A solid first step into cybersecurity. Learn how attacks work, how to defend people, devices and networks, how to respond when something goes wrong, and how organisations measure their security.
LevelBeginner
Estimated time24 hours
Syllabus7 modules + capstone
FormatSelf-paced or live cohort
Leads toApprentice rank in Cybersecurity
Is this course for you?
Who it’s for
Beginners aiming for a first job in cybersecurity or IT
IT support staff moving into security
Small-business owners protecting their business
Anyone responsible for staff devices and accounts
Before you start
Comfortable with computers and the internet
IT Support or Networking Fundamentals is helpful but not required
A computer that can run a free virtual machine for labs
What you’ll be able to do
01Explain the CIA triad, common threats and how attacks unfold
02Recognise phishing and social engineering, and train others to spot them
03Set up strong authentication: password managers, MFA and passkeys
04Explain encryption, certificates and secure network basics
05Apply the ACSC Essential Eight at a practical level
06Follow an incident response process and write a clear incident report
Skills for your resume
Cybersecurity fundamentals
Threat awareness
Identity and access management
Network security basics
Incident response
Essential Eight
Once you’ve earned the rank, list these in the Skills section of your resume and LinkedIn profile.
The syllabus
7 modules · 24 hours · 1,140 XP to collect. Every module ends with a practical project.
Module 1
Security foundations
+120 XP
Lessons
Confidentiality, integrity, availability
Threats, vulnerabilities and risk
Who attacks and why
Security roles and careers
Practical projectBuild a simple risk register for a small business.
Module 2
People and phishing
+120 XP
Lessons
Phishing, smishing and business email compromise
Social engineering tricks
Security awareness that works
Reporting suspicious messages
Practical projectAnalyse five real-style phishing emails and write a staff tip sheet.
Module 3
Identity and access
+120 XP
Lessons
Passwords, password managers and passkeys
Multi-factor authentication
Least privilege and admin accounts
Joiners, movers and leavers
Practical projectDesign an access policy for a ten-person team.
Module 4
Devices and data
+120 XP
Lessons
Patching and updates
Endpoint protection
Encryption at rest and in transit
Backups and the 3-2-1 rule
Practical projectHarden a Windows or macOS virtual machine against a checklist.
Module 5
Networks and the web
+120 XP
Lessons
Firewalls, VPNs and Wi-Fi security
HTTPS and certificates
DNS and web threats
Logging and monitoring basics
Practical projectRead sample firewall and sign-in logs and flag suspicious events.
Module 6
The Essential Eight
+120 XP
Lessons
What the Essential Eight is
The eight strategies explained
Maturity levels
Making a practical improvement plan
Practical projectAssess a fictional business against the Essential Eight and write a plan.
Module 7
Incidents and recovery
+120 XP
Lessons
The incident response lifecycle
Ransomware: prevent, detect, respond
Reporting obligations and ReportCyber
Lessons learned
Practical projectRun a tabletop ransomware exercise and write the incident report.
Capstone project · +300 XP
Show what you can do
Carry out a security review of a realistic small business: assets, top risks, an Essential Eight assessment, an access and backup plan, and a one-page incident response plan. Submit a report written for the owner.
XP is just for fun. It tracks your progress, but it can never buy or skip a rank.
The Rank Trial
When you’ve finished every module and the capstone, the Apprentice Trial in Cybersecurity opens. The Guild runs it, not your instructor, so the rank means the same whoever taught you.
What’s assessed
Security concepts and threats
Identity, devices and data protection
Network and web security
Essential Eight and incident response
How it works
Format
Online exam, closed notes
Questions
40, multiple choice and short scenarios
Time
60 minutes
Pass mark
70%
Re-sit
After 7 days if you don’t pass
Ranks are earned. They can’t be bought, and no amount of XP can skip a Trial.
Your path in Cybersecurity
ApprenticeThis course
JourneymanCourses coming
ExpertCourses coming
MasterCourses coming
The credential you earn
Example
Guild credential
Apprentice · Cybersecurity
Awarded to
Your name
Course
Cybersecurity Essentials
Credential ID
GS-XXXX-XXXX
Awarded by
Guild of Skills
Check it at
guildofskills.com/verify
Example only. Each real rank gets its own ID and verify page.
On your resume
Add it under Licences & Certifications: Apprentice, Cybersecurity · Guild of Skills, the month you passed, and your credential ID so employers can check it.
On LinkedIn
Open your profile and add a Licence or certification
Name: Apprentice, Cybersecurity. Issuing organisation: Guild of Skills
Add the issue date, your credential ID and your verify link
Add to LinkedInUnlocks when you pass the Trial
Your instructor
Guild-approved instructor coming soon
Every instructor is reviewed and approved by the Guild Council before they can teach, and every lesson and video link is checked before students see it.
Covers topics relevant to CompTIA Security+ objectives and the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s Essential Eight. A Guild credential is not a vendor certification and does not include an exam voucher.
Questions about this course
Will this get me a cybersecurity job?
It gives you the foundations and a verifiable rank to show employers. Most entry-level security roles also want hands-on practice, so the labs and capstone are designed to be shown in a portfolio.
How much does it cost?
Pricing is announced when the Guild opens. Some courses may be free and some paid. Register now and we’ll tell you first.
When can I start?
Enrolment opens when Guild accounts launch. Register on the Join page and we’ll email you the moment you can start.
Do I get a certificate just for finishing?
Finishing the course unlocks the Rank Trial. Your rank, certificate and verify page are awarded only when you pass the Trial.
Is this the same as an industry certification?
No. A Guild rank is a Guild of Skills credential with its own published standard and public verify page. It isn’t a vendor certification and doesn’t include any vendor exam.
JourneymanCourses coming
ExpertCourses coming
MasterCourses coming
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