Congratulations on taking the first step to a rewarding career in cyber security and becoming a Certified Information Security Officer (CISO).
At the SECO-Institute, we are aware of the growing worldwide need for competent, well-qualified security leaders and specialists. We satisfy this need by developing training programs that enable professionals like you to gain the skillset a CISO need. With a SECO- S-CISO certification, you will be recognised as a qualified CISO, and you will set yourself on a path of career success and continuous professional development.
Interested in following a Information Security Management Course? Click here for the course agenda.
Become a CISO with a SECO certification
We have designed a complete learning path, enabling you to develop from Foundation level to Certified Information Security Officer level (CISO). We have designed this certification track with one goal in mind: to give you the knowledge and skills to achieve your career ambitions and establish yourself as a globally recognised CISO.
The Information Security Foundation course (S-ISF) is designed for professionals who seek to enter the career field. Foundation courses are 2-day courses focused on subject-matter awareness, key concepts and core principles. Following this course, you will understand the fundamental principles of information security management, and you will gain extensive insight into information security threats and protection. Foundation certificates are valuable entry-level qualifications that help you to kick-start a new career and progress to further study.
The Information Security Practitioner course (S-ISP) is designed for professionals with solid basic knowledge in information security. Practitioner courses are 5-day courses focused on hands-on practice in a simulated business environment. During this training, you employ your skills and knowledge to problem-solve realistic scenarios and case studies relating to a fictional company called Bicsma (See: www.bicsma.com). You obtain an advanced overview of the human, organisational and technical aspects of information security and ISMS implementation. The course is rich with hands-on assignments that ready you for performing a Security Officer’s tasks. Practitioner certificates are intermediate qualifications that showcase your ability to carry out specific job-related tasks and enable you to progress to the Expert level.
NEW: CISO 2.0
The Information Security Expert course (S-ISME) is designed for Practitioner-level professionals who aspire to become a CISO. This course focuses on developing subject-matter expert and management skills. It equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to develop, implement and govern an information security program and provide security guidance to senior management. The Expert Certificate attests that you possess the strategic management, policy development, planning, financial and supervisory skills you need as a CISO.
The Certified Information Security Officer (S-CISO) certification title is the highest achievable qualification in this certification track. To be eligible for the Certified Information Security Officer title, you need to demonstrate Expert-level knowledge (SECO Expert certificate or equivalent) and at least 7 years of relevant work experience of which 5 in a leadership role. Certified Information Security Officer (S-CISO) qualifications are awarded to candidates upon a thorough assessment of their professional achievements and certificates.
We help you study – join the (S)ECO-System –
Your success is important to us, and so is your future as an emerging security professional. The (S)ECO-system provides you with many options to help you prepare for your certification exams. As a student you can join the (S)ECO-system for free and get access to:
- Study guides
- Sample exams
- Knowledge base with articles, video’s and more
- Study advisors who can help you with specific questions during your study
How to start?
You want to become a CISO but where to start? Depending on your level of expertise you may need to study a bit more before claiming the S-CISO certification title.
Step 1: Join our (S)ECO-System
Register a free student account on our member website (Your training institute will provide more information).
As a registered SECO-student, you will have the opportunity to access valuable extras and ask questions of certified professionals.
Also join our LinkedIn company page. On a daily base we inform you with new courses, interesting articles and much more.
Step 2: Start your course
- We offer different ways to start your study
Step 3: Book your exam
You can book your certification exam with an accredited SECO-partner or directly with the SECO-Institute. Our online examination system allows you to take exams from the convenience of your home or office, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
The SECO-Institute delivers 3 types of certification exams:
- Foundation exams:
Foundation exams consist of 40 multiple-choice questions. Candidates have 1 hour to complete the exam. The pass mark is 60%.
- Practitioner exams:
Practitioner exams consist of multiple-choice questions, short open-ended questions and a case study. Candidates have 2 hours to complete the exam. The pass mark is 60%.
- Expert exams:
Expert exams consist of multiple-choice questions, short open-ended questions and a case study. Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam. The pass mark is 60%.
Step 4: Claim your certification title and become a SECO member
Upon successful completion of your exam, you will receive a certificate. In the possession of a SECO-certificate, you can apply for a SECO certification title and digital badge (S-ISF, S-ISP, S-ISME, S-CISO).
If you apply for your certification title you will become a SECO-Institute member. As a SECO Member, we provide you with networking opportunities and safeguards the value of our certifications by encouraging and stimulating continuing professional development. By becoming a member of our (S)ECO-system and using a SECO title, you demonstrate to employers and fellow professionals that your competence is up to date.
Step 5: Share your knowledge
The (S)ECO-System offers an extensive pool of knowledge and expertise. Our community is a network of worldwide members, certified trainers, course developers and top-level industry experts. We encourage our members to share their knowledge among other members and students by actively joining discussion groups, sharing knowledge through articles & white papers and become a buddy for professionals who seek to enter the career field.