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
Starts with SC-900 in this pathway.
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
£31,000 – £50,000
per year
Salary source: Glassdoor · Checked 29 Sept 2026
Salary ranges are indicative and can vary by experience, location, employer and specialism.
Ready to continue your learning journey?
Explore relevant certifications or start with the first certification in this pathway.
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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