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CyberDefenders Certified CyberDefender Level 2 (CCDL2)

Practice Questions
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CCDL1 Exam

$500 USD

Certification Cost

CyberDefenders

70%

Passing Score

CyberDefenders

4 months

Course Access Window

CyberDefenders

4 years

Certification Validity

CyberDefenders

6 modules

Course Structure

CyberDefenders

90% NIST

CDA Role Alignment

CyberDefenders

The CCDL1 (Certified CyberDefender Level 1) certifies entry-level SOC Tier 1 analyst skills through a practical browser-based exam aligned with real-world blue team scenarios. Six course modules cover SIEM operations (Microsoft Sentinel with KQL, Splunk with SPL, Elastic with EQL, QRadar with AQL, Graylog), network traffic analysis (Wireshark, NetworkMiner, Brim/Zeek, Arkime), endpoint forensics (Windows event logs, Sysmon, Volatility, NTFS artifacts), incident response (NIST SP 800-61, FTK Imager, chain of custody), phishing analysis, and cloud forensics (AWS CloudTrail, Azure AD). Cost is $500 USD including 4-month course access. Certification is valid for 4 years. This 100-question practice exam covers all six module knowledge domains.

Sample CCDL1 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CCDL1 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A SOC analyst is investigating an alert in Microsoft Sentinel. Which Kusto Query Language (KQL) operator would filter SecurityEvent records to show only failed logon events (EventID 4625) from the last 24 hours?
A.SecurityEvent | where EventID == 4625 | where TimeGenerated > ago(24h)
B.SecurityEvent | filter EventID = 4625 | timerange last 24h
C.SecurityEvent | select EventID=4625 | timeslice 24h
D.SecurityEvent | search EventID:4625 | last(24h)
Explanation: In KQL (used by Microsoft Sentinel), the 'where' operator filters rows and 'ago()' is used to compute relative time ranges. The correct syntax is 'where EventID == 4625 | where TimeGenerated > ago(24h)'. All other options use incorrect operators or syntax not valid in KQL.
2In Splunk, which Search Processing Language (SPL) command computes a count of events grouped by a specific field, similar to a SQL GROUP BY clause?
A.count group src_ip
B.stats count by src_ip
C.aggregate count field=src_ip
D.eval count(*) by src_ip
Explanation: In SPL, the 'stats' command with 'count by <field>' groups events and counts occurrences for each unique value of the specified field. This is the correct aggregation approach in Splunk. The other options use syntax from SQL or non-existent SPL commands.
3While analyzing network traffic in Wireshark, you want to display only packets where the destination port is 443 and the source IP is 10.0.0.5. Which display filter is correct?
A.src=10.0.0.5 port=443
B.ip.source=10.0.0.5 && port.dst=443
C.ip.src == 10.0.0.5 and tcp.dstport == 443
D.filter src 10.0.0.5 dst port 443
Explanation: Wireshark display filters use dot-notation field names and comparison operators. 'ip.src' specifies the source IP, 'tcp.dstport' specifies the TCP destination port, and 'and' (or '&&') combines conditions. This is the correct Wireshark display filter syntax.
4A security analyst uses NetworkMiner to analyze a captured PCAP file. What is NetworkMiner's primary function that differentiates it from Wireshark?
A.Provides deep packet inspection with real-time signature-based IDS alerting
B.Generates PCAP files from live network interfaces using BPF capture filters
C.Decrypts TLS traffic using pre-shared keys and exports decrypted payloads
D.Automatically reconstructs sessions and extracts files, credentials, and host information from PCAP files
Explanation: NetworkMiner is a passive network forensic analysis tool that automatically parses PCAP files to reconstruct sessions, extract transferred files, images, credentials, and build host profiles — without writing custom filters. Wireshark is more focused on granular packet dissection and display filtering.
5During a Splunk investigation, you need to identify the top 10 source IP addresses generating the most DNS requests. Which SPL query achieves this?
A.index=dns | stats count by src_ip | sort -count | head 10
B.index=dns | top 10 src_ip | group by count
C.index=dns | select top(src_ip, 10) order by count desc
D.index=dns | aggregate src_ip count limit=10
Explanation: The correct SPL sequence uses 'stats count by src_ip' to count events per source IP, 'sort -count' to sort in descending order (negative sign = descending), and 'head 10' to limit to the top 10 results. Alternatively, the 'top' command can do this in one step, but the query in option 0 is also valid.
6A Windows Security Event log shows Event ID 4688 with a process named 'powershell.exe' spawned by 'winword.exe'. Which attack technique does this most likely indicate?
A.Kerberoasting using Mimikatz to extract service tickets from memory
B.Macro-based malware executing a malicious PowerShell payload via a Word document
C.Pass-the-hash using NTLM credentials captured from LSASS
D.DLL search order hijacking via a malicious DLL placed in the application directory
Explanation: Event ID 4688 logs process creation. When powershell.exe is spawned with winword.exe (Microsoft Word) as the parent process, this is a classic indicator of a malicious macro inside a Word document executing a PowerShell payload — a common initial access technique (MITRE ATT&CK T1059.001, T1566.001).
7In the NIST SP 800-61 incident response lifecycle, which phase involves documenting lessons learned and updating incident response procedures after an incident is resolved?
A.Containment, Eradication, and Recovery
B.Detection and Analysis
C.Post-Incident Activity
D.Preparation
Explanation: NIST SP 800-61 defines four phases: Preparation; Detection and Analysis; Containment, Eradication, and Recovery; and Post-Incident Activity. The Post-Incident Activity phase is where the team conducts a lessons-learned meeting, documents findings, and updates policies, playbooks, and detection rules based on the incident.
8An analyst uses Volatility to analyze a Windows memory image. Which Volatility plugin lists running processes by walking the EPROCESS doubly-linked list, and is susceptible to DKOM (Direct Kernel Object Manipulation) hiding?
A.psscan
B.pstree
C.cmdline
D.pslist
Explanation: The 'pslist' plugin enumerates processes by following the doubly-linked list of EPROCESS structures maintained by the Windows kernel. Rootkits using DKOM can unlink a process from this list to hide it from pslist. The 'psscan' plugin instead scans physical memory for EPROCESS signatures, making it more resistant to DKOM hiding.
9While hunting in Elastic SIEM, you want to detect DNS queries to domains with high entropy names (a sign of DGA malware). Which Elastic approach is most appropriate?
A.Use a scripted field or runtime field with a custom painless script to calculate Shannon entropy of the dns.question.name field and alert when it exceeds a threshold
B.Create a Sigma rule that matches all dns.question.name values longer than 20 characters
C.Use the Elastic ml_anomaly_score field to detect anomalous DNS queries without custom configuration
D.Write an EQL sequence query that correlates DNS events with subsequent network connections on port 443
Explanation: Domain Generation Algorithm (DGA) domains have high entropy (randomness) in their names. The best way to detect them in Elastic is to compute the Shannon entropy of the domain name field using a Painless scripted/runtime field and alert when entropy exceeds a threshold (typically ~3.5 bits/char). Length alone (option 1) misses many DGA domains.
10In a Wireshark PCAP analysis, you observe regular outbound HTTP POST requests to the same external IP every 60 seconds, each with a small payload (~100 bytes). Which threat behavior does this most likely indicate?
A.DNS amplification DDoS attack
B.Command-and-control (C2) beaconing
C.ARP cache poisoning reconnaissance
D.SQL injection exfiltration via HTTP
Explanation: Regular, periodic outbound HTTP POST requests (consistent timing intervals, small fixed payload) are the hallmark of C2 beaconing — malware checking in with its command-and-control server for instructions. The regularity distinguishes it from legitimate web traffic and is a key indicator of compromise (MITRE ATT&CK T1071.001).

