Trainee Cyber Essentials Assessor
Accessible entry point training to a career in cyber security
Hands-on learning and mentorship
Career growth and long-term opportunities
A new role and a new pathway
The Trainee Cyber Essentials Assessor programme is an entry-level pathway designed to attract individuals with no prior experience in IT or cyber security and equip them with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship needed to launch successful careers in cyber.
Addressing the global shortage of qualified cyber security professionals
As individuals and businesses across every sector increasingly rely on digital systems, the frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks have grown. This has created a critical need for skilled cyber security professionals to protect sensitive data and systems. There is now a well-documented skills gap across the sector. Cyber security companies often struggle to find experienced professionals, while many talented individuals with little or no experience in cyber, face significant barriers to entering the field.
The challenges facing the cyber security industry extend beyond a shortage of skilled professionals; they also include a significant lack of diversity. This lack of diversity not only limits the talent pool but also undermines the sector’s ability to tackle complex and evolving challenges.
Learn while gaining hands-on experience
Trainee Cyber Essentials Assessor role and pathway
The demand for qualified Cyber Essentials Assessors is increasing but the requirement for Assessors to have at least three years of experience in IT or cyber security has created a bottleneck, limiting the pool of eligible candidates and slowing the growth of the scheme.
To address this issue, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and IASME have developed a new approach to bring fresh talent into the sector.
What is the Trainee Cyber Essentials Assessor pathway?
The Trainee Cyber Essentials Assessor programme offers a structured and supported pathway into the field of cyber security. Through hands-on training, mentorship, and skill development, the programme equips candidates with the relevant knowledge and experience to thrive in the industry.
Designed to be accessible to all, it welcomes individuals with no prior experience or qualifications in IT or cyber security, as well as those with strong academic credentials but limited practical experience.
The new route involves the following steps:
Step 1
Complete and pass the half-day, hands-on Cyber Basics assessment, aligned with fundamental cyber security controls.
Step 2
Attend the one-day Cyber Essentials Assessor training.
Step 3
Work for a Certification Body under the guidance of an experienced Cyber Essentials Assessor, who will review your assessments as you build your expertise.
Step 4
Eligible candidates can complete the ICT Level 3 Apprenticeship as part of the Trainee Cyber Essentials Assessor program.
Who is it for and how to apply
Candidates will need to be employed or have a job offer from a Cyber Essentials Certification Body before starting the Trainee Cyber Essentials Assessor training.
For Cyber Essentials Certification Bodies, the Trainee Cyber Essentials Assessor Role is a new way for your less experienced team members to become a Cyber Essentials Assessor more quickly.
Once a candidate has successfully completed the Cyber Basics assessment and also the one day Cyber Essentials Assessor training, they can be employed by a Certification Body as a Trainee Cyber Essentials Assessor. Under the supervision of an experienced mentor, Trainee Assessors can gain hands-on experience conducting Cyber Essentials assessments. While the responsibility for the work remains with the mentor, the Trainee is actively involved in the process, allowing them to build their skills and confidence from day one.
Discover how Key Sigma is nurturing young talent through the Trainee Cyber Essentials Assessor programme.
What’s next?
Even when the Trainee becomes a full Cyber Essentials Assessor, the journey doesn’t stop there. Becoming a full Assessor opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities within the cyber security sector.
IASME is developing training in vulnerability scanning, which can help individuals progress from Cyber Essentials Assessor to Cyber Essentials Plus Assessor. From there, they can explore specialised roles such as penetration testing, Cyber Advisor, or other advanced cyber security disciplines. By the time they reach these roles, they will have several years of hands-on experience, making them highly sought-after professionals in the field.
If you are an employer or a Certification Body interested in training/hiring a Trainee Cyber Essentials Assessor, enquire via this form or contact us via [email protected]
Enquiry Form
Apprenticeships
The Trainee Cyber Essentials Assessor programme integrates the ICT Level 3 Apprenticeship as part of the training pathway for eligible candidates.
Please note, apprenticeship rules differ between the English and devolved governments, so please reach out if you would like advice on the rules in your region.
Benefits of the Apprenticeship Route
- Accessible funding: The ICT Level 3 Apprenticeship is eligible for government levy funding, and non-levy payers may access match-funding to cover costs. This makes the pathway financially accessible to a wide range of candidates.
- Hands-on experience: Apprentices gain practical skills while being paid to work directly with Certification Bodies and experienced mentors, ensuring they are job-ready upon qualification.
- Nationally recognised qualification: Completing the apprenticeship provides candidates with a Level 3 qualification equivalent to A-levels, which is highly valued in the industry.
Find out more
If you have any questions and would like to chat with a member of our training team, please contact us today on 03300 882 752 or email us on [email protected]