See how IT foundations, networking, systems, Security+, CySA+, PenTest+, cloud skills, and advanced security fit together instead of choosing certifications at random.
Understand which certifications fit different stages of your career, who they are best suited for, the knowledge recommended before starting, and what your next step could be.
Compare cybersecurity roles from SOC Analyst and Security Engineer to Penetration Tester, Cloud Security Engineer, Security Architect, and leadership positions.
Explore paths including SOC, Blue Team, Red Team, penetration testing, cloud security, IAM, GRC, digital forensics, incident response, security engineering, DevSecOps, and more.
pages of career guidance
career levels mapped
realistic progression timelines
cybersecurity specialization paths
A cybersecurity career usually starts before the word cybersecurity appears in your job title.
That is why this roadmap begins with IT fundamentals, networking, operating systems, and infrastructure before moving into Security+, intermediate security, advanced certifications, cloud, and specialization tracks.
It also goes beyond telling you what to study. The roadmap connects certifications with the skills employers look for, the experience you should build, the roles those skills can lead to, and practical ways to prove what you know through virtual labs, home labs, projects, and hands-on practice.
Whether you are starting with zero IT experience, moving from an existing IT role, or deciding where to specialize next, you can use the roadmap to identify where you are now and what your next move should be.
Follow the progression from IT Foundations to advanced security and specialization.
See the skills, experience, certifications, and approximate U.S. salary ranges associated with roles from beginner IT support through cybersecurity leadership.
Connect networking, Linux, Windows, cloud, SIEM, EDR, PowerShell, cryptography, vulnerability management, penetration testing, Zero Trust, and other skills to the courses that build them.
Choose from realistic 6-month, 12-month, 24-month, and 36-month plans based on your starting point and career goal.
Compare foundational, intermediate, and advanced certifications and understand when each one makes sense.
Explore SOC, Blue Team, Red Team, cloud security, IAM, GRC, digital forensics, incident response, security architecture, DevSecOps, and emerging AI security.
Learn how virtual labs, home labs, CTFs, GitHub projects, internships, communities, and personal projects can help turn knowledge into demonstrable ability.
Not sure whether SOC, penetration testing, cloud security, or GRC is right for you? Use the decision tree to narrow down your path.
Stop guessing which certification comes next.
See the skills to build, certifications to target, experience to gain, and career paths you can work toward.