Digicore Training Courses FAQ

What qualifications can I gain by completing Digicore’s training courses?
How long will my professional certification be valid for?
What components make up the MSc in Computer Security & Forensics (in association with the
University of Bedfordshire)?
Do I have to go to Bedfordshire to complete any MSc coursework?
Can I only complete certain parts of the MSc?
Can I complete Digicore’s courses and qualifications without completing the MSc?
I’ve already completed Digicore’s training courses. How do I upgrade to an MSc?
How do I get more information about the MSc?
What educational background must I have to be eligible to complete the MSc?
How do I apply for the MSc?
Can I apply and enrol at any time during the year?
I’ve registered/enrolled with the University. What happens now?
When will I know whether I’ve been awarded an MSc?
What happens if I fail an assignment?
Is there a time limit on completing the MSc?
How do I book a place on a training course?
How do I know if I have been accepted onto a course after submitting my booking form?
How can I pay for my course?
When do I need to pay for my course?
What if I need to cancel, postpone or make a substitute for my confirmed delegate place?
What happens if Digicore has to cancel a scheduled training course?
What happened to the PgC programme?

What qualifications can I gain by completing Digicore’s training courses?

CSTA and CSTA+: Certified Security Testing Associate

The CSTA certificate is awarded to candidates who successfully complete Digicore’s CSTA Ethical Hacking: Hands-On training course and the CSTA examination included at the end of the course. The CSTA+ qualification is awarded to delegates who further their education in this area by successfully completing university-assessed written assignments.

The CSTA and CSTA+ qualifications prove a sound theoretical knowledge of security testing concepts. Completing the CSTA+ qualification will also earn candidates 15 MSc credits which can be put towards a Masters (MSc) in Computer Security & Forensics

CSTP and CSTP+: Certified Security Testing Professional

The CSTP certification is awarded to existing CSTAs who successfully complete the CSTP Ethical Hacking: Hands-On 2 course and the CSTP examination included at the end of the course. The CSTP+ qualification is awarded to candidates who then go on to complete a university-assessed practical penetration test, which includes a written element.

CSTP and CSTP+ have successfully demonstrated a theoretical and practical understanding of how to test IT systems for vulnerabilities. The CSTP and CSTP+ qualifications build on the knowledge previously required to complete the CSTA and CSTA+ certifications. As well as being awarded a CSTP+ certificate, successful candidates who complete the CSTP+ qualification also gain a further 15 MSc credits which can be put towards a Masters (MSc) in Computer Security & Forensics.

CWSA and CWSA+: Certified Wireless Security Analyst

The CWSA certification is awarded to candidates following successful completion of the CWSA Wireless Security: Hands-On course and the 1 hour CWSA examination included at the conclusion of the course. The CWSA+ qualification is awarded to delegates who then go on to successfully complete a university-assessed written element.

CWSA and CWSA+ have demonstrated a thorough knowledge of wireless security concepts as covered in the CWSA Wireless Security: Hands-On course. Completion of the CWSA+ certificate also earns candidates 15 MSc credits which can be put towards a Masters (MSc) in Computer Security & Forensics.

CFIP and CFIP+: Certified Forensic Investigation Practitioner

The CFIP certification is awarded to candidates following successful completion of the CFIP Forensic Investigation: Hands-On course and the CFIP examination taken at the conclusion of the course. The CFIP+ qualification is awarded to delegates who then go on to successfully complete the relevant university-assessed assignment.

The CFIP and CFIP+ qualifications provide an in-depth knowledge of forensic investigation methodologies. Upon completion of the CFIP+ certificate delegates will also earn 15 MSc credits to be put towards a Masters (MSc) in Computer Security & Forensics.

CMI and CMI+: Certified Malware Investigator

CMI status is awarded to candidates following successful completion of the CMI Malware Investigation Training course and the 1.5 hour CMI examination included at the conclusion of the course. The CMI+ qualification is awarded to delegates who then go on to successfully complete university-assessed written assignments.

CMI and CMI+ have demonstrated a thorough knowledge of forensic analysis concepts as covered in the Forensic Artefacts course. Completion of the CMI+ certificate also earns candidates 15 MSc credits which can be put towards a Masters (MSc) in Computer Security & Forensics.

CSIS and CSIS+: Certified Security Incident Specialist

CSIS status is awarded to candidates following successful completion of the CSIS Computer Security Incident Investigation: Hands-On course and the CSIS examination taken at the conclusion of the course. The CSIS+ qualification is awarded to delegates who then go on to successfully complete the relevant university-assessed assignment.

The CSIS and CSIS+ qualifications provide an in-depth knowledge of forensic incident investigation procedures. Completion of the CSIS+ certificate also earns candidates 15 MSc credits which can be put towards a Masters (MSc) in Computer Security & Forensics.

