Cyber Security Technologist (9661)

Last Updated: 06 Jul 2023

Product code 9661

LARS number 619

Fighting cyber security threats is a multi-billion-pound industry, and one that continues to grow as threats from the likes of malware, ransomware, phishing, DDoS attacks and hacking increase.  Organisations both large and small are turning to cyber security professionals to help them keep their commercial and financial data, websites, infrastructure sites and their customers' details safe.

Cyber Security Technologists all require an understanding of security concepts and technology and how to mitigate risks arising from threats The broad purpose of the occupation is to apply an understanding of cyber security to protect organisations, systems, information, personal data and people from attacks and unauthorised access.  

This occupation is found in all sectors and organisations that employ technology, for example Digital, Telecoms, Technology, Business Services, Defence, Government, Finance, Health, Retail, Critical National Infrastructure, Transport, Automotive sectors; and in all types and sizes of organisation including large corporates, public sector bodies, academic institutions, charities, and small and medium enterprise (SME).

The Cyber Security Technologist standard has three distinct options. At the end of the apprenticeship you will be competent in either:

1) The Cyber Security Engineer is the most technology focused role in the occupation and will typically design, build and test secure networks or security products or systems with a particular focus on the security aspects of the design.

Typical job titles include: Cyber Security Engineer, Cyber Security Consultant, Cyber Security Architect, Cyber Security Analyst, Cyber Security Specialist, IT Security Technician, Embedded Engineer.

2) The Cyber Risk Analyst Focuses on risk assessment, analysis and giving advice on risk mitigations. The roles may support formal security governance, regulatory & compliance (GRC).

Typical job titles include: Cyber Security Consultant, Cyber Security Analyst, Cyber Risk Analyst, Intelligence Researcher, Cyber Security Specialist, Information Security Analyst, Governance & Compliance Analyst, Information Security Assurance & Threat Analyst, Information Security Auditor.

3) The Cyber Defender & Responder is more operationally focused, configuring and operating secure systems to prevent security breaches or monitoring systems to detect and respond to security breaches.

Typical job titles include: Cyber Security Analyst, Cyber Security Operator, Forensics & Incident Response Analyst, Cyber Security Administrator, Information Security Officer, Secure Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst, Network Intrusion Analyst, Incident Response Centre (IRC) Analyst, Network Operations Centre (NOC) Security Analyst.

9661-12/13/14 assesses against apprenticeship standard ST1021 version 1.0 and assessment plan AP02.

Our range of digital teaching and learning resources for Cyber Security Technologist gives you the flexibility to choose the tools you need to support apprentices through their on-programme learning, build their confidence and competence and ensure a quality learning experience in preparation for EPA.
   
Our high-quality, rigorous end-point assessment (EPA), can be delivered at a convenient time for your apprentice.  Our EPA service includes a suite of guidance documents and preparation tools to get you ready for EPA.  

We provide a Virtual Assessment Service (VAS) for organisations that wish to reduce their resource cost and maximise the EPA opportunities for their apprentices. This service is available to those who book the EPA using VAS for their apprentices. Specific projects have been developed to be used with the VAS.  These can be downloaded from the Documents section as normal, along with guidance on how to use the virtual platforms offered.  Apprentices will need to obtain or create a login for the platform to be used before undertaking the relevant Synoptic Project that has been developed for the VAS.

Click here to view related webinars and information for Digital and IT, and make sure you are registered for the latest updates here.

On-programme

City & Guilds has designed innovative and flexible delivery content that will equip apprentices with the competence and confidence to perform their best in assessment.  Including; 

Apprenticeship training manual: Our apprenticeship training manual (ATM) guides tutors and apprentices through a range of practical tasks mapped to the standard, allowing apprentices to track progress and record evidence of their learning as they go. Tasks are mapped to maths & English requirements, developing knowledge and skills in a real working environment.

The ATM is available as a digital download (order code TBC) or through our e-portfolio, Learning Assistant.

Maths & English: Our Functional Skills qualifications cover the core maths and English requirements for this standard.  Our support package, e-Functional Skills is an online teaching and learning platform that guides learners from an initial diagnostic assessment, through to meeting the requirements for this standard. 

