TryHackMe has launched an entry-level Security Analyst certification, also known as ‘SAL1’, designed to equip aspiring security analyst professionals with real-world, hands-on skills to stand out in a crowded job market and significantly increase their chances of getting hired!
However, breaking into the industry isn’t easy. Many face the challenge of proving they have what it takes. With over 3.5M unfilled cyber jobs globally, including 750K in the U.S. alone, competition is fierce and entry-level roles receive an average of 140 applications, making it tough to stand out. This certification was built to bridge that gap, giving you the practical, job-ready experience that employers are actively searching for. Now, you can set yourself apart with SAL1.
We’ve partnered with Accenture, Salesforce, and other Fortune 500 companies to create the SAL1 Certification: a truly immersive, hands-on certification, unlike anything you've seen before, designed to bridge the gap between learning and launching your cyber career.
What is the SAL1 Certification?
Prove your skills in a real-world virtual SOC with TryHackMe’s SAL1 certification, tackling practical scenarios inside our SOC Simulator (a virtual security operations centre).
SAL1 is more than just a certification, it’s a real-world assessment that validates your ability to work as a security analyst. Prove your skills in a real-world virtual SOC with TryHackMe’s SAL1 certification, tackling practical scenarios inside our SOC Simulator that allows you to analyse alerts, escalate incidents, and generate reports just like a real security analyst professional.
What you’ll learn & prove:
- Threat analysis - Identify and investigate cyber threats in a live SOC environment
- Incident triage & escalation – Decide when and how to escalate security incidents
- Report generation – Master the skill of writing SOC reports, a crucial yet overlooked requirement for SOC Analysts
- Cyber security fundamentals – Covering OS basics, networking fundamentals, and core security principles.
Why we developed SAL1
The cyber security job market is competitive, and recruiters need a way to filter for candidates who can hit the ground running. Many aspiring security analysts struggle to gain real-world experience, and hiring managers trying to assess practical skills. We found a common challenge after speaking with countless hiring managers and job seekers. Hiring managers struggle to identify skilled talent while aspiring security analysts find breaking through the noise and proving their abilities difficult.
We built SAL1 to solve these problems by:
- Bridging the gap between knowledge and hands-on expertise
- Establishing a real-world SOC skills benchmark, validated by industry leaders Accenture & Salesforce
- Helping job seekers stand out in a competitive field
- Enabling employers to identify qualified candidates quickly
SAL1 is designed to significantly increase your chances of getting a job and provide a clear pathway into cyber security roles, whether you’re looking for your first job or aiming for a promotion in a SOC role.
Who should take SAL1?
Aspiring security professionals
- Struggling to prove your hands-on cyber security skills?
- Need a real-world certification to land your first role?
- Want to showcase practical abilities that hiring managers value?
- Looking to stand out in a competitive job market?
💡 SAL1 gives you the confidence and proof to take the next step in your cyber security career.
Existing SOC analysts
- Want to validate your expertise with a practical certification?
- Looking to level up your career for promotions or specialised roles?
- Need a certification trusted by millions to demonstrate real-world readiness?
💡 SAL1 proves you have what it takes to succeed in high-pressure SOC environments.
What makes SAL1 unique?
SOC simulator
Tackle practical, hands-on scenarios that mirror real-world challenges, preparing you for the demands of defensive cyber security roles. Prove your real-world skills and stand out from others in the field.
Brand trusted by millions
Built-in partnerships with Accenture and Salesforce, SAL1 equips you with skills valued by top cyber security employers. Earn a verifiable certificate and gain a competitive edge over others.
Flexible learning
Flexible, self-paced learning fits around your schedule, making it easy to balance with work or studies. With practical hands-on learning, show that you have the knowledge.
Affordable & Accessible
We believe in accessible cyber training, which is why the SAL1 certification is one of the most affordable on the market. From just £255, you’ll gain hands-on experience in a real-world virtual SOC, proving your skills and standing out to employers.
The future of your cyber security certifications starts here
The SAL1 Certification is just the beginning. TryHackMe is committed to building a suite of certifications that redefine practical cyber security training and help professionals get hired faster. For aspiring analysts, existing SOC professionals, and employers alike, SAL1 is the first step toward a smarter, more practical approach to cyber security certification.
👉Take the next step in your SOC career and enrol in SAL1 today!
Carah Els