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Occupational Certificate

Cybersecurity Analyst

Occupational Certificate: Cybersecurity

  • Graduates earn R450,000 – R550,000 a year
  • NQF Level 5, SAQA ID 118986
  • 1.5 years, online and live
Apply nowSpeak to an advisor

What you will work with

Nmap
  • Linux
  • Python
  • Nmap
  • GitHub
  • Bash
  • SQL
  • JavaScript
  • HTML5
Course length
1.5 years
Requirements
NQF Level 4 qualification (e.g. Matric) or equivalent.
Certificate
Occupational Certificate
Learning style
Online and live
Start date
8 Feb 2027
Applications close
1 Feb 2027

Accreditation

Occupational Certificate: Cybersecurity, NQF Level 5, 173 credits (SAQA ID 118986). Offered by Zaio Institute of Technology as a QCTO-accredited Skills Development Provider under accreditation number 07-QCTO/SDP220925101328.

A nationally registered qualification, not a degree. Pass the national EISA and the QCTO issues the certificate. How to verify.

About the occupational certificate

This cyber security course is the QCTO's Occupational Certificate: Cybersecurity Analyst, taught by Zaio Institute of Technology over 18 months, online and live. You cover network security, threats, risk and vulnerability assessment and detection from the national curriculum, then Zaio modules in Linux, Python, penetration testing and AI security.

Entry is matric or an NQF Level 4 equivalent plus basic computer literacy. Tuition is paid per year and can be financed monthly; the QCTO issues the certificate after the EISA.

Curriculum

What the qualification covers.

01Knowledge Modules (52 Credits)

15 modules

Grounding you in theory while extending far beyond the standard curriculum with Zaio Theory (ZT) modules.

  • Introduction to Cybersecurity (8 Credits)
  • Fundamentals of Network Security & Defence (12 Credits)
  • Cyber Threats and Attacks (12 Credits)
  • Cybersecurity Governance, Legislation & Ethics (4 Credits)
  • Design Thinking & Innovation (1 Credit)

02Practical Skill Modules (89 Credits)

15 modules

Hands-on training, including Zaio Practicals (ZP) that simulate real-world cybersecurity scenarios.

  • Ensure Compliance with Legal & International Cybersecurity Standards (4 Credits)
  • Risk & Vulnerability Assessment (20 Credits)
  • Implement Prevention & Detection Measures (20 Credits)
  • Apply Logical Thinking & Maths (6 Credits)
  • Basic Scriptwriting for Cybersecurity Toolsets (4 Credits)

03Work Experience Modules (32 Credits)

3 modules

The final stage ensures you apply your skills in real-world cybersecurity environments. Zaio has this sorted. You will not have to worry about finding a company to work for, we will help you with that.

  • Compliance with Legal Cybersecurity Requirements (12 Credits)
  • Cybersecurity Risk Assessment & Mitigation (20 Credits)
  • Cybersecurity Detection, Protection & Prevention Processes (20 Credits)

Every module, and what it is worth in credits

In the 2027 learner prospectus. Read it here, or download the PDF.

View the prospectus

Tools you will use

  • Linux
  • Python
  • Nmap
  • GitHub
  • Bash
  • SQL
  • JavaScript
  • HTML5

How the time is spent

About 18 months in total

  1. 1 year

    QCTO Curriculum Class time and practical assignments

  2. 3 months

    Zaio Extended Cybersecurity Curriculum

  3. 3 months

    Simulated Security Operations Center experience

The difference

What makes this different.

The national curriculum, plus the labs and tools security teams hire for:

173
Credits
33
Modules
13
Zaio-exclusive

Registered on the NQF at Level 5 (SAQA ID 118986) and issued by the QCTO after the EISA, with Zaio's penetration-testing and AI-security modules on top.

Real-world threat simulation

Experience actual security scenarios in our controlled lab environment.

Threat detection from day one

Provide value and insight from the day you get hired.

AI-enhanced security

Learn to leverage AI for threat detection and security automation.

Beyond the curriculum

You work in Linux, Python, Burp Suite, Wireshark and Nmap, defending real systems rather than reading about them.

Outcomes

Where this takes you.

Graduates work as cybersecurity analysts, SOC analysts and junior penetration testers, or move into security engineering.

