NIST Cybersecurity Professional®
NCSP® 800‑12 Foundation Certificate

Build a Strong Information Security Foundation with NIST SP 800‑12

NIST Cybersecurity Professional®

NCSP® 800‑12 Foundation Certificate

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Course Description

Every organisation depends on information and the systems that process, store, and transmit it. Protecting that information is essential for maintaining trust, ensuring operational continuity, and supporting regulatory and business requirements. NIST SP 800‑12 Rev. 1 provides a comprehensive introduction to information security concepts, principles, and practices, forming the baseline for all NIST‑aligned cybersecurity programs.

The NIST Cybersecurity Professional® (NCSP®) 800‑12 Foundation Certificate is a 2‑day, instructor‑led course that introduces participants to the core concepts of information security as defined in NIST SP 800‑12. This course explains the fundamental principles of confidentiality, integrity, and availability; the structure of security controls; and the role of information security within the broader NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0.

Participants learn how to apply foundational security concepts across systems, networks, people, and processes, building the knowledge needed to support more advanced NIST‑aligned training.

 

What You Will Learn

Participants gain foundational knowledge required to understand and apply information security principles. You will learn:

• How NIST SP 800‑12 aligns with the NIST CSF 2.0 and supports enterprise cybersecurity programs.

• The core principles of information security, including confidentiality, integrity, availability, and assurance.

• The structure of security controls and how they protect systems, data, and operations.

• How to identify common threats, vulnerabilities, and risks across IT environments.

• The role of policies, procedures, and governance in establishing a secure organisation.

• How to apply basic security practices across networks, systems, applications, and users.

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Course Agenda

Day 1: Information Security Principles, Governance & Risk
Module 1: Introduction to NIST SP 800‑12 Rev. 1

• Understanding the purpose, scope, and role of 800‑12 as the foundational NIST information security guide.

Module 2: Core Information Security Concepts

• Exploring confidentiality, integrity, availability, assurance, and the fundamental building blocks of security.

Module 3: Governance, Policy & Organisational Roles

• Establishing policies, responsibilities, and governance structures that support information security.

Module 4: Threats, Vulnerabilities & Risk Management

• Identifying common threats, understanding vulnerabilities, and applying basic risk management principles.

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Day 2: Security Controls, Operations & Continuous Protection
Module 5: Security Controls & Safeguards

• Understanding administrative, technical, and physical controls and how they protect information systems.

Module 6: Network, System & Application Security Basics

• Applying foundational security practices across networks, endpoints, applications, and data.

Module 7: Security Operations & Incident Handling Basics

• Introducing monitoring, logging, incident detection, and basic response concepts.

Module 8: Continuous Improvement & Alignment with NIST CSF 2.0

• Implementing ongoing security activities, awareness programs, and alignment with CSF 2.0 outcomes.

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Learning Outcomes

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Participants will be able to:

• Explain how NIST SP 800‑12 Rev. 1 supports the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 and organisational security programs.

• Identify and describe the core principles of information security and their role in protecting systems and data.

• Recognise common threats, vulnerabilities, and risks across IT environments.

• Apply foundational security controls and practices across networks, systems, and applications.

• Understand the role of governance, policy, and awareness in building a secure organisation.

• Translate NIST SP 800‑12 guidance into actionable practices that strengthen information security posture.

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Who Should Attend?

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This course is designed for individuals new to cybersecurity or responsible for supporting information security activities, including:

• IT Staff & System Administrators

• Cybersecurity Beginners & Career‑Changers

• Business Managers & Process Owners

• Compliance, Audit, and Governance Personnel

• Helpdesk & Technical Support Teams

• Anyone seeking a foundational understanding of NIST‑aligned security principles

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Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites for this Foundation‑level course. It is designed as an accessible entry point into NIST‑aligned cybersecurity training.

Participants are provided with:

• NIST Cybersecurity Professional® (NCSP®) 800‑12 Foundation Certificate courseware including links to further reading and resources.

• NIST Cybersecurity Professional® (NCSP®) 800‑12 Foundation Certificate, Certificate of Completion.

• NIST Cybersecurity Professional® (NCSP®) 800‑12 Foundation Certificate digital badge.

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