What Is NIST Cybersecurity?
The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) publishes free frameworks and guidance that federal agencies and organizations of every size use to manage cybersecurity. Key publications include:
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF): outcomes for governing, identifying, protecting, detecting, responding to and recovering from cybersecurity risk
- NIST SP 800-12: an introduction to information security principles
- NIST SP 800-53: a catalog of security and privacy controls
- NIST SP 800-37: the Risk Management Framework (RMF) for assessing, managing and monitoring risk
- NIST SP 800-171: requirements for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information, a category of sensitive U.S. government information, when companies and other organizations outside the federal government hold it
Why Is NIST Cybersecurity Important?
NIST guidance gives organizations a structured, widely recognized way to manage cybersecurity risk, from assessing and protecting to detecting, responding and recovering. Organizations that handle Controlled Unclassified Information for U.S. federal agencies, including defense contractors, are expected to meet NIST SP 800-171. The Cybersecurity Framework is used by organizations of every size and sector.
Benefits of PECB NIST Cybersecurity Certification
Each course leads to its own PECB credential, and each credential shows a different level of skill:
- NIST Cybersecurity Foundation: you can explain core cybersecurity concepts and the main NIST publications, and help improve security practices in line with NIST guidance
- NIST Cybersecurity Lead Implementer: you can design, implement and maintain a cybersecurity program based on NIST guidance, assess and respond to cyber threats, and help an organization continually improve its program
How Do I Get Started?
Start with NIST Cybersecurity Foundation if you are new to NIST guidance. Choose NIST Cybersecurity Lead Implementer to build and lead a cybersecurity program based on NIST publications.
View Available Training CoursesWho Should Attend?
- Cybersecurity graduates and career changers pursuing GRC roles.
- IT and security professionals learning NIST guidance.
- Teams and consultants building or improving cybersecurity programs.
- Managers, risk professionals and auditors assessing security controls.
Available Training Courses
NIST Cybersecurity Foundation
The PECB NIST Cybersecurity Foundation training course provides a foundation in cybersecurity principles and the NIST guidance organizations use, including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, NIST SP 800-53 and NIST SP 800-171. It prepares you to support an organization's cybersecurity program, whether you are starting in cybersecurity or work in IT.
View CourseNIST Cybersecurity Lead Implementer
The PECB NIST Cybersecurity Lead Implementer training course enables you to implement a cybersecurity program based on NIST publications, including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, NIST SP 800-53 and NIST SP 800-171. You build the skills to manage cybersecurity risk and strengthen an organization's security, as a program lead or an advisor.
View CourseHow You Learn & What Is Included
Each PECB course includes both eLearning and self-study in English, for one price. Use either or both, whichever suits how you prefer to learn. Foundation courses cost USD $597; Lead courses cost USD $797. The price includes training materials, examination and grading, course-completion attestation, and the applicable certificate or certification fees. Credentials depend on exam results and PECB requirements.
Training Mode: eLearning and Self-Study
eLearning
Video lessons
- Recorded video lessons from PECB Certified Trainers
- Quizzes to check your progress, and extra reading
- Watch on any device, wherever and whenever suits you
- Best if you like a trainer to take you through the subject
Self-Study
Course material
- PECB’s course material: explanations, examples, exercises and quizzes
- No lessons: you read and work through it on your own
- Study at your own pace, wherever you are
- PECB suggests it for people who already know the subject well
Both lead to the same PECB exam and credential. You find them in your myPECB account.
Study plan and live office hours included.
Support period: live office hours with Dr. Rose Shumba every two weeks for 90 days from enrollment.
Optional mentored portfolio programs, purchased separately, are available for ISO/IEC 27001 Foundation, ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Implementer and ISO/IEC 42001 Lead Implementer.
Take Your Next Career Step
Optional add-on: Get Hired in GRC · USD $197
Turn your learning and completed work into a tailored résumé, LinkedIn profile, interview answers and a portfolio link. Study eight short sections at your own pace, with videos, guides, templates, a workbook and AI review prompts. Six months of access.
Add it at checkout with any course or portfolio purchase. The $197 is separate from your program price.
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