Diploma Information Security Professionals SCQF level 6 and 8
These group awards have been replaced - see Qualification Structure section for details.
The Diploma in Information Security at SCQF levels 6 and 8 cover principles and purpose of information governance, threats to information security, how to manage and assess risks to information, and health and safety procedures applicable to learners' job roles within the IT sector.
The SCQF level 8 qualification includes assurance and principles of information security testing.
Apprentices undertaking these courses will gain qualifications and skills that not only enable them to effectively operate IT systems, but also allow them to develop their business and interpersonal skills, which are also vital parts of the process of becoming an information security professional.
Diploma in Information Security Professionals at SCQF level 6 is a part of the Modern Apprenticeship in Information Security Level 3 (SCQF level 6).
Diploma in Information Security Professionals at SCQF level 8 is a part of the Technical Apprenticeship in Information Security at SCQF level 8.
This qualification is available through colleges and training providers.
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Why deliver this qualification
The Diploma in Information Security at SCQF levels 6 and 8 is a course for the growing technology sector.
Information and cyber security is an important sector in the modern world. IT security is a business survival issue for companies and organisations across every sector and employers of IT professionals highlight information security and data protection as a critical priority.
Supported by the Scottish Government, this competence-based qualification is part of the Modern Apprenticeships frameworks.
This qualification enables the learner to demonstrate both underpinning knowledge and performance evidence of competence.
This qualification is based on the most current version of National Occupational Standards, defined by e-skills UK.
The Diploma can be offered within a workplace environment and a college or training centre.
The evidence demonstrating achievement of the qualification can be assessed within a workplace environment or, where simulation is used, within a realistic working environment.
Who does this qualification suit
This Diploma is suitable for:
- employees in the IT sector
- learners in FE
- individuals who are currently in employment and who wish to obtain a formal qualification
- employers who wish their employees to obtain specialist training in this field
Learners may complete vendor Units that have been credit rated and levelled for the SCQF as options in each framework.
Access
Entry is at the discretion of the centre.
No prior qualifications are required to undertake this qualification, although experience in/knowledge of subject would be an advantage.
Examples of formal entry qualifications include:
- qualifications at SCQF level 5 or above.
Progression
The Diplomas for Information Security Professionals at SCQF levels 6 and 8 could provide progression to:
- employment in a range of areas such as
- network security
- secure systems development
- information assurance
- penetration testing
Approval
Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.
Centres without devolved authority will have to come forward for approval and should contact SQA's Business Development Team for guidance.
Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Guide to Approval.
How to assess
Assessment of this award will be through a series of theoretical and practical assessments or tasks. Some assessments will be carried out under supervised open-book conditions, others under supervised closed-book conditions.
Where can you take this course?
Qualification content and delivery tools
Information about the qualification(s)
Qualification Structure
Diploma for Information Security Professionals at SCQF levels 6 - GJ75 46
This group award has been replaced.
It enters its lapsing period on: 31/10/2023
It finishes on: 31/12/2027
Please see replacement qualifications:
- Diploma Digital Technology: Cyber Security SCQF level 6
- Diploma Digital Technology: Data Analytics SCQF level 6
- Diploma Digital Technology: IT Infrastructure SCQF level 6
- Diploma Digital Technology: IT Support SCQF level 6
- Diploma Digital Technology: Software Development SCQF level 6
The Diploma for Information Security Professionals at SCQF levels 6 consists of three mandatory Units and optional Units.
Please refer to the Qualification Structure for details on the Units making up this qualification.
Diploma Information Security Professionals at SCQF level 8 – GJ74 48
This group award has been replaced.
It entered its lapsing period on: 31/12/2022
It finishes on: 31/12/2026
Please see replacement qualifications:
- Diploma Digital Technology: Cyber Security SCQF level 8
- Diploma Digital Technology: Data Analytics SCQF level 8
- Diploma Digital Technology: Software Development SCQF level 8
The Diploma for Information Security Professionals at SCQF levels 8 consists of four mandatory Units and optional Units.
Group Award Code: GJ74 48
Please refer to the Qualification Structure for details on the Units making up this qualification.
National Occupational Standards
Visit e-skills UK to find out about the skills you need with the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for IT users and IT professionals.
Unit information for this qualification is available on our Unit Search.
Modern Apprenticeships
The Diplomas Information Security Professionals at SCQF levels 6 and 8 are part of the Modern Apprenticeships frameworks.