7Safe Training Courses FAQ

What qualifications can I gain by completing 7Safe’s training courses?
How long will my professional certification be valid for?
What components make up the MSc in Computer Security & Forensics (in association with the
University of Bedfordshire)?

What components make up the PgC in Penetration Testing & Information Security (in association
with the University of Glamorgan)?

Do I have to go to Bedfordshire or Glamorgan to complete any MSc or PgC coursework?
Can I only complete certain parts of the MSc or PgC?
Can I complete 7Safe’s courses and qualifications without completing the MSc or PgC?
I’ve already completed 7Safe’s training courses. How do I upgrade to an MSc or a PgC?
How do I get more information about the MSc or PgC?
What educational background must I have to be eligible to complete the MSc or PgC?
How do I apply for the MSc or PgC?
Can I apply and enrol at any time during the year?
I’ve registered/enrolled with the University. What happens now?
When will I know whether I’ve been awarded an MSc / PgC?
What happens if I fail an assignment?
Is there a time limit on completing the MSc?
Is there a time limit on completing the PgC?
How do I book a place on a training course?
How do I know if I have been accepted onto a course after submitting my booking form?
How can I pay for my course?
When do I need to pay for my course?
What if I need to cancel, postpone or make a substitute for my confirmed delegate place?
What happens if 7Safe has to cancel a scheduled training course?
What should I do if I want to claim ELCAS?

 

What qualifications can I gain by completing 7Safe’s training courses?
CSTA and CSTA+
Certified Security Testing Associate
The CSTA certificate is awarded to candidates who successfully complete 7Safe’s CSTA Ethical Hacking: Hands-On training course and the CSTA examination included at the end of the course. The CSTA+ qualification is awarded to delegates who further their education in this area by successfully completing university-assessed written assignments.

The CSTA and CSTA+ qualifications prove a sound theoretical knowledge of security testing concepts. Completing the CSTA+ qualification will also earn candidates 15 MSc credits which can be put towards a Masters (MSc) in Computer Security & Forensics and PgC credits which can be put towards a Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) in Penetration Testing and Information Security.
CSTP and CSTP+
Certified Security Testing Professional
The CSTP certification is awarded to existing CSTAs who successfully complete the CSTP Ethical Hacking: Hands-On 2 course and the CSTP examination included at the end of the course. The CSTP+ qualification is awarded to candidates who then go on to complete a university-assessed practical penetration test, which includes a written element.

CSTPs and CSTP+s have successfully demonstrated a theoretical and practical understanding of how to test IT systems for vulnerabilities. The CSTP and CSTP+ qualifications build on the knowledge previously required to complete the CSTA and CSTA+ certifications. As well as being awarded a CSTP+ certificate, successful candidates who complete the CSTP+ qualification also gain a further 15 MSc credits which can be put towards a Masters (MSc) in Computer Security & Forensics and 10 PgC credits, which may be put towards 7Safe’s Postgraduate Certificate in Penetration Testing and Information Security.
CWSA and CWSA+
Certified Wireless Security Tester
The CWSA certification is awarded to candidates following successful completion of the CWSA Wireless Security: Hands-On course and the 1 hour CWSA examination included at the conclusion of the course. The CWSA+ qualification is awarded to delegates who then go on to successfully complete a university-assessed written element.

CWSAs and CWSA+s have demonstrated a thorough knowledge of wireless security concepts as covered in the CWSA Wireless Security: Hands-On course. Completion of the CWSA+ certificate also earns candidates 15 MSc credits which can be put towards a Masters (MSc) in Computer Security & Forensics and 5 PgC credits which can be put towards a Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) in Penetration Testing and Information Security.
CFIA and CFIA+
Certified Forensic Investigation Analyst
CFIA status is awarded to candidates following successful completion of the CFIA Forensic Artefacts: Hands-On course and the 1.5 hour CFIA examination included at the conclusion of the course. The CFIA+ qualification is awarded to delegates who then go on to successfully complete university-assessed written assignments.

