IEC 62443 training in detail from fundamentals to expert level. Learn about providers, course content, and certifications to find the right program for your needs.
In a time when digitalization and interconnection of industrial systems are advancing rapidly, industrial cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important. IEC 62443 has established itself as a global standard for OT security and provides a comprehensive framework for protecting critical infrastructures from cyberattacks. To implement this standard effectively, however, organizations need qualified personnel with solid expertise.
This is where IEC 62443 courses and training come in. They are designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills required to understand the standard’s complex requirements and apply them in practice. From introductory courses to advanced certifications, various providers offer a broad range of training options.
This article looks at the importance of IEC 62443 training, compares offerings from leading providers, and gives recommendations for different target groups. Whether you are an asset owner, manufacturer, integrator, or IT security specialist, you will find information to help choose the right training for your specific needs.
Importance and necessity of IEC 62443 training
The importance of IEC 62443 training has grown significantly in recent years as cybersecurity in industrial automation and control systems (IACS) becomes ever more critical.
IEC 62443 itself emphasizes the need for qualified personnel as a key factor for successful implementation and maintenance of cybersecurity measures. Training plays a decisive role by equipping professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to understand and apply the standard’s complex requirements. They help organizations build internal expertise, better identify and assess security risks, and develop and implement appropriate protective measures. Furthermore, these courses support companies in meeting requirements from regulators and customers who increasingly demand demonstrable competencies in industrial cybersecurity.
Thus, IEC 62443 training is not only a means of knowledge transfer but also an essential building block for strengthening the overall cybersecurity culture within industrial companies.
Providers of IEC 62443 training
Several reputable organizations and companies offer training and certifications based on IEC 62443, each with its own approach and emphasis in teaching these important cybersecurity skills for industrial control and automation systems.
International Society of Automation (ISA)
The ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Expert Program of the International Society of Automation (ISA) provides a comprehensive training and certification program based on IEC 62443. The program targets IT security and automation professionals and conveys an understanding of OT security concepts and IEC 62443.
It includes four progressive certificates that cover the entire lifecycle of industrial automation and control systems (IACS):
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals Specialist
- Risk Assessment Specialist
- Design Specialist
- Maintenance Specialist
Participants must complete a course and pass an exam for each certificate. After successful completion of all four certificates, the ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Expert designation is automatically awarded.
GIAC and SANS
SANS is a renowned institute for cybersecurity training, while GIAC is the associated certification body. They offer specialized training and certifications for industrial control systems and critical infrastructures.
TÜV SÜD
TÜV SÜD is an international service provider in testing, inspection, and certification. Through the TÜV SÜD Academy it offers various trainings on industrial cybersecurity and related topics.
TÜV Rheinland
TÜV Rheinland is, like TÜV SÜD, a global testing provider for quality and safety. Their Cybersecurity Training Program offers courses for various industrial application areas that relate to IEC 62443.
TÜV Rheinland’s trainings are often delivered not exclusively by them but by other companies (e.g., ABB, HIMA, Phoenix Contact).
Limes Security and TÜV Austria
Limes Security specializes in OT and IoT security. In cooperation with TÜV Austria, it offers training and certifications in OT security.
Exida
exida is a global product-certification and consulting company specializing in functional safety and cybersecurity. They offer the Cybersecurity Practitioner (CSP) program with various specializations.
Additionally, Exida provides advanced personnel certifications (CACE / CACS) that require professional experience and successful completion of one of the CSP courses.
Comparison of IEC 62443 training offerings
When looking at the different IEC 62443 training offerings, clear differences emerge in cost, qualifications, and prerequisites. Providers structure their programs differently to address various target groups and competence levels and to provide participants with specific qualifications.
Prices vary widely depending on provider and training format. For ISA, costs depend heavily on format: self-paced online courses are the cheapest, followed by instructor-led online courses and in-person courses. ISA members receive additional discounts. The table below lists in-person course fees without member discounts.
SANS courses are often not available in Germany or Europe and are quoted without taxes; course and exam fees are listed separately. The overview gives total prices (course, exam, taxes) where available.
All prices are shown in euros where possible. Otherwise U.S. dollar prices plus German VAT (19%) are given.
