BTL1 – Blue Team Labs Level 1
Entry-level blue‑team certification covering log analysis, phishing investigation and malware triage for aspiring SOC analysts.
- Exam fee
- $399
- Typical salary
- $65K–$95K
BTL1 is a solid stepping stone for newcomers to blue‑team work who need a structured introduction to SOC fundamentals. If you already have deep experience in security operations, a more advanced cert may be a better fit.
What BTL1 – Blue Team Labs Level 1 covers
Issued by Security Blue Team (securityblue.team). BTL1 is a highly regarded entry-level cyber defence certification covering log analysis, SIEM, phishing investigation, and malware triage.
Key topics covered: Phishing Analysis, Threat Intelligence, SIEM & Log Analysis, Digital Forensics Basics, Incident Response, Malware Triage, Vulnerability Management.
Best suited for: Entry-level SOC analysts, students, and career changers entering blue team cybersecurity roles.
Common career paths: SOC Analyst Tier 1, Blue Team Analyst, Security Operations Analyst, Incident Handler.
BTL1 – Blue Team Labs Level 1 exam details
Exam domains
- Phishing Analysis
- Threat Intelligence
- SIEM & Log Analysis
- Digital Forensics Basics
- Incident Response
- Malware Triage
- Vulnerability Management
At a glance
- Exam fee
- $399
How to prepare for BTL1 – Blue Team Labs Level 1
| Stage | What to do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understand the certification scope Read the BTL1 overview and note the key focus areas: phishing analysis, SIEM & log analysis, malware triage and basic incident response. | Week 1 |
| 2 | Build foundational knowledge Study introductory materials on threat intelligence, digital forensics basics and vulnerability management to match the listed topics. | Week 2‑3 |
| 3 | Hands‑on practice Set up a lab, work with sample logs, practice phishing email analysis and run basic malware triage exercises. | Week 4‑5 |
| 4 | Simulated SOC tasks Perform end‑to‑end incident‑response drills that incorporate the core areas of the certification. | Week 6 |
| 5 | Review and self‑test Use any available practice questions or mock exams to gauge readiness and identify gaps before scheduling the real test. | Week 7 |
Jobs and salary with BTL1 – Blue Team Labs Level 1
People holding this certification commonly report pay around $65K–$95K. Pay depends heavily on role, location and total experience. See the salary breakdown.
Roles this certification supports
BTL1 – Blue Team Labs Level 1 questions answered
What is the BTL1 – Blue Team Labs Level 1 certification?
Entry-level blue‑team certification covering log analysis, phishing investigation and malware triage for aspiring SOC analysts. It is issued by Security Blue Team and sits in the Malware Analysis field.
Is BTL1 – Blue Team Labs Level 1 hard?
BTL1 – Blue Team Labs Level 1 is rated Beginner. Most candidates can prepare without prior professional experience in the field.
How much does the BTL1 – Blue Team Labs Level 1 exam cost?
The listed exam fee is $399. Fees vary by country and change over time, so confirm the current price with Security Blue Team before you book.
What salary can I expect with BTL1 – Blue Team Labs Level 1?
Professionals with BTL1 – Blue Team Labs Level 1 commonly report pay in the $65K–$95K range. Actual pay depends on role, location and total experience.
How should I prepare for BTL1 – Blue Team Labs Level 1?
Start with the official exam outline, build hands-on practice for each domain, then finish with timed practice questions. The study plan on this page breaks this into steps.
Alternatives to BTL1 – Blue Team Labs Level 1
| Certification | Vendor | Level |
|---|---|---|
| GREM – GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware | GIAC / SANS | Advanced |
| CMAE – Certified Malware Analysis Expert | EC-Council | Advanced |
| CSAM – Certified Security Analyst & Malware | Mile2 | Intermediate |
| CTIA – Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst | EC-Council | Advanced |