How to Become a Penetration Tester: Certifications That Matter

Learning Saint
6 hours ago
8 min read

Introduction:

If you're exploring how to become a penetration tester, the first thing you’ll quickly notice is that the field is both exciting and highly competitive. Penetration testing—commonly known as ethical hacking—is all about identifying vulnerabilities before malicious hackers do. And because it's a career based on trust, deep technical knowledge, and real-world skills, certifications play a major role.

While certifications do not replace hands-on practice, they validate your expertise and make your resume stand out. Whether you're searching for how to become a pen tester or how to become pentester without a formal degree, certifications can bridge the gap by proving your competence.

This blog will walk you through the certifications that matter most and help you understand how to build the perfect roadmap toward becoming a professional penetration tester.

What Does a Penetration Tester Do? (Quick Overview)

Before diving into certifications, it’s essential to understand the role itself. A penetration tester’s job is to simulate cyberattacks on networks, applications, cloud systems, APIs, and even physical infrastructure to identify weaknesses.

A typical day for a pentester includes:

Scanning networks for vulnerabilities
Performing recon on targets
Exploiting systems using tools like Metasploit or Burp Suite
Reporting findings to the company
Helping organizations fix the vulnerabilities

Penetration testing is not just about hacking—it's structured, authorized, and methodical. This is why employers look for certified individuals: they want proof that you understand not just how to hack, but how to hack legally, safely, and professionally.

If you're researching how to become a penetration tester, keep in mind that certifications often teach this professional side just as much as the technical one.

Do You Really Need Certifications to Become a Pen Tester?

Here’s the straightforward answer: No, certifications are not mandatory—but they are extremely valuable.

Many successful pentesters are self-taught. However, certifications give you advantages such as:

✔ Proof of Credibility

Companies need to trust that you can handle sensitive security tasks responsibly.

✔ Structured Learning

Certifications guide your learning path from beginner to expert levels.

✔ Better Job Opportunities

Hiring managers often filter resumes based on recognized certifications.

✔ Higher Earning Potential

Certified penetration testers typically earn more.

✔ Portfolio Enhancement

Certifications show dedication and commitment.

So while you can break into cyber security without certifications, if your goal is how to become a pen tester fast, completing the right certifications accelerates your journey massively.

Top Entry-Level Certifications for Aspiring Penetration Testers

If you are new to cybersecurity and want to know how to become a penetration tester, your starting point should be entry-level certifications. These certifications help you build foundational knowledge in networking, Linux, security concepts, and basic exploitation.

🔹 CompTIA Security+ (Best Starting Point for Beginners)

Security+ teaches fundamental cybersecurity concepts, including threats, vulnerabilities, risk management, and network security. It acts as a strong base before learning pentesting.

Why it matters:

Widely accepted
Builds core cybersecurity knowledge
Helps beginners transition into ethical hacking

🔹 EJPT (INE – Junior Penetration Tester)

The eJPT is one of the best hands-on certifications for beginners. Instead of multiple-choice questions, you must complete a real-world hacking challenge.

What you learn:

Basic exploitation
Web app testing
Network pentesting
Report writing

If you're figuring out how to become a pentester with actual hacking skills, eJPT is your best entry-level practical certification.

🔹 CompTIA PenTest+

PenTest+ sits between beginner and intermediate levels. It validates skills in planning, executing, and reporting penetration tests using real-world tools.

Key benefits:

Covers full pentesting lifecycle
Good for those pursuing professional roles
Ideal segue into advanced certifications

These certifications help build the foundation required to move into intermediate and advanced pentesting roles.

Intermediate Certifications to Boost Your Pentesting Career

Once you understand the basics, intermediate certifications help you specialize and gain more hands-on experience.

🔹 CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)

CEH is popular worldwide and teaches you the tools and methodologies used by ethical hackers.

Why it matters:

Recognized globally
Covers a wide range of topics
Good for job seekers in large enterprises

🔹 eWPT / eWPTX (Web Application Penetration Testing)

If you love web hacking, these certifications by INE are ideal.

You’ll learn:

XSS
SQL injection
Authentication bypass
Advanced web exploitation techniques

eWPTX is significantly more advanced.

🔹 OSWP (Offensive Security Wireless Professional)

This certification focuses on wireless hacking and network exploitation.

What you learn:

Cracking Wi-Fi
Wireless vulnerabilities
Security best practices

These intermediate certifications help you transition from foundational knowledge to specialized expertise.

