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Available now: GICAST badged course

Updated Friday, 27 November 2020
Take your first step into cyber security with this free course.

Gamified Intelligent Cyber Aptitude and Skills Training (GICAST) is a free 24-hour badged course developed by cyber security experts from The Open University and funded by Nesta and the Department for Education. Successful completion will earn you a badge that you can use as evidence of study.

You can find the course here:

Gamified Intelligent Cyber Aptitude and Skills Training (GICAST)

Make sure to read the Introduction and guidance section for information on successfully completing the course.

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Who is this course for?

  • Do you want to understand cyber security concepts?
  • Are you keen to explore a career in the cyber security sector?
  • Do you want to feel more confident about your online safety?

If your answer to any of these questions is yes – this introductory course is for you.

 

What is this course all about?

This course uses unique game-based assessment, which presents you with a series of scenarios to help assess your intuitive cyber behaviour and current understanding of cyber security concepts.

On completing the game at the start of each study week, you’ll be provided with a personalised course pathway to support you with developing knowledge and understanding in cyber security.

 

Careers in cyber security

Grab your opportunity to make your career move into this rapidly growing industry. With data breaches and cyber-attacks becoming more common and increasingly sophisticated, cyber security professionals have never been in higher demand.

Cyber security is rapidly evolving with everything going online – shopping, banking, education, social networking, along with everything else. Being safe online as well as helping to keep systems and processes safe, be it at home or in the industry, is an urgent need. There is a substantial shortage of skilled personnel in the industry.

Advertised positions in cyber security have doubled in the last two years. Starting salaries for cyber security analysts typically fall between £25,000 and £35,000.

 

This course's supporters

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The course is supported by Cisco Academy, which offers CyberOps Associate and Cybersecurity Essential certifications

 

 

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The course is endorsed by the CPD standards office and can used as an evidence for continuous professional development.

 

 

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The course is accredited by the National Cyber Security Centre (part of GCHQ) which is highly valued by employers.

 

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