SAL1 Certification: Our First Entry-Level Certification!
Blog
4 min read

SAL1 Certification: Our First Entry-Level Certification!

Ellie Chen

Ellie Chen

Product ManagerFeb 20, 2025

Today, we're thrilled to announce the launch of our very first certification: Security Analyst Level 1 (SAL1)!

SAL1 is our entry-level defensive certification, designed to help people break into the industry as tier 1 security analysts. It's built by the TryHackMe team, with guidance from over 30 industry professionals, including those in hiring positions at Deloitte, PwC, NatWest, and more.

What makes SAL1 different?

We believe cyber security certifications should be reliable indicators of real-world skills. That's why we've worked to make SAL1 as hands-on and practical as possible - incorporating tasks like reading logs, using security tools, and investigating real-world attacks.

SAL1 focuses on blue team (defensive) skills, which are in high demand but underrepresented in the current certification landscape. It's specifically designed for entry-level roles, making it ideal for those looking to land their first job in cyber security.

What does the exam involve?

The SAL1 exam is a 24-hour practical assessment, where you'll take on the role of a tier 1 security analyst at a fictional company. You'll work through a series of real-world scenarios, using security tools to investigate potential threats, analyze logs, and respond to incidents.

The exam simulates a real SOC environment, testing your ability to apply your knowledge in a practical way - just like you would in a real job.

How can I prepare?

To help you prepare for the SAL1 certification, we've created a new learning path: Security Analyst Level 1. This path covers all the knowledge and skills you'll need for the exam, including:

  • Security operations fundamentals
  • Investigating security alerts
  • Log analysis
  • Threat hunting
  • SIEM usage

The path includes over 25 rooms filled with interactive exercises and practical scenarios, giving you hands-on experience with the tools and techniques you'll use in the exam.

Get certified today!

Whether you're looking to break into cyber security, enhance your defensive skills, or validate your knowledge with a recognized certification, SAL1 is the perfect starting point.

The SAL1 certification is available now for all TryHackMe subscribers.

Join over 640 organisations upskilling their workforce with TryHackMe

TryHackMe for Business