With so many cybersecurity courses available, how do you do your due diligence and select the one that’s right for you?
Here’s the TechVets guide.
It is always hard to know which is the best cybersecurity training course to do when you are presented with a market that is saturated with offerings and snazzy marketing. It’s a big investment, not only financially, but also in terms of your precious time and effort. You need to ensure that the course you choose aligns with your goals and provides a worthwhile return on your investment. To avoid disappointment, performing due diligence is very important to ensure that you don’t get led down the garden path and end up with a qualification that isn’t recognised by the industry.
Where to start? Firstly, you should reach out to the TechVets team, we have specially trained advisors who have worked in the tech industry themselves on hand to advise you.
At the same time as booking this call in, you should also be considering why you want to retrain in cybersecurity and what you want out of your new career.
Do some brainstorming around these themes:
Career Goals: What type of cybersecurity career do you want and where do your interests lie – penetration testing, security analyst, architect? What is the course offering and is it relevant to the career goals you have set? Some offer a broad overview of cybersecurity concepts, others specialise in specific areas such as national security, ethical hacking, and digital forensics. Ensuring that the course aligns with your career aspirations will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in your desired role.
Read more: Discover your ‘cyber fit’ using the UKCSC Careers Framework Tool
Quality of content: Ensure the material is up-to-date, comprehensive, and is presented in a way that aids understanding and retention. Technology, especially cybersecurity is constantly changing so outdated information can be unhelpful and in the worst case scenarios, damaging.
Your experience level: What, if any, experience do you have in cybersecurity? Are you a beginner or just topping up the skills you already have? There are many entry-level cybersecurity training courses available that teach the basics but there are also specific courses if you’ve already built up some experience.
Credibility of provider: The credibility and reputation of the course provider is vital. Certifications from recognised and respected institutions or organisations carry weight and are likely to be more valued by employers.
Real-World Application: Theoretical knowledge is important, but practical, hands-on experience is what really prepares you for real-world challenges. Courses that offer lab exercises, practical projects, or simulations will provide you with invaluable experience.
Discover more about TechVets partners and our course providers.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Courses can range from free online resources to expensive degrees so it’s important to consider what your budget is, what time you can commit and what your potential return on investment is. Also take a moment to think about what potential income you could earn vice what you want to earn and how long it will take you to take steps up the career ladder.
Reviews & Recommendations: Feedback from previous students can provide valuable insights into what the course was like and help you to make a choice as to whether it’s the right one for you. Jump into TechVets Discord channel and ask people who have one through the process already.
Post-Course Opportunities: Some courses offer job placements and networking opportunities, look out for these as it will help to take the worry away from what you do post-course.
How can you fund your cybersecurity courses?
Join TechVets! We have partnerships with a huge number of leading cybersecurity training providers. If you’re a TechVets member you can access courses and examinations for free with providers such as Immersive Labs, CAPSLOCK, SANS Institute and Splunk amongst others.
You probably already know this but if you don’t where have you been?!
The British military provides “learning credits” as part of a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development for its personnel. Available to both serving members and veterans, these credits can be used to further education and training.
But beware! A lot of commercial companies in the cybersecurity sector know that you have this pot of cash at your finger tips and they’ll be targeting you. So before you commit to anything talk to the TechVets team and check the credentials of the organisation that’s offering the courses and get the low-down on the course itself.
The Enhanced Learning Credits Administration System (ELCAS) is accessible to current service members and veterans who have completed a minimum of four years of eligible service post 1st April 2000..
Depending upon length of service, eligible personnel can access two levels of funding:
- Lower Tier £1,000 per year
- Higher Tier £2,000 per year
These credits can be claimed up to five years after leaving the service, but you can only make one claim per financial year (1 April – 31 March). You can collect all three lower tier claims together if you have served between 6-8 years and must commence study before your scheme expiry date.
You can apply for ELCAS online or if you’re still serving by contacting your education staff.
If you’re considering pursuing a course in cybersecurity, here are some of the top training programs in the UK, but first check out the TechVets training pathways. These are based on the UK Cyber Security Council Careers Routemap and the Paul Jerimy Security Certification Roadmap and are designed to give TechVets members advice and guidance as to the training available.
National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Certified Training: This is a government-endorsed program offering various cybersecurity courses across different levels. Additionally, NCSC offers a range of degree apprenticeships, Bachelor’s, Integrated Master’s, and Master’s degrees in cybersecurity and related fields.
CompTIA Security+: Offered by CompTIA, this certification is a great choice for those looking to understand the fundamentals of cybersecurity.
The SANS Institute: A highly esteemed training provider, the SANS Institute offers a broad range of cybersecurity courses, including the GIAC Certified Security Analyst (GCIH) program.
All these programs are readily available, some even through TechVets. They provide comprehensive knowledge and prepare you for a career in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.
