Level
Level 7
Credits
60
Guided Learning
300
Total Qualification Time
600
Qualification overview
A simple summary of who this qualification is for and what learners can expect.
About this qualification
The IQA Level 07 Certificate in Automotive Cybersecurity is an IQ Awards qualification at Level 7. It supports learners in developing knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours in automotive engineering.
The qualification is structured for clear delivery, assessment and quality assurance through approved centres.
Who is it for?
- Experienced practitioners, supervisors, managers and graduates seeking advanced professional development.
- Learners who want to develop strategic, analytical and leadership skills.
- Professionals preparing for senior roles or postgraduate progression.
Entry and assessment guidance
Centres should check learner suitability before registration.
Entry requirements
- Entry is at the discretion of the approved centre.
- Learners will normally hold a relevant qualification at the previous level or have substantial professional experience.
- Learners should be able to work independently, evaluate evidence and apply strategic thinking.
- Centres should confirm that learners have sufficient English language ability for advanced study.
Assessment approach
Assessment may include assignments, projects, practical evidence, workplace evidence, portfolios, presentations or other centre-devised assessment methods approved under IQ Awards quality assurance.
Language requirements
Centres should ensure learners have sufficient language competency to complete learning and assessment.
Qualification units
Jump to any unit below. Each unit opens with its own learning outcomes, criteria and content where available.
Unit 1 of 3
Automotive Cybersecurity Architecture and Threats
ACY7C701
Learning outcomes
- LO1 Critically evaluate advanced theory, strategy and professional practice relevant to Automotive Cybersecurity Architecture and Threats.
- LO2 Synthesise complex technical, commercial, regulatory and organisational evidence to diagnose strategic problems.
- LO3 Formulate and defend an integrated strategy, system or solution under conditions of uncertainty.
- LO4 Critically evaluate governance, implementation, risk, sustainability and long-term performance.
Assessment criteria
- 1.1 Critically evaluate advanced concepts, models, standards and professional requirements. 1.2 Compare competing approaches and justify their applicability to complex contexts.
- 2.1 Synthesise qualitative and quantitative evidence from multiple credible sources. 2.2 Diagnose root causes, uncertainty, interdependencies and stakeholder tensions.
- 3.1 Formulate an integrated evidence-based strategy, technical solution or management framework. 3.2 Defend choices through explicit criteria, analysis and rejection of alternatives.
- 4.1 Critically evaluate governance, ethics, safety, finance, sustainability and implementation risk. 4.2 Design assurance measures, KPIs, review triggers and evidence-based improvement actions.
Unit aim
This unit develops the learner's knowledge, analytical capability and professional judgement in Automotive Cybersecurity Architecture and Threats, with emphasis on applied problem solving, safe and ethical practice, evidence-based decision making and measurable performance.
Indicative content
Core principles and terminology of Automotive Cybersecurity Architecture and Threats; relevant engineering or management systems; professional standards and responsibilities; technical and operational analysis; data interpretation; diagnostics or problem solving; planning and implementation; health, safety and environmental considerations; quality assurance; legal and ethical responsibilities; stakeholder communication; risk management; sustainability; performance measurement; documentation and continuous improvement. Subject-specific coverage: threat modelling; secure boot; CAN security; ECU security; cryptography; V2X security; firmware; penetration testing governance; incident response; ISO/SAE 21434 concepts; ECU architecture; sensors; actuators; signal processing; coding; adaptation; reflashing concepts; diagnostics; electrical testing; embedded control.
Assignment brief
- Assignment title: Automotive Cybersecurity Architecture and Threats - Applied Professional Assignment
- Scenario: The learner acts in a realistic engineering, automotive, transport, port, asset-management or HSE role relevant to Automotive Cybersecurity Architecture and Threats. A manager or client has requested an evidence-based response to a defined technical or organisational problem.
- Task 1 - Critical/technical analysis: explain and analyse the relevant principles, standards, systems and evidence; identify material risks, constraints and root causes.
