πŸ” Blue Team Level 1 (BTL1)

Β 

🧠 1. Certification Name and Issuing Body

  • Full name of the certification: Blue Team Level 1 (BTL1)

  • Issuing organization: Security Blue Team (SBT)

  • Reputation and global recognition: Well-regarded in the defensive cybersecurity community, especially for hands-on SOC and incident response roles. Known for its practical and accessible format for Blue Team beginners.

πŸ“š 2. Curriculum and Skills Covered

  • Covered domains: Threat detection and response, log analysis, SIEM fundamentals, threat intelligence, defense-in-depth, network analysis, Windows/Linux basics

  • Depth of content: Strong hands-on focus with real-world simulations and labs

  • Technologies and tools included: Wireshark, Splunk, Sysmon, ELK stack, Zeek, Kape, Velociraptor, Sigma rules, malware triage tools

  • Relevance in the current job market: High β€” tailored for junior SOC roles, threat analysts, and cyber defense professionals

  • Mapping to frameworks: Closely aligned with NICE Framework (PR, DE, RS), MITRE ATT&CK, and NIST Cybersecurity Framework

🧩 3. Prerequisites and Recommended Level

  • Are there prior certifications or experience required? None required, but basic networking, OS, and cybersecurity knowledge is helpful

  • What is the expected skill level? Beginner to intermediate

  • Required knowledge in networking, systems, programming, Linux, etc.? Recommended: understanding of TCP/IP, OS internals (Windows/Linux), and basic cyber concepts

πŸ’΅ 4. Cost

  • Total cost (exam + mandatory official training if applicable): Β£399 GBP ($450–$500 USD), includes training, labs, and exam

  • Are study materials or lab access included? Yes, includes hands-on labs, study guides, and platform access

  • Are there discounts, scholarships, or regional pricing? Occasionally offered via community partnerships and events

⏳ 5. Estimated Preparation Time

  • Recommended study hours: 40–80 hours depending on prior knowledge

  • Is it self-paced or instructor-led? Fully self-paced online

  • Learning modes: Self-study with integrated interactive labs and exam

🎯 6. Target Roles and Career Path

  • What kind of job roles does it prepare for? SOC Analyst Level 1/2, Threat Analyst, Cyber Defense Operator, IR Technician, Log Analyst

  • Does it align with your current or future career goals? Yes, especially for defensive or Blue Team-focused career paths

  • Is it technical, managerial, or both? Fully technical, with a practical cybersecurity operations focus

πŸ§ͺ 7. Exam Format and Difficulty

  • Is the exam online or in-person? Online through the SBT platform

  • Theoretical, hands-on, or both? Mostly practical with some multiple-choice questions

  • Proctored exam or testing center? Not proctored

  • Does it include real-world labs or simulations? Yes, hands-on labs and simulated environments

  • Length and number of questions: ~100 questions; flexible time, lab-based evaluation

  • Difficulty level or average pass rate: Intermediate; accessible with consistent lab practice

πŸ“œ 8. Validity and Renewal

  • Does it expire? No β€” currently has lifetime validity

  • What’s the renewal process (CPE credits, retake exam, updates)? No mandatory renewal; advancing to BTL2 or other certs is recommended

🧰 9. Study Resources Available

  • Official documentation: Access to Security Blue Team’s learning platform, lab guides, and curated resources

  • Recommended books: Blue Team Field Manual (BTFM), Practical Packet Analysis, MITRE ATT&CK guides

  • Online labs or platforms: Included in the training; can supplement with TryHackMe Blue Team Path, CyberDefenders, RangeForce

  • YouTube channels, community guides, paid or free courses: John Hammond, YesWeHack, official SBT webinars

  • Online communities (Discord, Reddit, Telegram…): Official Security Blue Team Discord, Reddit r/blueteamsec

πŸ’Ό 10. Industry Value and Demand

  • Is it frequently mentioned in job postings? Increasingly common in junior cyber defense and SOC job listings

  • Does it boost your profile with recruiters? Yes, especially for hands-on experience in blue team practices

  • Is it recognized by top companies or certain countries? Gaining traction in Europe, LATAM, and the U.S. for MSSPs and security teams

  • What’s the average salary for certified professionals? Related roles typically range from $35,000 to $70,000 USD annually, depending on region and experience

🧭 11. Related Certifications and Progression

  • Is it part of a larger learning path or career track? Yes β€” it’s the first step in the Security Blue Team path (BTL1 β†’ BTL2 β†’ CTI/IR)

  • What can you study after completing it? Blue Team Level 2, CompTIA CySA+, GCIH, GCIA, ECIH

  • How does it compare or complement other certs? Much more hands-on than theory-based certs; excellent bridge between entry-level and advanced DFIR certifications