The Cyber Scheme's Operations Manager Ella Chamberlain breaks down the application process of becoming chartered in the Security Testing specialism.
So, you’re interested in Chartership, think it sounds like a good step to make in your career, but think the process is a bit of a minefield? We get it.
In this blog, we’ll be running through the beginning-to-end process to help clear some of the confusion.
A couple of things to consider before reading on:
The Cyber Scheme are currently only accepting applications for the Security Testing specialism at the Chartered level, but we are working with The UK Cyber Security Council to develop the Incident Response specialism. If you are interested in the Incident Response specialism, there is a button on this webpage that contains a form to fill out to be added to a waitlist. We will then be able to keep you up to date throughout the process.
Should you go through the whole application process and be successful in achieving Chartership, the total cost, including your addition on the Professional Register, is £700+VAT. The breakdown of this amount is outlined below.
1. Check your eligibility.
Make sure you’ve read and familiarised yourself with the Council’s professional standard (Chartership competencies can be found on pages 25-31), have the required expertise, and have a current certification (CSTL, CCT, CSSAM, CSASS) that is valid for at least 12 months from application date.*
2. Download the application form and complete your application.
Make sure you’ve read our application guidance. This must be carefully considered and filled out as accurately and thoroughly as possible. Upon downloading the application form, you will be sent a link to an upload site. We have a webpage detailing examples of evidence on our website.
3. Upload the completed application form, along with any certification proof, CVs, and other relevant documentation.
Please notify your referees at this stage. Once the application form has been uploaded. We will send out an invoice for £250+VAT that will need to be paid before your application form is processed. This can be paid by card or bank transfer.
4. Application review + interview stage.
Should your application be successful, your pathway will follow one of two routes:
- Exam and interview (exam will be at an additional cost), or
- Interview only (on the condition that you already hold one of the certifications outlined in point 1, valid for at least 12 months from application date).
Should your application be unsuccessful, we will make recommendations for any changes that need to be made, request additional information, or notify you that we will not be proceeding with your application.
You will be charged the remaining £450+VAT when your interview is arranged, and this must be paid before you come in for the interview. The interview lasts approximately 90 minutes and is held remotely. If you are unsuccessful at gaining an interview this will not be charged.
5. Approval or rejection for Chartership
Following the interview (and exam if taking), you will either be approved for Chartership in your chosen specialism, recommended a different title (Principal / Associate), or declined. If you are successful in achieving Chartership, you will be entered onto the Professional Register. At this point, the world is your oyster!
*Candidates with historic but out of date certs will be considered on a case-by-case basis; please contact us.
Good luck to anyone planning to embark on their Chartership journey, and hopefully this blog has helped shed some light on what to expect. If it has left you with more questions, we are always happy to help out, so please feel free to contact us at [email protected].
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