Cyber Security Challenge UK has launched the UK’s first Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in cybersecurity.

The qualification, which has been launched to help address the UK’s cybersecurity skills shortage, is meant to give students an understanding of the whole cyber-domain—from risk management to digital forensics.

According to (ISC)2, the global shortfall of workers in cybersecurity is set to reach 1.5 million by 2020, as countries around the world continue to see a rise in the number of attacks through the cyber landscape. There’s been a rise in the wage and benefits offered to those joining the industry, with 15% of the sector earning over £100,000 per annum; an appealing statistic for anyone looking to join the industry.

“The launch of this qualification marks a significant point in the maturation of the cybersecurity industry,” said Stephanie Daman, CEO of Cyber Security Challenge UK. “The subject is becoming increasingly important and for it to be officially recognized at this level paves the way for individuals to consider a career in the sector much earlier on. You don’t need to be a maths genius or ‘computer geek’ to find a role; cybersecurity encompasses such a wide range of areas—from risk management to biometrics to behavior analytics. We therefore need to attract an equally wide range of students from all walks of life, to fill these jobs. I would urge those at school considering their career options to think about this sector, and those looking for a career change to do so as well.”

The qualification has been designed by Cyber Security Challenge UK in collaboration with a number of independent cyber education specialists including (ISC)2—the world’s largest body of info security professionals, and will be hosted by Heart of Worcestershire College and certified by City & Guilds.

The EPQ, based on the newly agreed National Occupation Standards (NOS) for cybersecurity, is a level-three qualification (the equivalent to an AS Level) and can be worth up to 70 UCAS points. The EPQ has been chosen as the delivery method for the new certificate as there is an existing framework across the UK to deliver these as part of the 14-19 Diploma or as a stand-alone qualification. The projects’ education partners can offer the course to any individual, whether they are a current student or not.

While the EPQ is an easy addition for those studying in schools and colleges, it can also be studied in an independent capacity by registering through Cyber Security Challenge UK. It can be taken as a distance learning course with the Challenge, and student achieve certification for their work through City & Guilds.

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