Week #1
Thursday
CJCA is on HTB. I am super excited because this certification is exactly what I needed. I want to start preparing for the exam right now. This is my Day 1. #HTB #CJCA
I enrolled to become an HTB Certified Junior Cybersecurity Associate. I received my welcome letter. *cheers* I want to learn 5 more modules because they are included in the Information Security Foundations and SOC Analyst Prerequisites Skill Paths. I really want to become a well-rounded professional. #HTB #CJCA
Friday
I am really happy to have been able to complete Introduction to Information Security! I found the first two sections much more challenging than the other parts. The module helped to deepen my understanding of basic concepts. #HTB #CJCA #reviews
Week #2
Monday
This is not my first attempt to use HTB Academy. Before they released CJCA, I completed 6 (of 20) modules from the current path. But I do not remember much, except that learning on HTB was always extremely daunting and time-consuming for me. I think by creating the new modules and adding them to a beginner path, they opened the door to beginners like me. #HTB #CJCA
Tuesday
I like how Network Foundations explained topics that other study resources do not cover clearly. The Skill Assessment really enhanced it. It was creative and extremely useful. Thanks for sharing it! #HTB #CJCA #reviews
Wednesday
Today I was learning the first half of Introduction to Networking. It was a good idea to put it after the Network Foundations module because of its complexity. The best part was when I had to make calculations. I try to analyze, comprehend, and practice what I learn. #HTB #CJCA
Thursday
As a beginner, it was great to read the experiences of someone who has already done penetration testing in real-world networks. Introduction to Networking covered many topics. I hope I will be able to fully understand every detail over time. #HTB #CJCA #reviews
Friday
Thanks for creating Intro to Academy! It is good to keep in mind the underlying logic of how our learning journey is designed. #HTB #CJCA #reviews
Week #3
Monday
I am working on Linux Fundamentals. I feel lucky because I already have a little experience with the operating system. Others have to start from scratch. I am using Linux daily. #HTB #CJCA
Tuesday
Linux Fundamentals is one of the best modules on HTB Academy. It comprehensively covers many important topics in one place. It is worth the time to work through each section. #HTB #CJCA #reviews
Wednesday
Yesterday, I could not finish Linux Fundamentals as I expected. Because I had completed it in the past (before they created CJCA), there was not a single record of this anomaly. I still wanted to note it somewhere. I finished it today (+1 day). I could still work through the beginning of Introduction to Bash Scripting. It took me much less time than I thought. #HTB #CJCA
Thursday
I found Introduction to Bash Scripting clear and useful. I have experience in programming, and it helped me to pick up the basics very fast. #HTB #CJCA #reviews
Friday
I was working on Learning Process today. I am thinking about practicing with several easy machines in HTB Labs before taking the exam. It could significantly increase my preparation time but improve my skills. I have no idea if it is necessary to pass successfully. #HTB #CJCA
Week #4
Monday
Learning Process was a very interesting module for me because of the coincidences. I usually think and analyze myself. I disagree on many points with the author because I often have a different perspective, but it was still worth to read through it. #HTB #CJCA #reviews
Tuesday
I would like to be good at multiple operating systems and not stick to one. Windows is frequently used during penetration tests. A lot of people encounter it daily. I decided to practice a little with Active Directory after working on Windows Fundamentals today. #HTB #CJCA
Wednesday
Windows Fundamentals lets us peek into the world of system administrators. I am planning to return to it multiple times (even after finishing). It can serve as a foundation for many additional exercises. #HTB #CJCA #reviews
Thursday
Today, Introduction to Windows Command Line was a nice surprise. They noted the expected time for completing it at my normal pace. I think this is the first module that is suitable for absolute beginners, and not just for beginners. #HTB #CJCA
Friday
Introduction to Windows Command Line is simply just amazing. The authors not only explained Windows concepts very well in this module, but also gave me great help with other CJCA modules. I feel that they truly understand me as a beginner. #HTB #CJCA #reviews
Week #5
Monday
We will see how I will be able to finish the job role path.
I try to finish modules in two days and mini modules in one day.
Sometimes, there are deviations. For example, I have solved
some exercises in the Introduction to Active Directory.
I am waiting to start it so much, but the time has not come yet.
