Pen Test (Penetration testing) is a method of assessing companies/organisations cybersecurity strengths and weaknesses through a process called white-hat (ethical) hacking. This is an ideal course for such individuals who have gained a working knowledge of IT Networking and Security, and seeking a future role within the ever expanding range of Cyber Security. Penetration Testing knowledge and skills can be used for both offensive and defensive Job roles in Cyber Security.

The PDA qualifications in Cyber Resilience intent to provide foundation knowledge and skills in cyber security to increase awareness and develop deeper knowledge and appropriate skills of the discipline. The principal aim of the qualifications is to introduce cyber security to learners already employed across the wider workforce, to encourage interest in this emerging discipline as a potential future career and to improve cyber security knowledge for all learners irrespective of their vocational goals.

Prerequisites:

To ensure your success in this course, you should have: This is an Intermediate Level 3/4 course and candidates should have completed the CompTIA Security+ in advance of attending the course, or alternatively have gained equivalent IT Networking & Security knowledge and practical skills through several years of experience gained in information security. For those who do not have CompTIA Network/Security+ or equivalent qualifications, you may be asked to complete an aptitude test prior to being enrolled on this course. CompTIA Recommendation: Network+, Security+ or equivalent knowledge. Minimum of 3-4 years of hands-on information security or related experience. While there is no required prerequisite, PenTest+ is intended to follow CompTIA Security+ or equivalent experience and has a technical, hands-on focus.

Course Objectives:

In this course, you will be introduced to general concepts and methodologies related to pen testing;

• Planning and Scoping – The importance of planning, and key aspects of compliance-based assessments
• Penetration Testing Tools – conduct information gathering exercises with various tools and analyse output and basic scripts
• Information Gathering & Vulnerability Identification – gather information to prepare for exploitation and then perform a vulnerability scan and analyse results
• Reporting & Communication – report writing and best practice to explain recommended strategies to mitigate any vulnerabilities which have been detected
• Attacks and Exploits – exploit network, wireless and application based vulnerabilities. Summarise physical security attacks and perform post-exploitation techniques

Hands on Experience:

This CompTIA PenTest + training course will prepare you to successfully attain this in-demand certification with hands-on practical work in the form of virtual/live Scenario based labs and software tools.

SQA Framework:

CompTIA PenTest + Course has been organised in conjunction with the PDA Cyber Resilience at SCQF Level 8 so the Learners will have an opportunity to earn SQA credit points & received a certificate from Scottish Qualification Authority if successfully passed all relevant unit exams.

Job Roles & Career Opportunities:

This is an ideal intermediate level 3 or 4 globally recognised qualification for IT pros seeking a role within Cyber Security.
You will be able to function in a variety of job roles, including:

1. Penetration Tester
2. Vulnerability Tester
3. Security Analyst (II)
4. Vulnerability Assessment Analyst
5. Network Security Operations
6. Application Security Vulnerability

Modes of Learning:

You have the option of undertaking this course via following learning modes:

1. Face to Face (Classroom based Learning): You will attend the class each week on its specified day and time at your designated centre (Edinburgh or Glasgow)
2. Virtual Learning: Live traditional face to face class will broadcast remotely via our online settings through Microsoft Team
3. Blended Learning: Mixture of Face to face and Virtual learning (must inform when joining the course).
4. No ELearning is available for this course.

Funding Available:

Course Funding: SAAS PTFG: Scottish Awards Agency for Scotland

This course is funded by SAAS part time funding which is available to eligible individuals only;
SAAS General funding eligibility requirement:

1. You have to be a resident of Scotland
2. Either employed or unemployed, if working then earning must be less/equals to 25k a year
3. Have not used the SAAS funding in this Academic Year.

Other criteria:

• Students do not need to pay it back as this is a grant not a loan.
• This funding is different from the full time funding which can be applied by someone who previously granted for a degree, postgrad or any other full time studies (HNC/HND) etc. but not in a same session
• Part time funding cannot be received on a same session if one is already receiving any part/full time funding for other courses.
• Part Time funding can only be used for one course per academic year
• SAAS part time funding academic year starts from Aug to July.

For more information please visit the below link 

www.saas.gov.uk/_forms/funding_guide.pdf

To check your eligibility:

Please follow the below link to check if you qualify for the course funding;

www.saas.gov.uk/part-time/undergraduate-funding

Self Funding

If you do not qualify for SAAS part-time funding, you have the option to self-fund the course.

Fees are payable in advance at the start of the course unless otherwise agreed.

We also provide flexible fee installments to help students in paying their fees.

There are a number of other funding opportunities available to UK and EU students to help them to pay for their studies. Contact the college for more details.