OCCUPATIONAL CERTIFICATE: CYBERSECURITY ANALYST

---

Qualification: Occupational Certificate: Cybersecurity Analyst

Curriculum Code: 252901001

NQF Level: 5

Quality Partner (AQP): MICT SETA

Knowledge Modules: 9 (53 Credits)

Practical Skills Modules: 8 (68 Credits)

Work Experience: Compulsory

Total Credits: 121

Assessment: External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA)

Career Pathway: Cybersecurity, Information Security, Security Operations, Digital

Forensics, Risk Management, Network Security and Cyber Defence.

The Occupational Certificate: Cybersecurity Analyst equips learners with the knowledge, practical skills and workplace experience required to protect organizations against cyber threats and security breaches. The programme develops competencies in cybersecurity governance, network security, risk assessment, threat detection, vulnerability management, incident response, digital forensics, ethical hacking principles and information security compliance.

Learners acquire the expertise to identify and mitigate cyber risks, monitor information systems, implement security controls and respond effectively to cybersecurity incidents while ensuring compliance with national and international information security standards.

Modules, NQF Level & Credits:

• Introduction to Cybersecurity (NQF Level 4; 8 Credits)
• Fundamentals of Network Security and Defense (NQF Level 5; 12 Credits)
• Cybersecurity, Cyber Threats and Attacks (NQF Level 5; 12 Credits)
• Introduction to Cybersecurity Governance, Legislation and Ethics (NQF Level 4; 4 Credits)
• Fundamentals of Design Thinking and Innovation (NQF Level 4; 1 Credit)
• Refresher: Logical Thinking and Basic Calculations (NQF Level 4; 3 Credits)
• Computers, Devices and Computing Systems (NQF Level 4; 6 Credits)
• Data and Database Vulnerabilities (NQF Level 4; 3 Credits)
• Introduction to Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and Future Skills (NQF Level 4; 4 Credits)

Modules, NQF Level & Credits:

• Ensure Compliance with Legal Cybersecurity Requirements and National & International Standards (NQF Level 5; 4 Credits)
• Assess Risks, Vulnerabilities and Current Security Measures (NQF Level 5; 20 Credits)
• Implement Protection, Prevention and Detection Measures to Mitigate Risks and Vulnerabilities (NQF Level 5; 20 Credits)
• Apply Logical Thinking and Mathematics (NQF Level 4; 6 Credits)
• Apply Basic Scriptwriting for Cybersecurity Toolsets (NQF Level 4; 4 Credits)
• Access and Visualise Structured Data Using Spreadsheets (NQF Level 4; 5 Credits)
• Apply Design Thinking Methodologies (NQF Level 4; 4 Credits)
• Function Ethically and Effectively as a Member of a Multidisciplinary Team (NQF Level 4; 5 Credits)

Learners are required to complete structured workplace experience in a cybersecurity environment, where they will apply cybersecurity monitoring, vulnerability assessment, risk management, incident response, compliance verification and digital asset protection before qualifying for the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA).

TOTAL QUALIFICATION CREDITS: 121

The programme combines theoretical instruction, practical laboratory training and compulsory workplace experience. Most accredited providers deliver the qualification over 12–18 months, depending on the delivery model and workplace placement opportunities.

• Assess cybersecurity risks, threats and system vulnerabilities.
• Implement security controls to protect digital assets and information systems.
• Monitor networks and investigate suspicious activities and cyber incidents.
• Detect, analyze and respond to cybersecurity breaches.
• Perform vulnerability assessments and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Apply cybersecurity governance, legislation and ethical principles.
• Implement incident response and disaster recovery procedures.
• Produce cybersecurity reports and maintain security documentation.
• Contribute to organizational resilience by protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information assets.

• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Information Security Analyst
• Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst
• Cybersecurity Monitoring Analyst
• Vulnerability Assessment Analyst
• Information Security Officer
• Incident Response Analyst
• Cyber Risk Analyst
• Network Security Analyst
• Security Compliance Officer
• Digital Forensics Support Analyst
• Cyber Defense Specialist

• National Senior Certificate (NSC), or
• National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)] Level 4, or An equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification that provides access to occupational learning.

Learners must successfully complete all knowledge modules, practical skills modules and prescribed workplace experience before attempting the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) administered by the MICT SETA.