Sometimes, I do the exercises before the readings,
then return to the same questions after the readings.
On Friday, I had answered every question on the
Skill Assessment except one. The last one took me more time
than I expected. My schedule noted to finish the module on Friday.
I decided to hit the Finish button, write the review,
and mark it as an overlap. (I think there will be overlaps
in the future too. A similar thing happened with the
Linux Fundamentals module previously.)
Today, I was working on Web Requests and I was reading parts
from Introduction to Windows Command Line too.
By the way, there are very challenging parts in multiple
modules for me. I keep returning to the unclear parts and try
to understand and research them more in depth.
I try to search for topics that will be very important for the exam.
For example, how to create a report properly.
I noticed some modules are much harder,
and some modules are much easier.
I try my best to take the challenge.
I do not think the modules are appropriate
for absolute beginners because they are too difficult for them.
I would share only a few of them with absolute beginners,
and only after recommend them multiple sources to read.
HTB Academy can be really tough.
#HTB #CJCA
Tuesday
Web Requests helped me to become more comfortable using cURL. It increased my knowledge regarding HTTP headers too. I am happy that it is a part of CJCA job role path. #HTB #CJCA #reviews
Wednesday
I was working on Introduction to Web Applications today. It was easy for me because I can program, so I started learning about the MITRE ATT&CK® Framework. #HTB #CJCA
Thursday
Introduction to Web Applications made sure to give a solid foundation before moving to web penetration testing. Previous knowledge about the topic made it much clearer. It is really worth the time. #HTB #CJCA #reviews
Friday
I was super excited to start Introduction to Active Directory, and this is the day to start it officially! I hope I will be able to work with ADs in the future. #HTB #CJCA
Week #6
Monday
I was working hard to finish Introduction to Active Directory.
It is half past midnight but it was still worth it.
This is my review on HTB Academy:
Thanks for creating Introduction to Active Directory!
This topic is very new to me. I want to specialize
in Active Directory later on.
#HTB #CJCA #reviews
Tuesday
I became sad after reading the post of an intermediate HTB certification holder. The author decided to take the CJCA exam (even if it is for beginners). It looks like the learning path will not be enough to pass the exam successfully. I decided to start Intro to Network Traffic Analysis instead of Introduction to Penetration Testing. I no longer trust the order of modules. I will figure out whether to first take the exam or practice labs with a break before the real exam. #HTB #CJCA
Wednesday
I was working on Intro to Network Traffic Analysis today. I have not used tcpdump yet. I do not have much previous experience with Wireshark either. I decided to give it an additional day. #HTB #CJCA
Thursday
Intro to Network Traffic Analysis was a very useful module, as blue teaming is very new to me. I could understand it comfortably. It showed me useful basic information. Previous Linux, web development, and networking knowledge was useful. #HTB #CJCA #reviews
Friday
I started Incident Handling Process today. I downloaded the NIST Special Publication related to Incident Handling. I finished Intro to Network Traffic Analysis in three days. It was not hard, but I really need to develop proper blue teaming technical skills before the exam. #HTB #CJCA
Week #7
Monday
Incident Handling Process was a gentle introduction for me. Blue teamers have a very interesting job. I can imagine their daily life better now. #HTB #CJCA #reviews
Tuesday
I started Security Monitoring & SIEM Fundamentals today. It is after the Incident Handling Process in the CDSA job-role path. I decided not to follow the module order in CJCA after reading that the Blue Teaming part will be very difficult on the exam. Defensive security is new to me. I want to understand it properly. If I start it sooner, I will have more time to keep returning to it. I know Elastic is a very important topic. It is better to get used to it sooner than later. The Security Monitoring & SIEM Fundamentals module includes it. #HTB #CJCA
Wednesday
This was my first real encounter with Elastic. First, nothing seemed to work as I expected. Then, it became more comfortable rapidly. Thanks for creating Security Monitoring and SIEM Fundamentals! #HTB #CJCA #reviews
Thursday
I started Windows Event Logs & Finding Evil. I could understand it
more after completing Security Monitoring and SIEM Fundamentals.
It was a good idea to follow the module order in the CDSA path
(instead of CJCA). It is a mini-module, but I still found it tricky.
