NET Horizon Consulting
IT Consulting • Cyber Security • Certification Pathways

Certification Preparation

Certification Preparation Pathways

Structured, vendor-agnostic pathways designed to support self-paced learning, confidence-building and exam readiness validation. NET Horizon Consulting coordinates resources, sequencing and support without acting as a training provider or exam authority.

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Overview

NET Horizon Consulting offers structured, vendor-agnostic certification preparation pathways to help learners confidently prepare for internationally recognised IT and cybersecurity certifications.

Rather than acting as a training provider or exam authority, NET Horizon Consulting focuses on bringing the right pieces together to support your learning journey. This means we:

  • are not a Registered Training Organisation (RTO);
  • do not deliver accredited training programs;
  • do not administer or mark certification exams; and
  • do not issue certifications.

Instead, NET Horizon Consulting coordinates and supports your pathway by providing:

  • access to carefully selected third-party learning resources;
  • clear learning and revision sequencing to help you stay organised;
  • readiness validation before exam vouchers are issued; and
  • friendly, structured support through a weekly check-in.

All certification exams are delivered and assessed independently by the relevant certification bodies, ensuring your results remain fully recognised and industry-standard.

All pathways are governed by the Master Certification Pathways Index and Service Delivery Procedure.

How the Pathways Work

Each certification pathway follows a controlled structure:

  1. 1Pathway onboarding and resource coordination
  2. 2Structured self-paced learning using approved third-party resources
  3. 3Practical reinforcement (where applicable) in learner-managed environments
  4. 4Memory reinforcement using flashcards
  5. 5Practice question review and readiness validation
  6. 6Exam voucher issuance (where included)
  7. 7Certification attempt scheduled by the learner

Exam readiness checks exist to protect learner time, cost and confidence.

Support Model

NET Horizon Consulting provides structured, approachable support designed to help you stay on track throughout your certification pathway. Support is delivered through a weekly check-in, which gives you a regular opportunity to share progress updates, highlight challenges and request guidance.

If you raise a support request during a check-in, NET Horizon Consulting will review it and respond with an appropriate action, which may include guidance on what to focus on next, revision priorities, additional practice question focus areas or confirmation that you are progressing well.

Support is not provided on an on-demand or live tutoring basis, and real-time troubleshooting is outside the scope of these pathways.

Available Certification Pathways & Pricing

All costs are shown in AUD. Each pathway includes structured support and exam readiness validation in accordance with the validation basis on this page.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) (200–301)

Cost: $3,500 AUD

This pathway focuses on: Foundational networking knowledge and practical skills, including network fundamentals, IP connectivity, routing and switching concepts, wireless networking, security fundamentals and basic automation. It is well-suited for learners seeking an entry point into networking roles or a strong technical foundation for further infrastructure or cybersecurity certifications.

Typical Industry Roles & Indicative Pay (AUD):

  • Network Support Technician – $65,000 to $85,000
  • Junior Network Engineer – $75,000 to $95,000
  • ICT Support Engineer – $70,000 to $90,000
  • Telecommunications Technician – $70,000 to $100,000

Inclusions:

  • Curated CCNA online course
  • Official Cisco CCNA (200–301) Study Guide
  • Structured learning sequence aligned to the CCNA blueprint
  • Learner-managed practical lab scenarios (virtual or physical equipment)
  • Practice Exam Question Platform – 12 months access
  • CCNA exam voucher
  • One exam resit voucher (if required)
  • Flashcards
  • Weekly progress check-in
  • Exam readiness validation

CompTIA A+ (Core 1 & Core 2) V15

Cost: $2,600 AUD

This pathway focuses on: Core IT support and troubleshooting skills across hardware, operating systems, networking basics, mobile devices, security fundamentals and customer support practices. It is ideal for learners entering IT support, service desk or technical operations roles.

Typical Industry Roles & Indicative Pay (AUD):

  • Service Desk Analyst – $55,000 to $70,000
  • ICT Support Officer – $60,000 to $80,000
  • Desktop Support Technician – $65,000 to $85,000
  • IT Operations Assistant – $60,000 to $75,000

Inclusions:

  • Curated CompTIA A+ online course
  • Official CompTIA A+ Study Guide
  • A+ Core 1 & Core 2 CertMaster Practice – 12 months access
  • Two exam vouchers (Core 1 and Core 2)
  • One exam resit voucher per exam (if required)
  • Flashcards
  • Weekly progress check-in
  • Exam readiness validation

ISACA – Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Cost: $3,500 AUD

This pathway focuses on: Information security governance, risk management, security program development and incident management at a managerial and strategic level. It is designed for professionals responsible for aligning security programs with business objectives rather than performing hands-on technical implementation.

