Certificate in Cyber Security Practices

Our intensive cyber security course will boost your CV with an NCFE Accreditation. Whether you're starting or looking to sharpen your skills, we've designed a flexible learning experience that's totally free if you qualify for a funded place. Hit apply now and start your journey to safeguarding digital systems like a pro.

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Course Details:

6 weeks full-time, 11 weeks part-time

100% online or face-to-face

Career-boosting tech skills

150 hours

Level 3, Netcom Certificate of Completion, NCFE Certificate in Cyber Security Practices

Adult Skills Fund / Free Courses for Jobs

Master the fundamentals

You’ll explore threat intelligence in depth, including how to identify threat models, recognise types of malicious software and understand social engineering tactics. You’ll also cover key security testing methods, ways to reduce vulnerabilities and how to implement strong cyber security controls.

Learn industry best practices

You’ll learn how to build incident response plans and write post-mortem reports, giving you practical tools to respond effectively to security breaches. The course also dives into essential legislation, industry standards and ethical considerations that shape best practice in the field.

Skills beyond the tech

Alongside technical training, you’ll develop the professional skills needed to grow your cyber security career, from communication and project management to continuous professional development. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to take your first steps into this fast-paced and high-demand sector.

Do you qualify for a fully funded place?

You could train for free if you meet our eligibility criteria:

  • You live in the West Midlands, Greater London or Greater Manchester 
  • You’re aged 19 or over 
  • You earn below the gross annual wage cap of £34,194 (West Midlands)/£28,860 (London)/£32,400 (Manchester) 
  • You’re not currently undertaking any other government-funded training 
  • You’re not in the UK on a student, graduate, postgraduate or sponsorship visa, or as a dependent of someone who is 

Netcom graduates landed roles at...

The curriculum

A sample of what you'll learn on our Level 3 Cyber Security course...

View the full course overview

Cyber security principles

You’ll start by exploring the fundamentals of cyber security, gaining a clear understanding of the risks and consequences of poor digital protection. Get to grips with key terminology, uncover what drives both ethical and malicious actors and examine the pros and cons of designing systems with security built in from the start.

Threat intelligence in cyber security

Develop a clear understanding of threat intelligence and how to use Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) effectively. You’ll explore the importance of reliable, trustworthy information sources, get to grips with common threat models and examine the impact of malicious software on systems and organisations.

Cyber security testing, vulnerabilities and controls

You’ll explore the most common types of testing used in cyber security and learn what steps to take once testing reveals potential risks. You’ll get to grips with how vulnerabilities are identified, what they mean and how to respond when they appear. You’ll also build your knowledge of cyber security controls and learn how to apply a basic control yourself.

Cyber security incident response

You’ll learn what makes an effective cyber security incident response plan and how to use a response checklist when things go wrong. You’ll also build the skills to create a clear, practical post-incident report, helping teams understand what happened, why it happened and how to prevent it in future.

Legislation and ethical conduct within cyber security

You’ll explore the key legislation that underpins cyber security in the UK and internationally, gaining an understanding of how laws and regulations protect data and systems. You’ll also examine the role of information security standards in shaping best practice and why ethical conduct is essential in every cyber role.

Professional skills and behaviours for cyber security

You’ll explore the behaviours, skills and standards expected in a cyber security career, from understanding security clearance levels to the types of employee screening checks employers may carry out. You’ll assess your own strengths, identify areas for growth and learn why ongoing professional development is essential in this fast-moving field.

Meet your mentors

Our expert instructors are here to guide you through the course, answer your questions and help develop your career goals. Once you’ve completed a Netcom course, our dedicated careers coaches will be on hand to help you take the next steps.

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Where could a cyber course take you?

Our Cyber Security training courses are your ticket to some seriously exciting career opportunities.

Information Security Analyst - £25,000-£35,000

Think you can outsmart cyber threats? As an Information Security Analyst, you’ll protect your company’s networks and systems by finding weak spots, setting up security policies and making sure everything complies with laws and best practices. You’ll be the first line of defence against online threats.