About the CCDL1 Exam

The Certified CyberDefender Level 1 (CCDL1) is an entry-level blue team certification by CyberDefenders that validates practical SOC Tier 1 analyst skills. The course and exam cover six modules: SOC operations and threat intelligence, network and endpoint security, SIEM operations (Splunk, Sentinel, Elastic, QRadar), phishing and email security, digital forensics and incident response, and cloud forensics. The practical exam is conducted in a browser-based lab environment. This practice exam prepares candidates by testing knowledge of SIEM tools, Wireshark, NetworkMiner, Brim, Arkime, Volatility, Windows and Linux forensics, and incident response procedures.

Assessment

Performance-based assessment

Time Limit

Practical scenario exam (self-paced within lab environment)

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$500 USD (CyberDefenders)

CCDL1 Exam Content Outline

25%

SIEM Operations & Log Analysis

KQL for Microsoft Sentinel, SPL for Splunk (stats, tstats, macros, notable events), EQL for Elastic, AQL for QRadar (offenses, building blocks, DSMs), and Graylog streams

20%

Network Traffic Analysis & IDS

Wireshark display filters, TCP/protocol analysis, NetworkMiner file and credential extraction, Brim/Zeek log analysis (conn.log, dns.log, files.log), Arkime SPI View, Suricata/Snort rule categories, JA3 fingerprinting

25%

Endpoint Forensics

Windows artifacts (registry hives, NTFS MFT timestamps, prefetch, ADS, USBSTOR, Sysmon event IDs 1/3/11/22), Linux artifacts (auth.log, /etc/passwd, cron, bash history), Volatility plugins (pslist, psscan, malfind, netscan, hashdump, dumpfiles, linux_pslist)

15%

Incident Response & Evidence Acquisition

NIST SP 800-61 lifecycle phases, RFC 3227 order of volatility, chain of custody, FTK Imager disk imaging, triage forensics with KAPE, containment strategies, full vs. logical imaging

