Cybersecurity Analyst Path
From security fundamentals to senior security roles
The most direct path into enterprise security. This sequence builds from the baseline Security+ (required by the US DoD and most security job listings) through threat detection and incident response, and up to the CISSP for senior management roles.
- Total Cost
- $1,500–$2,500
- all materials included
- Timeline
- 24–42 months
- at 1–2 hrs/day
- Exam Fees Only
- $784
- required certs
- Steps
- 3 certifications
- 2 required, 1 optional
The Path
Security+
CompTIA Security+
The most popular baseline cybersecurity certification
$392
exam fee
Why at this step: The universal entry credential for security roles. Satisfies DoD 8570/8140 requirements, appears in the majority of entry-level security job postings, and gives you the vocabulary and framework to understand everything that follows.
CySA+
CompTIA CySA+
Threat detection and analytics for security analysts
$392
exam fee
Why at this step: Specifically targets the SOC analyst role — threat hunting, log analysis, SIEM usage, and incident response. This is where you go from knowing security concepts to doing security operations.
CISSP
Certified Information Systems Security Professional
The most prestigious cybersecurity certification in the world
$749
exam fee
Why at this step: The senior security credential. Requires 5 years of experience and broad domain knowledge. Targets security manager, architect, and CISO tracks. Takes most candidates 6–12 months of dedicated study.
Where to Specialize Next
After completing this path, these are the most popular specializations.