Cybersecurity certifications have long been dominated by theoretical exams and static learning models, leaving a significant gap between academic knowledge and practical job readiness. TryHackMe’s Security Analyst Level 1 (SAL1) is a certification designed to reshape how aspiring SOC analysts prepare for real-world cybersecurity roles. With its innovative use of immersive, hands-on simulations, SAL1 is redefining the standards for entry-level cybersecurity credentials.

In this article, we’ll explore the origins, core components, strengths, limitations, and future potential of the SAL1 certification. We’ll also compare it with other leading cybersecurity certifications like CompTIA CySA+ and Blue Team Level 1 (BTL1), providing a clear picture of where SAL1 fits into today’s cybersecurity education ecosystem.

Origins and Historical Context of SAL1

TryHackMe launched in 2018 as an interactive cybersecurity training platform emphasising gamified learning. Initially popular among penetration testers and ethical hackers, the platform quickly expanded into blue-team training, offering practical labs for defensive security roles. By early 2023, TryHackMe’s SOC-focused courses gained popularity among aspiring analysts looking for real-world experience.

However, industry surveys revealed persistent dissatisfaction with entry-level analysts’ inability to perform basic Security Operations Centre (SOC) tasks. Hiring managers criticised traditional certifications like CompTIA CySA+ for emphasising theoretical frameworks over practical skills, such as log analysis and incident triage.

Responding to this feedback, TryHackMe partnered directly with Accenture and Salesforce in late 2024 to develop a certification explicitly focused on realistic SOC workflows. After extensive beta testing involving hundreds of participants, including career switchers and bootcamp graduates, TryHackMe officially launched the Security Analyst Level 1 (SAL1) certification in February 2025.

Core Features of SAL1 Certification

SAL1 stands apart from traditional cybersecurity certifications through its emphasis on experiential learning within a simulated SOC environment. Here are its defining features:

Hands-On SOC Simulator

Candidates engage in realistic scenarios that replicate actual SOC analyst responsibilities. Tasks include:

• Analysing phishing campaigns by examining email headers and domain reputation.
• Performing log analysis using Splunk Search Processing Language (SPL).
• Prioritising concurrent alerts such as ransomware infections, brute-force attacks, and suspicious PowerShell executions.

Scenario-Based Exam Structure

The SAL1 exam is divided into three sections over a 24-hour assessment window:

• Foundational Knowledge: 80 multiple-choice questions covering cybersecurity basics.
• Phishing Investigation (“Foul Play”): Candidates analyse email logs, domain reputations with tools, and malware indicators.
• SOC Chaos Module: Simulates multiple simultaneous high-severity alerts requiring rapid prioritisation and escalation decisions.

Industry-Aligned Curriculum

Developed collaboratively with Accenture and Salesforce, SAL1 scenarios reflect authentic enterprise workflows. This alignment ensures candidates gain experience directly relevant to employer expectations.

Performance-Based Scoring Metrics

Rather than relying solely on correct answers, SAL1 evaluates candidates through measurable performance indicators, such as:

• False Positive Reduction Rate: Assessing accuracy in distinguishing genuine threats from benign events.
• Time-to-Respond (TTR): Evaluating efficiency under realistic time pressures.

Let’s compare SAL1 to CompTIA CySA+ and Blue Team Level 1 (BTL1) to see what makes it stand out.

SAL1’s partnership-driven design ensures alignment with real-world employer needs.

Strengths of the SAL1 Certification

The practical nature of SAL1 offers several clear advantages:

Job Readiness Through Realistic Scenarios

Unlike traditional certifications that test theoretical knowledge, SAL1 places learners directly into scenarios mirroring daily SOC operations. Candidates gain hands-on experience analysing phishing emails, ransomware incidents, brute-force attacks on Azure Active Directory accounts, and suspicious PowerShell executions. These are all common real-world threats identified by MITRE ATT&CK® methodologies.

Cost Accessibility for Career Switchers

Priced significantly lower than competing certifications like BTL1 ($249–$349 vs. $1299), SAL1 provides an affordable entry point for career changers or recent graduates seeking immediate employability in cybersecurity roles.

Industry-Aligned Curriculum

Collaborating directly with Accenture and Salesforce keeps SAL1 scenarios aligned with modern industry standards. For instance, Salesforce contributed cloud incident response playbooks covering AWS S3 bucket misconfigurations and these are skills increasingly demanded by employers transitioning to hybrid cloud environments.

Limitations and Criticisms of SAL1

Despite its strengths, SAL1 faces several criticisms worth considering:

Tool Lock-In Concerns

SAL1’s heavy reliance on Splunk has drawn criticism from organisations using alternative SIEM solutions like ELK Stack or Microsoft Sentinel. This tool-specific approach limits transferability across diverse organisational environments.

Integrity Concerns because of Unproctored Exams

The initial decision to offer an unproctored exam raised concerns about academic integrity. Although optional proctoring was later introduced by TryHackMe, critics argue that stronger invigilation measures are necessary to maintain credibility.

Scenario Repetition and Predictability

Early adopters reported repetitive alerts across simulation modules (e.g., identical phishing campaigns), reducing realism over time. Diversifying scenario content is essential to maintain candidate engagement and skill development.

Future Directions for the SAL1 Certification

Looking ahead, several developments could enhance SAL1’s effectiveness:

Expansion into Multi-Cloud Environments

Future iterations could incorporate advanced cloud security scenarios involving AWS/Azure integrations or Kubernetes container security incidents. This expansion aligns with Gartner predictions that multi-cloud expertise will dominate future SOC analyst roles.

Modular Credential Stacking System

Introducing micro-certifications focused on specific tools or skills (e.g., “Splunk Threat Hunting,” “Cloud Incident Response”) would allow candidates greater flexibility in demonstrating specialised competencies relevant to targeted employment opportunities.

Future Implications for Cybersecurity Training Standards

SAL1’s experiential learning model represents a broader industry shift toward practical skill validation over theoretical memorisation methods traditionally employed by legacy certifications like CySA+. As more organisations prioritise hands-on proficiency over compliance-oriented frameworks alone, the demand for simulation-based credentialing will increase significantly globally.

The New Standard for Entry-Level Analysts

TryHackMe Security Analyst Level 1 (SAL1) represents a significant step forward in cybersecurity credentialing by prioritising practical experience through realistic simulations aligned closely with employer needs, rather than abstract theoretical knowledge alone.

While challenges remain regarding tool diversity limitations and formal accreditation gaps relative to established competitors such as CompTIA CySA+, ongoing enhancements position this certification strongly within future-oriented trends shaping cybersecurity education standards worldwide today.

As cyber threats continue to develop rapidly across industries globally, the demand grows exponentially each year for not merely trained but genuinely prepared professionals capable of contributing effectively within dynamic operational environments.

Cybersecurity grows rapidly, and so must our approach to training and certifying those tasked with defending our digital front lines every single day.

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