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General Exam Preparation Advice

This article outlines the recommended preparation for the SAL1 exam.

Written by Blackout
Updated over 10 months ago

Recommended Learning

To maximise your chances of success, we recommend that you complete the following before attempting the SAL1 exam:

  • Cyber Security 101 – Covers foundational security concepts.

  • SOC Level 1 – Provides essential SOC analyst skills.

  • SOC-Sim Scenarios – Practice with both introductory and challenge scenarios to build hands-on experience.

Exam Preparation Tips

  • Create Your Own Notes – Helps with searchability and retention. Include key definitions and common investigation steps.

  • Run Through the SOC-Sim Multiple Times – Familiarise yourself with real-world SOC workflows and alert triaging.

  • Understand Common Threats & TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures) – Recognise common attacker behaviours and appropriate responses.

  • Practice Log Analysis & Incident Response – Review logs, alerts, and playbooks to improve investigative skills.

  • Time Management – The exam is time-sensitive, so practice working efficiently under pressure.

  • Use Available Resources Wisely – While you can reference materials, focus on quick access to essential information.

  • Stay Calm & Focused – Avoid overcomplicating scenarios; work through alerts methodically.

Final Preparation Steps

  • Ensure a stable internet connection before starting.

  • Get comfortable with the exam format and timing.

  • Review past mistakes in SOC-Sim challenges to reinforce your learning.

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