What is the purpose of this qualification?
The purpose of this qualification is to introduce learners to the essential principles and practices that underpin the field of cybersecurity, providing a foundational understanding of cybercrime, the nature of digital threats, and their impact on individuals and organisations. It also aims to prepare learners for progression to higher level qualifications within the sector or related areas requiring more specialised knowledge, skills, and understanding, and to equip them for employment in cybersecurity or associated fields.
What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?
The aim of this qualification is for learners to understand cybercrime, its risks, and the effects it has on individuals and organisations.
The objectives of the qualification are to provide learners with the opportunity to:
• develop an understanding of the motives behind cybercrime and the factors that influence malicious online behaviour
• build awareness of key protective methods used to enhance cybersecurity and reduce digital risks
• gain knowledge of relevant legislation and the principles of ethical conduct within cybersecurity practice
• understand the purpose and importance of user access controls in maintaining secure digital environments
Progression & entry requirements
There are no specific prior skills/knowledge learners must have for this qualification.
Centres must ensure that learners have the correct information and advice when selecting qualifications to ensure that the qualification will meet their needs.
Centres must ensure that this qualification suits the age and abilities of their learners by ensuring that learners can meet the relevant literacy, numeracy, digital, and health and safety requirements of the qualification.
Learners enrolled on this qualification should not undertake another qualification at the same level with a similar title or content, as this could impact funding eligibility due to duplicated learning.
On completion of this qualification, learners will be equipped with essential introductory knowledge of cybersecurity, including core principles, threats, and protective measures.
Successful completion of the Level 1 Award in Cybersecurity could allow learners to progress onto:
• Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Award in Cybersecurity
• Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Award/Certificate/Extended Certificate/Diploma in Digital and IT Skills
• Level 2 qualifications in Digital and IT
A full in-depth careers information, advice and guidance session should be completed for learners before, during and after completion of learning, finding them the most appropriate progression pathways unique to them and based on their ability and aspirations.
The Level 1 Award in Cybersecurity was awarded Qualification of the Year at the 2024 Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) Awards.