An Overview of TruSecure ICSA Computer Associate Certification
If you require some security training but security is perhaps not the main focus of your job,
you may want to investigate TruSecure’s TICSA (TruSecure ICSA Computer Associate Certification).
This certification is for computer network and IT security practitioners who “have the essential
knowledge and abilities to be active stakeholders in today's enterprise security, helping an
organization achieve a more secure operational posture.” The TICSA was introduced in March 2002
and is a vendor/training-neutral certification that is worth achieving on route to more advanced
security-related certifications such as (ISC)2’s CISSP. Before challenging this exam candidates
should have “at least two years experience in network security administration, or can
demonstrate attendance of at least 48 hours of approved computer security training or
coursework (within a 24-month period).”
We will discuss some of the highlights of this one exam certification.
The TICSA certification is well suited to IT personnel with titles such as computer administrators,
network administrators, audit personnel, and other IT-oriented professionals, who want to learn
foundation-level security knowledge. Many of these folks, however, don’t want to work full
time in security and thus will not bother taking more advanced certifications such as the ones
offered by SANS GIAC or
(ISC)2.
As well, unlike the Security+ certification, which does not
expire, the TICSA has tough recertification requirements (see below). This could make the
TICSA a more prestigious certification over time.
The TICSA designation demonstrates your knowledge of 14 disciplines of the TruSecure Essential
Body of Knowledge. These disciplines are:
Security Practices and Procedures
Security Fundamentals
TCP/IP Networking Fundamentals
Firewall Management Fundamentals
Detection, Response & Recovery (I.R.)
Administration & Maintenance Fundamentals
Design & Configuration Basics
Malicious Code Fundamentals
Law, Ethics, and Policy
Authentication Fundamentals
Cryptography Basics
Fundamentals of Host-Based vs. Network-Based Security
The TICSA designation is achieved by passing one conventional format exam that covers the above topics.
In addition to taking exam TU0-001 (ICSA Certified Security Associate), candidates must:
This exam costs $295 USD for Americans and $395 for those outside of the USA and may be taken from
Thomson Prometric. The pass score for this form-based multiple choice exam is 67%, but this is
subject to change. There are around 70 questions and the exam lasts 90 minutes.
Go here for both more information on the TICSA exam as well as check out a CramSession TICSA
study guide...
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