TryHackMe Certifications: The Ultimate 2026 Guide

If you’re exploring cybersecurity and keep hearing about TryHackMe certifications, you’re not alone. TryHackMe has grown from a hands‑on training platform into a credible way to prove your skills with practical, scenario‑based exams that map to real entry‑level jobs. This ultimate guide breaks down exactly what each TryHackMe certification covers, how the exams work, what they cost, how to prepare, and how to use your new credential to land interviews and build your career.

By the end, you’ll know which certification fits your goals, how to study efficiently, and what to expect on exam day—so you can focus on learning and pass with confidence.

What Are TryHackMe Certifications?

TryHackMe certifications are role‑focused, hands‑on exams delivered inside TryHackMe’s browser‑based lab environment. Unlike purely theory‑driven tests, these certifications ask you to apply knowledge in realistic scenarios—exactly what early‑career hiring managers want to see.

• You learn by doing on the same platform where you test.

• Exams simulate the day‑to‑day work of a junior analyst or pentester.

• You receive a digital certificate and badge to share on your resume and LinkedIn.

It’s also helpful to distinguish between two things you’ll see on the platform:

• Certificates of completion: These are awarded when you finish a learning path. They’re great for tracking progress.

• Professional certifications: These involve a timed, hands‑on exam and are meant to validate job‑ready skills.

Note: This guide focuses on the professional certifications students ask about most.

The Current TryHackMe Certification Lineup

As of early 2026, there are three flagship TryHackMe certifications. Think of them as a progression from fundamentals (SEC1) into blue team (SAL1) and red team (PT1):

• SEC1 — Cyber Security 101 Certification (Foundational, 100% hands‑on)

• SAL1 — Security Analyst Level 1 (Entry‑level blue team/SOC focus)

• PT1 — Junior Penetration Tester (Entry‑level red team/pentesting)

Here’s the quick snapshot:

• SEC1 proves you understand the essentials through practical tasks, not just multiple‑choice questions. It’s a strong first credential if you’re brand new and want a foundation backed by real, on‑keyboard work.

• SAL1 is for aspiring SOC analysts. The exam combines knowledge checks with realistic SOC simulator investigations that mirror the flow of triage, analysis, and reporting.

• PT1 is for aspiring junior pentesters. You’ll operate in a pentest simulator, tackle targets across web, network, and Active Directory, and deliver a professional report—just like a real client engagement.

Actionable takeaway: If you’re brand new, start with SEC1. If you’re leaning defensive, aim for SAL1; if you want offensive work, aim for PT1.

SEC1: Cyber Security 101 Certification

What SEC1 Proves

SEC1 is the foundation. It’s designed to verify that you can apply core cybersecurity and IT concepts in real tasks—not just recall definitions. Expect practical activities that check you can navigate systems, think logically, and problem‑solve with basic red and blue skills.

Who It’s For

• Students or career‑changers who want a first, credible credential

• Anyone finishing the Cyber Security 101 learning path and ready for a capstone assessment

• Learners who prefer to prove skills with hands‑on work instead of only quizzes

Exam Format (What to Expect)

• Time window: 24 hours of access, allowing you to plan around classes or work.

• Structure: Seven practical sections that test fundamentals across computing basics, network concepts, and introductory red/blue tasks.

• Grading: Immediate results upon completion.

Plainly put, SEC1 is “show me you can actually do it”—and you’ll do it inside the familiar TryHackMe environment you used to prepare.

Preparation Path

• Complete the Cyber Security 101 learning path. It’s designed to lead into SEC1, so you’ll practice the same style of hands‑on tasks that appear on the exam.

• Keep notes as you go. Tag commands, key concepts, and troubleshooting tips so you can find them quickly when under time pressure.

• Rehearse simple workflows: scanning, basic Linux commands, reading logs, and documenting what you tried when something fails.

Pro tip: Do a half‑day “mock exam” using rooms from Cyber Security 101. Aim for four focused hours with a 10‑minute break each hour. The goal is to build pacing, not to cram new topics.

Cost, Attempts, Validity

TryHackMe positions SEC1 as a budget‑friendly, global starter certification. Pricing can vary by region—confirm at checkout when you’re ready to sit.

