What’s included

• Training included (format varies by course)
• Official course materials (page count varies by course)
• Online proctored exam included (taken remotely at your convenience)
• Exam and certification fees included
• Certificate/attestation of completion with CPD credits (credits vary by course)
• Free exam retake within 12 months if you don’t pass on the first attempt

See course details below for format, CPD credits, and page count.

Why

The Certified NIST Cybersecurity Lead Implementer training course equips participants with the essential knowledge and skills required for cybersecurity compliance and resilience, based on NIST publications. It covers key NIST publications, including NIST SP 800-12 for information security fundamentals and best practices and NIST SP 800-53 for implementing security and privacy controls for information systems and organizations.

This training course also covers the NIST risk management framework, guiding participants through the strategic management of cybersecurity risks. Additionally, participants can learn about NIST SP 800-171, focusing on protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in nonfederal systems and organizations.

The course introduces the NIST Cybersecurity Framework’s core functions—Govern, Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover— to effectively enhance an organization’s cybersecurity posture.

Why should you attend?

In today’s increasingly digital world, organizations face growing challenges in securing their information systems and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. NIST publications such as NIST SP 800-12, NIST SP 800-53, NIST RMF, NIST SP 800-171, and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework offer comprehensive guidelines and best practices for establishing robust cybersecurity measures. Implementing these frameworks helps organizations enhance their cybersecurity posture, manage risks effectively, and maintain compliance with federal requirements.

Through in-depth guidance on NIST publications, participants learn to tackle complex security challenges, applying frameworks to build robust cybersecurity programs that align with organizational goals. The course also provides practical expertise to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats efficiently, integrating best practices and standards to create a cohesive security approach.

Upon completing the course, participants will be eligible to take the exam. Those who pass the exam will be awarded the globally recognized “PECB Certified NIST Cybersecurity Lead Implementer” credential.

Who

Who should attend?

This training course is intended for:

• Executives or directors responsible for overseeing cybersecurity initiatives within their organizations
• System administrators and network engineers seeking a deeper understanding of security controls and risk management processes to adhere to NIST security standards
• Professionals involved in the development and implementation of cybersecurity programs
• Professionals and advisors who provide cybersecurity and compliance services, ensuring they stay up to date with the latest NIST frameworks and best practices
• Digital forensics and cybercrime investigators who need to understand the technical and regulatory aspects of cybersecurity frameworks to investigate and respond to security incidents comprehensively
• Individuals working in cybersecurity or information security who aim to enhance their understanding of NIST guidelines and develop practical skills in managing cybersecurity risks

Objectives

By the end of this training course, participants will be able to:

• Discuss the fundamental principles and concepts of cybersecurity
• Support compliance with key NIST publications, including NIST 800-12, NIST 800-53, NIST RMF, NIST 800-171, and the NIST CSF
• Assess and advise on security controls in alignment with NIST guidelines
• Provide guidance on cybersecurity risk management and incident management strategies
• Guide organizations in developing and optimizing cybersecurity programs

Approach

• Integrates theoretical knowledge of NIST publication, including NIST SP 800-12, NIST SP 800-53, NIST RMF, NIST SP 800-171, and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, alongside best practices in cybersecurity and risk management
• Covers the application of risk management processes outlined in the NIST Risk Management Framework, providing techniques for effective risk assessment and mitigation
• Emphasizes the development of a comprehensive System Security Plan to document cybersecurity requirements
• Guides participants on utilizing the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to build and maintain a cybersecurity program
• Participants are strongly encouraged to interact with one another, exchange ideas, and actively participate in discussions.
• The quiz structure within the course closely mirrors that of the certification exam, ensuring participants are well-prepared for the exam.

PECB offers various training course delivery formats, from traditional classroom settings to modern, technology-driven solutions. To learn more about these formats, please click here.

Prerequisites

The main requirement for participating in this training course is having a fundamental understanding of cybersecurity principles and frameworks.

Agenda

Day 1: Introduction to NIST Cybersecurity standards and principles

Day 2: Risk management strategy and supply chain risk management

Day 3: Selecting security controls, awareness and training, and continuous monitoring

Day 4: Cybersecurity incident management

Day 5: Certification exam

Examination

The “PECB Certified NIST Cybersecurity Lead Implementer” exam fully meets the PECB Examination and Certification Program (ECP) requirements. It covers the following competency domains:

Domain 1: Fundamental principles and concepts of cybersecurity

Domain 2: Planning an organizational strategy in cybersecurity

Domain 3: Assessing and advising on cybersecurity programs and security controls

Domain 4: Cybersecurity incident management

Domain 5: Cybersecurity incident response

For specific information about the exam type, languages available, and other details, please visit the List of PECB Exams and Exam Rules and Policies.

Certification

After passing the exam, you can apply for one of the credentials in the table below. You will receive a certificate once you fulfill all the requirements of the selected credential.

The certification requirements for PECB Certified NIST Cybersecurity Lead Implementer are:

Credential	Exam	Professional experience	Cybersecurity program experience	Other requirements
PECB Certified Provisional NIST Cybersecurity Implementer	PECB Certified NIST Cybersecurity Lead Implementer exam	None	None	Signing the PECB Code of Ethics
PECB Certified NIST Cybersecurity Implementer		2 years (1 in cybersecurity)	At least 200 hours
PECB Certified NIST Cybersecurity Lead Implementer		5 years (2 in cybersecurity)	At least 300 hours
PECB Certified NIST Cybersecurity Senior Lead Implementer		10 years (7 in cybersecurity)	At least 1,000 hours

 

The cybersecurity management activities should follow best practices and include the following:

• Assisting in applying the NIST guidelines and controls
• Providing guidance on incident response and crisis management in accordance with NIST guidelines
• Designing security awareness and training programs to educate employees about cybersecurity risks, compliance requirements, and best practices recommended by NIST
• Establishing mechanisms to monitor security controls and processes, including regular reviews and assessments
• Conducting thorough risk assessments using the NIST Risk Management Framework to identify and prioritize cybersecurity risks

For more information about the PECB certification process, please refer to Certification Rules and Policies.

CPD Credits

• Certificate and examination fees are included in the price of the training course.
• Participants will receive more than 450 pages of comprehensive training materials, including practical examples, exercises, and quizzes.
• Participants who have attended the training course will receive an attestation of course completion worth 31 CPD (Continuing Professional Development) credits.
• Candidates who have completed the training course with one of our partners and failed the first exam attempt are eligible to retake the exam for free within a 12-month period from the date the coupon code is received because the fee paid for the training course includes a first exam attempt and one retake. Otherwise, retake fees apply.