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General Exam Preparation Advice
General Exam Preparation Advice
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Written by James Goforth
Updated over 3 weeks 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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