About the Career Road Map Tool
Our Philosophy
The Career Road Map tool was built on five core principles that guide every recommendation we make:
Design Principles
- Citable: Every recommendation is backed by verified sources
- Realistic: Honest about timelines and challenges
- Actionable: Specific next steps, not vague advice
- Personalized: Adapts to your starting point and constraints
- Free-First: Prioritizes free and low-cost resources
We created this tool because we saw too many aspiring cybersecurity professionals receiving generic advice or falling for marketing claims that don't reflect reality. The path to a cybersecurity career is challenging but achievable, and we believe you deserve honest, verified information to guide your journey.
The 10-Step Framework
Our roadmap follows a structured 10-step approach designed to take you from wherever you are today to your first cybersecurity role:
- Self-Assessment: Understand your IKIGAI and skill inventory
- Research Career Paths: Identify specific roles in your target domain
- Gap Analysis: Compare current skills to requirements
- Build Foundation: Develop core technical skills
- Gain Experience: Hands-on practice through labs and CTFs
- Specialize: Focus on domain-specific skills
- Network: Build professional relationships
- Build Brand: Establish your professional presence
- Job Search: Execute a strategic job search
- Continuous Growth: Plan for ongoing development
Each step includes specific tasks, estimated time commitments, and curated resources tailored to your domain and budget.
Workshop Tool Suite Integration
The Career Road Map is the third tool in our workshop suite, designed to work with your results from the other tools:
While the Career Road Map works standalone, it provides the best experience when you've first completed the Career Navigator to identify your ideal domain. Your domain selection is automatically imported to personalize certification recommendations and training resources.
Market Reality
We believe in being honest about the cybersecurity job market. Here's what the data tells us:
The Entry-Level Challenge
According to the ISC2 2024 Workforce Study:
- 31% of organizations have NO entry-level cybersecurity staff
- 62% of hiring managers focus only on mid-to-senior level candidates
- This is why we emphasize building demonstrable skills, networking, and considering feeder roles
What Actually Gets Hired
The ISC2 study found these soft skills are most valued by employers:
- Communication (56% of employers)
- Problem-solving (30%)
- Teamwork and ability to work independently
- Critical thinking and analytical skills
Timeline Methodology
Our timeline estimates are based on aggregated data from multiple sources, adjusted for your specific situation:
Starting Point Baselines
- Complete beginner: 12-24 months (typically 18)
- IT Help Desk/Support: 6-12 months
- Network Administrator: 3-6 months
- Software Developer: 6-12 months
- Veterans with clearance: 3-9 months
Adjustment Factors
We adjust your timeline based on:
- Hours per week you can dedicate to learning
- Your current technical skill level
- Your education background
- Your target timeline (aggressive vs. flexible)
Note: These are estimates based on industry averages. Individual results vary based on effort, opportunities, and luck.
Certification Costs & Recommendations
All certification costs are verified from official sources as of December 2025. We recommend certifications based on:
- Your target domain (from Career Navigator results)
- Your budget tier (selected during intake)
- Industry demand and employer recognition
Free/Low-Cost Entry Options
- ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC): Free course and $199 exam through 1M initiative
- CompTIA Security+: $404 exam, industry gold standard
- Microsoft AZ-500: $165 exam, cloud security focus
Annual Maintenance Costs
Most certifications require ongoing fees:
- CompTIA: $50/year, 50-75 CEUs per 3 years
- ISC2: $135/year, 40-120 CPEs per 3 years
- ISACA: $45-85/year, 120 CPEs per 3 years
- GIAC: $499/4 years, 36 CPEs per 4 years
Data Sources & Citations
Every data point in this tool comes from a verified source. Here are our primary references:
Government & Official Sources
Industry Research
Certification Bodies (Official Pricing)
Training Platforms
Privacy & Data Storage
Your privacy matters. Here's how we handle your data:
- Local Storage Only: All your assessment data stays in your browser's localStorage
- No Server Transmission: We do not collect, store, or transmit any of your responses
- You Control Your Data: Clear your browser data anytime to remove all stored information
- No Tracking: This tool does not use cookies or analytics that identify you
About Cyber Point Advisory
Cyber Point Advisory is a Houston-based cybersecurity consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations and individuals navigate the complex world of cybersecurity. Our workshop tools are designed to provide honest, actionable guidance for career changers and aspiring security professionals.
For more information:
- Website: cyberpointadvisory.com
- Community: cybersecuritycircle.org