The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Security Compliance Analyst (L2)
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Independently managing specific controls, drafting initial audit responses, taking ownership of evidence collection, and understanding core frameworks.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivering assigned compliance tasks accurately and on time.
- Proactively identifying and proposing solutions for minor compliance issues.
- Demonstrating a solid understanding of at least two major compliance frameworks.
- Successfully managing a significant portion of the PBC list for an audit cycle.
- 2
IT Auditor (External or Internal)
3-5 yearsSkills to master
- Deep understanding of audit methodologies, risk assessment, evidence testing, and report writing from an auditor's perspective. This gives you invaluable insight into what auditors are looking for.
You're ready to move on when
- Experience leading audit engagements or significant audit sections.
- Strong ability to identify control deficiencies and recommend practical improvements.
- Excellent report writing and presentation skills for audit findings.
- A comprehensive understanding of various regulatory requirements and industry standards.
- 3
Security Engineer with Compliance Focus
4-6 yearsSkills to master
- Hands-on experience implementing security controls, configuring security tools, and understanding the technical challenges of compliance. This background helps you empathise with engineering teams and propose realistic solutions.
You're ready to move on when
- Proven experience implementing and maintaining security controls in a production environment.
- Strong technical understanding of cloud security, network security, and identity management.
- A desire to shift from purely technical implementation to governance and assurance.
- Ability to translate technical jargon into clear compliance requirements.