TryHackMe | Cyber Security Careers | How to Get Into Cyber Security

Q: How do I get into cyber security with no experience?

The most effective way to get into cyber security with no experience is to follow a structured cyber security career path. TryHackMe's Pre-Security path starts from absolute zero - covering networking, Linux, and web fundamentals - before moving into hands-on offensive and defensive security labs that map directly to entry level cyber security jobs.

Q: What entry level cyber security jobs are available?

The most in-demand entry level cyber security jobs are SOC Analyst, Penetration Tester, and Security Engineer. Each has a clear cyber security career path on TryHackMe, with salaries ranging from $80-110,000 at entry level.

Q: How long does it take to become job-ready in cyber security?

There's no fixed timeline - it depends on how much time you dedicate and your starting point. TryHackMe is self-paced, so you progress through your cyber career path at a speed that works for you, building hands-on skills at every stage.

Q: Do I need a degree to work in cyber security?

A degree can be a strong foundation, but it's not the only route into cyber security. Many employers hiring for entry level cyber security jobs prioritise practical, demonstrable skills alongside or instead of formal qualifications.

Career paths

Which cyber security career is right for you?

Security Analyst

Monitor networks and detect threats - a popular entry level role.

Penetration Tester

Hack systems legally to find security weaknesses before attackers do.

Security Engineer

Design and build secure systems that protect against cyber threats.

Red Teamer

Simulate real-world attacks to test an organisation's defences.

Incident Responder

Investigate and contain security breaches as they happen.

Not sure where to start?
Take the Cyber Career Quiz.

Answer a few quick questions about what you enjoy and how you like to work.
We will point you to the cyber security role and learning path that fit you best.

Start the quiz

The certifications that get you hired

Junior Penetration Tester (PT1)

Entry-level, hands-on and built by industry experts. Demonstrate real-world adversarial thinking, validate your offensive skills and kickstart your career.

Security Analyst Level 1 (SAL1)

An entry-level, hands-on security analyst certification built by industry experts. Prove your skills, showcase real-world experience, and launch your cyber security career.

Security Analyst Level 2 (SAL2)

An advanced, hands-on certification for analysts ready to operate at the next level. Validate your technical depth, judgement and communication required in modern security operations.

Brand new to the field? SEC0 and SEC1 are the on-ramp foundations that prepare you for the three career certs above.

See the foundations

From beginner to job-ready - here's the path

Begin with the foundations, understand the key skills, and
move into the career path that suits you.

Start with Pre-Security

Build the foundations first: networking, Linux, web basics, and core security concepts, so every path after this makes sense.

Choose your specialism

Explore the different career paths (offensive, defensive, AI, and more) and pick the one that matches your interests and strengths.

Complete your learning path

Work through hands-on rooms and labs designed around real job skills, building practical experience as you go.

Earn your certification

Prove what you've learned with an industry-recognised certification that signals job-readiness to employers.

Land your first role

Apply your skills with confidence, using your certification and practical experience to stand out and get hired.

Start with Pre-Security

Build the foundations first: networking, Linux, web basics, and core security concepts, so every path after this makes sense.

Choose your specialism

Explore the different career paths (offensive, defensive, AI, and more) and pick the one that matches your interests and strengths.

Complete your learning path

Work through hands-on rooms and labs designed around real job skills, building practical experience as you go.

Earn your certification

Prove what you've learned with an industry-recognised certification that signals job-readiness to employers.

Land your first role

Apply your skills with confidence, using your certification and practical experience to stand out and get hired.

Stories that started here

People who started exactly where you are

From nursing to cyber. From no degree to hired. Real people, real roles, real results.

I came to cyber security from nursing, with no clear idea of where to start. TryHackMe gave me that clear place to begin, helping me build hands-on skills and confidence until I landed my first cyber role as a Cyber Security Support Specialist.

Build a CV that stands out for your first job

Entry level cyber security jobs are competitive.
TryHackMe gives you the verified skills hiring managers look for.

Recognised certifications

Mapped to real job roles employers are hiring for.

Real, hands-on learning paths

In-browser labs that mirror real work environments.

Build skills for job interviews

Practical experience proves your skills beyond paper.

Common questions

Everything career switchers ask before they start.

How do I get into cyber security with no experience?

What entry level cyber security jobs are available?

How long does it take to become job-ready in cyber security?

Do I need a degree to work in cyber security?

GET STARTED

Your cyber security career starts here.

Start free, learn at your own pace, earn certifications that open doors.

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Career paths