If you're looking to advance your career in cybersecurity with a hands-on, real-world certification, the Practical SOC Analyst Associate (PSAA) from TCM Security is a fantastic option. In this blog post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about the certification, TCM Security’s new free training tier, and how this certification stacks up against other options in the market.
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What Is the PSAA (Formerly PJSA) Certification?
The PSAA is a certification designed to assess your skills in security operations and incident response. This isn’t your standard multiple-choice certification; instead, it’s a fully hands-on experience that mimics real-world security operations center (SOC) tasks.
Here’s how it works:
Two-Day Technical Assessment: You’ll investigate real-world security incidents and cyberattacks.
Two-Day Report Writing: You’ll submit a professional report outlining the steps you took during your investigation and your remediation recommendations.
This approach ensures you not only improve your technical skills but also hone your ability to communicate findings effectively, which is a critical skill in cybersecurity.
Who Is the PSAA Certification For?
The PSAA certification is ideal for:
Aspiring cybersecurity analysts.
SOC analysts.
Anyone wanting to build practical skills in incident response and security operations.
While prior SOC experience isn’t required, a basic understanding of networking and operating systems will make the process smoother.
What’s Tested in the PSAA?
To pass the PSAA, you’ll need to:
Investigate real-world attacks.
Identify indicators of compromise (IOCs).
Analyze evidence to piece together what happened.
The focus is on practical skills, not theory. After completing the technical portion, you’ll submit a detailed, well-organized report that demonstrates your process and remediation strategies. If you don’t pass on the first try, TCM Security offers one free retake.
How to Prepare for the PSAA Certification
TCM Security’s SOC 101 course is your go-to resource for preparation. This comprehensive course includes over 30 hours of training, covering topics like:
Phishing analysis.
Network monitoring.
Endpoint security.
Log analysis.
Incident response.
The SOC 101 course provides a solid foundation for success in a SOC environment, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the certification exam. The PSAA certification costs $249, which is competitive compared to other options in the market.
How the PSAA Stacks Up Against Other Certifications
The PSAA competes primarily with two certifications:
Hack The Box Certified Defense Security Analyst (CDSA)
OffSec Defensive Analyst (OSDA)
Here’s why these certifications are comparable:
All three are hands-on, no multiple-choice exams.
Each requires a professionally written report.
Certifications like CompTIA CYSA+ and Cisco CyberOps Associate don’t compare, as
they’re theory-based, multiple-choice certifications. While they’re good starting points, hands-on certifications like the PSAA offer more value for practical job readiness.
Comparing the PSAA, CDSA, and OSDA
Hack The Box CDSA: Training is text-based (no videos), which might appeal to those who prefer reading but can be a drawback for others.
OffSec OSDA: Known for its “try harder” mantra, OffSec doesn’t provide much guidance, which may not suit everyone.
TCM Security PSAA: Offers comprehensive video-based training and practical, real-world scenarios, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Cost Comparison
TCM Security PSAA: $249
Hack The Box Academy (CDSA): $490 for a one-year subscription.
OffSec Learn One Yearly (OSDA): $2,599 for a one-year subscription
The PSAA is significantly more affordable, making it a great option for those starting out.
Associate (Junior) vs. Professional (Advanced) Certifications
The PSAA is an associate-level certification. If you already have experience, you might consider skipping it and going straight for the OSDA or CDSA. However, TCM Security’s track record suggests they may introduce a professional version in the future, similar to their other certification tiers.
TCM Security’s Free Training Tier
TCM Security recently launched a free training tier offering over 25 hours of content. The free courses include:
Practical Help Desk
Programming 100 with Python
Linux 100
Soft Skills for the Job Market
These courses are ideal for anyone starting in IT or cybersecurity. No credit card is required, and you get unlimited access to the content. Additional courses will be added before the end of 2024, making this a valuable resource for beginners.
Why Consider the PSAA?
While newer certifications like the PSAA, OSDA, and CDSA don’t yet have widespread recognition on job boards, they excel in preparing you for technical interviews and ensuring you’re job-ready from day one. They focus on practical skills that translate directly to real-world scenarios, helping you stand out during the interview process and succeed in your role.
Final Thoughts
The Practical SOC Analyst Associate (PSAA) from TCM Security is a strong contender for anyone looking to build real-world skills in security operations and incident response. Combined with their affordable pricing and high-quality training, the PSAA is worth considering if you’re entering the cybersecurity field.
Additionally, TCM Security’s free training tier is an excellent resource to start building foundational skills. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to grow your knowledge and advance your career.
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Disclaimer:
For transparency, none of my articles or videos have been sponsored so far, even though some certification companies have shared or showcased my content, which might give the impression of sponsorship. If I ever do a sponsorship video/blog article in the future, I will make that explicitly clear.