IEC 62443 Training Courses Compared
IEC 62443 has become the global standard for security in operational technology (OT). It provides a framework for protecting critical infrastructure against cyberattacks. To apply it, companies need qualified staff who understand the standard in depth. This article compares the IEC 62443 training courses of the main providers and recommends courses for asset owners, manufacturers, integrators, and IT security specialists.
Industrial systems are becoming more digital and more connected, so cybersecurity in industry matters more every year. IEC 62443 training courses teach professionals what they need to understand the requirements of the standard and apply them in practice. The offers range from introductory courses to advanced certifications.
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Why IEC 62443 training matters
Demand for IEC 62443 training has grown considerably in recent years, because cybersecurity in industrial automation and control systems (IACS) keeps gaining importance.
IEC 62443 itself names qualified personnel as a success factor for implementing and maintaining cybersecurity measures. Training gives professionals the knowledge and skills to understand the requirements of the standard and to implement them. It helps organizations to:
- build expertise in-house,
- identify and assess security risks more reliably,
- develop and implement appropriate protective measures, and
- meet the expectations of regulators and customers, who increasingly ask for demonstrable competence in industrial cybersecurity.
Training is therefore more than a way to pass on knowledge. It is a building block for a stronger cybersecurity culture in industrial companies.
IEC 62443 training providers
Several established organizations and companies offer training and certification based on IEC 62443. Each provider has its own approach and focus.
International Society of Automation (ISA)
The ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Certificate Program of the International Society of Automation (ISA) is a training and certification program based on IEC 62443. It is aimed at IT security and automation specialists and teaches the terms and concepts of OT security and of IEC 62443.
The program consists of four certificates that build on each other and cover the whole lifecycle of IACS:
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals Specialist
- Risk Assessment Specialist
- Design Specialist
- Maintenance Specialist
For each certificate, participants complete a course and pass an exam. After all four certificates, they automatically receive the designation ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Expert.
GIAC and SANS
SANS is a well-known institute for cybersecurity training, and GIAC is the certification body that belongs to it. Both offer specialized training and certification for industrial control systems and critical infrastructure.
TÜV SÜD
TÜV SÜD is an international testing, inspection, and certification company. Through its academy, TÜV SÜD offers several courses on industrial cybersecurity and related topics.
TÜV Rheinland
Like TÜV SÜD, TÜV Rheinland is one of the world's leading testing service providers for quality and safety. Its Cybersecurity Training Program offers courses for different industrial applications that refer to IEC 62443.
TÜV Rheinland does not deliver all of these courses itself. Most of them are run by other companies, for example ABB, HIMA, and Phoenix Contact.
Limes Security and TÜV Austria
Limes Security specializes in OT and IoT security. Together with TÜV Austria, it offers training and certification in OT security.
exida
exida is a global product certification and consulting company that specializes in functional safety and cybersecurity. It offers the Cybersecurity Practitioner (CSP) program with several specializations.
exida also offers advanced personnel certifications (CACE and CACS). They require professional experience and a passed CSP course.
IEC 62443 training courses compared
The courses differ clearly in cost, certificates, and prerequisites. Each provider structures its program for different target groups and skill levels.
Prices vary widely by provider and format. At ISA, the format drives the cost: online self-paced courses are the cheapest, followed by online instructor-led courses and then classroom courses. ISA members receive additional discounts. The table shows the fees for classroom courses without member discount.
SANS courses are often not available in Europe. SANS lists course and exam fees separately. The table shows the course fee only; the GIAC exam costs extra.
All prices are net prices without VAT, in the currency in which the provider quotes them. Prices change regularly, so check the provider's page before you book.