10%

Threat Intelligence & SOC Fundamentals

MITRE ATT&CK tactics and techniques, Diamond Model of Intrusion Analysis, Cyber Kill Chain, phishing email header analysis (SPF/DKIM/DMARC), SOC escalation criteria, runbooks and playbooks

5%

Cloud Forensics & Advanced Detection

AWS CloudTrail API audit logging, Azure AD SigninLogs and NonInteractiveUserSigninLogs, Azure Monitor Activity Log, Microsoft Defender for Cloud, cloud-native SIEM log sources

How to Pass the CCDL1 Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: Performance-based assessment
  • Time limit: Practical scenario exam (self-paced within lab environment)
  • Exam fee: $500 USD

Keys to Passing

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CCDL1 Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master KQL for Microsoft Sentinel and SPL for Splunk — the exam heavily tests SIEM query writing and alert investigation workflows
2Practice Wireshark display filters and learn to identify C2 beaconing patterns (regular intervals, small fixed payloads, consistent user-agents)
3Know the key Volatility plugins: pslist vs. psscan (DKOM detection), malfind (code injection), netscan (active connections), hashdump (credential extraction), and malfind (process hollowing)
4Memorize the critical Windows Security Event IDs: 4624 (logon), 4625 (failed logon), 4688 (process creation), 4698 (scheduled task), 4728/4732 (group membership), 4769 (Kerberos TGS), 4771 (Kerberos pre-auth failure), 7045 (service install)
5Understand the NIST SP 800-61 incident response lifecycle phases and RFC 3227 order of volatility for evidence collection sequencing
6Practice NetworkMiner for PCAP file extraction and Brim/Zui for Zeek log analysis — these are core tools in the CCDL1 curriculum
7Study the MITRE ATT&CK framework: know common tactic IDs (TA0003 Persistence, TA0004 PrivEsc, TA0008 Lateral Movement) and technique IDs for key attacks
8Understand phishing email header analysis: Return-Path, Received chain order (bottom=origin), SPF/DKIM/DMARC authentication results
9Complete all CyberDefenders SOC Tier 1 track labs — hands-on investigation practice is essential for the practical exam format

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CCDL1 exam format?

The CCDL1 exam is a practical, scenario-based assessment conducted in CyberDefenders' browser-based lab environment. Candidates investigate real-world SOC scenarios covering network forensics, disk forensics, memory forensics, threat hunting, and perimeter defense. The exam includes questions answered after hands-on investigation within the lab. Candidates need 70% or higher to pass.

What are the six CCDL1 course modules?

The CCDL1 course includes: (1) SOC Operations & Threat Intelligence Foundations — SOC tiers, alert triage, threat intel platforms; (2) Network & Endpoint Security — intrusion detection, endpoint monitoring; (3) SIEM Operations & Log Analysis — Splunk, Microsoft Sentinel, Elastic, QRadar, Graylog; (4) Email Security & Phishing Defense — SPF/DKIM/DMARC, BEC analysis; (5) Digital Forensics & Incident Response — evidence acquisition, disk and memory forensics, IR procedures; (6) Cloud Forensics & AI-Driven Security — cloud incident investigation and AI detection tools.

How much does the CCDL1 cost?

The CCDL1 certification costs $500 USD, which includes 4-month access to all six course modules with labs, practice materials, and the practical exam. The certification is valid for 4 years after issuance. Renewal requires accumulating CPE credits through CyberDefenders platform labs.

How hard is the CCDL1?

The CCDL1 is rated beginner to intermediate. Community reviews describe the exam as manageable for candidates who complete the full 6-module course and associated labs. One reviewer completed it in approximately 3 hours and achieved over 90%. The course content is described as exceeding typical SOC Tier 1 expectations, covering advanced topics like C2 decryption and AI-driven security that prepare candidates well beyond the minimum exam requirements.

What jobs does CCDL1 qualify me for?

CCDL1 demonstrates entry-level SOC analyst skills valued for: SOC Analyst Tier 1 ($50,000-$75,000), Junior Security Analyst ($55,000-$80,000), Security Operations Center Analyst ($60,000-$85,000), and Incident Responder (entry-level, $60,000-$90,000) roles. It complements vendor certifications like Splunk Core Certified User, Microsoft SC-200, and CompTIA Security+ or CySA+ for a well-rounded blue team profile.

Is this practice exam like the real CCDL1?

No — this is a knowledge-based multiple-choice practice exam. The real CCDL1 is a hands-on practical exam where you investigate actual security incidents in a browser-based lab environment. This practice exam tests the theoretical knowledge and tool concepts from the 6-module CCDL1 curriculum. To pass the real exam, you need hands-on lab practice with SIEM tools, Wireshark, Volatility, and forensic analysis workflows. Use this exam to verify your understanding before attempting the practical.