SailPoint introduces free identity security training and credential to address cyber-security talent shortage

SailPoint Technologies, a unified identity security solutions provider, has introduced the Identity Security Leader Credential, a new initiative to validate the skills and knowledge of emerging professionals in the identity security sector. 

Addressing the Cybersecurity Talent Deficit

The credential, accessible to the public for free, is part of SailPoint’s broader effort to reduce the growing skills gap in cybersecurity.

The launch of the Identity Security Leader Credential comes in response to the shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals. According to SailPoint, 71% of organisations currently have unfilled cybersecurity positions, contributing to a deficit of nearly 4 million employees globally. 

To tackle this challenge, SailPoint’s new programme offers a training path and credential exam through its Identity University platform, which was opened to the public in 2023.

Meredith Blanchar, Chief Customer Officer at SailPoint, emphasised the company's commitment to building a stronger cybersecurity talent pipeline: 

“As a leader in unified identity security, it’s our responsibility to help bolster the cybersecurity talent pipeline. At SailPoint, not only do we provide comprehensive training on our products, but we also focus on giving security teams the tools they need to be identity security leaders within the industry.”

Structure and scope of the credential

The Identity Security Leader Credential offers a 4.5-hour training path that covers foundational topics relevant to the identity security industry. The course material is vendor-agnostic, ensuring that professionals gain knowledge applicable across different platforms. Participants are trained on subjects such as planning identity security strategies, navigating career paths, and understanding the evolution of the field.

After completing the training path, participants can take an exam to earn the credential. The certification is available as a digital badge, which can be shared via professional networks like LinkedIn. The program aims to train and credential 100,000 new identity security professionals over the next three years, expanding SailPoint’s reach within the industry.

Since its launch to the public, SailPoint’s Identity University has seen a doubling of enrollments. SailPoint has designed the Identity Security Leader Credential to be accessible to anyone, including those who are not existing customers or partners. This open access is intended to support the development of new professionals entering the field, regardless of their current affiliations.

Blanchar noted that expanding education in identity security is crucial for developing industry talent:

“By building confidence across the cybersecurity talent ecosystem, we’re assembling an engaged identity security community that never settles, but constantly strives to learn, grow, and find new ways to secure our world.”