The shift from memorisation to mastery
Cyber security certifications have changed dramatically over the past few years. The industry no longer rewards the ability to memorise command-line flags or recall definitions from flashcards. Instead, it values people who can solve problems in realistic conditions. People who can analyse, adapt, and deliver under time pressure.
That shift has made practical preparation the single biggest factor separating successful candidates from frustrated ones. Modern exams are designed to expose gaps between theory and execution, and the best way to close that gap is through repeated, hands-on practice.
Training for the reality of the exam
Certifications like CompTIA, GIAC, and ISC2 have all evolved to include more scenario-based elements. The same trend appears in TryHackMe’s own certifications: the Junior Penetration Tester (PT1) and Security Analyst Level 1 (SAL1) These evaluate skill in active environments rather than static quizzes.
Preparing for these requires a change in study behaviour. You need to see how concepts connect in practice. Instead of reading about reconnaissance, you perform it. Instead of memorising log formats, you investigate live data. Over time, that repetition builds intuition and situational awareness which are the qualities real SOCs and Red Teams depend on.
Building skill the right way
The most efficient preparation focuses on one learning track at a time. For offensive security, the Penetration Tester Pathway develops reconnaissance, exploitation, privilege escalation, and reporting as a continuous workflow. For defensive learners, the SOC Level 1 Pathway covers monitoring, triage, and investigation using authentic tools and logs.
Each exercise is structured around progressive complexity, so you learn why something works, not just how to execute it. That’s what turns rote commands into analysis you can apply under exam pressure.
Learning under exam conditions
Effective preparation isn’t about intensity; it’s about consistency.
Short, focused sessions each day do more than long, infrequent study marathons. Practising regularly helps you refine the habits exams reward: logical order, documentation discipline, and composure when errors appear.
As you train, work as though every lab is an assessment. Set time limits, capture evidence cleanly, and summarise your findings while they’re still fresh. This rhythm mirrors what practical certifications like PT1 and SAL1 demand; the ability to think clearly, document accurately, and stay calm while the clock runs.
Turning practice into proof
Hands-on certifications exist because employers want measurable performance. When you pass a practical exam, you’ve demonstrated that you can manage a live scenario, identify risks, and communicate results with clarity.
PT1 focuses on offensive capability: enumerating targets, exploiting vulnerabilities, escalating privileges, and reporting ethically.
SAL1 validates defensive strength: analysing incidents, correlating data, identifying attacker techniques, and writing clear investigative reports.
Both are browser-based, cost-effective, and built to test genuine readiness for entry-level cybersecurity roles. They also prepare you for broader frameworks like CompTIA’s CySA+ or GIAC’s GNFA by establishing muscle memory through direct action.
Avoiding the pitfalls of passive learning
Many candidates fail not from lack of effort but from misplaced focus. Watching endless tutorials feels comfortable yet rarely builds reflexes. Real preparation happens when you apply knowledge before you’re certain it’ll work.
That discomfort is what converts learning into retention.
Practical study forces you to troubleshoot, make mistakes, and find patterns. You learn the reasoning behind a tool, not just the syntax. Over time, the small daily frustrations become the confidence that carries you through an exam, and later, a live incident at work.
From certification to career credibility
Passing a certification should never be the finish line. It’s a chance to showcase verified competence and a documented learning journey.
Keep a concise portfolio of practice write-ups and notes, showing your investigative or exploitation methods. Add your PT1 or SAL1 credential to your profile alongside real examples of the work that led to it. That transparency sets you apart from candidates with only theoretical badges.
Employers care less about which certification you took and more about whether it represents real, demonstrable skill. A TryHackMe certification proves that your knowledge has already been tested under realistic pressure.
Final takeaway
The best certification preparation is simple: learn by doing. Replace passive study with active investigation. Build structure through pathways that mirror real exams, and validate progress with hands-on certifications that prove skill in practice, not on paper.
Nick O'Grady