From IT Support to Cybersecurity
This is the cleanest version of this transition — you already have the A+-level foundation from the job itself, so Security+ alone is usually the whole path.
PrerequisitesCurrent or recent hands-on IT support experience.
Estimated costA single Security+ exam voucher is commonly cited around $400.
Estimated timelineRoughly 6–10 weeks part-time.
Skills you'll actually need
- Little beyond what your current IT role likely already covers
- Security+ specific material: attack types, security controls, risk-management concepts
Recommended steps
- 1. CompTIA Security+
The direct next step once IT fundamentals are already covered by your work experience.
Skip the bootcamp for this path. Not applicable — this is the fastest, cheapest version of any pathway on this page. A bootcamp would add cost and time without adding much you don't already have.
Roles this typically opens
- SOC Analyst I or II
- Security Analyst
- Junior penetration tester (with additional self-study)
What salary progression actually looks like
This is typically the fastest, most direct salary increase available on this whole page — moving from IT support to SOC analyst, achieved with less additional cost and time than any other pathway here.
The biggest obstacles people underestimate
- Internal transfers within your current company are sometimes easier than external SOC applications — worth checking internally before assuming you need to job-hop
- Some employers still want to see a few months of applied security-adjacent tasks even with Security+ already in hand
Who should not choose this pathway
- If you're not currently getting any security-adjacent exposure in your IT role and can't create some (shadowing security tickets, volunteering for security projects) — you may effectively be closer to the no-experience pathway than this one suggests
Explore this pathway further
Career context
Certifications
Bootcamps & how to decide
- Certification vs. Bootcamp: a real ROI comparison — why this path skips it
Tools
- Take the 2-minute bootcamp-vs-certification quiz
- Explore a different background or goal in the Pathway Finder
Before you decide Cost and timeline figures above are commonly cited ranges, not live-verified pricing. Confirm current exam fees and program costs directly with the certifying body or provider before paying for anything.
TechPathU Editorial Team
Independent research on bootcamps, certifications, and tech career transitions. See our Transparency page for how we're compensated. This page is general information, not professional advice — see our full Disclaimer.
Independent research on bootcamps, certifications, and tech career transitions. See our Transparency page for how we're compensated. This page is general information, not professional advice — see our full Disclaimer.