Competition Overview/Brief

WorldSkills UK AdvancedNetwork Security

About the Competition
This competition is aimed at ICT students or trainees who are preparing for a career as a Network Administrator or Security Professional. It is open to students who have experience of configuring LINUX, routers, switches and firewall devices. The technologies used in this competition will be primarily Microsoft, LINUX and CISCO although other security technologies may be included. Configuration documentation will be provided for any non CISCO technologies used in the competition.
This competition would be suitable for someone who has previously competed in the Network Systems Administrator competition and/or the Network Infrastructure Technician competition.
The Detail
The Network Security competition will challenge competitors to test their ICT skills in planning and implementing security solutions in a network environment. They will need to define security policies to meet organisational requirements and provide suitable protection for a network. This protection will be provided by both software and hardware based security
The practical tasks will be carried out using LINUX servers, CISCO ASA and Security enabled routers.
You can download the test project from last year’s UK Finalhere
The scope of the competition is as follows:
  • Configuration of switches and routers
  • Configuration of Linux Server
  • Configuration of firewalls/ASA
  • Planning security policies
  • Monitoring network traffic
  • Troubleshooting
  • Implementing Network Infrastructure Services (DHCP, DNS, etc)
  • Protecting network components
  • Providing secure communication links e.g. the use of VPN
  • Implementing encryption technologies
  • File and Folder security
  • Local and Group Policy

Entry Requirements
This competition is intended for those candidates with 2 years experience of this skill in education, training, employment, or who are enrolled in a programme of study or have completed the equivalent to a level 3qualification.[SCQF equivalent level 6]
Competitors who have previously competed in the Network Systems Administrator competition and/or the Network Infrastructure Technician competition would also be suitable.
A candidate’s suitability to compete in this competition will be determined by an application and online assessment and those who meet the required standard will be invited to compete in the live UK final in November 2015.
Up to 3 competitors per college/organisation may enter this competition. Colleges/organisations with more than one campus may enter up to 6 competitors – with a maximum of 3 competitors per campus.
eg – A multi campus college/organisation with 3 sites could enter 1 competitor from site A, 2 competitors from site B and 3 competitors from site C = 6 competitors maximum.
Marking and Assessment
All marks are objective and will be awarded by the judges as follows
A / Security Planning / 5%
B / Network Configuration / 50%
C / Security Configuration / 45%
Total / 100%
Each competition test will be assessed and marked independently of the other test. The tests will be assessed and marked in accordance with the general and specific competition rules.
A panel of judges have been drawn from industry, colleges and training providers. Thejudges’ decisions will be independently moderated and quality assured before beingconfirmed.
If a competitor has a complaint it is advised that this be discussed with the WorldSkills UK representative. If this is not possible the grievance procedure must be used, theprocedure is found in the competitions rules, which is downloadable from
Contact Details
For technical advice about the competition contact: Toby Bell
Phone:01670841200 ext 329
Email:
Competition Rules
  • Mobile phones to be switched off during competition activity
  • Listening to music via headphones is not permitted during competition activity
  • Any questions during competition activity should be addressed to the competition Judge
  • Competitors should not communicate with other competitors during competition activity
  • It is the responsibility of each competitor to arrive on time for each competition session. No additional time will be allowed if you arrive late.
  • Technical failure of your equipment should be reported immediately to your judge. Additional time will be allocated if the fault is beyond the control of the competitor

Competition Partners
This competition is managed by Northumberland College in association with WSI Training Manager for IT
Relevant Links
You can download the test project from last year’s UK Finalhere