- Task 2 - Applied output: produce a professional technical report, diagnostic plan, management framework, design, strategy, inspection, calibration, maintenance, project or improvement plan appropriate to the unit. Include assumptions, calculations, methods, controls and records where relevant.
- Task 3 - Evaluation: evaluate the proposed or completed work against safety, quality, cost, compliance, sustainability and performance requirements; justify recommendations and improvement actions.
- Evidence requirement: one coherent 3,500-4,500-word equivalent submission plus the named applied output and supporting technical evidence. Use an approved academic referencing style and map evidence clearly to all assessment criteria. Practical or diagnostic activity must be conducted through authorised supervised practice or realistic simulation where required.
- Assessment decision: Pass is awarded only when every assessment criterion is met with valid, authentic, current and sufficient evidence.
Unit 2 of 3
Secure Connected Vehicle Systems and Risk Management
ACY7C702
Learning outcomes
- LO1 Critically evaluate advanced theory, strategy and professional practice relevant to Secure Connected Vehicle Systems and Risk Management.
- LO2 Synthesise complex technical, commercial, regulatory and organisational evidence to diagnose strategic problems.
- LO3 Formulate and defend an integrated strategy, system or solution under conditions of uncertainty.
- LO4 Critically evaluate governance, implementation, risk, sustainability and long-term performance.
Assessment criteria
- 1.1 Critically evaluate advanced concepts, models, standards and professional requirements. 1.2 Compare competing approaches and justify their applicability to complex contexts.
- 2.1 Synthesise qualitative and quantitative evidence from multiple credible sources. 2.2 Diagnose root causes, uncertainty, interdependencies and stakeholder tensions.
- 3.1 Formulate an integrated evidence-based strategy, technical solution or management framework. 3.2 Defend choices through explicit criteria, analysis and rejection of alternatives.
- 4.1 Critically evaluate governance, ethics, safety, finance, sustainability and implementation risk. 4.2 Design assurance measures, KPIs, review triggers and evidence-based improvement actions.
Unit aim
This unit develops the learner's knowledge, analytical capability and professional judgement in Secure Connected Vehicle Systems and Risk Management, with emphasis on applied problem solving, safe and ethical practice, evidence-based decision making and measurable performance.
Indicative content
Core principles and terminology of Secure Connected Vehicle Systems and Risk Management; relevant engineering or management systems; professional standards and responsibilities; technical and operational analysis; data interpretation; diagnostics or problem solving; planning and implementation; health, safety and environmental considerations; quality assurance; legal and ethical responsibilities; stakeholder communication; risk management; sustainability; performance measurement; documentation and continuous improvement. Subject-specific coverage: ECU architecture; sensors; actuators; signal processing; coding; adaptation; reflashing concepts; diagnostics; electrical testing; embedded control.
Assignment brief
- Assignment title: Secure Connected Vehicle Systems and Risk Management - Applied Professional Assignment
- Scenario: The learner acts in a realistic engineering, automotive, transport, port, asset-management or HSE role relevant to Secure Connected Vehicle Systems and Risk Management. A manager or client has requested an evidence-based response to a defined technical or organisational problem.
- Task 1 - Critical/technical analysis: explain and analyse the relevant principles, standards, systems and evidence; identify material risks, constraints and root causes.
- Task 2 - Applied output: produce a professional technical report, diagnostic plan, management framework, design, strategy, inspection, calibration, maintenance, project or improvement plan appropriate to the unit. Include assumptions, calculations, methods, controls and records where relevant.
- Task 3 - Evaluation: evaluate the proposed or completed work against safety, quality, cost, compliance, sustainability and performance requirements; justify recommendations and improvement actions.
- Evidence requirement: one coherent 3,500-4,500-word equivalent submission plus the named applied output and supporting technical evidence. Use an approved academic referencing style and map evidence clearly to all assessment criteria. Practical or diagnostic activity must be conducted through authorised supervised practice or realistic simulation where required.
- Assessment decision: Pass is awarded only when every assessment criterion is met with valid, authentic, current and sufficient evidence.
Unit 3 of 3
Automotive Cybersecurity Applied Investigation
ACY7C703
Learning outcomes
- LO1 Critically evaluate advanced theory, strategy and professional practice relevant to Automotive Cybersecurity Applied Investigation.