Actionable takeaway: If you’re unsure about blue vs red team, SEC1 gives you a safe, affordable way to validate your fundamentals and discover where you enjoy working most.

SAL1: Security Analyst Level 1 (Blue Team/SOC)

What SAL1 Proves

SAL1 certifies you can operate like a junior SOC analyst: triage alerts, investigate suspicious activity, interpret evidence, and communicate findings clearly. The standout feature is the SOC simulator: you’ll work through realistic cases under time constraints, just like a real SOC shift.

Who It’s For

• Students targeting SOC Analyst, MDR/EDR Analyst, or Security Operations roles

• Helpdesk/IT support professionals pivoting to security

• Anyone who enjoys analysis, patterns, and storytelling through evidence

Exam Format (What to Expect)

• Time window: A 24‑hour period to complete the full exam.

• Components: Knowledge checks plus one or more SOC‑sim investigations where you triage, dig into logs/artifacts, and produce a concise incident report.

• Outcome: Instant results and a professional‑looking certificate/badge you can share.

While details evolve, the key is that you’ll shift between quick knowledge checks and deeper, scenario‑driven investigations. Expect to justify your conclusions and communicate clearly.

Preparation Path

• Start with the Cyber Security 101 path for fundamentals, then work through the SOC Level 1 path to practice core workflows. Repeat the SOC simulator until you’re fast and consistent.

• Build a repeatable incident report template (executive summary, scope, IOCs, timeline, analysis, remediation).

• Practice active note‑taking: timestamps, commands, observations, and hypotheses. Good notes save time when you write your report.

Cost, Attempts, Validity, Partnerships

• Pricing: Offered in two primary options—an exam‑only price for existing premium members and a bundle that includes training months for non‑premium learners. Confirm the current price and included training on the SAL1 page when you book.

• Attempts: The page highlights a free retake baked into your purchase for an added layer of safety if nerves hit on test day.

• Validity: The credential is presented with a multi‑year validity, keeping your achievement relevant while you gain job experience.

• Employer recognition: SAL1’s development involved partners like Accenture and Salesforce, which helps translate the value of your certification to hiring managers.

Actionable takeaway: Treat SAL1 like a mini‑internship test—practice the SOC simulator repeatedly, and you’ll not only pass, you’ll interview better because you can speak to real investigative workflows.

PT1: Junior Penetration Tester (Red Team)

What PT1 Proves

PT1 validates your ability to run a structured junior‑level penetration test: enumerate, find and exploit vulnerabilities, escalate privileges, and then write a professional report. You’ll operate in a pentest simulator across multiple domains (web, network, AD), which mirrors how real engagements jump between tech stacks.

Who It’s For

• Students aiming at Junior Pentester, Security Consultant (offensive), or Red Team Intern roles

• Learners who enjoy puzzles, breaking things ethically, and building a clear narrative in reports

• Career‑changers who want a practical stepping stone before higher‑stakes certifications

Exam Format (What to Expect)

• Time window: 48 hours—long enough to do real work, short enough to require tight time management.

• Scope: Targets span common beginner‑friendly but realistic vulnerabilities across web applications, internal networks, and Active Directory.

• Reporting: You’ll produce a client‑style report—a major part of the job that many entry‑level candidates overlook.

Preparation Path

• Complete the Jr Penetration Tester learning path. Then fill gaps with focused practice in:

  • Recon and enumeration (nmap, gobuster, OSINT basics)

  • Web exploitation (OWASP Top 10 concepts; Burp workflows)

  • Privilege escalation (Linux/Windows fundamentals)

  • Active Directory basics (users, groups, common misconfigs)

• Build a “findings library” with short, reusable write‑ups (title, risk, impact, steps to reproduce, remediation). You’ll write faster and clearer under exam pressure.

Cost, Attempts, Validity

• Pricing: PT1 offers a clear entry point with a lower price than many major pentest exams; premium subscribers often see additional discounts. Confirm current pricing on the PT1 page before checkout.

• Attempts: A free retake is included with your purchase, which reduces risk if you need a second try.

• Validity: Multi‑year validity helps you keep momentum while you build experience or pursue higher‑level credentials later.

Actionable takeaway: PT1 is an ideal “first hands‑on pentest exam.” You’ll experience the full cycle—from recon to reporting—so you can confidently step into junior roles or prepare for advanced certifications next.

