Certified NIST Cybersecurity Consultant

This four-day course uses the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and NIST v2 cybersecurity standards, enabling participants to strengthen organisational resilience and compliance. Learners will explore core NIST publications, including NIST SP 800-12 for security fundamentals, NIST SP 800-53 for implementing controls, NIST SP 800-171 for safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information, and the NIST Risk Management Framework. The course also examines the NIST Cybersecurity Framework’s 2.0 core functions, Govern, Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover, helping participants apply these principles to improve cybersecurity posture. With practical exercises, real-world examples, and exam preparation, this programme equips professionals to design, assess, and optimise cybersecurity strategies.

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Explain the fundamental concepts of cybersecurity and their application in an organisational context
• Apply key NIST publications, including NIST SP 800-12, NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-171, and the NIST Risk Management Framework, to improve compliance and resilience
• Evaluate and recommend security controls in line with NIST guidelines
• Provide guidance on risk assessment, mitigation, and incident management strategies
• Develop, document, and optimise a comprehensive System Security Plan
• Implement the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to build and maintain a robust security programme

Participants should have:

• A fundamental understanding of cybersecurity concepts, frameworks, and principles
• Familiarity with basic risk management concepts
• Awareness of common cybersecurity threats and mitigation approaches

Target audience

This course is designed for:

• Executives and directors overseeing cybersecurity programmes
• System administrators and network engineers seeking to align with NIST controls
• Professionals developing or implementing organisational cybersecurity programmes
• Advisors, governance, risk, audit, delivering compliance and security consultancy services
• Security specialists, analysts and investigators
• Cybersecurity practitioners seeking advanced knowledge of NIST standards

Introduction to NIST v2 cybersecurity standards

• Overview of NIST’s role in cybersecurity governance
• Structure and purpose of key NIST publications
• Benefits of implementing NIST standards in organisational security

Risk management strategy and supply chain risk management

• NIST Risk Management Framework phases and application
• Identifying, assessing, and mitigating supply chain risks
• Integrating risk management into business strategy

Implementing security controls and building awareness

• Selecting and applying security and privacy controls from NIST SP 800-53
• Establishing effective training and awareness programmes
• Continuous monitoring techniques to maintain security posture

Cybersecurity incident management

• Incident detection, reporting, and escalation procedures
• Coordinating response teams and resources
• Post-incident recovery and lessons learned

Certification exam preparation

• Practice quizzes aligned with the PECB exam format
• Review of key concepts, frameworks, and processes

Exams and assessments

The course includes the PECB Certified NIST Cybersecurity Consultant exam voucher. Certification and examination fees are included in the course price. Candidates who fail their first attempt are eligible for a free retake within 12 months if the initial attempt was completed after attending the course with an authorised partner.

Hands-on learning

Learners will engage with:

• Practical exercises using real-world cybersecurity scenarios
• Guided workshops to build a System Security Plan
• Interactive quizzes to reinforce understanding of exam topics
• Peer discussions to share insights and best practices