CIIP and CIIP+: Certified ISO 27001 Implementation Practitioner

The CIIP certificate is awarded to delegates who successfully complete Digicore’s CIIP Implementing ISO 27001: Hands-On training course and the CIIP examination taken at the conclusion of the course. The CIIP+ qualification is awarded to delegates who then go on to successfully complete the relevant university-assessed assignment.

The CIIP and CIIP+ qualifications provide an in-depth knowledge of information asset in inventory and risk assessment. Completing the CIIP+ qualification will also earn candidates 15 MSc credits which can be put towards a Masters (MSc) in Computer Security & Forensics and 15 PgC credits which can be put towards a Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) in Penetration Testing and Information Security.

Master of Science (MSc) in Computer Security & Forensics

Seven of our vendor-independent courses including the courses mentioned above have been accredited by the University of Bedfordshire and form part of a Masters (MSc) in Computer Security & Forensics. To be awarded a Masters, students must complete the seven Digicore courses, pass the accompanying CSTA, CSTP, CWSA, CFIP, CMI, CSIS and CIIP exams and complete a written assignment per course. Students are also required to successfully complete an Independent Study Module and an MSc Project Dissertation. A MSc is worth 180 credits. This MSc is broken down into 12 modules of 15 credits each. Each Digicore course (& exam, where applicable) and associated written assignment constitutes a module. The independent study is a further module, and the MSc project is worth 60 credits (the remaining 4 modules).

Please contact Digicore for more details.

How long will my professional certification be valid for?

There is no time limit on the validity of Digicore’s professional certifications, or the MSc.

Please contact Digicore for more details.

What components make up the MSc in Computer Security & Forensics (in association with the University of Bedfordshire)?

To be awarded an MSc, you will need to attend seven of our courses, pass the accompanying CSTA, CSTP, CWSA CFIP, CMI, CSIS and CIIP exams and complete a written assignment per course. Students are also required to successfully complete an Independent Study Module and an MSc Project Dissertation.

An MSc is worth 180 credits. This MSc is broken down into 12 modules of 15 credits each.

Each Digicore course (& exam, where applicable) and associated written assignment constitutes a module. The independent study is a further module, and the MSc project is worth 60 credits (the remaining 4 modules).

The seven courses you need to attend are:

·  CSTA Ethical Hacking: Hands-On (incl. CSTA exam)

·  CSTP Ethical Hacking: Hands-On 2 (incl. CSTP exam)

·  CWSA Wireless Security: Hands-On (incl. CWSA exam)

·  CFIP Forensic Investigation: Hands-On (incl. CFIP exam)

·  CMI Malware Investigation Training (incl. CMI exam)

·  CSIS Computer Security Incident Investigation: Hands-On (incl. CSIS exam)

·  CIIP Implementing ISO 27001 (incl. CIIP exam)

Please contact Digicore for more details

Do I have to go to Bedfordshire to complete any MSc coursework
No. Digicore's training courses take place in locations around Ireland and throughout the world please see the full course calendar for more information. Once you have enrolled on the MSc, you will have access to Bedfordshire’s online Managed Learning Environment (MLE), from where you can access course information. All coursework can be completed and submitted remotely.

Please contact Digicore for more details

Can I only complete certain parts of the MSc?

Yes. The completion of the work required in each of the areas of study will earn you 15 MSc credits (for all modules covered). These credits go towards the 180 required for the whole MSc. For example, attaining CSTA+ and CSTP+ status earns you 30 MSc credits.

If you only want to complete one or two of the MSc modules, you can enroll as an Associate Student with the University of Bedfordshire.

Please contact Digicore for more details

Can I complete Digicore’s courses and qualifications without completing the MSc?

Of course there is still the option of undertaking Digicore’s training courses and completing the CSTA, CSTP, CWSA, CFIP, CMI, CSIS and CIIP certifications without completing the university-assessed written assignments. However, prospective CSTA+s, CSTP+s, CWSA+s, CFIP+s, CMI+s, CSIS+s and CIIP+s will not only have to attend the relevant training course and pass the associated examination, but will also have to successfully complete the relevant written assignments, set (in conjunction with Digicore) and marked by the University of Bedfordshire and based on the content of Digicore’s courses.

Please contact Digicore for more details.

I have already completed Digicore’s training courses. How do I upgrade to an MSc?

If you’ve already successfully completed Digicore’s relevant training courses and required examinations, you only need undertake the written assignments and MSc project to be awarded an MSc.

Please contact Digicore for more details.

How do I get more information about the MSc?

Contact us and we will send you more detailed information about either the MSc. The information documents contain course costs, components, administration and so on.

Please contact Digicore for more details.

What educational background must I have to be eligible to complete the MSc?

You will either have an undergraduate degree in a related subject (evidenced by a copy of your degree certificate) or relevant work experience in the IT industry (evidenced by reference(s)). The guidance notes we send you with the application form explain this in more detail.