Which TryHackMe Certification Should You Take?

Here’s a simple decision flow:

• I’m brand new to cyber and want a real, hands‑on foundation.

  • Choose SEC1. It proves you can do the basics under time and gives you a taste of both blue and red tasks.

• I like investigating alerts, logs, and building stories from evidence.

  • Choose SAL1. It’s made for SOC analysts and uses a SOC simulator so you practice exactly what you’ll do on the job.

• I love breaking and fixing systems, methodically.

  • Choose PT1. You’ll run a complete junior pentest and walk away with report‑writing skills employers notice.

Tip: You can stack them. Many learners take SEC1 → SAL1 or SEC1 → PT1, depending on their interests. If you’re undecided, SEC1 helps you discover where you thrive.

A Practical 30/60/90‑Day Study Plan

Use this as a template. Adjust to your schedule and familiarity.

Days 1–30: Foundation and Note‑Building

• Work through Cyber Security 101 modules with active notes. Capture:

  • Commands you used and why

  • Troubleshooting steps that saved time

  • “Gotchas” you hit and how you overcame them

• Practice core workflows 20–30 minutes daily:

  • Basic Linux/Windows command fluency

  • Network fundamentals and simple scanning

  • Reading and interpreting logs at a glance

• End each week with a short retrospective. Ask: Which tasks were slow? What concepts did I guess on?

If aiming at SAL1, begin light SOC‑Sim practice; if aiming at PT1, do a small web app room and one AD intro room to set context.

Days 31–60: Role‑Specific Drills

• SAL1 track:

  • Work through the SOC Level 1 path. Do multiple SOC‑Sim runs and time yourself.

  • Build and refine a two‑page incident report template (exec summary, scope, IOCs, timeline, analysis, remediation).

  • Practice root cause narratives: “What happened? What mattered? What do we do next?”

• PT1 track:

  • Complete Jr Penetration Tester path milestones.

  • Targeted drills: enumeration checklists, OWASP Top 10 labs, Linux/Windows privilege escalation, and an AD basic lab.

  • Practice writing one finding per day in your “findings library” with clear reproduction steps and remediation.

For both tracks, maintain a “fast reference” doc—your personal, concise cheat sheet. The point is not to memorize everything; it’s to be organized and fast.

Days 61–90: Exam Rehearsal and Polish

• SEC1 rehearsal:

  • Do a 6–8 hour practice block of mixed, fundamentals‑heavy rooms to simulate switching contexts quickly.

• SAL1 rehearsal:

  • Simulate a mini‑exam: a short knowledge check + one full SOC‑Sim scenario + a timed report write‑up. Repeat weekly.

• PT1 rehearsal:

  • Run a 12–16 hour “mini‑engagement” weekend. Scope a target, enumerate systematically, exploit what’s viable, escalate, and produce a concise report. Practice cutting scope when stuck to protect time.

Final week: Taper. Light review only. Confirm your environment, test your internet, and line up your snacks, breaks, and focus plan.

Exam‑Day Game Plan

• Set the scene:

  • Quiet space, stable internet, and a comfortable chair. Block notifications. Have water and quick snacks nearby.

• Use a time‑boxed loop:

  • Investigate for 50 minutes, break for 10. Repeat. This keeps your mind fresh and reduces rabbit holes.

• Log everything:

  • Timestamp commands and observations. Future‑you (writing the report) will be grateful.

• When stuck:

  • Pause, list three next logical steps, pick one, and time‑box it. If no progress, switch tracks instead of spiraling.

• Reporting mindset:

  • Your output should be readable for a non‑specialist. Favor clarity over jargon. Think: “What matters, why, what now?”

Leveraging Your Credential for Jobs and Internships

Certification is the start—here’s how to translate it into interviews and offers:

• Refresh your resume and LinkedIn immediately:

  • Add your TryHackMe certification with the official credential link and a one‑line impact statement (e.g., “Completed 48‑hour hands‑on pentest exam and delivered client‑style report”).

• Build a clean portfolio:

  • Include a redacted pentest or SOC report template showing structure and clarity.

  • Add 2–3 short writeups (no exam spoilers) that highlight your problem‑solving process.

