ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity
Committed to enhancing and expanding the cybersecurity workforce in the EU, ISC2 was the first organisation to make a pledge on the EU Cyber Skills Academy launched by the European Commission. ISC2 committed to provide its Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) certification and education program to 20,000 individuals in the EU, preparing them for entry- and junior-level cybersecurity roles.
Get to know the initiative
ISC2's initiative, part of its wider One Million Certified in Cybersecurity program, is designed to equip individuals with foundational cybersecurity knowledge and skills to build a talent pipeline for the significantly under-resourced cybersecurity sector in the EU. Its rationale was rooted in the current shortage of trained cybersecurity professionals, estimated at a gap of 274,000 individuals in the EU alone. Through creating a pipeline of skilled individuals, ISC2 also set out to help bolster Europe’s digital defences by attracting newcomers into the field and fostering a new wave of cybersecurity professionals.
Who are the beneficiaries of this initiative?
ISC2's initiative is open to all EU-based individuals seeking to start or advance their careers in cybersecurity. This includes recent graduates, career changers and IT professionals with minimal or no prior experience or knowledge of cybersecurity. The program empowers individuals from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups, to pursue a career in cybersecurity. Beyond individual career development, SMEs and larger organisations benefit from a more skilled, diverse workforce.
Designed to offer an entry point into the cybersecurity field for diverse groups including recent graduates, career changers, and IT professionals interested in transitioning to cybersecurity, the CC program equips individuals for an entry-level role and demonstrates their aptitude for cybersecurity to employers. The current EU workforce gap emphasises the need for a more diverse and inclusive cybersecurity workforce. There is currently a significant shortage of women in the field, with current estimates suggesting women make up just 23% of all cybersecurity professionals. By removing barriers to entry into the field, and allowing free and equitable access, the initiative helps to bring more varied perspectives into the profession, crucial for developing a more robust and effective workforce.
Why is this a good practice?
This initiative supported the 2023 European ‘Year of Skills', aimed to address skills shortages and boost the EU skills strategy. It aligns with the goals to help reskill 6 million people with a focus on digital and green technology skills, aiding individuals and SMEs to acquire the right skills for quality jobs. The initiative is open to all EU residents interested in transitioning to cybersecurity. Participants can gain immediate access to the online training course for the certification. Upon successfully completing the free exam and obtaining the certification, individuals can become ISC2 members with access to a wide array of professional development opportunities and resources to support their careers.
ISC2's pledge has enabled 22,053 EU-based individuals to enroll in the program for free, allowing access to the cybersecurity field for underrepresented groups, with women accounting for 18% of enrollments and 29% from non-white ethnic groups. ISC2 observed significant interest among individuals under 35, constituting 51% of participants, with a greater proportion of women in this age group. Registrations span all EU Member States, with the highest proportion of women in Romania and Poland.
In summary, ISC2's initiative represents a strategic response to the cybersecurity workforce gap in Europe, representing a comprehensive approach to improving accessibility of cybersecurity careers. It serves as a model for future education programs globally, demonstrating how clear pathways into the field, without barriers, can foster the development of a diverse and skilled workforce.
