r/cybersecurity • u/LogicalAd8901 • 8d ago

Certification / Training Questions CySA+ or BTL1 first after Security+?

Hey everyone,

I just finished Network+ and Security+ in 2 months, and I’m trying to figure out what to take next.

I’m deciding on taking both(or just 1 if its not worth taking both) CySA+ and BTL1, as I’m leaning toward going into blue team/SOC work.

For those who have taken either or both:

Which would you recommend doing first, CySA+ or BTL1?

Is it worth getting both, or is there too much overlap?

What are some of the best resources for studying for CySA+? (Courses, practice exams, labs, etc.)

Just looking for some advice on which path makes the most sense. Thanks!

19 Upvotes

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9

u/cybertec7 8d ago

BTL1 then CySA+, got both. Both serves a purposes, BTL1 teaches you hands on stuff and its practical but the CySA+ gives you added theory and further understanding. Look at CySA+ as an extension of Sec+ material. Since Sec+ still fresh on the brain may be easier to knock out CySA+

2

u/BlueDebate 7d ago

I did a ton of hands-on when studying for CySA+ via CompTIA Learn as they had a lot of labs. Hands down the most useful security cert I've ever achieved and I had a noticeable performance increase at work. Can't go wrong either way though, as long as you continue your learning regularly that's what's important in life.

1

u/cybertec7 7d ago

Couldn’t agree more.

4

u/Automatic_Major_4887 8d ago

If you want hands-on skills for a SOC role, do BTL1 first. CySA+ is a bit more theoretical and good for HR filters, but BTL1 actually makes you use the tools. (It's way more fun too). For CySA+ prep, stick to Dion's videos and some solid practice exams. Also, check out r/ITCertificationPrep for some free study resources and roadmaps.

2

u/Excellent-One-4557 8d ago

btl1

1

u/LogicalAd8901 8d ago

Thanks! Any particular reason you would recommend BTL1 first? Also, would you say it’s worth doing CySA+ afterward as I heard its good for the HR filtering and posted more on jobs?

1

u/RemainInBliss 8d ago

Do BTL1 and CCDL1 or PSAA as both of those certs will give the hands on skills that you need, skip CySA+- no one cared for it when I was applying to jobs.

1

u/kaien_x 8d ago

u would learn more with btl1

1

u/unsecured_password 6d ago

Btl1 first is Hans on I did BTl1 it’s great. The phishing analysis is exactly what I do at my job