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.