Typical Industry Roles & Indicative Pay (AUD):

  • Information Security Manager – $150,000 to $190,000
  • Cyber Security Manager – $140,000 to $180,000
  • GRC Manager (Governance, Risk & Compliance) – $140,000 to $180,000
  • Security Program Lead – $130,000 to $170,000

Inclusions:

  • Curated CISM online course
  • ISACA membership – 12 months
  • Official ISACA CISM Review Manual
  • ISACA QAE Database – 12 months access
  • Flashcards
  • Practice question review and exam readiness validation
  • Exam voucher
  • Initial ISACA certification application fee will be reimbursed upon receipt of a copy of the client’s invoice

Experience requirement: ISACA requires five (5) years of information security management experience. Up to two (2) years may be waived under ISACA’s experience substitution policy. Learners must be able to meet (or be on track to meet) the experience requirement within the post-exam certification application window.

This pathway is governance- and risk-focused and does not include technical lab environments.

ISACA – Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Cost: $3,500 AUD

This pathway focuses on: Information systems auditing, control assurance, governance and compliance. It develops the ability to assess system controls, evaluate risk and provide assurance over IT processes and environments.

Typical Industry Roles & Indicative Pay (AUD):

  • IT Auditor – $100,000 to $140,000
  • Technology Risk Analyst – $110,000 to $150,000
  • Cyber GRC Analyst – $120,000 to $160,000
  • Assurance Consultant – $110,000 to $150,000

Inclusions:

  • Curated CISA online course
  • ISACA membership – 12 months
  • Official ISACA CISA Review Manual
  • ISACA QAE Database – 12 months access
  • Flashcards
  • Practice question review and exam readiness validation
  • Exam voucher
  • Initial ISACA certification application fee will be reimbursed upon receipt of a copy of the client’s invoice

Experience requirement: ISACA requires five (5) years of professional experience in information systems auditing, control, assurance or security. Up to three (3) years may be waived under ISACA’s experience substitution policy. Learners must be able to meet (or be on track to meet) the experience requirement within the post-exam certification application window.

This pathway emphasises audit judgement, control assurance and governance decision-making.

ISACA – Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

Cost: $3,500 AUD

This pathway focuses on: Enterprise IT risk identification, assessment, response and reporting. It is intended for professionals involved in risk management, control design and oversight of technology-related business risk.

Typical Industry Roles & Indicative Pay (AUD):

  • Technology Risk Manager – $140,000 to $180,000
  • Cyber Risk Analyst – $120,000 to $160,000
  • Enterprise Risk Consultant – $130,000 to $170,000
  • Risk & Compliance Manager – $140,000 to $180,000

Inclusions:

  • Curated CRISC online course
  • ISACA membership – 12 months
  • Official ISACA CRISC Review Manual
  • ISACA QAE Database – 12 months access
  • Flashcards
  • Practice question review and exam readiness validation
  • Exam voucher
  • Initial ISACA certification application fee will be reimbursed upon receipt of a copy of the client’s invoice

Experience requirement: ISACA requires three (3) years of cumulative work experience in IT risk management and information systems control. No experience waivers or substitutions are permitted for CRISC. Learners must be able to meet the full experience requirement within the post-exam certification application window.

This pathway emphasises enterprise and technology risk management.

CompTIA Linux+ (XK0-006) V8

Cost: $2,200 AUD

This pathway focuses on: Administration and troubleshooting of Linux systems, including system configuration, command-line operations, security, scripting fundamentals and operational best practices. It is suitable for learners pursuing systems administration, cloud, or DevOps-adjacent roles.

Typical Industry Roles & Indicative Pay (AUD):

  • Linux Systems Administrator – $90,000 to $120,000
  • Systems Administrator – $85,000 to $115,000
  • Cloud Support Engineer – $95,000 to $130,000
  • DevOps / Platform Support (Junior–Mid) – $100,000 to $140,000

Inclusions:

  • Curated Linux+ online course
  • Official CompTIA Linux+ Study Guide
  • Linux+ CertMaster Practice
  • Linux+ exam voucher
  • One exam resit voucher (if required)
  • Flashcards
  • Weekly progress check-in
  • Formal exam readiness validation

Learners are encouraged to use a self-managed Linux environment (e.g. Fedora or Ubuntu via VirtualBox).

CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) V7

Cost: $2,200 AUD

This pathway focuses on: Core cybersecurity principles, including threats, vulnerabilities, risk management, security architecture, incident response and governance concepts. It provides a broad, vendor-neutral security foundation suitable for early-career security roles or as a prerequisite for advanced certifications.

Typical Industry Roles & Indicative Pay (AUD):

  • Cyber Security Analyst (Junior) – $85,000 to $110,000
  • SOC Analyst (Level 1) – $80,000 to $105,000
  • ICT Security Officer – $90,000 to $120,000
  • GRC Analyst (Entry–Mid) – $95,000 to $125,000

Inclusions:

  • Curated Security+ online course
  • Official CompTIA Security+ Study Guide
  • Security+ CertMaster Practice
  • Security+ exam voucher
  • One exam resit voucher (if required)
  • Flashcards
  • Weekly progress check-in
  • Formal exam readiness validation

This pathway is broad and scenario-based and does not rely on tool-specific labs.

Salary & Career Information – Important Notice

The example industry roles and indicative salary ranges provided on this page are intended to give learners a general understanding of typical career outcomes associated with each certification pathway within the Australian market.

Salary ranges are indicative only and may vary significantly depending on factors such as:

  • individual experience and prior background;
  • geographic location and labour market conditions;
  • employer type (commercial, government or Defence contractor);
  • role seniority and responsibilities; and
  • security clearance or regulatory requirements.

NET Horizon Consulting does not guarantee employment outcomes or remuneration levels. Certification pathways are designed to support professional development and exam readiness; employment decisions and salary outcomes remain solely at the discretion of employers.

Exam Readiness Validation – Validation Basis

Exam readiness validation is a support and quality assurance activity, not an academic assessment or certification decision.

Readiness validation is based on one or more of the following, depending on the pathway:

  • demonstrated completion of assigned learning resources;
  • performance against practice question benchmarks;
  • self-reported confidence mapped to certification blueprint domains; and
  • review of identified knowledge gaps and remediation actions.

Validation outcomes are recorded as:

  • Ready to proceed
  • Further preparation recommended

NET Horizon Consulting does not fail, grade, or certify learners. Final examination outcomes are determined solely by the relevant certification body.

Learner Responsibilities

Learners are responsible for:

  • engaging with assigned learning resources;
  • managing any physical or virtual lab environments used;
  • ensuring all software and images are lawfully obtained and licensed;
  • maintaining certification provider accounts; and
  • scheduling and sitting exams within voucher validity periods.

Failure to schedule or sit an exam within the voucher validity period is the learner’s responsibility. No refunds or voucher reissues are provided unless permitted by the certification provider.

ISACA Experience Requirements – Important Notice

ISACA certifications include mandatory professional experience requirements that must be met before certification is awarded. Learners may sit the exam before completing these experience requirements, however certification will not be granted unless the required experience is demonstrated and approved by ISACA as part of the certification application.

Certification window: After passing an ISACA exam, learners have up to five (5) years to apply for certification and have their experience verified. If you cannot meet the experience requirements within this window, you may pass the exam but still be unable to become certified.

Before enrolling in an ISACA certification pathway, learners must:

  • already meet the applicable experience requirements; or
  • be in a role where the required experience can reasonably be achieved within the post-exam certification application window.

Summary of ISACA experience requirements:

Certification Experience required Waivers / substitutions Who it suits (role alignment)
CISM Five (5) years of information security management experience. Up to two (2) years may be waived under ISACA’s experience substitution policy. Security leadership, program ownership, governance/risk oversight, incident management leadership and stakeholder reporting.
CISA Five (5) years of experience in IS/IT audit, control, assurance, or security. Up to three (3) years may be waived under ISACA’s experience substitution policy. IT audit, technology risk/assurance, control testing, compliance assurance and governance-focused evaluation roles.
CRISC Three (3) years of cumulative experience in IT risk management and information systems control. No waivers or substitutions are permitted. Technology risk, risk assessment and reporting, control design/oversight and enterprise risk alignment roles.

Passing an exam does not automatically grant certification. Experience requirements are verified as part of the certification application process. NET Horizon Consulting can provide general guidance on how to structure experience evidence, but final certification decisions remain solely with ISACA.

Next Steps

If you would like further information about our certification pathways, availability or enrolment process, please contact NET Horizon Consulting at:

customer.support@nethorizon-consulting.com.au

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