- LO2 Synthesise complex technical, commercial, regulatory and organisational evidence to diagnose strategic problems.
- LO3 Formulate and defend an integrated strategy, system or solution under conditions of uncertainty.
- LO4 Critically evaluate governance, implementation, risk, sustainability and long-term performance.
Assessment criteria
- 1.1 Critically evaluate advanced concepts, models, standards and professional requirements. 1.2 Compare competing approaches and justify their applicability to complex contexts.
- 2.1 Synthesise qualitative and quantitative evidence from multiple credible sources. 2.2 Diagnose root causes, uncertainty, interdependencies and stakeholder tensions.
- 3.1 Formulate an integrated evidence-based strategy, technical solution or management framework. 3.2 Defend choices through explicit criteria, analysis and rejection of alternatives.
- 4.1 Critically evaluate governance, ethics, safety, finance, sustainability and implementation risk. 4.2 Design assurance measures, KPIs, review triggers and evidence-based improvement actions.
Unit aim
This unit develops the learner's knowledge, analytical capability and professional judgement in Automotive Cybersecurity Applied Investigation, with emphasis on applied problem solving, safe and ethical practice, evidence-based decision making and measurable performance.
Indicative content
Core principles and terminology of Automotive Cybersecurity Applied Investigation; relevant engineering or management systems; professional standards and responsibilities; technical and operational analysis; data interpretation; diagnostics or problem solving; planning and implementation; health, safety and environmental considerations; quality assurance; legal and ethical responsibilities; stakeholder communication; risk management; sustainability; performance measurement; documentation and continuous improvement. Subject-specific coverage: threat modelling; secure boot; CAN security; ECU security; cryptography; V2X security; firmware; penetration testing governance; incident response; ISO/SAE 21434 concepts; ECU architecture; sensors; actuators; signal processing; coding; adaptation; reflashing concepts; diagnostics; electrical testing; embedded control.
Assignment brief
- Assignment title: Automotive Cybersecurity Applied Investigation - Applied Professional Assignment
- Scenario: The learner acts in a realistic engineering, automotive, transport, port, asset-management or HSE role relevant to Automotive Cybersecurity Applied Investigation. A manager or client has requested an evidence-based response to a defined technical or organisational problem.
- Task 1 - Critical/technical analysis: explain and analyse the relevant principles, standards, systems and evidence; identify material risks, constraints and root causes.
- Task 2 - Applied output: produce a professional technical report, diagnostic plan, management framework, design, strategy, inspection, calibration, maintenance, project or improvement plan appropriate to the unit. Include assumptions, calculations, methods, controls and records where relevant.
- Task 3 - Evaluation: evaluate the proposed or completed work against safety, quality, cost, compliance, sustainability and performance requirements; justify recommendations and improvement actions.
- Evidence requirement: one coherent 3,500-4,500-word equivalent submission plus the named applied output and supporting technical evidence. Use an approved academic referencing style and map evidence clearly to all assessment criteria. Practical or diagnostic activity must be conducted through authorised supervised practice or realistic simulation where required.
- Assessment decision: Pass is awarded only when every assessment criterion is met with valid, authentic, current and sufficient evidence.
Progression routes
Typical routes after completing this qualification.
Progression
Progression to further postgraduate study, specialist professional practice or strategic leadership.
Learning outcomes summary
- LO1 Critically evaluate advanced theory, strategy and professional practice relevant to Automotive Cybersecurity Architecture and Threats.
- LO2 Synthesise complex technical, commercial, regulatory and organisational evidence to diagnose strategic problems.
- LO3 Formulate and defend an integrated strategy, system or solution under conditions of uncertainty.
- LO4 Critically evaluate governance, implementation, risk, sustainability and long-term performance.
- LO1 Critically evaluate advanced theory, strategy and professional practice relevant to Secure Connected Vehicle Systems and Risk Management.
- LO1 Critically evaluate advanced theory, strategy and professional practice relevant to Automotive Cybersecurity Applied Investigation.