Information Assurance Certification Scheme: Pilot Commences

HIGH WYCOMBE, Engand, November 23, 2011 -

The APM Group has entered its Initial Operating Capability phase in the development of a new certification scheme for professionals working in Information Assurance (IA). This means that the first pilot candidates are now going through the new scheme. The APM Group has been awarded the status of Certification Body by CESG to help develop the scheme.

CESG has developed a framework for certifying Information Assurance Specialists who meet competency and skill requirements for specified IA roles. The purpose of certification is to enable better matching between public sector requirements for IA specialists and the competencies of the staff or contractors undertaking common IA roles.

Applicants trialling the new certification scheme are being tested at three levels for different roles. The levels in each role are Practitioner, Senior Practitioner and Lead Practitioner.

The six roles are:

• IA Accreditor
• IA Auditor
• Communications Security Officer/Crypto Custodian
• IT Security Officer/Information Security System Manager/Information Security System Officer
• Security and Information Risk Advisor
• Security Architect

Pilot candidates are Information Assurance specialists who want independent assessment of their skills and competencies in their chosen role(s). The APM Group expects that applicants applying for one role will spend up to 3 hours completing the application form and the assessment will last approximately one hour, for which further preparation will be required. At lead practitioner level candidates must prepare a  presentation and have an interview. It is possible to apply for certification in more than one role at the same time but this will require further time at each stage.

Improved IA skills, knowledge and professionalism are objectives of the National IA Strategy and the Cyber Security Strategy. If you would like to be part of this new initiative, visit our website for further information and to register your interest.  There are a limited number of places available in the pilot phase but the scheme will be fully launched in early 2012 when all applicants will be welcomed.

Alternatively you can email servicedesk@apmg-international.com or call us on +44-(0)1494-452450.

Further information

About CESG

CESG aims to protect and promote the vital interests of the UK by providing advice and assistance on the security of communications and electronic data. CESG delivers information assurance policy, services and advice that government departments need to protect vital information.
www.cesg.gov.uk

About The APM Group

The APM Group is a global business providing accreditation and certification services. It has been assessing and certifying practitioners around the world in a variety of different professionalisms since 1993. Our experience has been brought to bear on the IA community and we have brought in a number of leading experts in the different roles of the CESG framework to advise on the assessment of IA practitioners.  Our certification process is designed to help organisations and individuals to improve their IA skills through independent assessment and ongoing development.

The APM Group is the only organization offering professional qualifications in Programme and Project management with third party independent accreditation through the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). We work closely with the Cabinet Office  and TSO (The Stationery Office Ltd), its official publisher, in running global accreditation schemes in PRINCE2®, MSP® (Managing Successful Programmes), M_o_R® (Management Of Risk), P3O® and ITIL®.

Other partners include The Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) and the UK’s Chartered Management Institute.

For further details about The APM Group’s qualification and accreditation schemes visit: www.apmgroupltd.com or call + 44-(0)1494-452450 and speak to Helen Searls.

Press contact: Kate Winter, kate.winter at apmgroup.co.uk