🔴 TryHackMe – «Complete Beginner»
       Path + Certificates

🧠 1. Certification Name and Issuing Body

  • Full name: TryHackMe «Complete Beginner» Path (plus associated Path Completion Certificates)

  • Issuing organization: TryHackMe (THM)

  • Reputation and global recognition:
    While not a formal certification like OSCP or CEH, TryHackMe’s path certificates are well-regarded for skill validation, especially among recruiters looking for hands-on practical abilities in juniors and beginners. TryHackMe itself has excellent global reputation in cybersecurity education.

📚 2. Curriculum and Skills Covered

  • Covered domains:

    • Basic cybersecurity concepts

    • Networking fundamentals

    • Linux fundamentals

    • Windows fundamentals

    • Web application security (basic)

    • Introduction to hacking and penetration testing

    • Blue Team basics (defensive security)

  • Depth of content: Primarily hands-on with foundational theory; every module focuses on lab-based learning.

  • Technologies and tools included:

    • Nmap

    • Wireshark

    • Burp Suite

    • Hydra

    • John the Ripper

    • Netcat

    • Basic scripting (Bash and Python introductions)

  • Relevance in the current job market: Highly relevant for entry-level roles in cybersecurity, SOC analysis, and junior penetration testing.

  • Mapping to frameworks:

    • NICE Cybersecurity Framework (especially PR, DE, PR domains)

    • Elements match basic MITRE ATT&CK tactics and techniques.

🧩 3. Prerequisites and Recommended Level

  • Prior certifications or experience required: None. It is designed for absolute beginners.

  • Expected skill level: Beginner.

  • Required knowledge: No prior technical background needed, but familiarity with computers and internet basics helps.

💵 4. Cost

  • Total cost:

    • Access to most of the «Complete Beginner» path is free.

    • THM subscription (~$10 USD/month) unlocks additional premium rooms and faster access.

  • Study materials or lab access included: Yes, all labs, virtual machines, and theoretical materials are included.

  • Discounts, scholarships, or regional pricing:

    • Yes, student discounts are available.

    • Occasional promotions for annual subscriptions.

⏳ 5. Estimated Preparation Time

  • Recommended study hours: Approximately 60–90 hours for a thorough understanding.

  • Self-paced or instructor-led: Self-paced.

  • Learning modes:

    • Full self-study with interactive guided labs.

    • Community support through forums and Discord.

🎯 6. Target Roles and Career Path

  • Job roles:

    • Junior Cybersecurity Analyst

    • SOC Tier 1 Analyst

    • Junior Penetration Tester (with further study)

    • IT Support transitioning to Security

  • Career goals: Ideal for starting a cybersecurity career or preparing for certifications like CompTIA Security+, eJPT, or even OSCP in the future.

  • Technical or managerial: Technical.

🧪 7. Exam Format and Difficulty

  • Online or in-person: Online.

  • Theoretical, hands-on, or both: Mostly hands-on, with theoretical questions embedded within labs.

  • Proctored exam or testing center: No formal proctoring or exam center.

  • Real-world labs or simulations: Yes, all learning is lab-based inside real virtual machines.

  • Length and number of questions: Depends on the room; learning is through tasks/questions in each module, not a final exam.

  • Difficulty level or average pass rate: Beginner-friendly; very high completion rate with persistent effort.

📜 8. Validity and Renewal

  • Expiration: None. Completion certificates are lifetime.

  • Renewal process: Not applicable.

🧰 9. Study Resources Available

  • Official documentation:

    • TryHackMe’s internal guided walkthroughs and tutorials for each room.

  • Recommended books:

    • «The Basics of Hacking and Penetration Testing» – Patrick Engebretson

    • «Hacking: The Art of Exploitation» – Jon Erickson (to deepen learning)

  • Online labs or platforms:

    • Built-in TryHackMe Labs

    • Optional complement: Hack The Box (starting easy machines after THM)

  • YouTube channels, community guides:

    • John Hammond (YouTube)

    • The Cyber Mentor (YouTube)

    • Heath Adams’ Cyber Mentor Academy

  • Online communities:

    • TryHackMe Discord

    • r/TryHackMe subreddit

    • General cybersecurity Discord groups

💼 10. Industry Value and Demand

  • Mentioned in job postings: Not yet formalized in many job descriptions, but recruiters increasingly respect TryHackMe certificates for skills demonstration.

  • Boosts profile with recruiters: Definitely. Many hiring managers now value practical THM experience especially for entry-level candidates.

  • Recognized by top companies or certain countries: Gaining strong traction internationally, especially in the UK, EU, and USA markets.

  • Average salary for certified professionals: For entry-level cybersecurity roles post-THM path completion: $50,000 to $70,000 USD/year, depending on additional experience.

🧭 11. Related Certifications and Progression

  • Part of a larger learning path: Yes. TryHackMe structures its paths to lead into:

    • Pre-Security Path (if needed for even more basic foundation)

    • Offensive Security Path

    • Blue Team Path

  • Next steps after completing it:

    • TryHackMe «Jr Penetration Tester» Path

    • TryHackMe «CompTIA Pentest+» or «Red Team» paths

    • Move to formal certifications like eJPT, CompTIA Security+, or even OSCP (after significant additional practice)

  • Comparison or complement: Perfect complement to eJPT preparation, OSCP foundation, and Security+ study efforts.

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