End-point assessment

EPA product code: 9661-12 Cyber Security Engineer/9661-13 Cyber Risk Analyst/9661-14 Cyber Defender and Responder

As one of the most experienced EPAOs in England, we pride ourselves on our excellent customer service.  Our EPA team is on hand to support you every step of the way, guiding you through gateway and ensuring your apprentice has all the tools they need to prepare for the assessment.   Our assessment and grading is standardised and all our assessors have industry experience and receive on-going training, so you can trust that we will deliver a fair and robust assessment.

Assessment events for this standard are:

  • Professional discussion underpinned by portfolio 
  • Scenario demonstrations with questioning 
  • Project report
  • Knowledge Test

For further guidance, please refer to our end-point assessment pack, which includes detailed guidance on grading criteria for the EPA and the evidence you’ll need to produce for knowledge, skills and behaviours at gateway.  You’ll find these in the documents section above.   

EPA Pro
A market leading EPA booking system to successfully manage your apprentices’ full journey with end-point assessment.  Find out more here.

EPA Support
City & Guilds have extensive support for you and your apprentices with our technical advisors on hand to navigate you through the on-programme and provide hints and tips for successful end-point assessment.

Experienced IEPAs
We have highly skilled and experienced Assessors who will do their utmost to ensure you have meaningful and enjoyable EPA.

EPA preparation and gateway guidance for this standard:  
Upon registration for EPA, you will have access to a range of support material for Cyber Security Technologist to help prepare for end-point assessment.

EPA exemplar materials: available for tutors, providing real assessment examples for each assessment type, such as transcripts and model answers.  This will help you to prepare apprentices and ensure they feel ready for assessment.  

Sample knowledge test: A sample of the EPA assessment paper to use with apprentices for formative or mock papers.  The pack includes the paper, the mark scheme and a mark sheet. 

Recording forms: supporting you to complete key stages of EPA readiness, we have prepared forms to give you peace of mind and confidence that everything is covered.  These packs include a gateway declaration form that is needed during the booking process and assessment forms, if required, that apprentices might need during assessment. 

LIEPA reports: Our lead independent end assessors (LIEPAs) produce an annual report with insight into the EPA results and findings across all centres.  These reports can help you refine your apprenticeship delivery to improve success rates.  

Click here for our EPA price list.

Apprenticeship certification
As well as receiving their Institute for Apprenticeships Technical Education (IfATE) apprenticeship certificate, the apprentice will receive a City & Guilds statement of achievement for end-point assessment.

Digital credentials provide an exciting new way to motivate and reward apprentices’ on-going progression. They allow achievements to be verifiable, shareable and trackable all in one click. Please add your learners’ email address during registration. A digital credential cannot be issued without the learner’s email address.

How to register

If you’re an existing City & Guilds centre or interested in becoming a centre, make sure you’ve read our EPA manual and guidance. This will explain the process and all our terms and conditions. Our short ‘how-to’ guides and videos are a great start to help you get to grips with what to expect and how to stay on track when booking EPA and preparing apprentices for assessment. You’ll find these resources in our EPA document library.

To use our quality-assured on-programme materials or end-point assessment service there are three ways to either find out more or to order what you need:

1. If you’re an existing City & Guilds customer, go to Walled Garden and select the materials you need or register your apprentice for end-point assessment. (You may need to submit a request to deliver if you don’t yet have approval for that standard.)

2. Get in touch with directsales@cityandguilds.com. Our team can explain our different products and services and start getting you set up as a customer or give existing customers support on the new apprenticeship arrangements.

3. Speak to your City & Guilds Business Manager about how to access our products or how to register your apprentices with us.

Here you can find all documents related to this suite of apprenticeship.

By clicking on the section headings below, you can access a variety of documents such as the qualification handbooks and assessment materials, Statements of Purpose, and recognition letters from industry and employers.

Some documents may be password protected. Passwords can be retrieved by logging in to WalledGarden.com and visiting the Administration section of the relevant qualification catalogue page.

Interested in delivering this apprenticeship?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form