Advanced & Expert-Level Certifications (For Serious Pen Testers)

Now comes the most prestigious part. If you're serious about learning how to become a penetration tester at an expert level, these certifications are the gold standard.

🔹 OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)

OSCP is arguably the most respected certification in ethical hacking.

Why it’s a must-have:

Completely hands-on
You must hack multiple machines in 24 hours
Teaches hardcore vulnerability exploitation

OSCP tells employers that you can think, solve problems, and break into networks under pressure.

🔹 OSCE3 (Expert-Level Certification Path)

This is Offensive Security’s most advanced path. It includes advanced exploitation, web attacks, and modern penetration testing.

🔹 GIAC GPEN & GXPN

These certifications from SANS Institute are extremely high-value and employer-recognized.

GPEN: General penetration testing
GXPN: Advanced exploitation and penetration testing

While expensive, SANS certifications are among the best in the world.

🔹 CREST CRT / CCT

CREST certifications are popular in the UK, EU, and global enterprise pentesting environments.

Value:

Required for many government & high-security projects
Highly respected
Focused on real-world attack scenarios

These certifications take your pentesting career to a master level.

Specialized Certifications for Niche Pentesting Roles

Pentesting is a huge field. Once you master the basics, you can specialize.

🔸 Cloud Penetration Testing Certifications

AWS Security
AZ-500
Google Cloud Security
CCSK
SANS cloud-focused certs

Cloud skills are in extremely high demand.

🔸 Red Teaming Certifications

CRTO (Certified Red Team Operator)
Red Team Ops II
SANS Red Team certifications

You learn adversary simulation, privilege escalation, and stealthy attack techniques.

🔸 API & Web App Pentesting

APIs are now the backbone of the internet, and specialized testing programs like eWPTX focus deeply on them.

🔸 ICS/SCADA Pentesting Certifications

For those interested in industrial cybersecurity.

These specialized certifications allow you to build a niche, making you stand out as a highly sought-after expert.

How to Choose the Right Certification Based on Your Career Stage

Choosing the right certification depends on where you currently stand in your learning journey. Here is a simple roadmap:

✔ If You Are a Complete Beginner

Start with:

Security+
eJPT

Build foundational knowledge first.

✔ If You Have Basic Knowledge & Want Hands-On Skills

Go for:

eWPT
PenTest+
CEH

These help you transition into real pentesting skills.

✔ If You Want to Become a Professional Pentester

Your primary target should be:

OSCP
GPEN

These two certifications open most pentesting jobs globally.

✔ If You Want to Become an Expert or Specialist

Choose based on your interest:

OSCE3 (Advanced Exploitation)
CRTO (Red Teaming)
CREST (Enterprise/Gov Pentesting)
Cloud Security Certifications

This stage helps you position yourself as a senior penetration tester or security consultant.

Certification Roadmap: Beginner to Expert (Step-by-Step Path)

Choosing the right certification path is crucial when exploring how to become a penetration tester. Instead of randomly picking courses, follow a structured roadmap that takes you from beginner to professional pentester.

Beginner Level (Start Here)

✔ Security+ – Build fundamental cybersecurity and networking basics. ✔ eJPT – Gain first hands-on pentesting experience.

These give you the confidence to handle basic cybersecurity tasks and introduce you to hacking methodologies.

Intermediate Level (Skill Building Stage)

✔ CEH – Learn tools and techniques used by ethical hackers. ✔ PenTest+ – Understand how professional pentesters plan and execute tests. ✔ eWPT – Begin specializing in web application testing.

At this stage, you start working on labs, CTFs, and platforms like TryHackMe or HackTheBox.

Professional Level (Job-Ready Stage)

✔ OSCP – Learn real exploitation techniques that employers value highly. ✔ GPEN – Deepen your understanding of enterprise-level pentesting.

With these, you become ready for full-time pentesting roles.

Expert Level (Senior Pentester / Red Teamer)

✔ OSCE3 ✔ CREST CRT/CCT ✔ GXPN ✔ CRTO

This roadmap ensures you don’t waste time or money and progress logically from beginner to expert. If you consistently follow this path, you’ll quickly master how to become a pen tester with confidence and industry recognition.

