SOC Analyst
A defensive-security path combining IT foundations, core security knowledge, analysis skills, and SIEM familiarity.
Target role
SOC Analyst
Estimated path time
Varies by experience and study pace
Path overview
Develop enough systems and networking context to understand alerts, then build security-analysis, investigation, and monitoring skills through defensive certifications and practical lab work.
Step-by-step path
Follow the sequence in order unless a step is marked optional.
CompTIA A+ or CompTIA Network+
OptionalChoose the foundation that best matches your current systems and networking experience.
CompTIA Security+
Build core security terminology, controls, threats, and risk knowledge.
CompTIA CySA+ or Microsoft Security Operations Analyst
Develop defensive analysis and security-operations skills using a vendor-neutral or Microsoft-focused route.
Splunk Core Certified User
Add introductory SIEM search and data-analysis familiarity.
Practical activity
Practical activityApply the path in a defensive-security portfolio project.
Practical activity
Build a SIEM/home lab and document sanitized sample alert investigations.
Continue building this career path
Explore the certification areas used in this roadmap, then compare training and study resources for your next step.