and how these all work together to deliver identified security outcomes. Also awareness of the legal framework, key concepts applying to ISO27001 (a specification for information security management), and awareness of legal and regulatory obligations for breach notification.

Overview of Assessment

On Programme Assessment

Technical knowledge and understanding is assessed on programme through Ofqual-regulated Knowledge Modules. These must be passed before the end point assessment can take place.End Point Assessment

The final, end point assessment is completed in the last few months of the apprenticeship. It is based on:

• a portfolio – produced towards the end of the apprenticeship, containing evidence fromreal work projects which have been completed during the apprenticeship, usually towardsthe end, and which, taken together, cover the totality of the standard, and which isassessed as part of the end point assessment
• a project - giving the apprentice the opportunity to undertake a business-related projectover a one-week period away from the day to day workplace
• an employer reference
• a structured interview with an assessor - exploring what has been produced in theportfolio and the project as well as looking at how it has been produced.

An independent assessor will assess each element of the end point assessment and will then decide whether to award successful apprentices with a pass, a merit or a distinction.

Professional Recognition

This apprenticeship is recognised for entry to both IISP and BCS Associate Membership and for entry onto the Register of IT Technicians confirming SFIA level 3 professional competence. Those completing the apprenticeship are eligible to apply for registration

Disclaimer:

This Nescot College website describes the facilities and courses which the College intends to offer during the academic year commencing Autumn 2024. The web pages are prepared in advance of the academic year to which they relate and every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in these pages is helpful, fair and accurate at the time of printing. However, this information is subject to change over time.

Nescot will take reasonable steps to provide the courses and services as described, however, the College cannot guarantee the provision of any course or facility. Some circumstances, such as staff changes, resource limitations and other factors over which the College has no control, such as industrial action or a change in the law or the level of demand for a particular programme or module (please note that this list is non-exhaustive), may result in the College having to withdraw or change aspects of the programmes, modules and/or student services detailed on the website. This could include, but not necessarily be limited to, programme/module content, staffing, the location where the programme/module is taught or the manner of teaching delivery, and the facilities provided to deliver or support the programme. Where circumstances demand an unavoidable change or where it is necessary for the College to discontinue a programme of study, Nescot will take all reasonable steps to minimise the effect and all proposed changes will be notified to potential applicants who have registered an interest in the relevant programme at the earliest possible opportunity as well as being reflected on the College’s website. In addition, any changes between the website and the proposed course and services will be notified to applicants at the time of making an offer.

All prices quoted may be subject to change and you will be notified of any such change when any offer of a place is made to you by Nescot.

Should you become a student of the College, this notice shall be a term of any contract between you and Nescot. Any offer of a place at the College shall be subject to the student enrolment conditions and the College’s rules and regulations as amended from time to time. A copy of the Nescot’s current terms and conditions can be obtained in writing from Nescot, Quality Office, Reigate Road, Ewell, Epsom, Surrey, KT17 3DS.

Last updated - 07/08/2024