Along with our Licensed Bodies, we are committed to the accessibility of our processes, and in many cases our processes are accessible by default. Please keep in mind:
- We prioritise clear expectations and quality communication, you will not be expected to read between the lines of processes or feedback.
- Throughout each process, assessors are looking for evidence of your competence, not to catch you out.
- While our process is subjective to some extent, your application will be reviewed by multiple experts so you will never be denied based on a single opinion.
- It is always okay to pause, to answer slowly, or to ask for a break in a professional discussion.
- When we assess your communication skills, we are assessing your ability to convey information effectively, not how likeable or charming you are, or how well you comply with social norms.
Our registration processes fundamentally assess your competency to work in cyber security. You should feel free to use any self-help methods that help you at work, and we will do our best to recreate or closely mimic any adjustments you have at work.
You can request reasonable adjustments from the Licensed Body you are using at any stage in the process. Licensed Bodies may require evidence of your condition to offer some adjustments. You can nominate a representative or advocate to have conversations on your behalf about reasonable adjustments.
You can see a snapshot of potential adjustments, self-help measures and inherent features of our processes below, ordered by common challenges for neurodivergent people. You may benefit from an adjustment not listed below and you are encouraged to request anything you need from your Licensed Body.
If you have questions about requirements, standards or professional registration, please contact standards@ukcybersecuritycouncil.org.uk
Trouble focusing; easily distracted
Features of the process:
- You can take a break at any point during your professional discussion.
- Your written application materials are self-paced.
Self-help options:
- Ensure those around you know you are busy.
- Block out your calendar and set office messaging software to “Do Not Disturb”
- Join the professional discussion from a quiet place with few distractions, such as a call booth or guest bedroom.
Potential adjustments:
- During your professional discussion, assessors can turn off their cameras.
Hyperactivity; fidgeting; need to move regularly
Features of the process:
- You will not be penalised for visibly moving on screen during your professional discussion.
- You can take breaks at any point during your professional discussion.
Self-help options:
- You could sit in a rocking or balance chair or have a fidget tool available.
Difficulties with social interaction; social anxiety; difficulty reading social cues
Features of the process:
- You can take a break at any point during your professional discussion.
- In Process B, most candidates will not need to a professional discussion.
- Professional discussions are over video call by default.
- You will not be penalised for not making eye contact or for nervousness.
- Assessors will rephrase questions and ask again if you have not fully understood a question.
Self-help options:
- You can have a support person in the room with you, as long as they do not provide you answers.
Potential adjustments:
- You may be able to meet your assessors a day or two in advance of a professional discussion.
Difficulty writing
Self-help options:
- Voice-to-text programmes.
- Use of AI to turn bullet points into structured paragraphs. You are responsible for using AI appropriately and ensuring your submission is truthful.
- You can request a colleague to look over your written materials before you submit them.
Potential adjustments:
- Scribing.
Difficulty handing uncertainty
Features of the process:
- Your Licensed Body can help you decide which title and specialism to apply for.
- Assessors will ask clear, specific questions during your professional discussion. They will rephrase and ask again if you have not answered as they expect.
- You’ll be given rough expected timelines throughout.
Potential adjustments:
- You can ask to meet your assessors a few days before the professional discussion.
- You can ask for a pre-meet with Licensed Body staff to describe in detail the process.
Auditory processing delay or difficulties
Features of the process:
- You will not be penalised for answering slowly or for asking an assessor to repeat a question.
Potential adjustments:
- You can ask for questions to also be written in the chat.
Difficulty with memory or recall
Features of the process:
- You will not be penalised for answering slowly.
Self-help options:
- Have notes on hand for your professional discussion.
- Ensure the professional discussion and deadlines are in your calendar.
- Ask a friend, family member or colleague to remind you of the professional discussion.
Potential adjustments:
- You can ask for questions to also be written in the chat.
- You can ask for the expected professional discussion themes in advance.
Prone to overstimulation
Self-help options:
- Schedule your professional discussion for a time with little else going on, such as lunch time.
- Take your professional discussion from a quiet place with few decorations, such as a call booth or guest bedroom.
Potential adjustments:
- During your professional discussion, assessors can turn off their cameras and remain muted when not speaking.
Rejection sensitivity
Self-help options:
- Carefully review the SPCC and supporting contextualisation documents to ensure you are applying for the correct title and specialism.
Potential adjustments:
- You can ask for a precise time and date to receive your results. This will mean you receive them later than most candidates but will mean you are able to plan to be in a safe situation in the case of rejection.
- You can nominate an intermediary to receive your results.
- You can request your results are delivered in a specific way, e.g. phone not email.