| Provider | Course | Standards covered | Prerequisites | Duration | Cost | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISA | ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Fundamentals Specialist (IC-32) | IEC 62443-2-1 IEC 62443-3-3 | none | 2 days | EUR 1,895 | ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Fundamentals Specialist |
| ISA | ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Specialist (IC-33) | IEC 62443-2-1 IEC 62443-3-3 | IC-32 | 2 days | EUR 2,595 | ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Specialist |
| ISA | ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Design Specialist (IC-34) | IEC 62443-2-1 IEC 62443-3-2 IEC 62443-3-3 | IC-32 | 3 days | EUR 2,595 | ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Design Specialist |
| ISA | ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Maintenance Specialist (IC-37) | IEC 62443-2-1 IEC 62443-3-3 | IC-32 | 3 days | EUR 2,595 | ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Maintenance Specialist |
| SANS | ICS410: ICS/SCADA Security Essentials | IEC 62443 in general | none | 6 days | EUR 8,630 | Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional (GICSP) |
| SANS | ICS515: ICS Visibility, Detection, and Response | none | ICS410 or ICS456 recommended | 6 days | EUR 8,630 | GIAC Response and Industrial Defense (GRID) |
| SANS | ICS456: Essentials for NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection | none | none | 5 days | USD 7,650 | GIAC Critical Infrastructure Protection (GCIP) |
| SANS | ICS612: ICS Cyber Security In-Depth | none | ICS410 recommended | 5 days | EUR 8,630 | none |
| SANS | ICS418: ICS Security Essentials for Managers | none | none | 2 days | USD 3,505 | none |
| ISA | ISASecure ISA/IEC 62443 for Product Suppliers and Assessors (IC47) | IEC 62443-4-1 IEC 62443-4-2 IEC 62443-3-3 | none | 3 days | USD 2,105 | none |
| TÜV Rheinland | Fundamentals of Cybersecurity | IEC 62443 in general | none | 4 days | unclear, depends on the training partner | none |
| TÜV Rheinland | Cybersecurity acc. to IEC 62443-4 for Components | IEC 62443-4-1 IEC 62443-4-2 | Fundamentals of Cybersecurity | 4 days | EUR 2,390 | Cybersecurity Specialist (CySec Specialist, TÜV Rheinland) |
| TÜV Rheinland | Security Risk Assessment (SRA) | IEC 62443-3-2 | none | 4 days | EUR 2,100 | Cybersecurity Specialist (CySec Specialist, TÜV Rheinland) |
| TÜV Rheinland | Cybersecurity Technician: Implementation | IEC 62443 in general | none | 5 days | unclear, depends on the training partner | Cybersecurity Technician (CySec Technician, TÜV Rheinland) |
| TÜV SÜD | Industrial Cybersecurity Foundation (Level 1) according to IEC 62443 | IEC 62443 in general | none | 2 days | EUR 1,970 | Industrial Cybersecurity Foundation (Level 1) according to IEC 62443 |
| TÜV SÜD | Industrial Cybersecurity Professional (Level 2) according to IEC 62443 | IEC 62443-4-1 IEC 62443-4-2 | Level 1 | 2 days | EUR 1,824 | Industrial Cybersecurity Professional (Level 2) according to IEC 62443 |
| Limes Security | Certified OT Security Practitioner (ICS.205) | IEC 62443 in general | none | 3 days | EUR 3,160 | Certified OT Security Practitioner TÜV (COSP) |
| Limes Security | OT Security Advanced: Technical OT Security | IEC 62443-3-2 | COSP recommended | 3 days | EUR 3,470 | Certified OT Security Technical Expert TÜV (COSTE) |
| Limes Security | OT Security Advanced: OT Security Management | none | COSP recommended | 3 days | EUR 3,470 | Certified OT Security Manager TÜV (COSM) |
| Limes Security | Secure Development Process for OT and (I)IoT | IEC 62443-4-1 | none | 2.5 days | EUR 2,025 | none |
| exida | CS 100: IEC 62443: Automation Cybersecurity Analysis, Design, and Operation | IEC 62443-2-1 IEC 62443-3-2 IEC 62443-3-3 | none | 4 days | USD 1,195 (online self-paced course) | exida Cybersecurity Practitioner (CSP), Automation Cybersecurity |
| exida | CS 201: IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Software Development | IEC 62443-4-1 IEC 62443-4-2 | none | 3 days | USD 1,795 | exida Cybersecurity Practitioner (CSP), Safety Software Development |
| exida | CS 204: IEC 62443 Cybersecurity for Integrators and Solution Providers | IEC 62443-2-4 (IEC 62443-2-1) | none | 2 days | USD 1,195 (online self-paced course) | Certified Automation Cybersecurity Specialist (CACS), Integration Cybersecurity |
Prerequisites vary by course and provider. Some introductory courses require no prior knowledge, while advanced courses often require earlier modules. Certificates range from certificates of attendance to recognized certifications, and some providers run multi-level certification programs.
SANS and exida teach only in English, which limits their reach in countries where courses in the local language are expected. The other providers teach in English and German and often offer further languages on request.
ISA, SANS/GIAC, and exida mainly address asset owners. TÜV SÜD focuses on manufacturers and integrators. TÜV Rheinland and Limes Security/TÜV Austria offer a mix, with a stronger focus on manufacturers.
Our recommendation for IEC 62443 training
ISA training is considered the “gold standard” of OT security and is widely recognized in the market. It covers IEC 62443 in depth and suits anyone who wants to build deep expertise in this field.
SANS training is known for teaching relevant practical knowledge. Because of the high cost and English-only delivery, it is less common outside English-speaking countries. The GICSP certification from SANS/GIAC is the best known and most widespread of its certifications.
For manufacturers and integrators, the courses of TÜV SÜD, TÜV Rheinland, and Limes Security are the most widespread and established. These providers have a good reputation in industry and offer practice-oriented training.
exida is a smaller provider that serves more of a niche. It can still be a good fit for specific requirements or industries.
If your company is aiming for IEC 62443 certification of its organization or products, we particularly recommend the courses of TÜV SÜD and TÜV Rheinland. Their trainers often work as assessors in certification projects themselves. They bring experience and insight from certification work into the courses, which gives participants real added value.