| Provider | Training | Standards covered | Prerequisites | Duration | Cost | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISA | ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Fundamentals Specialist (IC-32) | IEC 62443-2-1 <br>IEC 62443-3-3 | none | 2 days | 1895 Euro | ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Fundamentals Specialist |
| ISA | ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Specialist (IC-33) | IEC 62443-2-1 <br>IEC 62443-3-3 | IC-32 | 2 days | 2595 Euro | ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Specialist |
| ISA | ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Design Specialist (IC-34) | IEC 62443-2-1 <br>IEC 62443-3-2 <br>IEC 62443-3-3 | IC-32 | 3 days | 2595 Euro | ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Design Specialist |
| ISA | ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Maintenance Specialist (IC-37) | IEC 62443-2-1 <br>IEC 62443-3-3 | IC-32 | 3 days | 2595 Euro | ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Maintenance Specialist |
| SANS | ICS410: ICS/SCADA Security Essentials | IEC 62443 general | none | 6 days | approx. 11,000 Euro | Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional (GICSP) |
| SANS | ICS515: ICS Visibility, Detection, and Response | none | ICS410 or ICS456 recommended | 6 days | approx. 11,000 Euro | GIAC Response and Industrial Defense (GRID) |
| SANS | ICS456: Essentials for NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection | none | none | 5 days | approx. 10,000 USD | GIAC Critical Infrastructure Protection (GCIP) |
| SANS | ICS612: ICS Cyber Security In-Depth | none | ICS410 recommended | 5 days | 8,380 Euro | none |
| SANS | ICS418: ICS Security Essentials for Managers | none | none | 2 days | 3,405 USD | none |
| ISA | ISASecure ISA/IEC 62443 for Product Suppliers and Assessors (IC47) | IEC 62443-4-1 <br>IEC 62443-4-2 <br>IEC 62443-3-3 | none | 3 days | 2,105 USD | none |
| TÜV Rheinland | Fundamentals of cybersecurity | IEC 62443 general | none | 4 days | unclear, depends on provider | none |
| TÜV Rheinland | Cyber security according to IEC 62443-4 for industrial automation components | IEC 62443-4-1 <br>IEC 62443-4-2 | fundamentals of cybersecurity | 4 days | 2,844.10 Euro | Cybersecurity Specialist - CySec Specialist (TÜV Rheinland) |
| TÜV Rheinland | Cybersecurity risk assessment (SRA) - security risk assessment | IEC 62443-3-2 | none | 4 days | 2,499 Euro | Cybersecurity Specialist - CySec Specialist (TÜV Rheinland) |
| TÜV Rheinland | Cybersecurity Technician - Implementation | IEC 62443 general | none | 5 days | unclear, depends on provider | Cybersecurity Technician - CySec Technician (TÜV Rheinland) |
| TÜV SÜD | Industrial Cybersecurity Foundation (Level 1) according to IEC 62443 | IEC 62443 general | none | 2 days | 2,344.30 Euro | Industrial Cybersecurity Foundation (Level 1) according to IEC 62443 |
| TÜV SÜD | Industrial Cybersecurity Professional (Level 2) | IEC 62443-4-1 <br>IEC 62443-4-2 | Level 1 | 2 days | 2,170.56 Euro | Industrial Cybersecurity Professional (Level 2) according to IEC 62443 |
| Limes Security | Applied OT Security | IEC 62443 general | none | 3 days | 3,468.85 Euro | Certified OT Security Practitioner TÜV (COSP) |
| Limes Security | OT Security Advanced: Technical OT Security | IEC 62443-3-2 | COSP recommended | 3 days | 3,808 Euro | Certified OT Security Technical Expert TÜV (COSTE) |
| Limes Security | OT Security Advanced: OT Security Management | none | COSP recommended | 3 days | 3,808 Euro | Certified OT Security Manager TÜV (COSM) |
| Limes Security | Develop products compliant with Cyber Resilience Act, Machinery Regulation, IEC 62443-4-1 and co. | IEC 62443-4-1 | none | 2 days | 2,290.75 Euro | none |
| Exida | CS 100 - IEC 62443: Automation Cybersecurity Analysis, Design, and Operation | IEC 62443-2-1 <br>IEC 62443-3-2 <br>IEC 62443-3-3 | none | 4 days | 1,195 USD (online self-paced) | exida Cybersecurity Practitioner (CSP) - Automation Cybersecurity |
| Exida | CS 201 - IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Software Development | IEC 62443-4-1 <br>IEC 62443-4-2 | none | 3 days | 1,795 USD | exida Cybersecurity Practitioner (CSP) - Safety Software Development |
| Exida | CS 201 - IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Software Development | IEC 62443-2-4 <br>(IEC 62443-2-1) | none | 2 days | 1,195 USD (online self-paced) | Certified Automation Cybersecurity Specialist (CACS) - Integration Cybersecurity |
Prerequisites vary by course and provider. Some introductory courses require no specific prior knowledge, while advanced courses often require completion of earlier modules. Qualifications range from participation certificates to recognized certifications, with some providers offering multi-level certification programs.
SANS and Exida offer training exclusively in English, which limits their reach in German-speaking regions. Other providers typically offer trainings in German and English and may provide additional languages on request.
ISA, SANS/GIAC, and Exida target asset owners primarily. TÜV SÜD focuses on manufacturers and integrators. TÜV Rheinland and Limes Security/TÜV Austria offer a mixed portfolio, with a tilt toward manufacturers.
Our recommendation for IEC 62443 training
ISA trainings are often regarded as the gold standard in OT security and are widely recognized in the market. They provide comprehensive coverage of IEC 62443 and are particularly suitable for those seeking deep expertise.
SANS courses are known for conveying highly relevant practical knowledge. However, their high cost and English-only delivery make them less widespread outside English-speaking regions. The GICSP certification from SANS/GIAC is among the most known and widely adopted.
For manufacturers and integrators, TÜV providers (TÜV SÜD and TÜV Rheinland) and Limes Security are the most widespread and established options. These providers have earned a solid reputation in industry and offer practice-oriented training.
Exida serves a niche market and can be interesting for specific requirements or industries.
For companies aiming for IEC 62443-Zertifizierung of their organization or products, TÜV SÜD and TÜV Rheinland trainings are particularly recommended. A major advantage of these providers is that trainers often also act as assessors in certification projects. This allows them to bring valuable experience and insights from the certification process into the trainings, offering participants real added value.