Cost, Difficulty & Time Required for Each Certification

Certifications vary widely in cost and difficulty. Here’s what you can expect:

Entry-Level Certifications

Certification	Cost	Difficulty	Time Needed
Security+	₹30,000–₹40,000	Easy	1–2 months
eJPT	₹12,000–₹15,000	Easy–Medium	2–4 weeks
PenTest+	₹35,000–₹45,000	Medium	1–3 months

Intermediate Certifications

Certification	Cost	Difficulty	Time Needed
CEH	₹60,000–₹90,000	Medium	2 months
eWPT	₹30,000–₹50,000	Medium	1–2 months
OSWP	₹25,000–₹40,000	Medium	1 month

Advanced Certifications

Certification	Cost	Difficulty	Time Needed
OSCP	₹85,000–₹1,10,000	Hard	2–6 months
GPEN	₹4,00,000+	Hard	3–6 months
GXPN	₹5,00,000+	Very Hard	4–8 months
CREST	₹1,00,000–₹2,50,000	Very Hard	4–6 months

As you advance, certifications become more expensive and more challenging — but the career rewards are higher. Understanding these costs will help you plan your journey in how to become a pentester effectively and smartly.

Real-World Skills Certifications Actually Teach You

Certifications do more than validate your knowledge—they teach skills that penetration testers use every day. Some of the most important skills you gain include:

✔ Network Reconnaissance & Scanning

Tools like Nmap, Nessus, and masscan.

✔ Exploitation Techniques

Breaking into vulnerable systems, servers, and applications.

✔ Web Application Attacks

SQL Injection, XSS, CSRF, API exploitation.

✔ Password Cracking & Privilege Escalation

Using Hashcat, Hydra, and privilege escalation scripts.

✔ Reporting & Documentation

One of the most essential skills. A pentester must explain vulnerabilities clearly and professionally.

✔ Understanding the Hacker Mindset

How attackers think, plan, and exploit organizations.

These are the exact skills employers expect when hiring, making certifications a powerful part of learning how to become a penetration tester.

Do Employers Prefer Certain Certifications? (Industry Insights)

Yes, employers definitely have preferences. Based on global hiring trends:

Most Preferred Certifications by Companies

OSCP → Top choice for technical pentesting roles
CEH → Popular for corporate and government jobs
GPEN → Preferred for enterprise-level security roles
CREST → Mandatory for many UK/EU pentesting contracts
eJPT → Great for beginners applying to entry-level roles

OSCP stands out as the most respected globally. Many companies list it as a requirement or “strongly preferred.” If you're focusing on how to become a pen tester and want a job fast, OSCP is the certification that moves your resume to the top of the pile.

How to Prepare for Penetration Testing Certifications

Preparation can make or break your success. Here's a simple strategy:

✔ Build Strong Fundamentals

Learn Linux, networking, scripting (Python/Bash), and cybersecurity basics.

✔ Practice on Labs & Platforms

Use:

TryHackMe
HackTheBox
INE labs
PortSwigger Academy

Practical experience matters more than theory.

✔ Follow a Study Roadmap

Break your study into clear phases:

Learn theory
Practice tools
Solve labs
Attempt mock exams
Review weak areas

✔ Join Study Groups & Communities

Pentesting communities on Discord, Reddit, LinkedIn, and GitHub help you learn faster.

✔ Build a Home Lab

Use VirtualBox or VMware to test attacks safely.

Preparing well is a core part of how to become pentester without getting stuck or feeling overwhelmed.

Common Mistakes Students Make When Choosing or Preparing

Many beginners waste time or money by making avoidable mistakes, such as:

❌ Jumping directly into OSCP without basics

This leads to frustration and burnout.

❌ Collecting certifications without building skills

Skills beat certificates every time.

❌ Ignoring Linux, networking, and scripting fundamentals

These are essential.

❌ Not practicing hands-on labs

Pentesting is a practical field — theory alone won’t help.

❌ Choosing certifications based only on popularity, not career goals

Always select certifications aligned to your niche.

Avoiding these mistakes will save you months and keep your journey smooth while learning how to become a penetration tester.

Final Thoughts:

Becoming a penetration tester is an exciting and rewarding path, but it requires continuous learning. Certifications matter because they validate your skills, guide your journey, and open doors to better job opportunities.

If you're serious about how to become a pen tester, follow this formula:

✔ Master the basics

✔ Earn the right certifications

✔ Practice consistently

✔ Build a portfolio (GitHub + reports + CTFs)

✔ Stay updated — cybersecurity evolves daily

With the right certifications, skills, and persistence, you can build a strong career as a penetration tester and stand out in the cybersecurity industry.