Do I have to follow all the modules in numeric order (1, 2, 3…)?
No, you can follow the modules in random order whenever they suit your work calendar. So you can start with module 3 if that one comes first in your timing, and then follow module 1 and 2 at a later time, etc. The modules are all stand-alone course modules; you can step into the CISO track at any module and then follow the other modules according to the frequency with which they are organized.
The only exception to this rule is module 7 (the master project), which can only be started once the complete set of modules 1 to 6 has been completed. You have a period of 2 years to complete the full trajectory.
How are the courses organized?
Every module 1 to 6 is a two-day course in a hotel conference room, where one or more teachers will take you through the main topic(s) of the module with a mix of theory and interactive sessions. There is no test or evaluation at the end of each module (and therefore, no certification for individual modules), but if you take up the entire course track from module 1 to module 6, you will get access to module 7, which is the assessment module that will grant you certification as a CISO.
When based in Flanders, can I make use of the KMO Portefeuille for this course?
Yes, indeed. You can get the subsidies of the KMO Portefeuille programme. And for all courses related to cybersecurity topics, you now get an increased subsidy of 45% for small enterprises and 35% for medium-sized enterprises. If you are not acquainted with the KMO Portefeuille yet, have a look at the (Flemish) Vlaio website that explains the financial support.
What is the relation of this CISO course with the CISSP/CISM certifications?
This CISO course is complementary to these certifications. The DPI CISO course is intended to be mainly a hands-on training.
Can I register for one module and then still decide to subscribe for the full track?
Absolutely. If you follow one module of interest, and then decide that it would be better for you to take on the full CISO track, you can simply fill out the registration form for the full track, and we will register you to become part of the CISO community.
What exactly is module 7 – the master project?
Module 7 is an assessment module that will test the course participant’s knowledge obtained in modules 1 to 6. It starts off with an assessment survey to determine the depth of the student’s knowledge on each module, and – through mentorship – to define the actual research topic for the master project. Over a period of three months, the student will then develop the research topic (a practical application of the CISO course content on a real-life work situation) with the guidance of a promotor. After these four months (survey + preparation of the master project), the student will have to present their work before a jury, consisting of professionals who are involved in the CISO training track. Upon the successful conclusion of module 7, the student will receive the certification as a CISO.
I have already done another course of which some content overlaps with this course. Can I get exemptions for this course?
No, we do not allow exemptions for having followed other courses. Our CISO training track is a tailormade course series with selected instructors (experienced CISOs themselves) and specific interactive sessions. Although it is based on the requirements as laid out by ENISA’s European Cybersecurity Skills Framework (ECSF), our course has its own unique and thorough approach to provide future CISOs with an elaborate overview of the requirements of the CISO function.
Who are the teachers of the CISO training track?
The teachers of our CISO track are seasoned professionals, who either work or have worked as a CISO, some with many years of experience, and who have first-hand experience in all the different aspects of the CISO’s skills and requirements. You can have a look at their backgrounds by clicking on their names in the course presentations on the website.