(Information below provided by Andrew Jones, Strategy Director at The Cyber Scheme. Andy has been appointed as an assessor by the UK Cyber Security Council, and undertakes assessments against all specialisms in competence areas B-E).
Don’t apply for a Professional Title until you understand the competence you will need to demonstrate…
Make your evidence count
We are measuring your ability to communicate with assessors about your evidence across multiple competence criteria. This should be well thought through and well structured, and be mapped against the criteria defined in the Standard for Professional Conduct and Competence (SPCC).
The quality of the application is a reflection of you
We fully recognise that people can find describing themselves and their achievements challenging, which is why we require a candidate to nominate one or two referees that can clearly vouch for the evidence provided. Your referee should advise you if the application meets the appropriate standard so make sure you show it to them before submitting it; but it is important to note that they are not there to write your evidence for you. Their role is to support you in identifying additional evidence based on their understanding of your work history.
Focus on any qualifying technical certifications
IF your chosen specialism (security testing is one example) requires you to hold a valid ‘qualifying technical certification’, evidence should be focused on the application of the technical competence you are certified in. Reflecting on other technical skill and knowledge is useful but you are being assessed against what you hold not what you might hold. You are being assessed as a subject matter expert and also on how you use that expertise to support and influence clients and other stakeholders over a period of time.
Do what it says on the tin
Don’t make it look like you didn’t research the standard and the expectations for the level you applied for. A contextualised standard for your specialism exists alongside the SPCC (find them here) and can help you chose the right evidence. If it says you are required to demonstrate you have ‘significant practical knowledge in several specialisms (for a chartered application)’ that is exactly what we expect to see reflected in the written evidence (and also at interview if that is the chosen route). It sticks out like a sore thumb if you do not!
See a decline as an opportunity
If an assessor has declined to progress your application as presented, and has requested additional evidence, this gives you the opportunity to enhance your existing application with more depth of information. Adding further examples will make it more robust. Remember you are reflecting on evidence gathered over time.
Lower awards can be proposed but this is not guaranteed.
When considering evidence, it is possible for an assessor to propose that an alternative title is more appropriate (i.e. does not meet the criteria fully at the level applied for, but would at a lower title level). All recommendations to award a lower title are reviewed by a Final Decision Panel, where other assessors look at the evidence presented. This outcome isn’t to be assumed however; assessors can decline your application fully as not meeting the standard applied for. Your best bet is not to overshoot – this is Professional Registration, not a certification to be passed or failed.
