QA boosts cyber security training portfolio with InfoSec Skills acquisition

Acquisition means QA now offers the broadest range of cyber accreditations in the UK

QA, the UK’s largest tech training provider, today announced that it has acquired information security training company InfoSec Skills, which will sit under the wing of QA’s Learning division. This acquisition gives QA the broadest range of cyber security accreditations (including popular CREST qualifications) compared to any other provider across an inclusive set of cyber security domains.

As the UK’s leading cyber security education provider, QA currently delivers over 100 cyber security solutions to provide learners with security accreditations in EC Council, ISACA, ISC(2), PECB, IAPP and CompTIA, compliance and defence training. InfoSec Skills are the first cyber security training provider to offer accredited e-learning and instructor-led training resulting in BCS, CREST and PECB qualifications.

QA will now offer highly sought-after training courses accredited by CREST (Council of Registered Ethical Security Testers), an internationally recognised body providing professional certifications in penetration testing, cyber incident response, threat intelligence and Security Operations Centre services. CREST certifications help learners gain professional and peer recognition in the marketplace and cyber industry, boost professional development and forge new, more advanced career pathways. The acquisition will also boost QA’s digital portfolio with a range of new cyber security eLearning courses.

QA’s expanding cyber security certifications reflect key government priorities in professionalising the cyber security industry. The National Cyber Security Centre (a part of GCHQ) launched a proposal in July 2018 to bring greater cohesion and clarity to the cyber security profession, highlighting professional and career development as a key area for attention.

“We’re delighted to welcome InfoSec Skills into the QA family,” says William Macpherson, Chief Executive Officer of QA.

“We admire what they have achieved in the cyber security space and CREST-accredited programmes are a great fit for our growing business, enhancing our Incident Response and Offensive Security domains. Cyber security is a rapidly growing industry, which is driving demand for CREST training – specifically, the global penetration testing market is on track to be worth over $1 billion by 2021.

“At QA, we’re committed to delivering the highest-quality training to help employers fill their tech skills gaps. Adding the cyber security expertise of InfoSec Skills will help us serve our learners and employers even better.”

Terry Neal, InfoSec Skills Managing Director and Founder, will join QA as Cyber Business Development Director:

“We’ve reached a point in our growth where we require a significant expansion of our faculty, UK-wide learning centres and cutting-edge technology to lead us into the future,” he says. “In working with QA over the last 12 years, I’ve seen first-hand the very high standards set across their business – they pride themselves on the quality of their training, experienced learning teams, innovative and flexible learning options and state-of-the-art facilities. They’re a perfect match for us.”

About QA Group: The UK’s leading IT and business skills provider, specialising in training, consultancy, apprenticeships and postgraduate degrees on a range of technical and leadership subjects. With 22 UK-wide training centres – from state-of-the-art apprenticeships and consulting academies to university campuses and flexible online learning provision – QA offers an unparalleled portfolio of learning solutions to both private and public sector organisations.

About InfoSec Skills: InfoSec Skills is an information security training and education company comprising an expert team of security professionals from across the industry. They have assembled a “super faculty” of subject matter experts to produce courses to the highest standards, are passionate about providing high quality courses at affordable prices and are committed to helping people not only enter the industry but also advance throughout their careers. They are accredited by the British Computer Society, Institute of Information Security Professionals, Council of Registered Ethical Security Testers and Professional Evaluation and Certification Board.