IT-SECURITY
CERTIFICATION TRACK

Become a SECO certified IT-Security Officer (S-CITSO)

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 skill set of an IT-Security Manager.

We offer the most complete certification track for your career, our learning path enables you to develop from Foundation level all the way up to Certified IT-Security Officer level (CITSO). With a SECO- S-CITSO certification, you will be recognised as a as a qualified Security Manager, and you will set yourself on a path of career success and continuous professional development.

Together with our certifications, we offer corresponding it-security courses and exams.

IT-Security Certifications

Entry level

IT-Security Foundation
S-ITSF title

For officials who need to engage with technicians in their work; network or system administrators with ambitions to start a career in IT security, and aspiring information security professionals that lack technical security knowledge.

Visit the S-ITSF Certification page

Advanced level

IT-Security Practitioner
S-ITSP title

For security administrators, analysts, architects, auditors, consultants, or others looking to transition to an IT security management role.

Visit the S-ITSP Certification page

Expert level

IT-Security
Expert
S-ITSE title

For practitioner-level professionals who aspire to become an IT-Security Expert. In this track, the student can choose a specialisation. For example: SOC manager or IT-Security Manager.

Expert level

IT-Security
Officer
S-CITSO title

For anyone able to demonstrate Expert-level knowledge (SECO Expert certificate or equivalent) and at least 3 years of relevant work experience such as an IT-Security manager or a specialisation like SOC Manager.

Visit the S-CITSO Certification page

Your career path to becoming a IT-Security Officer

You want to become a CITSO but where to start? Depending on your level of expertise you may need to study a bit more before claiming the S-CITSO 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

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-ITSF, S-ITSP, S-ITSE, S-ITSO).

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.