Sri Lanka CERT|CC in collaboration with the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission [TVEC] and an eminent group of industry experts representing various sectors has embarked on a national initiative in developing National Competency Standards in the Information and Cyber Security Domain to establish a unified cyber security education and training in Sri Lanka.
Based on the development of competency standards that is ongoing, a National Vocational Qualification [NVQ] framework is to be developed which comprises of a seven-level qualification system. Several categories of NVQ Level qualifications which include a Diploma and Higher Diploma curriculum and assessment criteria leading onto a Degree is currently being drafted through this project in order to expand the learning avenues in the information and cyber security domains.
In Sri Lanka, competency standards have been developed for multitudes of domains excluding information and cyber security. As there is a significant increase in the demand for cyber security professionals across multiple sectors and as there is a lack of opportunities in the provision of a formal education in the Information and Cyber Security domain in Sri Lanka, the development of National Competency Standards is essential to identify knowledge, skills and attitudes required to be inculcated in individuals who are striving to gain entry and grow in cyber security related occupations.
Competency Standards would serve as the basis for the development of nationally recognized qualifications [National Vocational Qualification – NVQ] and provide consistency and transferability of qualifications.
Currently, a formal pathway in terms of an education in cyber security is limited to students undertaking graduate and post graduate programs. Furthermore, professional training on cyber security is unaffordable for aspirants hoping to pursue the domain and such education is limited group of individuals who have attained advanced ICT qualifications. In this context, it is essential to widen the learning opportunities to create a skillful carder of cyber security professional in Sri Lanka.
Date : 7th March 2021