Principles of Cyber Security: Level 2 Certificate
For learners looking to gain a greater understanding of, or build upon their existing knowledge of, cyber security issues.
Course summary
- Qualification
- NCFE Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Cyber Security
- Level
- Level 2
- Awarding body
- NCFE
- Qualification number (QAN)
- 603/5853/1
- Guided learning
- 110 hours
- Total time
- 185 hours, including study and assessment
- Cost
- Free if you are eligible
Who it's for and what you'll learn
This Principles of Cyber Security NCFE Level 2 qualification is designed to provide learners with sector awareness. It will do this by increasing the knowledge and understanding of roles and issues relating to cyber security. It will also act as a stepping stone for learners who wish to study cyber security at a higher level.
This qualification aims to:
- focus on the study of the principles of cyber security
- offer breadth and depth of study, incorporating a key core of knowledge of cyber security
The objective of this qualification is to:
- provide learners with knowledge and understanding of the principles of cyber security
What the course covers
To be awarded the Principles of Cyber Security level 2 qualification, learners are required to successfully achieve 6 mandatory units:
Unit 1 - Introduction to cyber security
The learner will gain an understanding of the need for cyber security and the impact of cyber crime. They will also know about the various job functions in the sector and related key skill requirements.
The learner will:
- Understand motivations for cyber crime
- Understand the need for cyber security
- Know about job roles within cyber security
Unit 2 - Understand terminology used in cyber security
The learner will understand cyber security terminology, and the concept of social engineering.
The learner will:
- Understand cyber security terminology
- Understand current and emerging challenges in cyber security
- Understand what is meant by social engineering
Unit 3 - Understand legal and ethical aspects of cyber security
Learners will understand the key legislation related to cyber security and how to maintain data confidentiality and security. They will also understand ethical and unethical conduct within cyber security.
The learner will:
- Understand key legislation related to cyber security
- Understand procedures to maintain data confidentiality and security
- Understand ethical conduct in cyber security
Unit 4 - Understand common threats to cyber security
Learners will develop an understanding of malicious software and the ways in which a system can be infected. They will understand common and emerging threats, as well as physical threats to cyber security.
The learner will:
- Know about common and emerging threats to cyber security
- Understand what is meant by malicious software
- Understand physical threats to cyber security
Unit 5 - Understand methods of maintaining cyber security
Learners will understand the preventative methods used to maintain cyber security, including the principles of user access control and use of firewalls.
The learner will:
- Understand preventative methods used to maintain cyber security
- Understand the principles of user access control
- Understand the use of firewalls
Unit 6 - Working with others in cyber security
The learner will understand team working and the use of interpersonal skills and communication when working in a cyber security role.
The learner will:
- Understand team working for cyber security
- Understand the use of interpersonal skills for working in cyber security
- Understand types of written communications used in cyber security
How these courses usually work
Every provider does things a little differently, so check the details with them before you apply.
Where and how you study
Most of these courses are studied online, from home. You'll usually need internet access and a laptop or desktop computer. A phone or tablet may not be enough. Some providers can send paper workbooks if you ask.
How long it takes
- This qualification is designed to take about 185 hours in total, including study and assessment.
- Many learners finish in around 6 weeks by studying 4 to 5 hours a week. You can go faster if you have more time.
- Providers usually set a deadline, often 10 to 12 weeks after you start.
Support
Providers usually give you a tutor who marks your work and answers your questions by email, phone or message.
Assessment
There are usually no exams. Instead, you answer assessment questions as you work through the course and send them to your tutor to mark. If an answer needs more work, you can usually change it and send it again.
Your certificate
When you pass, your certificate comes from the awarding body, NCFE. It often takes 8 to 12 weeks to arrive after your final assessment.
Things to check before you start
- Many providers only let you study one funded course at a time.
- If you leave the course early, or don't finish by the deadline, some providers charge an admin or withdrawal fee, often around £125. Ask about this before you sign up.
Can I do this course for free?
ASF local flexibility: 19+, England resident, unemployed or earning under £26,800 (devolved areas vary).
Check if you're eligible for this course using the "Am I eligible?" form below. It also shows which providers offer it. The provider makes the final decision.
You can also read who can get a free course.
Where can I study this?
We've found 5 providers offering this course for free to eligible learners.
Answer a few quick questions to check whether you’re likely to get this course for free. We’ll then show you which providers offer it.
What could I do next?
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Sources
- NCFE Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Cyber Security - List of Qualifications approved for fundingqualifications.education.gov.uk
- NCFE qualification factsheet (603/5853/1)ncfe.org.uk (PDF)
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