PECB Certified Cyber Threat Analyst
More study resources
Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
ExploreExam-day guide
Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
The PECB Certified Cyber Threat Analyst (CCTA) is a technical cybersecurity credential from PECB, listed alongside its Certified Lead Ethical Hacker, Cloud Security Analyst, Incident Responder and Digital Forensics Examiner courses. The training course is built to give participants the expertise to identify, analyze and mitigate cyber threats, and to support an organization in developing and implementing a comprehensive threat hunting program. It suits SOC analysts, incident responders, IT infrastructure and security managers, penetration testers and ethical hackers, governance, risk and compliance staff, and newcomers building threat analysis foundations. The exam follows PECB's Examination and Certification Program and covers five domains: fundamental concepts of cyber threat analysis and threat hunting; the preparation and execution phase of threat hunting programs and incident management plans; the analysis and knowledge phase of threat hunting frameworks; operational aspects of information security controls, incident management and change management; and building a cybersecurity culture, monitoring and measurement, and continual improvement. Preparation centers on the five-day course: four days of instruction with multiple-choice quizzes, exercises and browser-based hands-on labs focused on threat hunting, then the certification exam on day five. Course materials run over 400 pages, and attendees who complete the course receive an attestation worth 31 CPD credits. Certification and exam fees are included in the course price.
What you'll study
About PECB Certified Cyber Threat Analyst preparation
What does the CCTA exam cover?
PECB states the exam meets the PECB Examination and Certification Program requirements and covers five competency domains: fundamental concepts of cyber threat analysis and threat hunting; preparation and execution of threat hunting programs and incident management plans; the analysis and knowledge phase of threat hunting frameworks; operational aspects of controls, incident management and change management; and cybersecurity culture, monitoring, measurement and continual improvement.
What is the exam format?
PECB describes the certification exam as part of the PECB Examination and Certification Program and notes that the course quizzes closely resemble the certification exam format. The source page does not publish the exam item count, time limit or passing score; those details sit in PECB's List of PECB Exams and Examination Rules and Policies, which you should check before booking.
How long is the training course, and when is the exam?
The agenda runs five days. Days 1 to 4 cover fundamentals and threat hunting frameworks, the prepare and execute phase with incident management plans, the analyze and knowledge phase, and culture, monitoring, measurement and continual improvement. Day 5 is the certification exam. Sessions are offered as live virtual online classes and classroom events in several countries.
Can I retake the exam if I fail?
Yes. PECB states that in case candidates fail the exam, they can retake it within 12 months following the initial attempt for free. Plan your study so the first attempt is your best one, but the free retake window gives you a second chance without extra exam cost.
What experience do I need for the full CCTA credential?
The course itself only requires a fundamental understanding of cybersecurity principles and concepts. The full PECB Certified Cyber Threat Analyst credential requires passing the exam or equivalent, five years of work experience including two years in threat hunting, threat analysis and cybersecurity, 300 hours of project experience, and signing the PECB Code of Ethics. The Provisional Cyber Threat Analyst credential has no experience requirements.
Are hands-on labs part of the preparation?
Yes. PECB says the course includes practical hands-on labs focused on threat hunting, delivered in a virtual environment accessed through a web browser, so you practice with the tools, technologies and environments covered. The course also includes multiple-choice quizzes, exercises, role-playing and collaborative discussion, and materials of over 400 pages.
In what order should I study the domains?
Follow the course sequence, because each day builds on the last. Start with threat concepts and hunting frameworks, then move to preparing and executing a hunting program and incident management plan, then the analysis and knowledge phase. Finish with operational controls, incident and change management, and finally culture, monitoring, measurement and continual improvement.
What are common failure modes?
Candidates often memorize threat terminology without being able to apply hunting techniques or formulate and validate hypotheses using data-driven approaches. Others neglect the program-management side: incident management plans, change management, metrics and continual improvement. Treat the hands-on labs and quizzes as diagnostics, and revisit weak domains rather than rereading material you already know.
What do I receive after completing the course?
Participants who attend the training course receive an attestation of course completion worth 31 CPD (Continuing Professional Development) credits. Certification and examination fees are included in the price of the training course, and you apply for a credential after successfully passing the exam and meeting its requirements.