BlueCyber vs SANS: Which SOC Training is Right for You?
Compare cost, format, job placement support, and outcomes. Both are excellent—but serve different audiences and career stages.
TL;DR: The Main Differences
BlueCyber
- • $2,500 for 12-week weekend program
- • Career-changer focused (60% have no IT background)
- • 95% job placement within 4 months
- • Hands-on labs with Splunk, Sentinel, CrowdStrike
- • Resume, interview prep, employer intros included
SANS
- • Typically $8,000-$10,000+ for bootcamp + certification exam
- • Certification-focused (industry gold standard)
- • No job placement services
- • Intensive immersive format (requires time off work)
- • Ideal for experienced IT professionals seeking credentials
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | BlueCyber | SANS |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,500 Payment plans available | Typically $8,000-$10,000+ Plus certification exam fees (varies by course) |
| Format | 12 weeks, part-time Saturdays 9am-5pm (weekend-only) | 5-6 days, full-time Immersive bootcamp (requires PTO) |
| Target Audience | Career changers 60% have no IT background | IT professionals Assumes foundational knowledge |
| Learning Focus | Hands-on skills Tool proficiency + job readiness | Certification prep Deep theory + GIAC exam focus |
| Certification | Skills Passport Verified tool proficiency + portfolio | GIAC Certification Industry gold-standard credential |
| Job Placement | 95% placement rate Resume review, interview prep, employer intros | No placement services Training only, no job support |
| Tools Covered |
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| Location | Arlington, VA (DMV-focused) In-person weekend training | Multiple cities + Online Nationwide and virtual options |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose BlueCyber If You...
- Are changing careers from non-IT backgrounds (retail, military, teaching, etc.)
- Can't take time off work (need weekend-only training)
- Need hands-on tool training with Splunk, Sentinel, or CrowdStrike
- Want job placement support (resume, interview prep, employer intros)
- Live in the DMV area (VA/MD/DC/DE/NJ/NY)
- Have a budget under $3,000
Choose SANS If You...
- Already have IT experience and want to specialize in security
- Need GIAC certification for federal/DoD roles
- Prefer intensive, immersive learning (can take a week off work)
- Have employer tuition reimbursement ($8K+ budget)
- Want deep theoretical knowledge + exam-based credential
- Don't need job placement assistance
Disclaimer: SANS®, GIAC®, and related trademarks are the property of their respective owners. BlueCyber is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by SANS Institute. Pricing and program details are based on publicly available information as of December 2024 and may vary. This comparison is provided for informational purposes only.
💡 Pro Tip: Do Both (Sequentially)
Many of our graduates start with BlueCyber to land their first SOC role, then use employer tuition reimbursement to pursue SANS/GIAC certifications 6-12 months later. This path gives you immediate employment + long-term credential growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BlueCyber training as recognized as SANS certification?
SANS certifications (GIAC) are industry gold-standard credentials. BlueCyber focuses on hands-on skills validation with tools employers actually use (Splunk, Sentinel, CrowdStrike). Our graduates pass employer skill assessments at a 95% rate. Many pursue GIAC certifications after securing employment, using employer tuition reimbursement.
Can I work full-time while attending BlueCyber training?
Yes. BlueCyber runs weekend-only (Saturday 9am-5pm) for 12 weeks, designed for career changers with full-time jobs. SANS bootcamps are 5-day immersive programs requiring time off work.
Does SANS offer job placement support?
No. SANS provides world-class training but no placement services. BlueCyber includes resume review, interview prep, employer introductions, and verified Skills Passport documentation. 95% of graduates secure SOC analyst roles within 4 months.
Which program is better for complete beginners?
BlueCyber is designed for zero-experience career changers (60% of our cohort). SANS assumes foundational IT knowledge and moves quickly. If you have no IT background, BlueCyber provides the structured onboarding you need.
Can I take both programs?
Yes, and many do. Start with BlueCyber to build foundational skills and land your first SOC role. Then pursue SANS/GIAC certifications using employer tuition reimbursement (most federal contractors offer $5K-$10K annually).
Ready to Start Your SOC Career?
Book a free consultation to discuss your background, goals, and which path makes sense for you.
Questions? Call 571-351-0981 or email [email protected]