Professional Registration User guide

Professional Registration User Guide

Follow the steps below to apply for a Professional Title

Applying for a Professional Title is not a ‘tick box’ exercise. It requires prior knowledge of the specialisms and levels available, as well as a thorough understanding of the Standard of Professional Competence and Commitment and contextualised standards for your discipline. Sound confusing? Read on for a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process.

Step One

Choose your specialism

Unless you are applying for the Associate Title, you will need to determine which specialism most aligns with your experience, role and the evidence you can provide to support your application.

More details about the specialisms currently available can be found below.

Step Two

Study the SPCC

The SPCC (Standard of Professional Competence and Commitment) and the associated Contextualised Standards will help you determine which Level (Associate/Practitioner/Principal or Chartered) you want to be assessed against. Your assessment will align with the competencies outlined in the Standards, so it's important to map your current knowledge against them. Find links to the Standards below.

Step Three

Choose your route

When you are filling in your application, you will be given the chance to choose your assessment route: either an application form plus a professional discussion (interview), or an application form plus an employer testimonial.

If you choose the interview route, your case studies and evidence will be discussed at your interview, which is held remotely and takes approx. one hour. Your referees will be subject to random verification in line with the UK Cyber Security Council’s professional standards processes.

If you choose the attestation (employer testimonial) route, you will be expected to fill in this form with the maximum detail, and to show the completed form to your attestors. Attestation is legally binding. If evidence spans multiple employers, you will need to include details of each employer.

Step Four

Fill in the appropriate application form

The application is a lengthy process so be prepared for it to take time and effort. We recommend the STAR technique which will help you outline the evidence you will need to supply. Make sure you meet all the criteria outlined in the five core competency areas in the SPCC. You will need to contact your referee/attestor/s and collate required documentation including relevant certification.

Step Five

Submit your application

You will receive confirmation that your application has been submitted and a PDF copy of it for your records. You will then be sent an invoice. Once this has been paid, the application review will start. Your application may be returned at this stage if additional information is required.

Step Six

Make yourself available

If you have chosen the interview route you will be contacted to arrange a call with your assessor. If you have chosen the employer testimonial route, you may still be required to have an interview to ensure the details we hold are correct.