Apply for a Professional Title through CREST

Getting started

Entry requirements

The application form includes both technical and non-technical competency questions based on the UK Cyber Security Council Standard for Professional Competence and Commitment (UK CSC SPCC).

For the Security Testing specialism, a contextualisation document has been produced showing the typical types of evidence you can provide to meet the competence and commitment statements.

The application form includes the following sections:

Applicant Details
Competence and commitment evidence (A, B, C, D, E)
Recommendation for Professional Registration (Employer Attestation) Declaration

Note that the requirements below currently apply to fulfil the technical competence requirements (competence A) for Chartered and Principal titles:

	Chartered	Principal
Certifications	CREST CCT INF or CREST CCT APP or Equivalent qualifications approved by the UK CSC	CREST CCT INF or CREST CCT APP or Equivalent qualifications approved by the UK CSC
Other requirements	Applicants must have successfully passed one of the required certifications, and be able to demonstrate significant delivery experience at Team Leader level. (For example, having re-validated a CHECK Team Leader qualification at least once).	Applicants must have successfully passed one of the required certifications.
Cost	700 GBP +VAT	700 GBP +VAT
Special CREST Member promo*	See below drop-down	See below drop-down
Annual renewal fee	99 GBP +VAT	99 GBP +VAT

* Please use your company email address when registering to confirm eligibility for this rate.

Further information on fees

Standard fees

Fee Element	Fee	Due
Part 1 – application and initial assessment fee	£250+VAT	When applying
Part 2 – final assessment and registration fee	£450+VAT	Upon approval, prior to being awarded title
Total	£700+VAT	-

Special promotional CREST Member discount

For employees of CREST member companies, CREST is offering a special 30% discount for applications submitted between 1 July and 30 September 2024. (Note this excludes current CHECK Team Leaders for whom a separate process exists).

Fee Element	Fee	Due
Part 1 – application and initial assessment fee	£250+VAT	When applying
Part 2 – final assessment and registration fee	~~£450+VAT~~ £240+VAT	Upon approval, prior to being awarded title
Total	~~£700+VAT~~ £490+VAT	-

Payment can be made using a debit or credit card and the fee is non-refundable. Further information on payment will be provided once you have filled in the registration form.

Following successful registration annual renewal fees of £99 + VAT apply to remain on the register.

If the submitted application is considered borderline** the fee includes one opportunity to strengthen the application. This will take the form of either a request for additional evidence or being invited for a discussion via a video call, as determined by CREST.

If the application is unsuccessful, where applicable, you can request that the application is assessed at the level below at no additional charge.

* Please use your company email address when registering to confirm eligibility for this rate.

** Based on CREST’s assessment of the application.

The application process

Professional Titles process graphic

Before you begin the application process, please ensure you have checked the following:

Do you have the relevant certifications and demonstrable experience?
Have you checked the relevant fees?
Do you meet the the minimum qualification level for the Professional Title you’re applying for?

Ready to start your journey towards a Professional Title?

Fill out our registration form

Professional Titles coming soon

CREST continues to work with the UK Cyber Security Council on other titles and specialisms as follows:

Practitioner Cyber Security Professional

CREST is currently participating in a pilot with the UK CSC to offer this title for the Security Testing specialism in the future.
The pilot is currently closed to new applicants.
Please check back at a later date for more information.

Associate Cyber Security Professional

This title is not currently being offered by the UK Cyber Security Council.
Please check back at a later date for more information.

CREST is also taking part in the pilot for the Incident Response specialism and working with the UK CSC and other licensed bodies to introduce red teaming qualifications into the scope of the Security Testing specialism.