AICS Accreditation
Completing the AICS accreditation course earns you MAICS – Member of the Australian Institute of Cyber Security. MAICS is the primary practitioner credential of Australia’s dedicated professional body for cyber security. It signals demonstrated competency and recognised professional standing, not just course attendance.
Recommended preparation: We recommend completing the Foundations of Cyber Security course before enrolling in the Accreditation Course. It is not a prerequisite.
What is the Cyber Security Accreditation Course?
The Accreditation Course is a comprehensive 30-hour program for cyber security practitioners seeking formal AICS accreditation and the MAICS credential.
The Cyber Security Accreditation Course is a self-paced 30-hour course with practical exercises, case studies, and a capstone module focused on applying the knowledge and skills needed to assess cyber threats and risks, plan and implement a cyber security framework, and evaluate and monitor its effectiveness.
The course consists of four modules. Module 1 is an introductory module covering the origins of cyber security as a concept and profession, including definitions, terminology, and foundational concepts. An introductory set of case studies is presented to test participants’ understanding. This module can be completed as the standalone Foundations of Cyber Security course.
Module 2 involves more in-depth case analysis focused on identifying, assessing, and planning the framework for determining cyber security risks. This module also introduces practical planning, security architecture, and controls needed to detect and prevent cyber security risks.
Module 3 covers the finalisation of planning and execution, and the construction of IT and human infrastructure needed to implement a cyber security system. Implementation challenges, contingency planning, and resource considerations are addressed, alongside practical case analysis and participant feedback.
Module 4 is a capstone module that brings together all prior learning through a hypothetical scenario mirroring a real-world situation. Participants complete practical responses and evaluate and monitor the cyber security system they have designed, giving them the confidence to build a cyber security response from start to finish.
What You Earn: Professional Postnominals
Completing and passing the AICS Accreditation Course leads to the award of the MAICS postnominal (Member of the Australian Institute of Cyber Security). This credential is used after a professional’s name (for example, Jane Smith MAICS) and signals to employers, courts, and clients that the holder has met a verified, structured standard of cyber security knowledge and assessed competency.
GAICS (Graduate of the Australian Institute of Cyber Security) is the next level, awarded to MAICS holders who have a minimum of 4 years of verified industry experience in cyber security roles. FAICS (Fellow of the Australian Institute of Cyber Security) is the highest credential, reserved for professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, contribution, and expertise in the field.
These postnominals are unique to AICS-accredited professionals and are formally recognised across legal, accounting, government, and corporate sectors in Australia. They provide a competitive advantage in expert witness engagements, professional appointments, and career progression.
Learn more about AICS membership and accreditation on our Accreditation page.
Sample Topics
The Accreditation Course is structured across four modules, including a practical capstone project. Modules 2 and 3 each conclude with a formal graded assessment. A passing grade of 70% is required.
Module 1 – Introduction to Cyber Security Accreditation covers foundational cyber security concepts, key terminology, and the cyber security landscape in Australia. Participants who have completed the Foundations of Cyber Security course may have this module recognised as prior learning.
Module 2 – Risk Assessment and Security Planning covers risk frameworks and methodologies (ASD ISM and NIST CSF), asset identification and classification, conducting a cyber risk assessment, business impact analysis, developing a security plan and security policy, and regulatory and compliance obligations in Australia.
Module 3 – Cyber Security Operations and Incident Response covers security controls and the Essential Eight, network and endpoint security, identity and access management, business email compromise – understanding and prevention, incident response planning, digital forensics fundamentals, conducting a cyber incident drill, and post-incident review and continuous improvement.
Module 4 (Capstone) – Practical Assessment for MAICS Credential is a scenario-based practical assessment applying all prior learning to a realistic organisational scenario. Participants design, implement, and evaluate a cyber security framework.
Ready to Get Started?
Course fee: $1,299