Information and Cyber Security GRC: Commission and Manage Penetration Tests
Penetration testing has become non-negotiable for compliance and risk mitigation—but commissioning and managing tests requires GRC discipline, not just technical prowess. This course bridges that gap, teaching you how to govern pen tests as a strategic control rather than a checkbox exercise.
AIU.ac Verdict: Essential for security leaders, GRC professionals, and risk managers who need to oversee pen testing programmes with confidence. The 71-minute format is lean and practical, though you’ll benefit from prior exposure to either penetration testing or GRC frameworks to maximise value.
What This Course Covers
The course unpacks the governance layer of penetration testing: scoping assessments against business risk, defining rules of engagement, selecting vendors, and interpreting results through a compliance and risk lens. You’ll explore how to align pen testing with frameworks like ISO 27001, NIST, and industry-specific regulations, ensuring tests serve both security and audit objectives.
Practical modules cover commissioning workflows, managing third-party testers, handling findings triage, and translating technical vulnerabilities into boardroom-ready risk narratives. By the end, you’ll understand how to position penetration testing as a controlled, repeatable governance process rather than a one-off technical exercise.
Who Is This Course For?
Ideal for:
- Security & Risk Leaders: CISOs and security directors needing to govern pen testing programmes and report findings to the board with confidence.
- GRC Professionals: Compliance, audit, and risk managers tasked with overseeing penetration testing as part of control frameworks.
- Procurement & Vendor Managers: Those responsible for selecting, contracting, and managing third-party penetration testing firms.
May not suit:
- Hands-On Penetration Testers: If you’re learning to execute pen tests (tools, techniques, exploitation), this governance-focused course won’t teach you hacking methodology.
- Compliance Newcomers: Without foundational knowledge of GRC frameworks or security controls, some concepts may feel abstract; consider prerequisite GRC training first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Information and Cyber Security GRC: Commission and Manage Penetration Tests take?
The course is 1 hour 11 minutes of video content. Most learners complete it in one sitting or across two focused sessions, making it ideal for busy professionals.
Do I need penetration testing experience to take this course?
No—the course assumes you understand GRC concepts and security fundamentals, but not necessarily hands-on pen testing. It’s designed for governance and risk roles, not technical operators.
Will this course teach me how to perform penetration tests?
No. This course focuses on commissioning, managing, and governing pen tests from a GRC perspective. For technical pen testing skills, you’d need a separate technical course.
Which compliance frameworks does the course cover?
The course references ISO 27001, NIST, and industry-specific regulations. It teaches you how to align pen testing with these frameworks rather than diving deep into each one.
Is this course suitable for audit and compliance teams?
Yes—audit and compliance professionals will find this particularly valuable for understanding how to assess and validate penetration testing programmes as a control.
Course by Mike Woolard on Pluralsight. Duration: 1h 11m. Last verified by AIU.ac: March 2026.
