OCCUPATIONAL CERTIFICATE
Cybersecurity Course
NQF Level 5, 173 Credits (SAQA ID: 118986)
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per year
Part 1 Theory Modules
Runs with Part 2
Theory Exam
Part 2 Practical Training
Runs with Part 1
Workbook, Observation & Assessment
Part 3 Workplace Modules
External or Onsite
Observation & Logbook
External Integrated Summative Assessment
EISA
Admission Requirements
📚 Qualification Structure
This qualification is built from three pillars:
1. Knowledge Modules (52 Credits)
Grounding you in theory while extending far beyond the standard curriculum with Zaio Theory (ZT) modules.
Standard QCTO 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)
- Logical Thinking & Basic Calculations (3 Credits)
- Computers, Devices & Computing Systems (6 Credits)
- Data & Database Vulnerabilities (3 Credits)
- 4IR & Future Skills (4 Credits)
Zaio Theory Modules (ZTCS) – Market-Ready Skills
- Introduction to Programming with Python
- Evolution of Software Development (From Assembly to AI-assisted Coding)
- Fundamentals of the Web (HTML, CSS & JavaScript)
- Linux for Cybersecurity
- Networking with Nmap
- Introduction to LLMs (Large Language Models)
🚀 What Makes Zaio Different?
Our cybersecurity programme prepares you for immediate impact in security roles:
Real-World Threat Simulation
Experience actual security scenarios in our controlled lab environment.
Threat detection-ready from Day 1
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'll master tools that most junior devs won't touch until years into their careers.
Start your journey as a cybersecurity specialist or upskill for the digital age.
Our graduates become versatile cybersecurity professionals, ready to protect organizations and thrive in security teams.
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
Our Flexible Tuition Options
We provide a direct path to a high-paying career, with less risk. We designed our tuition options to ensure more people can access the education needed to launch a career in tech.
Finance up to 100% of your qualification
Finance up to 100% of your qualification with our funding partnerships
Starting from
- ✓24/7 Support
- ✓Certificate upon completion
Upfront Payment
Pay upfront and get started immediately
- ✓24/7 Support
- ✓Certificate upon completion
Note: EISA exam fee not included (R6000). Financing terms: Same as first year. Speak to a consultant for more information.
Our Alumni work at companies like Amazon, Takealot, and Vodacom
Our alumni of students means everything to us and we're grateful to have placed designers in Entelect, FNB, Yoyo and more amazing teams around the world
✨ Prestige + Practicality
The Zaio QCTO Cybersecurity Programme combines national accreditation with cutting-edge security skills, preparing you to protect organizations from evolving cyber threats.
Regulatory Information
Zaio Institute of Technology has been accredited, and quality assured by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), Accreditation Number: 07-QCTO/SDP220925101328 valid for 5 years.
Integrated Formative Assessment:
The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment together with work experience leads to entrance in the integrated external summative assessment.
Integrated summative assessment:
An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria.
The external integrated summative assessment will be conducted through a theoretical assessment and the evaluation of practical tasks at decentralised approved assessment sites in a simulated environment and conducted by an assessor(s) registered with the relevant AQP.