Want to get into cyber security but don’t know where to start? Here is the route that works, even from zero. Earn 5 CompTIA certifications (A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+ and PenTest+) and get placed on a live, fully remote security project for a real business within 48 hours. Three months later, you have the hands-on experience every cyber advert asks for.
To get into cyber security, you need three things employers trust: foundational IT knowledge, a recognised security certification, and real hands-on experience. Most people get stuck on the last one, because you need a job to get experience and experience to get a job.
The route we recommend: learn IT and networking basics, earn CompTIA Security+, practise on real tools, build genuine experience, then target junior roles like SOC Analyst. Experiencely does all five with you. You get into cyber security through training, a live placement within 48 hours and recruitment support, around your current job.
People ask the question in different ways: "how to get into cyber security UK", how to get into cyber security industry roles from another job, or how to make a career change into cyber security in your 30s or 40s. The answer is the same route above.
Most people pay for one CompTIA certification and still can't get hired. You get the full stack employers look for, from IT fundamentals to ethical hacking, all included in one programme, with a mentor in your corner.
The foundation every security career is built on. Proves you can support hardware, operating systems, networks and users, and troubleshoot like a professional.
Instructor-led training for just one certification like CCNA or AZ-104 can cost £1,000 to £2,500 in the UK. And you still finish with no experience.
Course prices based on published UK instructor-led CCNA and AZ-104 courses, 2026.
This is what a hiring manager screens for on a junior cyber security role. Your qualification gets you to the starting line. Without commercial experience, you're one of 205 applicants per digital and IT graduate role, and you look the same as everyone else.
Applications per role: Institute of Student Employers, 2024
Two tracks run side by side, so you're never just studying. You're placed within 48 hours and building real experience from week one.
On a phone? Swipe the chart sideways to see all 12 weeks. Example timeline. [Confirm the certification timeline: some certifications may continue after the 12 weeks.] Already hold some of these? Skip them and go straight into your placement.
Real client, real alerts, real feedback. All online, in your own time. This is the commercial experience that gets you past the CV screen. Example workspace for illustration.
You could be placed with any of these kinds of businesses, each bringing a live security problem they need solved.
Audit user accounts and permissions, then help lock down anything that should not be there.
Run an approved phishing simulation and build a short awareness session for the team.
Run authorised vulnerability scans and turn the results into a prioritised fix list.
No. Here's exactly what you're paying for.
Briefs are chosen and shaped so you practise the exact skills security teams hire for, not to fill a business to-do list.
You are never left alone to figure it out. Every task is reviewed by a working security professional, with feedback that makes you better each week.
It goes on your CV as a real role, with a client, incidents you can talk about and references who have seen your work.
Three months later, the experience section employers read first is no longer empty. It has a job title, a client, real numbers and references.
Example CV for illustration.
Degree, course or certificate in cyber security or IT
"My mentor has assigned meaningful tasks that are helping me develop real-world skills in my field… Highly recommend it to anyone looking for hands-on experience and mentorship."
"This is a great experience to work on recent, real-world cases in your choice of program. I found the assigned mentors to be patient, considerate, and ready to provide a fresh perspective…"
"Experiencely has provided invaluable support to me through this training, whiles I embark on my job search… I highly recommend Experiencely to anyone who needs industry experience."
Reviews copied word for word from our Trustpilot and Google profiles.
Everything on the receipt above: training for 5 CompTIA certifications, a live remote placement within 48 hours, mentor reviews, references, CV rebuild, interview prep and being put forward to employers.
Our recruitment team puts you forward to employers hiring for security roles, preps you for interviews and helps with your own applications.
Tell us where you are, ask anything, and find out if you're eligible for funding. No pressure, no hard sell.
Yes, but you need to build experience somewhere. Experiencely gives you a live placement within 48 hours, even as a complete beginner.
Yes. Many people get in through certifications and hands-on experience.
No. Plenty of people change career into cyber security in their 30s, 40s and beyond.
With Experiencely you build at least 3 months of experience while you train, then get put forward to employers.
Start with the IT basics, then CompTIA Security+, then get hands-on experience. Experiencely gives you all three, with a live placement within 48 hours.
Yes. Career change cyber security candidates often bring useful skills from customer service, retail, the military or admin, such as communication and working under pressure.
Yes. Your project, your client, your mentor calls and your training all happen online. You can take part from anywhere in the UK.
Yes. It takes as little as 1 hour a day, on evenings, weekends or both.
Yes. Funding is available for university graduates. Book a free call and we will check your eligibility.
Complete your 3 months, actively apply with our support, and if you have not landed a role within 60 days of completion, you get your money back. No questions asked.
Training, certification and real experience, starting within 48 hours. Hired within 60 days of completion, or your money back.
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