Tech career paths
  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
  • Penetration Tester
  • Security Consultant
  • Incident Response Specialist
  • Security Engineer
  • Threat Intelligence Analyst
Maximise performance in your career
  • Security Manager
  • Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
  • Security Team Lead
  • Compliance Officer
  • Risk Manager
  • Security Architect
Universal skills that enhance any role
  • Security mindset
  • Risk assessment
  • Problem-solving
  • Technical communication
  • Collaboration
  • Continuous learning
  • Ethical decision-making

Faculty

Who teaches it.

All instructors

  • Khahliso Kgodumo

    Cybersecurity instructor

    Teaches

    Cybersecurity

  • Tinashe Matanda

    Cybersecurity instructor

    Teaches

    Cybersecurity

  • Asif Hassam

    Software developer and cybersecurity expert

    Teaches

    Cybersecurity

Tuition

What it costs, and how you pay.

Pay by year

  • Year 1R52,950
  • Year 2R32,950
  • EISA ExamR6,000 Approx

Paid year by year as you progress, with the national EISA exam fee at the end.

Speak to an advisor

Pay monthly — flexible financing

R4,887 a month

Spread across the 1.5 years you are studying. Financed through Manati, up to 100% of tuition, so you can start without paying it all upfront. Approval is theirs, and every cost is confirmed in writing before you enrol.

See financing options

Ready to start

Applications close
1 Feb 2027
Starts
8 Feb 2027

Who can apply

  • NQF Level 4 qualification (e.g. Matric) or equivalent.
  • Basic computer literacy and interest in technology security.
Apply now

Takes about five minutes.

FAQ

Questions about the Cybersecurity Analyst occupational certificate.

Ask an advisor
(01)Is this cyber security course accredited?
Yes. It is the QCTO-accredited Occupational Certificate: Cybersecurity Analyst, NQF Level 5, SAQA ID 118986, offered by Zaio Institute of Technology under accreditation number 07-QCTO/SDP220925101328.
(02)What qualifications do I need to study cyber security?
For this programme, an NQF Level 4 qualification (matric or equivalent), basic computer literacy and an interest in security. No degree, IT or coding experience is needed.
(03)How long is the cyber security course?
Eighteen months: one year of the QCTO curriculum, three months of Zaio's extended cybersecurity curriculum, and three months of simulated security operations centre experience and the final assessment.
(04)What is the difference between this certificate and the Cybersecurity bootcamp?
The bootcamp is seven months, lab-based and built around CompTIA Security+. This certificate is an 18-month national qualification at NQF Level 5 with risk, compliance and defence modules, workplace modules and a national exam.
(05)What does it cost?
R52,950 for year one and R32,950 for year two, or from R4,887 a month, plus the EISA exam fee of about R6,000 paid separately.
(06)Is cyber security an IT job?
Yes. Cybersecurity is a specialism within IT that protects networks, systems and data. Entry roles such as SOC analyst and cybersecurity analyst sit inside IT and security teams at banks, telecoms, retailers, consultancies and government.
(07)Is NQF Level 5 the same as a diploma?
No. NQF Level 5 is the level of a Higher Certificate; a diploma is Level 6. This is an Occupational Certificate at Level 5, not a diploma or a degree.
(08)Will I get a job after the programme?
Zaio does not guarantee a job. You graduate with a national qualification, a portfolio of labs and write-ups and workplace experience, and career services help with your CV, portfolio and interviews.
(09)Who can apply?
NQF Level 4 qualification (e.g. Matric) or equivalent. Basic computer literacy and interest in technology security. You apply online and an advisor will confirm you meet the entry rules before you enrol.
(10)How long does it take?
1.5 years, made up of 1 year (qcto curriculum class time and practical assignments), 3 months (zaio extended cybersecurity curriculum), 3 months (simulated security operations center experience).
(11)What do I graduate with?
Occupational Certificate: Cybersecurity, NQF Level 5 (SAQA ID 118986). Zaio is accredited by the QCTO, so the qualification is registered on the National Qualifications Framework.
(12)When does it start?
Applications close 1 Feb 2027 and the programme starts 8 Feb 2027.
(13)How do I apply?
choose a programme, apply online, speak to an advisor, secure your place. The application itself takes about five minutes.

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