🟢 Blue Team Level 1 (BTL1)

Here’s a comprehensive analysis of the Blue Team Level 1 (BTL1) certification from Security Blue Team.

Full name: Blue Team Level 1 (BTL1)
Issuing organization: Security Blue Team (SBT)
Reputation and global recognition: BTL1 is gaining recognition for its practical, hands-on approach to defensive cybersecurity training. It’s endorsed by professionals aiming for roles in Security Operations Centers (SOCs) and incident response teams. (24-hour BTL1 Exam Timelapse | Blue Team Level 1 – YouTube)

Covered domains:
- Security Fundamentals
- Phishing Analysis
- Threat Intelligence
- Digital Forensics
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
- Incident Response (Is BTL1 Right For Me? – Security Blue Team Support, How I Passed the Security Blue Team Level 1 Certification Exam, I just passed my Security Blue Team Level 1 certification exam with …)
Depth of content: The course offers a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical application, including over 300 activities, 21 labs, and 25 quizzes.
Technologies and tools included: Hands-on experience with tools such as Splunk, Wireshark, Autopsy, Volatility, KAPE, CyberChef, MISP, and more.
Relevance in the current job market: Highly relevant for entry-level cybersecurity roles, especially those focusing on blue team operations.
Mapping to frameworks: The curriculum aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework, providing practical insights into real-world attack tactics and techniques. (BTL1 Tips & Insights for Cyber Defenders | InfoSec Write-ups, BTL1 – Blue Team Level 1, Course Review | Foreningen for Danske Cyber …, CompTIA Security+ vs Blue Team Level 1 (BTL1) | Which one is best …)

Prior certifications or experience required: None.
Expected skill level: Beginner to intermediate; suitable for individuals new to cybersecurity or those with some foundational knowledge.
Required knowledge: Basic understanding of IT concepts is beneficial but not mandatory. (BTL1 Exam Format – Security Blue Team Support)

Total cost: £399 GBP (approximately $485 USD), which includes course materials, labs, and one exam attempt. A free retake is available if needed.
Study materials or lab access included: Yes; includes 4 months of access to course materials and labs.
Discounts, scholarships, or regional pricing: Occasional discounts are offered, such as during Black Friday sales. (Blue Team Level 1 by SBT -A detailed review — 2023 – UnSaLt3D, Black Friday | Discounted Blue Team Cybersecurity Training)

Recommended study hours: Approximately 30 hours to complete the course content.
Self-paced or instructor-led: Self-paced.
Learning modes: Online self-study with interactive labs and assessments. (Blue Team Training Course Catalog)

Job roles prepared for:
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
- Incident Responder
- Threat Intelligence Analyst
- Digital Forensics Analyst (CompTIA Security+ vs Blue Team Level 1 (BTL1) | Which one is best …, Blue Team Level 1 (BTL1) Beta Tester – Credly)
Alignment with career goals: Ideal for individuals aiming to start a career in blue team cybersecurity roles.
Technical, managerial, or both: Primarily technical, focusing on practical defensive cybersecurity skills. (Blue Team Level 1 Certification » SECURITY BLUE TEAM)

Exam delivery: Online, through a 24-hour practical incident response scenario.
Exam content: 20 task-based questions requiring hands-on investigation and analysis.
Proctored exam or testing center: No; the exam is completed online without proctoring.
Real-world labs or simulations: Yes; the exam simulates real-world cybersecurity incidents.
Length and number of questions: 24-hour exam window with 20 task-based questions.
Difficulty level or average pass rate: Moderate difficulty; a 70% score is required to pass and earn the silver challenge coin, while a 90% score on the first attempt earns the gold challenge coin. (BTL1 – Blue Team Level 1, Course Review, Blue Team Level 1 Certification Exam Experience | by Tijan Hydara, Certified Blue Team Level 1 – QA)

Expiration: The BTL1 certification does not expire.
Renewal process: No renewal required; however, staying updated with industry developments is recommended.

Official documentation: All necessary materials are provided within the course platform.
Recommended books: Not specified; the course relies on its own curated content.
Online labs or platforms: Integrated labs within the course and additional practice available through Blue Team Labs Online (BTLO).
YouTube channels, community guides, paid or free courses: Supplementary resources may be found on platforms like YouTube and Reddit for additional insights.
Online communities: Security Blue Team’s Discord server and Reddit communities for peer interaction and support. (How I Passed the Security Blue Team Level 1 Certification Exam)

Mention in job postings: Increasingly recognized in job listings for entry-level cybersecurity roles.
Profile boost with recruiters: Demonstrates practical skills and readiness for blue team positions.
Recognition by top companies or certain countries: Endorsed by organizations valuing hands-on defensive cybersecurity skills.
Average salary for certified professionals: Varies by region and experience; entry-level cybersecurity professionals can expect salaries ranging from $70,000 to $100,000 annually. (Blue Team Level 1 Certification » SECURITY BLUE TEAM, CompTIA Security+ vs Blue Team Level 1 (BTL1) | Which one is best …)

Part of a larger learning path or career track: Yes; serves as a foundational certification in Security Blue Team’s cybersecurity pathway.
Subsequent certifications:
- Blue Team Level 2 (BTL2)
- Certified Security Operations Manager (CSOM)
Comparison or complement to other certs: Comparable to CompTIA Security+ in terms of foundational knowledge but with a stronger emphasis on hands-on experience through labs and projects. (Blue Team Training Course Catalog, Security Blue Team: Defensive Cybersecurity Certifications)