Certification Program in IT Security

Fast-track your career in IT security

The time is now

Now’s a great time to launch your career in IT Security. Cybersecurity threats are on the rise, yet by 2022 the global shortfall of cybersecurity workers will reach 1.8 million. There are plenty of opportunities for talented, passionate individuals in this field – from software development to sales, support, and professional services.

Trend Micro’s Certification Program in IT Security (CPITS) reflects our commitment to closing the cybersecurity skills gap and increasing diversity in the industry. Trainees undergo a free 10-week program focusing on the soft and hard skills required to start out in the field. Those who complete the CPITS receive a bursary and certification, with the potential for full-time employment for a number of program graduates. Over the past 5 years, nearly 300 young engineers have progressed through the CPITS in Brazil, India, the US, and Middle East.

The next CPITS round in the Middle East and Africa will take place remotely from October 2021, with trainees from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Applications are now closed for this edition of the program. Information about forthcoming editions of the CPITS will be available here when details are confirmed.

“The CPITS has given me a great opportunity. It’s allowed me to fill a knowledge gap regarding cybersecurity, helped me to understand the business needs of this industry, the best ways to improve myself and my skills, and shown me how to enjoy the journey!”

Mohamed Khaled
Cloud Security Sales Engineer
CPITS graduate, 2016

Program overview

The CPITS is led by instructors from Trend Micro’s global network of experts and educators. Course modules explore cybersecurity threats, trends, and solutions, with hands-on learning in areas such as cloud computing, virtualization, and networks. Oral and written tests, as well as group exercises, encourage students to develop both the technical and the soft skills required for success in the field.

During the remote program, training blends collaborative, independent, and virtual classroom learning. Students can expect to gain a solid understanding of the cybersecurity industry and its various career pathways. They will also learn about Trend Micro’s industry-leading solutions, and the company’s unique culture and history.

Is the CPITS for you?

If you are passionate about technology and eager to develop your skills, then Trend Micro’s CPITS could be for you!

The program is designed for recent university graduates with degrees (or equivalent qualifications) in information technology or related engineering fields. Application requirements may vary between programs addressing different countries or regions. When the next round of applications opens, detailed criteria, along with forms and procedures will be published here.

Trend Micro is committed to improving diversity and inclusivity in our industry, so we particularly encourage talented female engineers to apply for the program.

"CPITS is a life-changing program. It introduced me to the cyber security industry and showed me what working in cybersecurity is really like. The hands-on approach and well-designed educational structure allowed me to have an enjoyable educational journey and to be equipped with the market's most demanded cybersecurity skills. If I had the chance to do this program again, I would dive in with both feet without hesitation!"

Ahmed Mannai
Associate Systems Engineer, Tunisia
CPITS 2021

"The beauty of the CPITS program is that you're being trained by actual field engineers and experts who use their own experiences to teach; and how the program focuses on not only giving a solid cyber-security structure, but also building soft and business skills of benefit in the short and long-term. I will treasure the relationships and memories I made during this program for the rest of my life."

Turki Alhamzi
Associate Customer Service Manager, Saudi Arabia
CPITS 2018

"Joining a robust, condensed, and impactful training strategy like CPITS has opened many doors for me, allowing me to explore and break into top industries with job opportunities in cybersecurity and cloud computing. The CPITS has been a sort of investment in myself: my character as well as my soft & technical skills. Overall, it’s a great way for engineers like me to gain a wide variety of experiences, make good friends, and enjoy their journey!"

Mohamed Ashour
Systems Engineer, Egypt
CPITS graduate, 2017

"CPITS was really a turning point in my whole life! During the program, I learned the true meaning of ‘exploring yourself’. I discovered my passion while learning cybersecurity fundamentals and identified my potential to explore further and further in a cybersecurity career."

Asmaa Elsawy
Systems Engineer, Egypt
CPITS graduate, 2018

"The program helped put me on the right track after graduation - being well-trained by top experts in cybersecurity, and then getting really good experience in specialist security and cloud technologies. At the same time, I benefitted from chances to learn more about myself in the context of business."

Shereen Lotfy
Sales Operations Specialist, Egypt
CPITS graduate, 2017

"The CPITS gave me a great chance. It helped enrich my knowledge of the cybersecurity field. But it wasn’t only about the technical skills, but also about expanding my understanding of the market and the business needs of this crucial Industry. The program helped me improve my knowledge and skills, making me more confident, while pushing me to do my best and showing me how to continue growing and learning throughout my journey!"

Aisha Badr
Systems Engineer, Egypt
CPITS graduate, 2018

Applications

New editions of the CPITS are planned for 2022 in both the Middle East and Africa. As program details become available, they will be published here along with information about eligibility and application procedures. We cannot accept applications or CVs submitted until calls for applications are officially announced on this site.

For all other inquiries about the CPITS in the Middle East and Africa, please email MMEA_CPITS@trendmicro.com

Explore the Cyber Risk Index (CRI)

Certification Program in IT Security