(ISC)2 and Learning Tree to Embed Cybersecurity Certifications within Global Public/Private Sector Training Programs

ALEXANDRIA, Va. and LONDON, May 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- (ISC)² an international nonprofit membership association and Learning Tree today announced a global agreement to enhance development of the professional cybersecurity practice around the world. (ISC)² certifications will be recognized within the Learning Tree's proprietary course library and provided within the commercial training frameworks it maintains for major organisations, including the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency).  The collaboration broadens access to the best cybersecurity practices, knowledge and principles documented over 28 years by (ISC)²'s global community of more than 120,000 practicing information security professionals.

Today's agreement follows Learning Tree's February announcement of a commercial training contract to be delivered across 40 sites serving 33,000 NCI Agency staff, which included cybersecurity, among other technical and program management disciplines. NCI Agency services are designed to support NATO consultation, command and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Through this agreement, Learning Tree will also include (ISC)² training and certifications within their programs that align to the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Cybersecurity Workforce Framework under the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST).

Sean Craig, managing director, Learning Tree International EMEA, notes that cybersecurity is a growing priority: "Our clients are beginning to truly understand the scope of the threat being felt around the world today, and they are looking to both develop and demonstrate that they have the skills to face it. For this reason, we are finding that formal certification and professional recognition for cybersecurity roles are becoming a key priority for many."

"Learning Tree lends a significant boost to our commitment to supporting organizations around the world in their battle against cyberthreats. As a global membership body, (ISC)² has a unique opportunity to maintain the breadth of practice knowledge and verify it by people working on the frontlines. Partnerships such as this one ensure we can reach the people that need it and add the credibility of professional recognition to the challenging work that they do, says Faisal Malik, head of business and market development EMEA, (ISC)².

This year, forecasts for a global cybersecurity skills shortage grew by 20 percent to reach 1.8 million in 2022, according to the Center for Cyber Safety and Education's 2017 Global Information Security Workforce Study, which has been benchmarking workforce development for (ISC)² and the world since 2004.  The study also reports that governments and companies are already feeling the impact of the shortage; with 66 percent of the more than 19,000 respondents stating they have too few professionals working for them today and 46 percent of the more than 1,000 UK participants in particular struggling to find the talent they were actively recruiting.   

(ISC)² certifications confirm comprehensive professional knowledge in the critical areas needed to develop and protect systems and data in current business and working environments. Our commitment to continuing education is helping professionals and their employers keep pace with ever-changing requirements.

About Learning Tree International

Established in 1974, Learning Tree is a leading provider of IT training to business and government organisations worldwide. Learning Tree provides Managed Learning Services, as well as Workforce Optimisation Solutions – a modern approach to delivering learning and development services that improve IT service delivery. These services include: needs assessments, skill gaps analyses, blended learning solutions, and Project Acceleration Workshops.

Over 2.4 million professionals have enhanced their skills through Learning Tree's extensive library of proprietary and partner content on topics including: web development, cyber security, project management, Agile, operating systems, networking, cloud computing, leadership, PRINCE2, and more.

About (ISC)²®

(ISC)² is an international nonprofit membership association focused on inspiring a safe and secure cyber world. Best known for the acclaimed Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®) certification, (ISC)² offers a portfolio of credentials that are part of a holistic, programmatic approach to security. Our membership, over 120,000 strong, is made up of certified cyber, information, software and infrastructure security professionals who are making a difference and helping to advance the industry. Our vision is supported by our commitment to educate and reach the public through our charitable foundation –The Center for Cyber Safety and Education. Visit www.isc2.org.

 © 2017 (ISC)², Inc., (ISC)², CAP, CCFP, CCSP, CISSP, CSSLP, HCISPP, SSCP and CBK are registered marks of (ISC)², Inc. 

Media Contact: Mike Cheng, +44 0203141 2975, [email protected]

SOURCE (ISC)2