The qualification is based on the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for intelligence analysis and was developed in partnership with the Sector Skills Council, Skills for Justice, for intelligence analysis in the military. However, the qualification is now available to anyone working within a data analysis role.

The qualification is a combination knowledge delivery and skills workshops. To assess the knowledge elements you will need to complete three question based assignments. The vocational skills assessments and evidence gathering is done during the workshops and during subsequent observation visits in the workplace You therefore have to be working in an analytical role.

The qualification is split into 8 units that follow the natural flow of an Intelligence Analyst’s role. Dealing with intelligence requests, collation, application of analytical techniques, making assessments/recommendations, creating products, disseminating products and reviewing intelligence processes.

Most commonly, pattern analysis will be utilised, including hot spot analysis and comparative case and analysis. Other techniques include link analysis, analysis of competing hypothesis, cone of plausibility, SWOT analysis and backcasting.

The main difference is that the level 4 requires an analyst to make recommendations as a result of an analytical process.

This is largely dependent on your role and existing competence. If you are an experienced intelligence analysts in a current role then you could complete the qualification in less than 6 months. However, it can be spread it out over a longer period. Delivery is flexible to fit in line with personal and organisational needs.

Anyone working within an analytical role is suitable for this qualification. It covers a broad spectrum of employment. Providing that you collate, analyse and make assessments based on different forms of data then this qualification is applicable to you.

Cyber attacks on UK businesses are up year on year by over 100%. 90% of large businesses in the UK suffered some form of cyber attack in last year. With changes to EU legislation and the threat of financial penalties for companies that do not show adequate cyber security compliance, cyber security awareness qualifications have never been so important.

Other schemes focus more on effective cyber security infrastructure, which is also crucial, yet rendered ineffective, if there is not a sufficient level of cyber security awareness within the wider organisation.

These qualifications are specifically for cyber security practitioners. The Level 2 in Cyber Security Awareness is aimed at non IT professionals. It is due to a lack of awareness from employees unfamiliar with cyber security risks that the vast majority of breaches occur.  Therefore this qualification is aimed at increasing their awareness and confidence to apply cyber security effectively.

These qualifications are specifically for cyber security practitioners. The Level 2 in Cyber Security Awareness is aimed at non IT professionals. It is due to a lack of awareness from employees unfamiliar with cyber security risks that the vast majority of breaches occur.  Therefore this qualification is aimed at increasing their awareness and confidence to apply cyber security effectively.

Everyone that completes this qualification will become a Cyber Star. Cyber Stars are compared to first aiders and health and safety reps within their department, but have a specific responsibility for increasing cyber security awareness. Cyber Stars is an excellent professional development opportunity and each individual will have access to the Cyber Security Information Sharing Portal (CISP), which will mean that the latest threats within industry can be identified and brought to the awareness of the wider team.