CFIAs and CFIA+s have demonstrated a thorough knowledge of forensic analysis concepts as covered in the Forensic Artefacts course. Completion of the CFIA+ certificate also earns candidates 15 MSc credits which can be put towards a Masters (MSc) in Computer Security & Forensics and 15 PgC credits (a quarter of the number required for a Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) in Penetration Testing and Information Security).
Master of Science (MSc) in Computer Security & Forensics
Seven of our vendor-independent courses including the courses mentioned above have been accredited by the University of Bedfordshire and form part of a Masters (MSc) in Computer Security & Forensics. To be awarded a Masters, students must complete the seven 7Safe courses, pass the accompanying CSTA, CSTP, CWSA and CFIA exams and complete a written assignment per course. Students are also required to successfully complete an Independent Study Module and an MSc Project Dissertation. A MSc is worth 180 credits. This MSc is broken down into 12 modules of 15 credits each. Each 7Safe course (& exam, where applicable) and associated written assignment constitutes a module. The independent study is a further module, and the MSc project is worth 60 credits (the remaining 4 modules).
Postgraduate Certificate in Penetration Testing and Information Security
Five of our vendor-independent courses – including the courses mentioned above - have been accredited by the University of Glamorgan and form part of a Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) in Penetration Testing and Information Security. The 60 credits earned by successfully completing a PgC can be used if you want to continue your studies by undertaking a Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) or 7Safe’s Masters (MSc) in Computer Security & Forensics.
Please contact 7Safe for more details.
How long will my professional certification be valid for?
There is no time limit on the validity of 7Safe’s professional certifications, or the MSc or PgC.
Please contact 7Safe for more details.
What components make up the MSc in Computer Security & Forensics (in association with the University of Bedfordshire)?
To be awarded an MSc, you will need to attend seven of our courses, pass the accompanying CSTA, CSTP, CWSA and CFIA exams and complete a written assignment per course. Students are also required to successfully complete an Independent Study Module and an MSc Project Dissertation.

An MSc is worth 180 credits. This MSc is broken down into 12 modules of 15 credits each.

Each 7Safe course (& exam, where applicable) and associated written assignment constitutes a module. The independent study is a further module, and the MSc project is worth 60 credits (the remaining 4 modules).
The seven courses you need to attend are:
  • CSTA Ethical Hacking: Hands-On (incl. CSTA exam)
  • CSTP Ethical Hacking: Hands-On 2 (incl. CSTP exam)
  • CWSA Wireless Security: Hands-On (incl. CWSA exam)
  • Forensic Investigation: Hands-On
  • CFIA Forensic Artefacts: Hands-On (incl. CFIA exam)
  • Computer Security Incident Response: Hands-On
  • CIIP Implementing ISO 27001
Please contact 7Safe for more details.
What components make up the PgC in Penetration Testing & Information Security (in association with the University of Glamorgan)?
To be awarded a PgC, you will need to undertake five of 7Safe’s training courses, three examinations and complete written assignments set (in conjunction with 7Safe) and marked by the University of Glamorgan.
The five courses to attend are: CSTA Ethical Hacking: Hands-On, CSTP Ethical Hacking: Hands-On 2, CWSA Wireless Security: Hands-On, CFIA Forensic Artefacts: Hands-On and IIP Implementing ISO 27001.
The relevant exams are:
  • Certified Security Testing Analyst (CSTA) exam – included at the conclusion of CSTA Ethical Hacking: Hands-On
  • Certified Security Testing Professional (CSTP) exam – included at the conclusion of the CSTP Ethical Hacking: Hands-On 2 training course
  • Certified Security Testing Professional+ (CSTP+) practical assignment
  • Certified Wireless Security Tester (CWSA) exam - included at conclusion of CWSA Wireless Security: Hands-On course
  • Certified Forensic Investigation Analyst (CFIA) exam – included at the end of the CFIA Forensic Artefacts: Hands-On course
The topics of the written assignments and CSTP+ practical assignment are based on the content of the training courses.
Please contact 7Safe for more details.
Do I have to go to Bedfordshire or Glamorgan to complete any MSc or PgC coursework?
No. 7Safe's training courses take place in locations around the UK and throughout the world via Accredited Training Partners: please see the full course calendar for more information. Once you have enrolled on the MSc or PgC, you will have access to either Bedfordshire’s/Glamorgan’s online Managed Learning Environment (MLE), from where you can access course information. All coursework can be completed and submitted remotely.
Please contact 7Safe for more details.
Can I only complete certain parts of the MSc or PgC?
Yes. The completion of the work required in each of the areas of study will earn you 15 MSc credits (for all modules covered) or 5/10/15 PgC credits (depending on the module completed). These credits go towards the 180 required for the whole MSc or the 60 required for the whole PgC (respectively). For example, attaining CSTA+ and CSTP+ status earns you 30 MSc credits and 25 PgC credits.
If you only want to complete one or two of the MSc or PgC modules, you can enrol as an Associate Student with the either the University of Bedfordshire (for the MSc) or the University of Glamorgan (for the PgC).

