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EC-Council Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst CTIA Quick Facts
The EC-Council Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst (CTIA) certification empowers cybersecurity professionals to transform raw data into meaningful threat insights that drive proactive defense strategies. This overview helps you quickly understand the exam structure, domains, and essential skill sets needed to excel in threat intelligence analysis.
How does the CTIA certification elevate your threat intelligence expertise?
The CTIA certification validates your ability to establish, manage, and evolve a threat intelligence program that strengthens organizational resilience. It covers the complete intelligence lifecycle, from collection and analysis to dissemination and integration with security operations. The certification emphasizes the application of intelligence frameworks, analytical methods, and collaborative sharing practices that align with real-world threat landscapes. Ideal for professionals in SOC, incident response, or risk management, CTIA equips you to identify, interpret, and apply threat intelligence that keeps your organization one step ahead.
Who Should Pursue the EC-Council Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst (CTIA) Certification?
The EC-Council Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst (CTIA) certification is ideal for cybersecurity professionals who want to elevate their ability to identify, analyze, and respond to advanced threats. It’s designed for individuals seeking to specialize in the emerging and highly valued field of cyber threat intelligence.
You’ll benefit most if you are working in roles such as a SOC analyst, incident responder, network defender, or cybersecurity engineer. The CTIA is especially valuable for professionals who aim to build proactive security programs, improve situational awareness, and outsmart adversaries through actionable intelligence.
This is a specialist-level credential, so it’s perfect for individuals with foundational cybersecurity experience who are ready to advance toward technical leadership and analytical roles.
What Types of Roles Can I Pursue with CTIA Certification?
The CTIA opens doors to rewarding and globally recognized cybersecurity roles. Certified professionals often move into positions such as:
- Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst
- Cyber Threat Hunter
- SOC Threat Intelligence Analyst
- Threat Intelligence Engineer or Manager
- Threat Management Director or Consultant
Organizations in sectors like finance, defense, technology, and healthcare actively seek CTIA-certified professionals to bolster security operations with intelligence-driven decision-making. This certification validates that you possess the skills to identify early indicators of compromise and translate threat data into actionable intelligence.
What Is the Latest Exam Version and Code?
The current version of the Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst exam runs under exam code 312-38. This is part of the CTIA v2 curriculum, which aligns with the latest global security frameworks, including the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework and CREST Certified Threat Intelligence Manager standards.
Always verify updates directly from EC-Council’s official communication channels to ensure you are training with the latest version of the exam.
How Many Questions Are on the Exam?
You’ll face 50 multiple-choice questions on the CTIA exam. Each question is carefully designed to test not only your technical knowledge but also your understanding of real-world scenarios in threat intelligence.
These questions challenge your analytical thinking, requiring you to apply frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK, Cyber Kill Chain, and Diamond Model of Intrusion Analysis to practical examples.
How Long Do You Have to Complete the CTIA Exam?
The exam duration is two hours (120 minutes). This timing gives candidates enough opportunity to analyze and reason through each question carefully.
It’s best to allocate your time wisely across questions and domains since scenario-based items may take longer to interpret than direct conceptual questions.
What Score Do You Need to Pass the Exam?
To successfully earn your CTIA credential, you’ll need to achieve a 70% passing score. This threshold demonstrates that you have mastered the fundamental and technical competencies required to analyze cyber threats effectively and convert data into meaningful intelligence insights.
The CTIA exam uses a straightforward scoring model, so if you meet or exceed 70%, you pass—there’s no sectional grading.
What Is the Format of the Exam?
The CTIA 312-38 exam includes multiple-choice questions available through the EC-Council Exam Portal. Expect both conceptual and situational questions that measure your ability to interpret cyber threat scenarios, determine intelligence priorities, and apply frameworks effectively.
The questions reflect practical applications, mirroring responsibilities you’ll encounter as a professional threat intelligence analyst.
How Much Does the EC-Council CTIA Certification Cost?
The exam cost is approximately $550 USD, although prices may vary depending on your region or training partner.
This fee covers access to the official EC-Council exam, recognized globally across both private and governmental cybersecurity organizations. You can purchase exam vouchers directly through EC-Council or an Authorized Training Center.
What Languages Is the CTIA Exam Available In?
The CTIA exam is delivered in English, ensuring consistency and clarity across international candidates. EC-Council continuously evaluates additional language options for global accessibility.
Since cybersecurity terminology is standardized in English across the industry, this also prepares candidates for real-world communications within global cybersecurity teams.
How Long Is the Certification Valid?
Upon passing the CTIA exam, your certification remains valid for three years. EC-Council encourages certified professionals to stay current by participating in EC-Council’s Continuing Education (ECE) program and renewing through professional development or advanced certifications.
This ensures your knowledge stays aligned with the latest attack methods and intelligence frameworks used worldwide.
Are There Any Prerequisites for the CTIA?