I want to give it enough time, so I will play with it tomorrow too.
I was reading comments about other HTB exams.
It looks like previous experience is always necessary.
I am planning to solve several labs before buying my voucher.
#HTB #CJCA
Friday
I was working on Windows Event Logs & Finding Evil. I was too optimistic at the beginning of the day because I started another module (Introduction to Threat Hunting & Hunting With Elastic) too. I could not complete every exercise in Windows Event Logs & Finding Evil. I searched a bit, and others have difficulty too. I will keep working on it until I overcome all the obstacles. #HTB #CJCA
Week #8
Monday
In my previous post, I mentioned that I could not finish the last two mini-modules on time. I was in a difficult situation. I decided to continue my normal schedule while keep working on them. This way I do not need to finish the job-role path much later, I only need to solve a few exercises sometimes. Today, I started the Introduction to Penetration Testing module, as expected. #HTB #CJCA
Tuesday
Introduction to Penetration Testing covered many topics. It was useful to read advice about possible first jobs, or to read information about the different areas. I am happy that the author shared his expertise with us. #HTB #CJCA #reviews
Wednesday
Today, I decided to continue with Network Enumeration with Nmap. I played with Sherlocks in HTB Labs too. I try to get more comfortable with defensive security. #HTB #CJCA
Thursday
Network Enumeration with Nmap is a very important module for me while preparing for the CJCA exam. Penetration testers use it daily, so I want to become good at it. I like that the module includes evasion techniques too. #HTB #CJCA #reviews
Friday
I was studying Pentest in a Nutshell today. HTB Labs will increase prices next month. I am thinking about buying a VIP annual subscription instead of a CJCA exam voucher. I have never done any HTB exam yet, but HTB Academy assumes previous knowledge a lot of times. I guess, those can be right who say HTB Labs is a must for the exams (or a decent amount of previous experience). I do not want to risk not passing. I read about writing reports and practiced Sherlocks too. #HTB #CJCA
Week #9
Monday
[ One Week Off ]
Week #10
Monday
I was too positive. I thought, I would be able to do the ten weeks in one sitting.
It did not happen. I could manage eight weeks. Then, I had a week off.
This is my Week #10. I was thinking a lot. If I attempt to complete the last two
weeks in one week, it will not be effective. I will not spend enough time
on the remaining modules. Quantity is not everything. Quality counts too.
The other thing is that I have no idea how fast I will be. Maybe,
a little rest could be a great idea, but I want to continue the challenge.
I have no idea when I can complete the HTB Certified Junior Cybersecurity
Associate's Job Role Path, but I will do my best. I will keep going until
I can tackle the challenge.
#HTB #CJCA
I kept studying after midnight. I could complete the Pentest in a Nutshell module.
This is a great module with not just technical details. Beginners
really need a helping hand before creative challenges. Reading
this module after a few months will be easy for me. Now,
I could spend my energy better to understand the information more.
#HTB #CJCA #reviews
Tuesday
I realized that I need only one more module to complete the Information Security Foundations Skill Path. I worked on Setting Up today. #HTB #CJCA
Wednesday
It was great to see how professional penetration testers prepare their environments before real-world engagements. Thanks for sharing Setting Up with us! #HTB #CJCA #reviews
Thursday
Yesterday, I could successfully complete the Information Security Foundations Skill Path. Today, I started working on Intro to Assembly Language. It is the last module of the SOC Analyst Prerequisites Skill Path. It might take longer than two days. #HTB #CJCA
Friday
Threat Hunting is a very new field for me. The module included high-quality content. Thanks for creating Introduction to Threat Hunting & Hunting With Elastic! #HTB #CJCA #reviews
Week #11
Monday
[ One Week Off ]
Week #12
Monday
I could do my first eight weeks as I planned it. One module usually took
me two days. Then difficulties happened. First, I thought the best approach
was to take a week off. I could continue studying one more week.
Then I could not continue my normal routine again. I had a second week off.
I realized that I cannot continue like that. I changed my approach.
Yes, I cannot spend the same amount of time on the modules as previously,
but I want to complete them! Based on the original schedule, I only need
my last week. I am so close. I decided to handle the situation by giving
the modules twice the amount of time. I am not happy about it, but this way,
hopefully, I can finish the end of the path consistently.
