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.

Netcom Course Graphic
greater manchester combined authority cyber courses

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

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.

Explore other courses in your area

Image of a canal with barges in the West Midlands with high rise buildings surrounding.

West Midlands

Discover

Image of Tower Bridge over the River Thames in London.

London

Discover

Image of the River Irwell running through Deansgate in Manchester with 3 barges a bridge above and a high rise apartment building in the background.

Manchester

Discover

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.

"*" indicates required fields

Let’s get your career on track together!

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

This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form

1. Eligibility

Are you over 19 years old?*
Address*
This field is hidden when viewing the form

2. Contact information

DD slash MM slash YYYY
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form

Hear from the Netcom Training Alumni

"The course was informative and I was able to get a much better grasp of cyber security, the tutors were good at supporting us with the queries we had, plus the group I was in was awesome."

Tom Jones lol
15 December 2025

"The course material was well researched and up to date plus it was delivered in a professional manor. They encourage you to learn more by offering additional test examples and Quizzes' on Try Hack me and Immersive labs. "

Nicholas Percy
15 December 2025

"The online courses provided by netcom training are a fantastic way to upskill and gain knowldge in your chosen industry. Upon enrolling onto the course the staff where very helpful in answering any questions and queries promptly they also gave valuable advice and guided me to the right course based on my career interets. The enrolment process was quick and efficient with clear guidance provided every step of the way. The cyber security practices level 3 was a great starting point where i learnt all relevant practical knowledge required for a career in cyber security. The lessons where well organised, fun and interactive along with the career progression webinars which helped in cv writing , interview prep and the job application process. Overall I would highly recommend netcom training courses for anyone looking to upskill or looking for a career change. "

Saira Imran
15 December 2025

"Course was clear on what is needed, but if you are like me who hardly touched cybersecurity and no little about it, there will be a information overload, so be prepared to consume a lot of course material as the course can become overwhelming, The tutors are helpful and knowledgeable, the course time was ideal as it was only 4 days a week at 3 hours a day, the workbooks required a lot a writing and recommends following the rubric for writing the answers, only pain for me was the marker would send the workbook back for correcting and then resubmission, now resubmissions are unlimited, my course is a very pleasant and understanding lady, she was always available to offer support when needed."

Jason Birch
15 December 2025

"Absolutely love the atmosphere of the Netcom Training tutors, i had lots of fun learning and am happy to have earned my certificate! I would recommend Netcom to anyone who wants to learn some more no matter what part of life they are at."

Fatema Begum
15 December 2025

"I was a beginner in this field. So, I needed to start from basic definitions. The experience was great because we learnt everything in detail and we started from very basic information and then moved on to advanced. The units were written in detail, and I was able to access the slides after the class. Also, presentations were included in the lessons. This boosted my confidence. "

Amtul
15 December 2025

"Great course with in-depth detail on the Principals of Cyber Security, The delivery from Rachel was amazing. Extremely helpful and very thoughtful. Thank you all at NetCom Lax"

Lax hussain
15 December 2025

"i enjoyed every part of the course. Rachel was a great trainer. Antwon and Carol who stood in for her when she was on leave were also great too. Ive learnt so much regarding this course and whilst it was intensive it was truly enjoyable. Thank you to all of the Netcom Team!"

Al
15 December 2025

"Everything was great about this course very informative. Especially our course instructor, she was wonderful and was very professional with everything. Overall good experience with this course and with Netcom "

Danish Imran
15 December 2025

"I had a very supportive environment throughout the course. Our tutor Rachel was amazing covering everything we need and more. "

Sahan Barzinji
15 December 2025

"Great theoretical knowledge to gain a basic understanding on cyber security."

Lou
15 December 2025

"My experience with Netcom Training has been exceptional from start to finish. The course was delivered with clarity, structure, and real industry relevance, and the level of support provided throughout the programme was outstanding. I would especially like to recognise my trainer, Alexander Ocheja, whose teaching style, patience, and deep subject knowledge made a huge difference to my learning. Alexander explained complex topics in a way that was easy to understand, always encouraged questions, and consistently went above and beyond to ensure every learner felt confident and supported. His dedication truly elevated the training experience. The course content was practical, engaging, and directly connected to real-world applications in AI and digital technologies. The hands-on sessions were extremely valuable, helping me build confidence and skills I can immediately apply in a professional environment. Communication from the entire Netcom Training team was excellent. Whether regarding ILPs, diagnostics, coursework, or end-of-course paperwork, every query was responded to promptly and with genuine care. I always felt guided and supported throughout my learning journey. Overall, Netcom Training exceeded my expectations in professionalism, quality, and learner support. I feel far more confident, skilled, and future-ready thanks to this programme. I highly recommend Netcom Training and especially Alexander Ocheja to anyone looking to upskill or start a new career path. A truly learner focused training provider that delivers real value."

A A Mk
11 December 2025

"I have just completed an AI course with Netcom. I would 100% recommend. Alexander Ocheja was an excellent teacher. He will provide you with an amazing base to pursue a career in AI."

Jay Solanki
11 December 2025

"The course itself was great, the content and skills I acquired over the course are valuable and definitely worth the time. The tutor was also amazing, good delivery and made sure everyone was keeping up. Would definitely recommend them for others looking for similar training"

Oliver
05 December 2025

"The Netcom Training course was really good and i couldn't be happier with my experience. My tutor guided us very well throughout the course with engaging lessons. The progression team were also very helpful with the career advice and going forward. Highly recommend for anyone trying to upskill or gain a new experience"

Ismail Patel
05 December 2025

"Very informative and well structured lessons carried out by exceptional tutors. Also implements CV employability sessions which help prepare students for the workplace. Perhaps needs to be a slightly longer course to allow space for unexpected delays or interruptions. "

Ben Austin
05 December 2025

"I attended a 9 week level 3 digital support course taught by Shahi. Shahi was a great tutor always going out of his to way to make sure we understand everything. The course itself was a bit frustrating as it had a few mistakes in it making things harder for us but it was the first time this course was taught. Overall I really enjoyed the course."

Bernadette Adair
05 December 2025

"It is good, everything is new to me. if the course has much more AI related assignment, it will be better."

customer
05 December 2025

"the learning material and support provided by our tutor was second to none. Being able to become more proficient in Excel and SQL has been an eye opening experience for me"

Mohamed Roble
04 December 2025

"I recently completed my Cyber Security Practices Level 3 course with Netcom Training, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. The course was well-structured, engaging, and delivered in a way that made complex topics accessible. A huge thank you to my tutor, Carol, whose guidance and support made a real difference. She explained concepts clearly, encouraged me to think critically, and always provided practical examples that helped me connect theory to real-world scenarios. Her patience and professionalism kept me motivated throughout the course. Netcom Training also stood out for their professionalism and commitment to learners — communication was clear, resources were easy to access, and the support team made sure I stayed on track. Overall, I feel much more prepared for a career in cybersecurity thanks to Netcom Training and Carol’s excellent teaching. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to build skills in IT or cyber security."

Bernadetta Mahama
27 November 2025

1-2-1
Career Guidance

Enter your email and join thousands of others who have already kick-started their career.

This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
WhatsApp