Contact 7Safe for more details.
Can I complete 7Safe’s courses and qualifications without completing the MSc or PgC?
Of course there is still the option of undertaking 7Safe’s training courses and completing the CSTA, CSTP, CWSA and CFIA certifications without completing the university-assessed written assignments. However, prospective CSTA+s, CSTP+s, CWSA+s and CFIA+s will not only have to attend the relevant training course and pass the associated examination, but will also have to successfully complete the relevant written assignments, set (in conjunction with 7Safe) and marked by the University of Bedfordshire / University of Glamorgan (respectively) and based on the content of 7Safe’s courses.
Please contact 7Safe for more details.
I’ve already completed 7Safe’s training courses. How do I upgrade to an MSc or a PgC?
If you’ve already successfully completed 7Safe’s relevant training courses and required examinations, you only need undertake the written assignments to be awarded an MSc or PgC.
Please contact 7Safe for more details.
How do I get more information about the MSc or PgC?
Contact us and we will send you more detailed information about either the MSc or the PgC (depending which course you want to take). The information documents contain course costs, components, administration and so on.
Please contact 7Safe for more details.
What educational background must I have to be eligible to complete the MSc or PgC?
You will either have an undergraduate degree in a related subject (evidenced by a copy of your degree certificate) or relevant work experience in the IT industry (evidenced by reference(s)). The guidance notes we send you with the application form explain this in more detail.
Please contact 7Safe for more details.
How do I apply for the MSc or PgC?
Contact us and we will send you an application form and guidance notes explaining how to complete it. Application is free.

If applying for the MSc, you will need to send the application form to Paul Sant, University of Bedfordshire, Faculty of Creative Arts, Technologies & Science, Park Square, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3JU.

If you are applying for the PgC, you will need to send the application form to Caroline Bowen, University of Glamorgan, Faculty of Advanced Technology, Pontypridd, Wales, CF37 1DL.

The respective university will then contact you to inform you whether you have been successful in your application and will give you instructions detailing how to enrol onto particular modules of the course.
Please contact 7Safe for more details.
Can I apply and enrol at any time during the year?
Yes. You can apply and register/enrol onto particular modules at your convenience and at any time of the year. Application and enrolment/registration is free.

Please note that your time limit for completing the PgC (3 years) and MSc (6 years) begins when you are accepted onto the course.
Please contact 7Safe for more details.
I’ve registered/enrolled with the University. What happens now?
Once you have registered/enrolled, the University will send you a username and password for their MLE (Managed Learning Environment), from where you will be able to access coursework titles, guidance and deadlines. You will submit your written assignments online via the ‘drop box’ facility. You can book onto the relevant training courses through us. You will be given support and feedback from the University throughout the course.
Please contact 7Safe for more details.
When will I know whether I’ve been awarded an MSc / PgC?
7Safe’s CSTA, CSTP and CFIA examination results are issued immediately, at the end of the respective training course. The marks are final and conclusive.
The university elements (written assignments) associated with the MSc and the PgC are marked by the University of Bedfordshire or University of Glamorgan respectively.

These universities endeavour to mark all assignments within 20 days of receipt.