Incident Responder Analyst - £25,000-£35,000

If fast action is your thing, being an Incident Responder Analyst is for you. Working in a Security Operations Center (SOC), you’ll respond to cyber incidents in real time, minimise damage and come up with strategies to keep those attacks from happening again. It’s all about reacting quickly and preventing the next disaster.

Junior Forensic Analyst - £22,000-£30,000

Love solving digital mysteries? As a Junior Forensic Analyst, you’ll dive into digital investigations, analyse data from hacked systems and help prepare reports for law enforcement. You’ll be learning the ropes of forensic work under the guidance of senior analysts, gathering and analysing data to crack the case.

IT Support Apprentice - £12,000-£18,000

As an IT Support Apprentice, you’ll get real experience helping with tech problems, troubleshooting and learning about IT infrastructure. It’s the perfect start to your career, with an apprenticeship that’ll set you up for success in the IT world.

Entry level Compliance Specialist - £20,000-£28,000

Ready to help companies stay on track? As an Entry-Level Compliance Specialist, you’ll monitor how well your organisation is following regulations, spot potential risks and assist with training. Staying updated on industry trends and best practices will make you a key player in keeping everything compliant.

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Please complete the form below for more information. We will contact you as soon as we receive your online application. You can call us on 0121 450 9300 to discuss the course

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Hear from the Netcom Training Alumni

"I just recently did an IT bootcamp through Netcom and it was excellent. The course was well paced and managed to encompass everything I needed to get me started in the IT industry. Gary was a great trainer and it was great to have someone who is passionate about the subject train you."

Jason Jones
14 May 2026

"I recently completed an IT course with Netcom, and I must say the experience was truly exceptional. The huge amount of high-quality information within a remarkably short period. Our instructor, Gary, was absolutely Rock Star! I can recommend Netcom highly enough for anyone seeking entry level technical education."

Michal Turowicz
13 May 2026

"I recently completed the IT Support course with Netcom Training and had a really positive experience. The course helped me build my understanding of IT support, networking, troubleshooting and cybersecurity fundamentals in a structured way. The tutors were supportive and explained things clearly, especially when covering more technical topics. I also appreciated the career support and interview preparation which helped build my confidence when applying for IT roles. Since joining the course, I feel much more focused on my career direction and better prepared for entry level IT support opportunities. I would recommend Netcom Training to anyone looking to start a career in IT."

George
13 May 2026

"I had a really positive experience with Netcom Training. Gary and Amir were great trainers who explained things clearly, kept the sessions engaging, and made everything easy to follow. The IT Support course gave me a solid foundation in both the technical and business sides of IT, and I came away feeling more confident in what I’d learned. I’d definitely recommend Netcom Training to anyone starting out in IT."

Mohammed Aweis
13 May 2026

"Excellent bootcamp provided through Netcom! Trainers are fantastic, in my bootcamp, rare as it is, I had the pleasure of being supported by two trainers and a member from the careers team. The design and delivery of the course was handled very well and I felt supported throughout, I wish I had more time on the course, my bootcamp was only 6 weeks of content which is intensive but incredibly good, I highly recommend this training provider, you won't be disappointed. They are professional, friendly, supportive and good at what they do! Thank you Netcom. "

Jessica Garthwaite
13 May 2026

"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Truly Rewarding Experience! This IT Support course was an incredible journey—challenging at times, but absolutely worth every effort. The classes were clear, practical, and designed to help you actually learn and apply your skills in real-world scenarios. A huge thank you to the fantastic tutors, Gary and Amir, who made learning engaging and supportive. Their patience, expertise, and encouragement were invaluable throughout the course. And a special mention to Azfaa for the outstanding employability support. Her guidance and resources helped me prepare for the next steps in my career: refining my resume, preparing for interviews, or connecting with opportunities, her support made all the difference. If you’re considering this course, I highly recommend it. It’s not just about gaining skills—it’s about building a foundation for a successful future in IT support. Thank you to the entire team for making this experience so worthwhile! 🌟"

Helena
13 May 2026

"I really enjoyed the Netcom IT Support Level 3 course and found the content highly informative and engaging. The course covered important areas such as Tech+, A+ and ITIL Foundations, which helped expand my technical knowledge and understanding of IT support practices. The resources provided were extremely valuable, and the course was delivered professionally with a high level of expertise, making the learning experience both enjoyable and beneficial for my career in IT."

