Frequently Asked Questions
The Course
Find out all about the ADVANCEFIRST course
What certifications are included? Are they well recognised?
By studying with ADVANCEFIRST, you have the opportunity to earn five industry certifications alongside the core content of the course.
If you complete the ADVANCEFIRST bootcamp successfully, you’ll become a “Certified Cyber Security Practitioner” and receive the CSP certification, our in-house certification.
Additionally, you can choose to pursue four external certifications: CISMP, Security+, CCSK, and ISO27001 Requirements. These are optional, meaning you don’t have to sit for all of them if you prefer not to. Each of the external certifications requires an exam (the cost of which is included in your course fee). Some exams will take place during class time, while others can be completed on your own schedule.
We selected these four certifications because they complement the course content and offer a well-rounded understanding of cyber security principles. However, they’re considered a great bonus for our learners, with the primary value coming from the course itself.
What are ADVANCEFIRST classes like?
At ADVANCEFIRST, classes are hybrid (in person + online and live), focusing on Team-Based Learning (TBL) and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) methodologies. This means you’ll work in small teams to solve real-world cyber security challenges.
Throughout the course, you’ll role-play as a trainee cyber security practitioner, completing hands-on projects and working in a simulated workplace environment to get ready for your future role in the industry.
Team-Based Learning (TBL) – TBL flips the traditional ‘teacher vs. students’ approach by putting you in small teams for the entire course. Instead of just listening to lectures (which typically leads to low retention), you’ll engage in group discussions, peer teaching, and collaborative projects. This active approach boosts retention to up to 95% and ensures deeper learning and better engagement.
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) – PBL also challenges traditional learning. Rather than starting with theory and memorizing facts, you’ll dive into real-world problems you could face in your cyber career. You’ll learn the necessary skills and knowledge along the way to solve these problems, often through hands-on labs or reports. This helps you build practical, real-world skills as a cyber security professional.
Both TBL and PBL are proven methods that focus on deep learning and solving real-world problems. Together, they create an immersive learning experience that encourages exploration, innovation, and confidence—key traits that boost employability.
On a typical day at ADVANCEFIRST, you could be working on team projects, researching cyber topics, attending mini-lectures, participating in group discussions, completing peer reviews, presenting your work, and taking individual and team quizzes—just to name a few.
At the end of each bootcamp, we ask learners for feedback, and TBL is always mentioned as one of the most popular and enjoyable parts of the course.
What does the ADVANCEFIRST cyber bootcamp teach?
The ADVANCEFIRST cyber security bootcamp is designed to take individuals from any background whether or not you have previous IT experience and teach you the skills needed to kickstart a successful career in cyber security.
You’ll take on the role of a Trainee Cyber Security Consultant, working through an industry-focused curriculum and collaborating with a small team to solve real-world cyber security challenges.
Since cyber security covers a wide range of topics, the course is designed to help you become a well-rounded cyber security practitioner. You’ll gain a strong understanding of key cyber security principles and learn how to apply that knowledge in practical, real-world situations.
Upon completing the course successfully, you’ll earn the Certified Cyber Security Practitioner certification.
Here are the 5 Problem Areas we’ll cover in the course:
Module 1: Cybersecurity in Business
You’ll discover why cyber security is crucial and how it fits into an organization. You’ll learn how to measure cyber security, help organizations create a strong security culture, and explore threats like social engineering. During the first two weeks, you’ll connect with your teammates and start building your core understanding of cyber security.
Module 2: Security-Driven Design
We’ll introduce you to governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) and show how these concepts are essential to cyber security. You’ll also strengthen your networking skills and start thinking about an organization’s security architecture by solving real-world, scenario-based problems.
Module 3: Security in Action
You’ll now tackle more advanced exercises like Endpoint Protection, Cloud Security, Digital Forensics, and Access Control, along with other areas of applied security. You’ll use the skills you’ve learned in earlier lessons to solve new challenges and continue growing your expertise.”
Module 4: Offensive and Defensive Security
You’ll deepen your understanding of the cyber security threat landscape and learn how to use this knowledge in real-world scenarios like penetration testing (also called red teaming or ethical hacking) and security operations (known as blue-teaming or SOC). You’ll get hands-on experience with skills such as reconnaissance, malware analysis, threat intelligence, and log analysis in simulated environments.