Please contact Digicore for more details

How do I apply for the MSc?

Contact us and we will send you an application form and guidance notes explaining how to complete it. Application is free.

To apply for the MSc, you will need to send the application form to Paul Sant, University of Bedfordshire, Faculty of Creative Arts, Technologies & Science, Park Square, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3JU.

The university will then contact you to inform you whether you have been successful in your application and will give you instructions detailing how to enrol onto particular modules of the course.

Please contact Digicore for more details.

Can I apply and enroll at any time during the year?

Yes. You can apply and register/enrol onto particular modules at your convenience and at any time of the year. Application and enrolment/registration is free.

Please note that your time limit for completing the MSc (6 years) begins when you are accepted onto the course.

Please contact Digicore for more details.

I have registered/enrolled with the University. What happens now?

Once you have registered/enrolled, the University will send you a username and password for their MLE (Managed Learning Environment), from where you will be able to access coursework titles, guidance and deadlines. You will submit your written assignments online via the ‘drop box’ facility. You can book onto the relevant training courses through us. You will be given support and feedback from the University throughout the course.

Please contact Digicore for more details.

When will I know whether I have been awarded an MSc

Digicore’s CSTA, CSTP, CWSA, CFIP, CMI, CSIS and CIIP examination results are issued within two working days after the end of the respective training course exam. The marks are final and conclusive.

·       The university elements (written assignments) associated with the MSc is marked by the University of Bedfordshire.

The university endeavors to mark all assignments within 20 days of receipt.

The marks for these pieces of work are dependent on any subsequent decisions of the Exam Board when they meet.

The University of Bedfordshire MSc Exam Boards meet in February, June and November.

It is rare for Exam Boards to make significant changes to marks, but resulting qualifications such as the CSTA+, CSTP+, CWSA+, CFIP+, CMI+, CSIS+ and CIIP+ will only be awarded following confirmation of results by each university’s Exam Board.

Please contact Digicore for more details.

What happens if I fail an assignment?

You will have one free right of referral per course. This means that, should you fail an assignment, you will be given a new assignment to complete, free of charge. Should you fail the second piece of work, you still have the option of repeating the module, for which you will be charged the full unit price.

Please contact Digicore for more details.

Is there a time limit on completing the MSc?

Yes. The University of Bedfordshire allows a maximum of six years to complete the MSc. During this time, you need to show that you are progressing through the course, however quickly or slowly this progression may be. If there are extenuating circumstances and you need more time, you may write to the University and formally request an extension on this time limit.

Please contact Digicore for more details

How do I book a place on a training course?

Call us to check the cost and availability of places on your selected course and book your chosen course.
We will then email a booking form, which is valid for seven days. This document must be signed by an authorised person and returned to us by fax or post. We cannot confirm delegate places until our receipt of a signed booking form and booking deposit.

Please contact Digicore for more details.

How do I know if I have been accepted onto a course after submitting my booking form?

On submission of a signed booking form Digicore will confirm your place by email and attach the Joining Instructions. These will give you all the information you need to attend the course.

Please contact Digicore for more details.

How can I pay for my course?

On receipt of a signed booking confirmation form an invoice will be sent for immediate payment. Cheques should be made payable to Digicore Limited. Payments may also be made by credit card and direct bank transfer. All payments must be made in Euro. There is no VAT  as education is exempt from VAT ir Ireland, however for courses run in Northern Ireland VAT is payable for all courses delivered in Northern Ireland even if the booking is being made by an overseas organisation.

Please contact Digicore for more details.

When do I need to pay for my course?

On receipt of the invoice which will be before the course commences.

Please contact Digicore for more details.

What if I need to cancel, postpone or make a substitute for my confirmed delegate place?

Please see the table below for cancellation charges.

Delegate substitutions may be made at any time, subject to Digicore approval and a € 100 handling fee.
We deeply regret the need for charging the above, but demand for our courses is such that we suffer a serious financial penalty if any place is left un-occupied.

Please contact Digicore for more details.

What happens if Digicore has to cancel a scheduled training course?

Digicore reserves the right to improve the specification and format of its courses for the benefit of the delegates without notice to the customer. Due to unforeseen circumstances it may occasionally be necessary to cancel, reschedule or relocate courses or substitute an instructor. Digicore will use its best endeavours to avoid changes of this nature and all delegates will be notified in advance of any change. Digicore shall not be liable for any costs associated with any failure to notify delegates in advance of such changes where such failure is as a result of Acts of God, civil unrest, government sanction or interruption or failure of electricity and neither party will have a right to terminate this agreement in such circumstances.

Please contact Digicore for more details.

What happened to the PgC programme?

The previous offer of undertaking a PgC through our courses in conjunction with the University of Glamorgan has been discontinued. If you are already enrolled on the PgC programme, you are not affected by this change, but no new PgC students will be accepted.

Please contact Digicore for more details.