The marks for these pieces of work are dependent on any subsequent decisions of the Exam Boards when they meet.

The University of Bedfordshire MSc Exam Boards meet in February, June and November.

The University of Glamorgan PgC Exam Boards meet in June, September and November.

It is rare for Exam Boards to make significant changes to marks, but resulting qualifications such as the CSTA+, CSTP+ and CFIA+ will only be awarded following confirmation of results by each university’s Exam Board.
Please contact 7Safe for more details.
What happens if I fail an assignment?
For both the MSc and PgC, you will have one free right of referral per course. This means that, should you fail an assignment, you will be given a new assignment to complete, free of charge. Should you fail the second piece of work, you still have the option of repeating the module, for which you will be charged the full unit price.
Please contact 7Safe for more details.
Is there a time limit on completing the MSc?
Yes. The University of Bedfordshire allows a maximum of six years to complete the MSc. During this time, you need to show that you are progressing through the course, however quickly or slowly this progression may be. If there are extenuating circumstances and you need more time, you may write to the University and formally request an extension on this time limit.
Please contact 7Safe for more details.
Is there a time limit on completing the PgC?
Yes. Once you have enrolled, you will have 3 years in which to complete all components of the PgC. If there are extenuating circumstances and you need more time, you may write to the Exam Board and formally request an extension on this time limit. If you intend on continuing your studies beyond the PgC and wish to complete an MSc, you will have a total time limit of 6 years, i.e. if you have taken 2 years to complete the PgC, you have 4 years to complete the remaining credits associated with your MSc.
Please contact 7Safe for more details.
How do I book a place on a training course?
Call us to check the cost and availability of places on your selected course and book your chosen course.
We will then email a booking form, which is valid for seven days. This document must be signed by an authorised person and returned to us by fax or post. We cannot confirm delegate places until our receipt of a signed booking form.
Please contact 7Safe for more details.
How do I know if I have been accepted onto a course after submitting my booking form?
On submission of a signed booking form 7Safe will confirm your place by email and attach the Joining Instructions. These will give you all the information you need to attend the course.
Please contact 7Safe for more details.
How can I pay for my course?
On receipt of a signed booking confirmation form an invoice will be sent for immediate payment. Cheques should be made payable to 7Safe Limited. Payments may also be made by credit card and direct bank transfer. All payments must be made in UK Pounds Sterling. VAT is payable for all courses delivered in the UK even if the booking is being made by an overseas organisation.
Please contact 7Safe for more details.
When do I need to pay for my course?
On receipt of the invoice.
Please contact 7Safe for more details.
What if I need to cancel, postpone or make a substitute for my confirmed delegate place?
Please see the table below for cancellation charges.

Notice of Cancellation Charge (% of course costs)
16 – 20 working days notice 25%
11 – 15 working days notice 50%
6 – 10 working days notice 75%
0 – 5 working days notice 100%

Delegate substitutions may be made at any time, subject to 7Safe approval and a £75 handling fee.
We deeply regret the need for charging the above, but demand for our courses is such that we suffer a serious financial penalty if any place is left un-occupied.
Please contact 7Safe for more details.
What happens if 7Safe has to cancel a scheduled training course?
7Safe Ltd reserves the right to improve the specification and format of its courses for the benefit of the delegates without notice to the customer.
Due to unforeseen circumstances it may occasionally be necessary to cancel, reschedule or relocate courses or substitute an instructor.
7Safe Ltd will use its best endeavours to avoid changes of this nature and all delegates will be notified in advance of any change.
7Safe Ltd shall not be liable for any costs associated with any failure to notify delegates in advance of such changes where such failure is as a result of
Acts of God, civil unrest, government sanction or interruption or failure of electricity and neither party will have a right to terminate this agreement in such circumstances.
Please contact 7Safe for more details.
What should I do if I want to claim ELCAS?
If you have booked onto your training course and you are claiming ELCAS credits to part pay for your training courses, please ensure you send your Claim Authorisation Note (CAN) onto 7Safe once you receive it. We require this to invoice ELCAS and yourself for the correct amounts.
Please contact 7Safe for more details.