Module 5: Business Continuity
In this final module, you’ll put all your new skills into practice to tackle important topics like incident management and response, and building strategic business resilience. You’ll also dive into areas such as physical security and industrial control systems, expanding your understanding of real-world security challenges.
Topics covered:
Technology Fundamentals
- Emerging Technologies
- Network Fundamentals
- Basic Scripting
- Operating Systems
- Application Security (SDLC)
- Malware
- End Point Protection
- Pen Testing
- Cloud Infrastructure
- Applied Cryptography
- Security Architecture
- SOC
- Threat Hunting
- Industrial Control Systems
- Big Data
- IoT
Risk
- Supply Chain Security
- Threat Intelligence
- Outsourcing
- Governance
- Physical Security
- Business Resilience
- Laws, Regulations & Standards
- Risk Management
- MI & Metrics
Process
- Forensics Fundamentals
- Audit
- IAM/PAM
- Incident Management
Culture
- Ethics
- Policy
- Human Factors
- Business Understanding
- Security Culture & Awareness
Impact Skills
- Professional Communications
- Mentorship & Community
- CPD
- Teamwork
- How To Learn
- Presenting & Public Speaking
- Problem Solving
- Career Counselling
What careers support is available?
One of ADVANCE FIRST’s main goals is to help our learners and alumni kickstart new careers in the cyber industry. That’s why we offer a comprehensive career support program as part of our reskilling bootcamps.
The ADVANCE FIRST Careers Team is here to support you at every stage of your job search.
They run a dedicated career support curriculum throughout the course, offering valuable sessions and workshops on topics like job searching, optimizing your CV and LinkedIn profile, preparing for interviews, and much more.
In addition, they provide 1-on-1 career guidance sessions to help you identify which cyber roles are the best fit for you. They also use unique job search tools to help guide your career search and connect you with relevant job openings from our growing network of employer partners.
Our Careers Team works closely with ADVANCE FIRST’s official employment partners, giving you exclusive access to a growing network of cyber employers who regularly hire ADVANCE FIRST learners.
What is professional coaching?
ADVANCE FIRST offers professional coaching sessions to all learners, providing an excellent opportunity to achieve your goals, overcome obstacles, and build confidence.
Our Head of Coaching offers personalized sessions designed to boost your confidence and help you navigate any challenges you might encounter during your career search.
You can book 1-on-1 coaching sessions at any point during the course, and we highly encourage you to take full advantage of these valuable sessions!
Additionally, we hold group coaching sessions in the classroom, along with regular workshops to support your development.
What is your mentoring programme?
We understand that the career transition our learners are going through is both exciting and, at times, a little intimidating. That’s why ADVANCE FIRST has a well-established mentoring program, where learner teams are paired with industry mentors for the duration of the course.
We’ve built an amazing and growing network of cyber security mentors working in the UK cyber sector. These mentors have a wealth of industry knowledge and are dedicated to supporting our learners, helping them make the most of both their new and existing skills.
Mentors often invite guest speakers to their sessions, adding real-world context to the academic learning and showcasing the various roles available in the cyber security field.
Our mentoring program is an exciting and valuable part of the ADVANCE FIRST experience, offering learners incredible opportunities for guidance and insight.
What are the class schedules and teaching hours?
At ADVANCE FIRST, you can choose from two cohort schedules: Full Time or Part Time.
- Full Time: A 16-week course with live classes from 9:30am to 2:30pm (GMT), Monday to Friday.
- Part Time: A 26-week course with live classes from 6pm to 9pm (GMT), Monday to Thursday, plus up to 3 Saturday morning sessions per month from 9:30am to 12:30pm.
We’ve designed these two schedules to accommodate a wide range of learners. Many of our students study around other commitments like school drop-offs, 9-5 jobs, and personal responsibilities. We hope you’ll find a schedule that fits your lifestyle.
Part Time Schedule:
What wellbeing support is available?
In addition to the educational experience, ADVANCE FIRST offers a wide range of support to all learners.
