One of the most persistent myths in cyber security is that you need a degree before you can be taken seriously.
The truth is you don’t.
But that doesn’t mean every certification is equally accessible, or equally valuable without academic backing.
The real question isn’t whether a degree is required. It’s whether the certification proves something meaningful on its own.
The Degree Question in 2026
The cyber security labour market has matured. Employers no longer treat degrees as universal gatekeepers for entry-level roles, especially in offensive security and SOC positions.
However, some enterprise environments still use degrees as filters, particularly in regulated sectors or government-linked roles.
Certifications operate differently. Most do not require formal education prerequisites. Instead, they require:
- payment
- preparation
- passing the assessment
That sounds simple. But the impact of the certification depends heavily on how the assessment is structured.
The Problem with Theory-Only Certifications
Many entry-level certifications focus heavily on knowledge recall.
You study terminology, frameworks, networking models, security principles, and best practices. You sit a multiple-choice exam. You pass.
There is nothing inherently wrong with theory-based certifications. They can provide structured knowledge and vocabulary.
But without a degree behind them, theory-only certifications often struggle to differentiate candidates in competitive markets. Employers still ask the unspoken question:
Can this person actually do the job?
If a certification does not validate practical ability, it can feel incomplete.
Certifications That Stand Alone Without a Degree
Certifications that do not require a degree, and which remain credible without one, all share a key trait: they validate hands-on capability.
When an assessment requires real investigation, exploitation, or problem-solving in a lab environment, the credential carries more weight because it signals operational readiness.
TryHackMe certifications follow this practical-first model.
SEC1 (Cyber Security 101) validates foundational offensive and defensive tasks in controlled environments. It is beginner-accessible and does not require formal academic prerequisites. It proves baseline capability rather than memorisation.
For learners pursuing defensive roles, SAL1 validates hands-on security analyst skills. Rather than asking theoretical SOC questions, it tests investigation and response in realistic scenarios.
For offensive learners, PT1 builds structured pentesting methodology and validates practical execution, not just theoretical understanding.
These certifications do not require a degree. They require demonstrated ability.
That distinction matters.
What Employers Actually Look At
When hiring managers evaluate entry-level candidates without degrees, they often look for three signals:
- Evidence of practical training
- Consistency of learning
- Ability to explain technical decisions clearly
A practical certification covers the first signal. A structured pathway leading to that certification covers the second. Interview performance covers the third.
In this context, certifications become proof of capability rather than compensation for missing academic credentials.
The conversation shifts from “Why don’t you have a degree?” to “Walk me through how you approached that lab.”
That is a far stronger position to be in.
When a Degree Still Helps
It is important not to overcorrect.
Degrees can provide theoretical depth, research exposure, and networking opportunities. In some sectors, especially public sector and large enterprise environments, they remain valuable.
But they are not a prerequisite for entering the field, especially in practical cyber roles.
Certifications that validate real skills reduce the gap.
Building a Practical Path Without a Degree
If you are starting without formal academic credentials, the most effective route is structured skill progression:
- Begin with foundational capability through hands-on labs.
- Validate that capability through practical certification.
- Specialise based on interest, whether defensive or offensive.
- Build a portfolio of demonstrable skills.
Certifications are not magic tickets. But practical certifications can act as credible skill markers when paired with visible hands-on experience.
In 2026, demonstrable ability increasingly outweighs formal pedigree.
Ready to Validate Your Skills?
Explore hands-on certifications designed to prove practical cyber capability, including SEC1, SAL1, and PT1.
Nick O'Grady