Guide to Cybersecurity Certification

This guide aims to explain how to obtain and maintain your cybersecurity certifications – including the various certification levels, benefits, payment information, and recertification requirements.

Foundation

Basic level examinations for beginners and to broaden your knowledge.

Practitioner

Examinations for advanced professionals who wish to deepen their knowledge of their field.

Expert

Expert level examinations indicate the highest level.

Certification levels and payment information

  • Foundation: one-time payment of €25 
  • Practitioner: €75 per year 
  • Expert: €75 per year 
  • Certified Officer: €150 per year 

Foundation certification

There are four main levels of certification: Foundation, Practitioner, Expert, and Certified Officer.

The first certification level is Foundation Certification. After successfully completing the Foundation exam, you will receive an exam certificate. To convert this into a verifiable qualification, simply unlock your Foundation title in the certification portal. Registration for this process costs €25 administration fees. Foundation certifications are valid indefinitely and do not require recertification.

Practitioner certification

The second certification level is Practitioner Certification. After successfully passing the Practitioner exam, you can unlock the Practitioner title in the certification portal. Practitioner Certification requ

ires an annual maintenance fee of €75. Once successfully certified, you will receive a digital certificate and a badge to showcase your achievement. To maintain your title, you will need to pay an annual fee and report 20 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits as required. We will send you reminders before your certificate is due for renewal.

Expert certification

The third certification level is Expert Certification. Expert Certification validates advanced knowledge and skills. After successfully passing the Expert exam, you can unlock the Expert title in the certification portal. Like Practitioner Certification, Expert Certification requires an annual maintenance fee of €75. Once successfully certified, you will receive a digital certificate and gain access to professional development resources. To maintain your title, you will need to pay the annual fee and report 40 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits as required. We will send you reminders before your certificate is due for renewal.

Certified Officer certification

The final certification level is that of Certified Officer. This certification is intended for experienced professionals with proven expertise. In order to apply for this level of certification, you need to submit your CV and relevant certificates for review. In addition, to maintain this certification, there is an annual maintenance fee of €150. Upon approval, you will receive a digital certificate and a professional title. To maintain your title, you pay the annual fee and report the required 40 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. We will send you reminders before you certificate is due for renewal.

Portal

On the Portal, you are able to find all the information about the various titles and how to obtain them. Simply create an account and read all the information.