Industry-Academia Network: Partnership highlight between ISC2 and CS VISOR

Sealing a partnership under the Industry-Academia Network of the Cybersecurity Skills Academy, ISC2 and CS VISOR will, through this partnership, enable ISC2 to provide free access to a self-paced training and ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity certification exam for at least 250 learners from the German vocational and education training provider CS VISOR, as part of ISC2’s One Million Certified in Cybersecurity programme, aimed at expanding access to foundational cybersecurity education and helping individuals expand pathways into the field.

This partnership will further support the implementation of the pledge made by ISC2 to boost Europe’s cybersecurity workforce by offering free training, certification exams, and scholarships—especially for women—to expand access to cybersecurity education and support career growth in the field.

On 30th October 2025, ISC2 and CS VISOR have signed a partnership under the Industry-Academia Network of the Cybersecurity Skills Academy, joining efforts to narrow the cybersecurity skills and talent gap in Europe.

Cybersecurity skills are the backbone of Europe’s digital economy,” said ISC2 Acting CEO and CFO Debra Taylor, CC. “By building our connections with academic partners, we’re committed to strengthening the region’s cyber resilience by growing the pool of certified talent. Recent ISC2 research shows that 89% of cybersecurity hiring managers value entry-level cybersecurity certifications when recruiting for entry-level roles. By expanding access to cybersecurity education, we’re removing barriers for individuals from all backgrounds to showcase their skills and contribute to a safer digital future for Europe.

- Debra Taylor, ISC2 Acting CEO and CFO

Our partnership with ISC2 accelerates a dream we’ve always shared — to make cybersecurity truly accessible to everyone. Over 1,000 of our graduates, including more than 400 across Europe, have already launched new careers in cybersecurity, actively strengthening the continent’s digital security and resilience. By combining world-class certification with AI-powered, hands-on training and real internship opportunities, we’re opening the door for people from all backgrounds to step confidently into tech and cybersecurity. We’re especially proud to support the mission of the Cyber Skills Academy by inspiring and empowering more women to enter the field and help build a safer digital future for all.

- Hasan Eksi, CEO CS VISOR  

The partnership 

Partners: 

Academia: CS VISOR
Industry: ISC2

Description:  

Within this partnership, ISC2 will grant free access to the Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) training and exam to at least 250 trainees of the CS VISOR Cyber Academy, under the One Million Certified in Cybersecurity programme.
In alignment with CS VISOR’s AI-Powered Cyber Security / Information Security Immersion Program, learners and alumni will benefit from an integrated training pathway that combines theoretical foundations with AI-enhanced hands-on practice and real internship experiences in Security Operations Centers (SOCs). 
The CS VISOR curriculum, which is separate from and not part of the ISC2 CC curriculum, covers core operational cybersecurity domains, including:

•  Threat detection and monitoring (SIEM/EDR/XDR)
• Penetration testing and vulnerability management
• Incident response and forensics
• Information Security Management System (ISMS) implementation
• Risk management and compliance

This partnership directly supports the implementation of key EU cybersecurity policies and regulations, including the NIS2 Directive,Cyber Resilience Act, Cyber Solidarity Act, EU AI Act, and Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA).
It also contributes to sectoral compliance initiatives, where continuous staff training and awareness are essential to building cyber resilience

Target audience: At least 250 students, recent graduates, professionals seeking employment, and career changers wishing to upskill or reskill into cybersecurity and information security roles.
Delivered fully online, the programme ensures accessibility for remote and underserved regions across Europe.
It supports workforce development for employers of all types — from SMEs and large enterprises to public administrations and operators of essential services — by producing job-ready, cybersecurity-aware professionals equipped with internationally recognised credentials.

European Cybersecurity Skills framework role profiles: Cyber Incident Responder, Cybersecurity Architect, Cyber Legal, Policy & Compliance Officer, Cybersecurity Auditor, Cybersecurity Implementer, Cyber Threat Intelligence Specialist, Digital Forensics Investigator, Penetration Tester

Sector: No specific sector targeted

Location:  EU-Wide, Online, Self-paced

Languages: ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity exam: English, German, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese
CS VISOR Bootcamp: English, German

Cost: Access to the ISC2 CC course and certification exam is free of charge for all participants enrolled in the CS VISOR training programme.
Access to the CS VISOR Immersion Program itself is tuition-based, with flexible funding options.

Link(s) to the initiative(s) 

• ISC2 || CS VISOR Partner Program under EU Digitals Skills Academy
• CS VISOR Cyber Security || InfoSec Immersion Program
• Free ISC2 Cybersecurity Training and Exam ( CC - Certified in Cybersecurity Certification)
• One Million Free ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity Courses and Exam Pledge

Contact person(s): ISC2: EUpartnerships@isc2.org, CS VISOR: academy@csvisor.de