Jude Willmer
13 May 2026

"Very easy to understand course that gives you flexibility when needed and shows you possible opportunities for the future."

JJ
07 May 2026

"Did the cyber security practices course with Amir as my tutor. Amir was always helpful and happy to explain concepts more than once, gave extra time in sessions for independent working on our assignments, and overall a friendly tutor. The course content itself was helpful for getting into cyber security as a newbie. I found the incident response and post-mortem to be the best and most practical part, but also found value in learning about controls, threat intelligence/OSINT. Lauren also held sessions for employability which were super useful for polishing up my CV and assessing my own skills."

Ali
07 May 2026

"Antwan Atkins has been such a great tutor and very well versed in Cyber Security. He has helped me understand key concepts and has helped me to retain all the information. Doing the "Level 3 in Cyber Security Practices" course was very intensive but, Antwan was very logical and empathetic in explaining complex and difficult concepts. He made me and everyone in the class feel at ease and supported. Netcom in general has been very supportive and helpful."

Skm
06 May 2026

"My experience with Netcom Training has been very positive. The tutors were supportive, patient and always willing to explain things in a way that made sense, especially when topics became more technical. I appreciated the structure of the course and the way each unit built my confidence step by step. The practical labs, discussions and assignments helped me understand real cybersecurity concepts, and I’ve seen a big improvement in my confidence, especially in communication, leadership and analysing security scenarios. The employability support was also helpful, and I now feel more prepared to apply for junior cyber roles. Overall, Netcom Training has helped me grow both personally and professionally, and I’m grateful for the guidance I received throughout the course."

Dini Mohamed
19 April 2026

"I would like to say thank you for the admine team, our instructor fantastic instructor Rachel, employability advisor Azra and the entire team for their support. I would highly recommend for those who are interested to join the IT industry."

Ribka Teshome
16 April 2026

"They have provided a good foundation and good understanding of cybersecurity."

Sara Kamara
16 April 2026

"Just finished the Level 3 in Cyber security practices and, as someone who started with minimal knowledge, I can honestly say that the level of depth of the course material gave me the opportunity to grow my confidence in a field that I was quite unfamiliar with and inspired me to pursue a new career path My tutor was patient, supportive, informative and thorough, always thanking the time to explain clearly and making sure everyone understood while creating a fun and comfortable learning environment. This made my overall experience both positive and unforgettable."

Farah
16 April 2026

"I went into this experience with little to no knowledge on cyber security but through the course I was able to learn a number of different skills and also gain confidence within the subject. I am also more comfortable when it comes to applying for jobs due to the career help and advice we were given throughout the course as well. Very good experience !"

Ben
16 April 2026

"I would like to thank the Employability Programme team, especially Azra Akhtar, for all their support. She helped us create our CVs, prepare for job interviews, and kept us informed by sending emails about job opportunities and training events. I truly appreciate all the guidance and support provided."

Hersi
16 April 2026

"I had an overall good experience completing the Level 3 Cyber Security course with Netcom Training. The course was taught comprehensively by knowledgeable instructors, and the learning environment was friendly and supportive. After attending over three months of training sessions, I found it quite challenging at times due to unforeseen personal circumstances. However, Netcom Training provided adequate support, particularly with safeguarding, which I really appreciated. I’m grateful for the opportunity, as I’ve gained a solid foundation and fundamental knowledge in cyber security."

C “JJ” Hosh
16 April 2026

"My experience with the course was very positive. I found it really useful for learning cybersecurity. It helped me understand key concepts like online threats, data protection, and how to stay secure in real-world situations. The course was clear, engaging, and gave me confidence to apply what I’ve learned. I would like to thank my teacher Rachel Hurley for their guidance, support, and dedication throughout the course. Their teaching made the learning experience clear and engaging, and I truly appreciate the time and effort they put into helping me succeed."

Haa
16 April 2026

"Cyber security level 3 was great experience for me. I would recommend to anyone who wants to have a career in cyber security."

Nish Rani
16 April 2026

"very informative, well explained course,with lots of links."

Buster MoO
16 April 2026

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