#HTB #CJCA
Tuesday
Yesterday I started Footprinting. I continued it today. I am happy to learn. It was a good idea to change my study plan. I hope four days will be enough. I still want to complete the path, even in smaller steps. #HTB #CJCA
Wednesday
I could study a little today too. HTB will have a live stream on YouTube about CJCA tomorrow. Cry0l1t3 and 21y4d will be there. I have no idea if I can participate in the event or just watch the stream later. If anyone can go online at 9:00 AM CST, they will be able to ask the creators. #HTB #CJCA
Thursday
After watching the HTB CJCA stream today, I am 100% sure that I have to complete several Machines and Sherlocks before the exam. They implied that an absolute beginner without any previous knowledge could start the learning path. I do not agree with this at all. I highly respect the technical details that they share, and I am very happy that they made the modules affordable because this way people can access high-quality content. But I do not have the same opinion all the time. I want to minimize the risk and be able to pass the exam on the first attempt. I do not want to hit the wall when they ask something much harder that they did not cover previously. #HTB #CJCA
Friday
I started Hacking WordPress today. I have uncompleted exercises from three modules right now: Intro to Assembly Language, Footprinting, and Windows Event Logs & Finding Evil. I am working in these modules simultaneously. #HTB #CJCA
Week #13
Monday
This week will be very challenging for me. I keep going. No matter how much I move forward, it can count. I was able to study a little today. #HTB #CJCA
Tuesday
I kept working on Hacking Wordpress today. This is my third day. I practiced on a few easy machines on HTB Labs too. I forgot about the time while I was solving them. It became after midnight somehow. #HTB #CJCA
Wednesday
Hacking WordPress is a great resource to understand WordPress better. The readings were clear and meaningful. The exercises made me think sometimes. Thanks for creating it! #HTB #CJCA #reviews
Thursday
I started Using the Metasploit Framework today. This is the last module that I have not read yet. I bought an annual HTB Labs VIP subscription instead of a CJCA exam voucher last month. I am planning to solve a lot of easy Machines and Sherlocks. When I was working on the Hacking WordPress Skill Assessment, I found it much easier because of my previous lab experience. I guess it can make the exam smoother too. #HTB #CJCA
Friday
I was thinking a lot. I am persistent and really want to finish the path. I have completed 21 of 25 modules. Using the Metasploit Framework does not seem hard, but I have three other unfinished modules. If one module is missing, the whole path is incomplete. For example, I only need to answer one more question to complete Footprinting. I am sure I cannot measure exactly how many days I need to be able to move forward, so I decided to add a note only when a change happens from this point. Thank you for reading about my journey. I had an intensive 13 weeks (I had 2 weeks off, so it was actually 11 weeks). #HTB #CJCA
Week #14
Monday
Using the Metasploit Framework is a very well-written introduction to Metasploit. It contains just enough information. Keep up the nice job! #HTB #CJCA #reviews
Tuesday
Footprinting helped me to become better at penetration testing. The exercises could seem very hard at first glance. After figuring out the proper solutions, they became very simple. #HTB #CJCA #reviews
Wednesday
I am very thankful for creating Intro to Assembly Language. I could learn many interesting tricks. I have got stuck sometimes. Now, I can write simple programs on my own. #HTB #CJCA #reviews
Blue teaming is a new field for me. I found the Windows Event Logs & Finding Evil module the most challenging defensive module in the CJCA learning path. It contains a lot of information. I am planning to keep returning to it. #HTB #CJCA #reviews
Last Friday, I did not expect I could finish the learning
path soon. But I could complete it. I finished it today.
In my diary, this is my "Week #14," but I realized that I studied
only two days in my first week. I started the learning
path on Thursday (July 24, 2025). I studied three days
in my last week, so it ended on Wednesday (Oct 22, 2025).
So it did not take me 14 weeks (2+3=5); it took me 13 weeks.
I had two weeks when I could not study.
So I studied 11 weeks intensively and I had 2 weeks off.
First, I noticed every time when I did not finish before midnight,
but I think it can happen when you do something that you
really like. I tried not to learn on weekends.
I still cannot comprehend I finished the path. I think
I will write a new post later.
#HTB #CJCA