• Speak to outcomes in interviews:

  • For SAL1: walk through a SOC‑Sim case—alert, triage steps, what evidence mattered, and your recommended actions.

  • For PT1: describe your methodology—recon → enumeration → exploitation → privilege escalation → reporting—and how you adjusted when a path didn’t work.

• Network intentionally:

  • Comment (usefully) on SOC and pentesting posts, share short practice insights, and connect with analysts or consultants in your target city.

Common Pitfalls—and How to Avoid Them

• Studying only by watching:

  • These are hands‑on exams. If your keyboard time is low, your exam confidence will be low. Replace some videos with practice sessions.

• Over‑collecting tools, under‑practicing process:

  • Tools are helpers; process solves problems. Prioritize methodology checklists.

• Writing the report last:

  • Report writing is a skill. Practice it weekly so you don’t run out of steam during the exam.

• Ignoring fundamentals:

  • Even in pentesting, basic OS, networking, and authentication concepts drive better guesses and faster troubleshooting.

Budgeting and Planning Your Purchase

• SEC1:

  • TryHackMe positions SEC1 as an affordable way to validate fundamentals. Prices may vary by region—check the official page at purchase time.

• SAL1:

  • Offered with or without bundled training months depending on whether you already have premium. A free retake is included. Confirm current pricing and bundle details on the SAL1 page when booking.

• PT1:

  • Clear entry price with potential discounts for premium subscribers; includes a free retake. Verify the current amount and benefits on the PT1 page.

Reminder: schedule your exam window after you’ve completed at least one full rehearsal. Reduce risk by using that built‑in retake only if you truly need it.

Building Confidence with Smart Practice

• SEC1 confidence booster:

  • Pick three fundamental topics you find hardest and do one targeted room for each. Write three “what I learned” bullet points after each one.

• SAL1 confidence booster:

  • Run a SOC‑Sim and challenge yourself to finish the report in 30 minutes less than last time—without losing clarity.

• PT1 confidence booster:

  • Write a one‑page report for a single vulnerability you exploited in practice. Include reproduction steps, screenshots, impact, and remediation.

These micro‑wins add up and make the full exam feel like just another practice session.

The Road Ahead: Stacking Credentials

• A common route for beginners:

  • SEC1 → SAL1 for SOC roles, or SEC1 → PT1 for pentesting roles.

• Want both sides?

  • Do SEC1 → SAL1 → PT1 over a year. You’ll understand both attack and defense, which is incredibly valuable in small teams and early‑stage startups.

• Thinking long‑term:

  • Use PT1 or SAL1 as platform experience before attempting higher‑level certifications. You’ll already be used to time‑boxed, hands‑on exams—an underrated advantage.

FAQs

Q1: Are TryHackMe certifications purely hands‑on?

• SEC1 is fully practical. SAL1 and PT1 combine knowledge with hands‑on simulator work. The overall emphasis across all three is doing the work, not just recalling it.

Q2: How long are the exams?

• SEC1 gives you a 24‑hour window. SAL1 is also built around a 24‑hour window to complete all sections. PT1 gives you 48 hours for a realistic junior pentest timeline.

Q3: How much do they cost?

• Pricing can vary by region and subscription status. Check each certification’s page before purchase. SAL1 and PT1 highlight a free retake and training‑bundle options for non‑premium learners.

Q4: What’s the best starting point if I’m brand new?

• The Cyber Security 101 path plus SEC1. Then specialize: SAL1 for SOC or PT1 for pentesting.

Q5: How do I show my credential to employers?

• Share your digital certificate and badge on LinkedIn and your resume. Pair it with a short portfolio—like a redacted report or case study—to demonstrate communication and process.

Conclusion:
If you’re a student or early‑career learner, TryHackMe certifications give you something many employers crave: proof that you can actually do the job. Start with SEC1 to lock in fundamentals. If you love investigations, pursue SAL1 and master the SOC simulator. If breaking and reporting is your thing, go for PT1 and show that you can deliver a real engagement.

Choose a target exam, set a 60–90 day plan, and make practice your default. When you’re ready, schedule the exam, trust your process, and go show what you can do.

Want a customized study plan? Tell me your target role, weekly study hours, and timeline. I’ll map out a week‑by‑week schedule with specific rooms, milestones, and mock exams to get you to test‑ready—minus the guesswork.