We understand that studying at ADVANCE FIRST can be intense, especially for those balancing busy lives, jobs, and other responsibilities outside the virtual classroom. That’s why we’re committed to providing the support you need whenever it’s required.
We pride ourselves on being an inclusive and transparent community, always ready to help.
Here’s a look at the support available at ADVANCE FIRST:
Support in the Classroom
You’ll have access to a lead tutor, a tutor, and learner support staff in the virtual classroom at all times. They’re available to offer guidance, assistance, and technical support as needed.
Support Outside the Classroom
Slack is your go-to tool for communication at ADVANCE FIRST. You can send a direct message to a member of the learner support team or post in the dedicated Support channel to get the help you need.
If I miss a class, can I catch up?
Life can throw unexpected challenges your way—illness, emergencies, or other unavoidable appointments may cause you to miss a class or two during your time at ADVANCE FIRST. We completely understand, and we know that sometimes absences are unavoidable.
If you miss a class, you can catch up on missed work with support from your tutors and teammates. Simply fill out our Absence Form to let your tutors know you’ll be absent, and we’ll help you catch up when you return. If needed, we can also provide support from our Wellbeing Team.
However, please note that regular absences are not ideal. Only a small portion of each class is recorded and available to rewatch, as much of the course involves live collaboration in small teams. Therefore, attending as much as possible is crucial.
If you anticipate regularly missing classes due to ongoing commitments or planned time off, please keep in mind that we have a mandatory minimum attendance requirement of 90%. If you miss too many classes, you may not be able to continue with the course.
Can you be flexible with class times?
To pass the ADVANCE FIRST course, you must maintain a minimum attendance of 90% throughout the course. This means attending classes on time, for the full duration of each session, and as consistently as possible.
Because all classes are 1) live and 2) based on collaborative, team-oriented learning, we can’t offer flexibility with class times.
For the Part Time course, classes start at 6pm Monday to Thursday and finish at 9pm. The course also includes some Saturday morning classes from 9:30am to 12:30pm. The Part Time course runs for 26 weeks.
For the Full Time course, classes begin at 9:30am and end at 2:30pm, running Monday to Friday for 16 weeks.
If you miss classes due to illness, emergencies, or other unavoidable circumstances, you can catch up on missed work with help from your tutors and teammates. However, regular absences aren’t feasible for keeping up with the course material.
Learner Outcomes
Launch Your Cyber Career with ADVANCE FIRST
What kind of job can I expect in cybersecurity after I graduate?
Cybersecurity is a vast field with a wide range of roles, each requiring different skills and expertise. It’s not just about tech, there are roles that focus on compliance, people, risk, and much more.
Some of the common roles that ADVANCEFIRST learners step into include:
- Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst: In this role, you’ll monitor networks and systems to spot unauthorized activity or potential threats.
- Cyber Security Consultant: Here, you’d help organizations tackle various cybersecurity challenges, usually working as part of a larger team.
- Information Assurance & Governance: This role involves ensuring compliance with cybersecurity policies, managing digital risks, and supporting audits.
- Cyber Security Generalist: A versatile role that covers multiple areas, from threat intelligence and SOC analysis to ensuring cybersecurity compliance and delivering training.
What Salary Can I Expect in My First Cybersecurity Job?
Salaries for entry-level cybersecurity roles can vary widely, ranging from $20,000 to $55,000+. The factors that can influence salary include:
- Previous professional and educational experience (including transferable skills)
- Job location
- The type of role and company you target
- Timing and market conditions (sometimes it’s just about being in the right place at the right time)
Whether you’re looking for a high-paying position right away or aiming to build up to a higher salary, with the right training and support, cybersecurity offers exciting earning potential.
Do You Guarantee Jobs After Graduation?
While we don’t guarantee employment, we are fully committed to supporting your job search. ADVANCEFIRST’s career team provides a dedicated curriculum that includes CV optimization, interview preparation, salary negotiation, and one-on-one career guidance.
We work closely with a network of employer partners and keep you updated with relevant job openings. Our goal is to equip you with everything you need to succeed in the job market, but landing a cybersecurity role ultimately depends on your own efforts.
