CAREER PATHWAY
Cyber Security Analyst
Build practical cyber security foundations across security, identity, networking and threat protection while preparing for recognised Microsoft and CompTIA certifications.
- Start level
- Beginner
- Estimated duration
- 4–8 months
- Certifications
- 4 certifications
Plus your free SkillsNest account is yours for life.
Starts with SC-900 in this pathway.
A payment card is required. You will not be charged today. Your selected plan renews automatically after 15 days unless you cancel.
Why Choose a Career in Cyber Security?
Build a rewarding career protecting organisations, securing digital systems and responding to evolving cyber threats. Discover a structured pathway from security fundamentals to industry-recognised certifications.
Up to $129,180
Typical salary range in the United States
per year · Cyber Security Analyst
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Checked 12 Oct 2026
Salary ranges are indicative and can vary by experience, location, employer and specialism.
21% Projected Job Growth
Much faster than average
Remote & Hybrid Opportunities
Many roles offer flexible working
Career Security
Cyber skills are needed across industries
Beginner-Friendly Pathway
Start from scratch and build step by step
Industry-Recognised Certifications
Work towards respected Microsoft and CompTIA certs
Career Progression
Progress into security operations, analysis and specialist cyber roles
Transferable skills
Useful across tech, finance, healthcare, and government
About this learning pathway
Build the foundational knowledge and certification skills needed to progress towards a Cyber Security Analyst career. This pathway starts with security, compliance and identity fundamentals, develops essential networking knowledge, and progresses into core cyber security concepts including threats, vulnerabilities, security architecture, operations and risk management.
Learners can prepare using Microsoft and CompTIA certifications already available on SkillsNest, with additional upcoming and specialist certification options as the pathway develops. The pathway is designed as educational and certification guidance and does not guarantee employment or a particular career outcome.
Who this pathway is for
Career changers, students, IT support professionals, network technicians and early-career technology professionals who want to build foundational cyber security skills and progress towards a Cyber Security Analyst role.
Your learning journey
These certifications are organised to support progression toward related skills. Complete them in an order that matches your experience.
Stage 1
Security Foundations
Build foundational knowledge of security, compliance and identity concepts, including Microsoft identity and access management, security solutions and governance principles.
- Study time
- 2-4 Weeks
- Lessons
- 16
- Questions
- 293
- Mocks
- 5
Stage 2
Networking Foundations
Develop the networking knowledge needed to understand how systems communicate, how networks are designed and operated, and how network infrastructure can be monitored, protected and troubleshot.
N10-009
CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)
- Study time
- 6–8 weeks
- Lessons
- 66
- Questions
- 617
- Mocks
- 6
Stage 3
Core Cyber Security
Develop core cyber security knowledge across threats, vulnerabilities, security architecture, security operations, identity, risk and security programme management.
SY0-701
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701)
- Study time
- 6–8 weeks
- Lessons
- 44
- Questions
- 825
- Mocks
- 6
Stage 4
OT Security Specialism
Extend cyber security knowledge into operational technology and industrial environments for learners interested in protecting connected operational and critical systems.
SOT-001
CompTIA SecOT+ (SOT-001)
Learning and exam-preparation resources are being prepared.
Career opportunities & salary potential
Explore roles that may align with the skills developed through this pathway.
Cyber Security Analyst
Monitors and analyses security activity, investigates potential threats and vulnerabilities, supports incident response, and helps protect an organisation's systems, networks, identities and data.
Indicative salary range
Up to $129,180
per year
Salary source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Checked 12 Oct 2026
Salary ranges are indicative and can vary by experience, location, employer and specialism.
Build the skills for your Cyber Security Analyst career
SkillsNest Premium provides access to the learning and exam-preparation resources mapped to this pathway. Start with a 15-day free trial.
- Full video courses
- Practice question bank
- Mock exams
- Knowledge checks
- Case studies
- Progress analytics
- Access across SkillsNest certifications
A payment card is required. You will not be charged today. Your selected plan renews automatically after 15 days unless you cancel.
Ready to start your Cyber Security Analyst journey?
Start a 15-day free SkillsNest Premium trial and work through this pathway's certifications and practice resources.
One subscription. Access across SkillsNest.
SkillsNest Premium provides access to included learning and practice resources. Official certification exam vouchers and separately supplied lab products are not included and may be available separately in the future.
SkillsNest Career Pathways are designed to help you plan relevant learning and certification goals. Completing a pathway does not guarantee employment, promotion or any specific career outcome.
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