Are you planning to build a career in ethical hacking and want to stand out in the cybersecurity job market? Here’s a simplified guide to the Top 10 Penetration Testing Certifications that employers value the most. These credentials emphasize hands-on labs, real-world assessments, detailed reporting, and practical skills that help you land high-demand pentesting roles.
From beginner-friendly programs like eJPT and CompTIA PenTest+ to industry-recognized milestones such as OSCP and PNPT, this list will help you create a career roadmap, showcase credibility, and step confidently into penetration testing.
What is Penetration Testing?
Penetration testing (ethical hacking) is the practice of simulating cyberattacks on networks, applications, and cloud systems to find vulnerabilities before malicious hackers exploit them. A skilled pentester masters scoping, reconnaissance, exploitation, post-exploitation, lateral movement, reporting, and stakeholder communication.
👉 For learners in India, Craw Security offers some of the best Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking training programs aligned with these certifications.
Top 10 Penetration Testing Certifications
1. OffSec OSCP (PEN-200)
The gold standard of penetration testing certifications, focusing on Linux/Windows exploitation, privilege escalation, and clear reporting. Known for its 24-hour practical exam.
- Job Roles: Junior Penetration Tester, Network Security Engineer, Ethical Hacker
- Fee: $999 | Validity: 3 years | Exam: 24-hour lab + report
- Best For: Learners ready for their first serious practitioner milestone.
2. TCM Security PNPT
A real-world, end-to-end pentest exam that includes scoping, OSINT, exploitation, AD attacks, reporting, and a live debrief. It tests professionalism as much as technical skill.
- Job Roles: Penetration Tester, Red Teamer, Security Consultant
- Fee: $499 | Validity: 3 years | Exam: Multi-day engagement + 48-hr report + presentation
- Best For: Those seeking consultancy-style pentest practice.
3. CompTIA PenTest+ (PT0-003)
A vendor-neutral exam covering planning, ethics, network/web/cloud pentesting, and reporting. Great for bridging the gap between Security+ and advanced certifications.
- Job Roles: Penetration Tester, Vulnerability Assessor, IT Security Analyst
- Fee: $349 | Validity: 3 years | Exam: MCQs + performance-based tasks
- Best For: Entry-level and mid-level professionals.
4. GIAC GPEN (SANS SEC560)
A methodology-driven certification with strong coverage of password attacks, AD, pivoting, and detailed reporting. Recognized in government and enterprise sectors.
- Job Roles: Senior Pentester, Security Consultant, Vulnerability Manager
- Fee: $1,999 | Validity: 4 years | Exam: Proctored knowledge-based
- Best For: Professionals targeting enterprise and regulated industries.
5. INE/eLearnSecurity eJPT v2
A beginner-friendly practical certification that tests skills in network scanning, exploitation, and basic web/system attacks. Ideal for freshers.
- Job Roles: Entry-Level Pentester, Security Analyst
- Fee: $199 | Validity: 3 years | Exam: Hands-on lab
- Best For: Beginners entering cybersecurity.
6. EC-Council CPENT → LPT Master
Advanced exam covering perimeter, pivoting, AD, and IoT/ICS exploitation. High performers in CPENT can earn LPT Master, EC-Council’s elite credential.
- Job Roles: Senior Pentester, Red Team Operator, Ethical Hacker
- Fee: $1,199 (CPENT) / $3,500 (LPT Master) | Validity: 3 years
- Exam: 24-hour hands-on challenge
- Best For: Those on the EC-Council track after CEH.
7. CREST CRT (Registered Penetration Tester)
Globally respected, especially in UK/EU government projects, this certification ensures compliance and consulting standards.
- Job Roles: Pentester, Security Consultant
- Fee: $1,000–$2,000 | Validity: 3 years | Exam: Practical assessment
- Best For: Professionals in regulated industries and government.
8. Hack The Box CPTS
Delivered via HTB Academy, CPTS emphasizes modern attack chains, AD exploitation, and realistic environments. Strong for hands-on learners.
- Job Roles: Pentester, Red Teamer, Security Researcher
- Fee: $200 | Validity: 2 years | Exam: Practical labs + report
- Best For: Learners who prefer lab-driven paths.
9. PortSwigger Burp Suite Certified Practitioner (BSCP)
Focused entirely on web application security, this tough exam tests deep Burp mastery and bug chaining.
- Job Roles: Web App Pentester, Bug Bounty Hunter, AppSec Engineer
- Fee: $199 | Validity: 3 years | Exam: Web challenges (time-boxed)
- Best For: Web pentesters and bug bounty enthusiasts.
10. INE/eLearnSecurity eCPPTv2
A mid-level certification bridging eJPT and OSCP/PNPT, covering network, web, pivoting, and reporting in one professional exam.
- Job Roles: Pentester, Security Consultant, Red Team Specialist
- Fee: $799 | Validity: 3 years | Exam: Lab + professional report
- Best For: Learners advancing from beginner to advanced certifications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which certification should beginners choose?
Start with eJPT v2 for fundamentals, then move to CompTIA PenTest+ for methodology before aiming for OSCP or PNPT.
2. OSCP or PNPT – which should I do first?
- PNPT = Real client engagement experience.
- OSCP = Globally recognized exploitation benchmark.
- Choose based on whether you want job-like practice or recognition first.
3. How long to become job-ready?
With 8–12 hrs/week study: 6–9 months to land a junior pentesting role.
4. Do I need coding skills?
Yes, basic Python/Bash helps with automation. You can learn coding alongside certification prep.
5. Is BSCP only for web pentesters?
Yes, it’s ideal for web app security & bug bounty hunters.
6. Which certs are recognized in government/regulated projects?
GIAC GPEN and CREST CRT are highly valued.
7. Can I skip PenTest+ and jump to OSCP?
You can, but PenTest+ builds strong lifecycle knowledge before advanced certifications.
8. Does Craw Security offer mentorship for these exams?
Yes, with hands-on labs, mock exams, reporting practice, and mentorship mapped to eJPT, OSCP, PNPT, GPEN, BSCP, and CRT.
9. Do I need high-end tools or PCs?
No, most labs work on moderate setups or via cloud VMs.
10. Can Craw Security guide me in choosing the right path?
Absolutely. Craw Security counselors design personalized learning roadmaps based on your career goals.
Conclusion
To succeed in penetration testing, start small with eJPT or PenTest+, then pursue OSCP or PNPT as your major milestones. After that, specialize in web testing (BSCP) or enterprise consulting (GPEN/CRT) depending on your career goals.
Hands-on labs, strong reporting skills, and continuous practice are the keys. For structured learning, real-world labs, and expert mentorship, Craw Security in India provides one of the best training environments for aspiring pentesters.
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