Hello, I would like to start learning about cybersecurity. I’ve started with the free Cisco Networking Academy course, Introduction to Cybersecurity. I currently have no knowledge or experience in cybersecurity, but I’m interested in eventually training in penetration testing (pentesting).
I don’t have a university degree in computer science or a related field. Is it possible to build a career in cybersecurity and specialize in pentesting without having a degree?
I would really appreciate it if you could recommend any courses, training programs, or videos that would be useful for getting started and building a solid foundation.
Thank you very much!✌
Aug 15, 2026 07:20 AM
(This post was last modified: Aug 15, 2026 07:20 AM by DramaKing.)
(Aug 15, 2026 07:11 AM)concepto Wrote: Hello, I would like to start learning about cybersecurity. I’ve started with the free Cisco Networking Academy course, Introduction to Cybersecurity. I currently have no knowledge or experience in cybersecurity, but I’m interested in eventually training in penetration testing (pentesting).
I don’t have a university degree in computer science or a related field. Is it possible to build a career in cybersecurity and specialize in pentesting without having a degree?
I would really appreciate it if you could recommend any courses, training programs, or videos that would be useful for getting started and building a solid foundation.
Thank you very much!✌
First of all, you didn't specify your country. Second, wherever you live, you need education and experience. Getting a job as a junior pentester is not like getting a job as a junior software developer. The qualifications for entry-level are not really entry-level. I have a CEH and a CHFI with a few IT certifications. I finally got a part-time job in retail.
Aug 15, 2026 07:53 AM
(This post was last modified: Aug 15, 2026 07:55 AM by concepto.)
I'm from Spain (barcelona)
Is it possible to train in cybersecurity without having a university degree?
(Aug 15, 2026 07:53 AM)concepto Wrote: I'm from Spain (barcelona)
Is it possible to train in cybersecurity without having a university degree?
Train, yes. Get a job? Not in the USA I'd say. Check your local job market to see what employers are looking for. Also, bug bounties can be done by anyone.
Yes, it is possible to do it without a degree, but you will always be required to have some experience in the IT field, if you want to work with cybersecurity.
How is your skills with servers, networking, Linux and so on? You need a foundation before going to cybersecurity.
The CCNA for example is a great starting point for networking.
To get good at cybersecurity, start by practicing with black hat hacking tools and checking out YouTube videos from experienced security researchers. You can also find plenty of tutorials, tools, and knowledgeable people on this forum. Stick around and you will learn a lot of good shit! Just keep it legit. Trying to make money through illegal hacking can bring the feds down on you fast.
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