Our mission is to ensure you’re fully prepared to launch your cybersecurity career with confidence and support, every step of the way.
Admissions
Start Your ADVANCEFIRST Journey Today
I have experience in IT already and want to work in cyber. Will ADVANCEFIRST be useful for me?
Yes, absolutely! If you already have some IT knowledge, that’s a great starting point. However, our bootcamps offer much more than just technical training. The value of our courses lies in the hands-on problem-solving you’ll be doing in class, alongside the practical, real-world cyber training we provide.
You’ll also receive career guidance, coaching, mentoring, and some important certifications, making it a complete package to help you transition smoothly from IT to cybersecurity.
Also, remember, cyber isn’t just about tech! While technical skills are important, business knowledge, communication abilities, and being a strong team player are crucial too. We cover all these skills and more in our Certified Cyber Security Practitioner course.
I have zero cyber experience. Can I apply to ADVANCEFIRST if I don't come from a 'techy' background?
Definitely! We get asked this a lot, and the answer is a big Yes! You don’t need any IT background to succeed in cybersecurity.
ADVANCEFIRST is here to help people switch careers and bring fresh perspectives to the cyber world. We welcome individuals from all industries and backgrounds. Whether you’re a dancer, teacher, chef, marketing consultant, police officer, or even a full-time parent, we’ve helped people from all walks of life become certified cybersecurity professionals.
So, no matter your background, you likely already have many skills that will help you succeed in cybersecurity. We’ll teach you everything you need to know to start an exciting new career in this field.
How do I apply and what is the application process?
Applying to ADVANCEFIRST is simple! Just click the ‘Apply Now’ button on our website, register, and complete your full application.
Once submitted, our Admissions Team will review your application. If successful, you’ll receive a Conditional Offer via email, along with some mandatory Pre-course Work to complete before starting.
At this stage, you’ll also need to confirm your method of tuition payment, whether you’re paying upfront or setting up a financial agreement with a third-party provider.
Once the Pre-course Work is completed and payment is arranged, you’ll be ready to officially enroll and begin preparing for your first day of classes.
How can I get help with the pre-course work?
We’re here to help with your Pre-course work! If you need assistance, simply join our ADVANCEFIRST Slack workspace (you’ll receive an invite when you apply) and post any questions in the ‘pre-course_help’ channel. Our staff and fellow learners will be happy to provide tips and support.
Can I speak to someone about my enrollment?
We mainly communicate through email for the admissions process to keep everything clear and consistent. However, if you have a disability, neurodiverse needs, or special circumstances, and would prefer to speak directly with someone, please email us at admissions@AdvanceFirst.ac to request a call.
Am I too old? Am I too young? I'm 40, 50, 60, 70... can I still apply to ADVANCEFIRST?
If you’re 18 or older, you’re eligible to apply to AdvanceFirst.
We see learners of all ages from early 20s to 50s and beyond. Many of our successful students have switched careers later in life, and their past experiences are a huge asset in the cybersecurity field.
Employers often value the maturity, experience, and transferable skills that older candidates bring to the table. Some of our learners have come from sectors like education, marketing, and consulting, and are now thriving in cyber roles like Cyber Security Consultants and Governance, Risk, and Compliance Analysts.
So, don’t worry about age if you’re motivated and ready to learn, we can help you transition into cybersecurity at any stage in your career.
Where can I find upcoming cohort start dates & deadlines?
We’re always adding new bootcamps to meet demand. For the latest information on start dates, deadlines, and schedules, visit our Course Schedules Page.
Please note that cohorts running in December will have a 2-week break over the festive period.
What are you looking for in an application to ADVANCEFIRST?
We value honesty above all else! When filling out your application, take your time and answer all questions truthfully.
We’re interested in understanding why you want to switch careers, what your background is, and why you’ve chosen ADVANCEFIRST. This is your chance to tell us about yourself in the Personal Statements section, there’s no word count limit, so feel free to share as much as you can.
Some answers, like not being able to attend 90% of classes, could result in your application being unsuccessful, so please ensure you meet this requirement before applying.
Start Your Cybersecurity Career Today!
Ready to take the next step in your journey? Apply now and start your transformation with ADVANCEFIRST.