Since last year, cybersecurity expert Hudson Cybertec and certifier Kiwa have been jointly offering worldwide training on the cybersecurity of Operational Technology (OT). The focus of the training is on sharing knowledge that enables organizations to protect their OT systems according to the IEC 62443 standards series. This is a crucial step to demonstrably comply with new EU directives such as NIS2 and the Cyber Resilience Act.
To test the knowledge of participants in the 3-day IEC 62443 training, Hudson Cybertec’s training concludes with an IEC 62443 exam. These exams have been conducted internationally since last year, giving the obtained certificate worldwide recognition. This is made possible through collaboration with IBEX, an internationally operating examination bureau that is part of the Kiwa group.
Kiwa now has the entire process, from training to examination, fully in-house. Trainings are often organized monthly. The exams take place once a quarter. There are two training options with corresponding exams: end-user/asset owner and system integrator. The trainings differ on the last day, where for end-users the focus is on the security program (standard part IEC 62443-2-1) and for system integrators the focus is on the security program for system integrators (standard part IEC 62443-2-4).
IBEX unit manager Tom Huiskamp emphasizes the importance of this collaboration and the ability to conduct exams worldwide. “Cybersecurity plays an essential role in various sectors, and at IBEX we are proud to be able to test candidates on their knowledge and skills in this area. By offering our exams internationally, organizations around the world can benefit from high-quality knowledge and certification in OT cybersecurity.”
Many participants have already taken the exam, with the vast majority succeeding. One of the examinees said afterward: “The exam was tough, but the questions were well aligned with the material covered during the training. With some prior study, I passed the exam!” Successful exam candidates are certified for 2 years and can thus demonstrate their knowledge of cybersecurity and IEC 62443. After 2 years, they can renew their certification with a 1-day refresher training and a new exam. This allows them to continue meeting the increasing market demand for certified cybersecurity specialists.
