πŸ‘¨β€πŸ’» Infosec IQ Security Awareness Practitioner Certificate

🧠 1. Certification Name and Issuing Body


🧩 2. Certification Level and Type

  • Level: Intermediate to Advanced

  • Type: Professional Credential (Security Awareness Program Management)(Vendr)


πŸ“œ 3. Purpose and Goals

  • What skills does it certify?
    Demonstrates expertise in planning, developing, implementing, and managing effective security awareness programs that influence organizational culture and reduce human-related security risks.

  • Target roles or profiles:
    Security Awareness Officers, Training and Compliance Managers, HR Professionals, Organizational Change Agents.

  • Practical applications:
    Designing and executing comprehensive security awareness initiatives, engaging stakeholders, measuring program effectiveness, and aligning with organizational security objectives.(Infosec Institute)


πŸŽ“ 4. Prerequisites

  • Recommended prior certifications:
    None required.

  • Suggested experience:
    Experience in security awareness, training, or organizational behavior management is beneficial.

  • Required technical knowledge:
    Basic understanding of cybersecurity principles and familiarity with organizational training methodologies.(Infosec Institute)


πŸ“š 5. Content and Curriculum

  • Key domains/modules:

    1. The need for enterprise security awareness training

    2. Security and communication terminology and concepts

    3. Security awareness program planning

    4. Security awareness program development

    5. Security awareness program implementation

    6. Managing a security awareness program

    7. Common challenges related to security awareness training

  • Technologies/tools:
    Not tool-specific; focuses on strategic program development and management.

  • Framework mapping:
    Aligned with NIST Cybersecurity Framework and NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity.(Infosec Institute, Infosec Institute)


πŸ§ͺ 6. Learning Approach

  • Style: Live, instructor-led boot camp (3 days) with interactive sessions.

  • Labs/environments: Includes hands-on exercises and real-world scenario simulations.

  • Materials:

    • Course manuals and digital resources

    • Access to practice exams

    • Supplementary reading materials

  • Recommended platforms: Infosec Institute’s training portal.(Infosec Institute, Infosec Institute)


πŸ“ 7. Exam Format and Details


πŸ’° 8. Estimated Cost

  • Certification fee: Included in the boot camp package.

  • Boot camp cost: Varies; consult Infosec Institute for current pricing.

  • Renewal cost: Subject to change; check with Infosec Institute for details.(Infosec Institute)


🌍 9. Industry Recognition

  • Demand/popularity: Recognized among organizations aiming to mature their security awareness programs.

  • Organizations that value it: Enterprises, government agencies, and institutions prioritizing human risk management.

  • Comparison:

    • More advanced and strategic than basic awareness training certifications.

    • Focuses on program leadership rather than end-user awareness.


πŸ’Ό 10. Career Opportunities

  • Job roles:
    Security Awareness Program Manager, Human Risk Analyst, Compliance Officer, Organizational Change Manager.

  • Suggested paths:

    • Begin with foundational awareness training.

    • Advance to CSAP for program leadership roles.

    • Complement with certifications like CISA or CISSP for broader security governance expertise.(Infosec Institute)


πŸ’΅ 11. Average Salary

  • USA: $90,000–$120,000/year

  • Europe: €70,000–€100,000/year

  • Salary impact: Significant for roles focused on security program development and management.


πŸ“… 12. Renewal and Maintenance

  • Validity: 2 years

  • Renewal options:

    • Attend a relevant training or conference.

    • Complete continuing education credits.

    • Retake the certification exam.(Infosec Institute)


🧭 13. Final Recommendations

  • Ideal for:
    Professionals leading or aspiring to lead security awareness initiatives within their organizations.

  • When to pursue:
    After gaining experience in security training or awareness roles and seeking to formalize and enhance program leadership skills.

  • Tips:

    • Engage actively in the boot camp to grasp practical strategies.

    • Utilize practice exams to prepare effectively.

    • Network with peers through Infosec Institute’s community for continued learning and renewal.(heidi-hesales.catalog.instructure.com)