While there are no strict prerequisites, EC-Council recommends that candidates have a minimum of two years of experience in cybersecurity or IT fields.
Professionals who already hold EC-Council credentials like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Certified Network Defender (CND) are well-prepared for this program. Foundational experience helps you grasp the analytical and technical dimensions of threat intelligence with greater depth.
What Key Domains Are Covered on the CTIA Exam?
The CTIA exam blueprint includes eight knowledge domains, each with specific weighting:
- Introduction to Threat Intelligence
- Cyber Threats and Attack Frameworks
- Requirements, Planning, Direction, and Review
- Data Collection and Processing
- Data Analysis
- Dissemination and Reporting of Intelligence
- Threat Hunting and Detection
- Threat Intelligence in SOC Operations, Incident Response, and Risk Management
These domains together assess your understanding of the entire cyber threat intelligence lifecycle—from data acquisition and analysis to reporting and operational integration.
What Skills Will You Gain Through the CTIA Program?
Candidates who complete CTIA training gain a deep skill set, including:
- Conducting data collection through OSINT, HUMINT, and malware analysis
- Applying frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK and Cyber Kill Chain
- Performing statistical data analysis with structured methodologies such as ACH and SACH
- Automating intelligence workflows with Python scripting
- Developing and disseminating actionable threat intelligence reports
These capabilities make CTIA graduates highly valuable contributors in security operations and intelligence-led defense teams.
How Long Does It Take to Prepare for the CTIA?
Preparation time depends on your background and study approach. EC-Council’s official CTIA training options typically run for three days and include 27 hands-on labs, a 350-page lab manual, and an 800+ page student guide.
Combining this structured training with consistent review and practical experience optimizes your readiness for the exam.
What Are the Different Training Delivery Options?
EC-Council offers three official ways to train for CTIA:
- iLearn (Self-Paced) – A flexible, video-on-demand learning experience.
- iWeek (Live Online) – Interactive, instructor-led virtual classes.
- In-person Training (Authorized Partners) – Classroom sessions for immersive, guided instruction.
These diverse learning modes cater to professionals worldwide, ensuring that everyone can find a method that suits their schedule and learning style.
What Type of Hands-On Learning Does CTIA Include?
CTIA goes beyond theory, dedicating nearly 40% of the course to hands-on labs. Learners practice in real-world network environments using threat intelligence platforms, simulated attack traffic, and data analysis tools.
You’ll get experience extracting Indicators of Compromise (IoCs), building intelligence reports, and integrating tools that mirror enterprise SOC environments.
Is the CTIA Certification Difficult to Earn?
The CTIA is a professional-level certification, but with focus, preparation, and hands-on practice, it’s absolutely achievable. The program is designed to be systematic and engaging.
Most learners find that thorough training combined with a reliable CTIA practice exam resource helps them feel well-prepared, confident, and efficient on exam day.
For realistic preparation, try the best CTIA certification practice tests and simulated questions to reinforce your understanding and identify knowledge gaps before the real exam.
What Are the Key Benefits of Earning the CTIA Credential?
The CTIA is recognized globally as a benchmark for professional threat intelligence analysts. Earning it validates your ability to:
- Transform raw data into actionable intelligence
- Strengthen organizational defenses through proactive measures
- Collaborate effectively across SOC, threat hunting, and incident response teams
- Become a trusted voice in influencing cybersecurity strategies
Employers value the CTIA because it blends technical mastery with real-world application—an essential combination in modern cybersecurity defense.
How Much Can You Earn After Becoming a CTIA?
According to industry data, threat intelligence analysts in the United States earn an average annual salary of $120,000. Professionals specializing in this field are in high demand across defense contractors, Fortune 500 enterprises, and cybersecurity service providers.
Earning your CTIA certification signals to employers that you’re ready to handle advanced analytical responsibilities and lead intelligence-driven security initiatives.
Which Industries Employ CTIA-Certified Professionals?
CTIA holders are recruited across diverse industries, including:
- Government and Defense Agencies
- Banking and Financial Services
- Healthcare Providers
- Technology and Telecommunications
- Energy and Utilities
- Retail and E-commerce
Any organization dependent on digital infrastructure needs security analysts capable of turning raw data into intelligence—that’s where CTIA-certified professionals excel.
How Can You Register for the EC-Council CTIA Exam?
To register, visit the official EC-Council Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst CTIA certification page. There, you can choose your preferred training delivery option, enroll in the course, and purchase your exam voucher.
Once enrolled, you’ll gain access to official EC-Council materials, labs, and the exam portal to take your next confident step toward becoming a certified threat intelligence expert.
The EC-Council Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst (CTIA) certification is more than a credential—it’s your gateway to a strategic, analytical, and high-impact cybersecurity career. By mastering the art of cyber threat intelligence, you position yourself at the forefront of global digital defense. Prepare with determination, apply your knowledge practically, and step confidently into your role as an elite CTIA professional.
