Chief Information Officer: Cybersecurity Course
The Advanced Occupational Diploma: Chief Information Officer: Cybersecurity is the leadership qualification at the top of Wheelset Academy's cybersecurity pathway. It prepares learners to oversee cybersecurity functions, lead secure ICT provision, manage cyber risk and resilience, and provide strategic cybersecurity leadership within organisations.
It's registered at NQF Level 7 with 120 credits (also searched as "chief information officer cybersecurity NQF 7" or "NQF 7 cybersecurity course"). The registered entry requirement is an NQF Level 6 qualification in Information Technology, Computer Science or Cybersecurity; Wheelset Academy's current admissions route lists the Cybersecurity Practitioner NQF 6 qualification or equivalent. As the most advanced cybersecurity course and cybersecurity management course in the pathway, it runs from Wheelset Academy's Pretoria and Kempton Park branches.
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What the CIO: Cybersecurity course covers
The diploma moves from specialist technical work into governance, leadership and strategic cybersecurity decision-making.
Knowledge modules (40 credits)
- Management, Leadership and Governance Principles within a Cybersecurity Context (20 credits)
- Concepts and Principles Underpinning the Provisioning of Secure ICT within an Enterprise (20 credits)
Practical skills (40 credits)
- Legal Advice and Advocacy (12 credits)
- Cyber Training and Education (12 credits)
- Strategic Planning and Policy Development (6 credits)
- Executive Cybersecurity Leadership Practices (10 credits)
Work experience (40 credits)
- Cybersecurity Instruction and Training Processes (10 credits)
- Information Systems Management Processes (10 credits)
- Communications Security Management Processes (10 credits)
- Cybersecurity Workforce Planning and Development Management Processes (10 credits)
Core outcomes
- Oversee cybersecurity within ethical, legal and professional requirements
- Provide cybersecurity guidance and recommendations to leadership and staff
- Develop cybersecurity education and training initiatives
- Analyse cybersecurity requirements of information systems and networks
- Develop and advocate cybersecurity policy changes
- Manage and lead cyber and cyber-related work
- Evaluate risk, compliance and assurance requirements
- Lead the provision and evaluation of secure information technology systems
On completion, learners receive a Letter of Competence from Wheelset Academy and, once verified, a Certificate of Competence with a Statement of Results from the QCTO.
Is the CIO: Cybersecurity course right for you?
This qualification is relevant to cybersecurity practitioners and ICT professionals who want to progress from technical or specialist responsibilities into governance, risk, resilience, secure ICT management, policy and executive cybersecurity leadership.
Wheelset Academy's stated entry requirements are:
- Advanced Occupational Certificate: Cybersecurity Practitioner (NQF Level 6) or equivalent
- Experience in cybersecurity, ICT or information security environments (advantageous)
- Strong analytical and leadership capability
- Ability to operate in strategic decision-making environments
- Valid South African ID or passport
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may apply
Where this qualification can lead
- Chief Information Officer: Cybersecurity
- Information Security Manager
- Cybersecurity Executive
- Cybersecurity Programme Manager
- Cyber Policy and Strategy Manager
- Communications Security Manager
- Cyber Workforce Development Manager
- Information Systems Security Manager
- Cybersecurity Governance Specialist
- Security Architecture Manager
- Cyber Risk Executive
- Enterprise Security Leader
Job titles vary by employer and experience. A qualification supports career preparation but does not guarantee a specific title or salary.
Verify this qualification yourself
SAQA ID 121968
This is a real, checkable SAQA cybersecurity qualification, not a marketing figure. Check the registration directly on the South African Qualifications Authority database rather than taking any provider's word for it. Search the SAQA database · Check QCTO accreditation
Study the CIO: Cybersecurity course in Pretoria or Johannesburg
Pretoria / Hatfield
353 Festival Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028
Kempton Park / Johannesburg
10 Margaret Avenue, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1620
Confirm current intake, delivery method and branch availability with admissions before registering.
CIO: Cybersecurity course FAQs
What is a Chief Information Officer: Cybersecurity course?
It prepares learners to lead cybersecurity governance, risk management, information security operations and secure ICT initiatives at executive level.
Is this course accredited?
It's registered with the QCTO and developed in partnership with BANKSETA. Confirm Wheelset Academy's current provider accreditation scope before enrolling.
What NQF level is it?
NQF Level 7, with 120 credits.
Does it include practical training?
Yes. Learners complete practical skills modules and workplace experience modules alongside the two knowledge modules.
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants should hold an Advanced Occupational Certificate: Cybersecurity Practitioner (NQF Level 6) or equivalent. Admissions should assess your documentation and advise on equivalence or RPL where applicable.
Will I learn cybersecurity governance?
Yes. Cybersecurity governance is one of the core focus areas of the programme, covered in the "Management, Leadership and Governance Principles within a Cybersecurity Context" knowledge module.
Does it include strategic planning?
Yes. Learners develop strategic planning, policy development and executive leadership capabilities through dedicated practical skill modules.
What jobs can I get after completion?
Graduates may work as Chief Information Officers (Cybersecurity), Information Security Managers, Cybersecurity Executives or Governance Specialists, among other senior cybersecurity leadership roles.
Does it cover secure ICT management?
Yes. Learners gain advanced knowledge of secure ICT provisioning, enterprise architecture and information systems security.
Is workplace experience included?
Yes. Workplace modules form an important component of the qualification and build real-world leadership competence.
How do I apply?
Review the current fees and intake information, then submit your application through Wheelset Academy's online application page. Admissions can assess your supporting documents before registration is finalised.
Ready to start the CIO: Cybersecurity course?
Or explore the full pathway, from Analyst through to Practitioner and CIO: Cybersecurity, before you decide.
Qualification information reviewed: 12 August 2026. The NQF level, SAQA ID, credit value and entry requirement above reflect the registered occupational qualification. Fees, intakes, delivery mode and workplace arrangements can change and should be confirmed with Wheelset Academy before enrolment.