Best Penetration Tester Certifications for 2024: Stay Abreast with Market Trends

Introduction

Before criminal actors take advantage of an organization’s security system, vulnerabilities, and weak points must be evaluated. In this capacity, penetration testers assist companies in building a solid security posture by simulating system intrusions. The issue lies in dealing with clever hackers in the ever-changing world of cyber dangers. Having state-of-the-art expertise is essential to address these dangers, even if you are an expert pen tester.

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Penetration Tester Certifications

Penetration testing, commonly known as ethical hacking, assesses computer systems, networks, and applications to identify and address security vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them. Penetration testers, or ethical hackers, simulate cyberattacks to evaluate an organization’s security posture and provide recommendations for improving its defenses.

Certifications play a crucial role in the penetration testing field, as they validate the skills and expertise of professionals.

Reasons Why You Should Have A Penetration Tester Certification

Don’t pursue a certification because your friend or colleague is taking it. Dig deep into the benefits it will bring you, and first, learn the importance of holding a certification. Certification in the penetration testing field holds so much value; the reasons below will help you discover it.

1. Dynamic Evolution in Cybersecurity Demands Innovation

Cybersecurity has witnessed a dynamic change in recent years, fueling the risk of more sophisticated cyber threats. The significant growth in cybersecurity isn’t just temporary; it is long-lasting, as are the cyber threats. You must have innovative skills and penetration tester certification to tackle the dynamic change and implement a robust security system.

2. Increased Workforce Gap Demand Trained Pen Tester

Other security professionals can identify the security systems and networks for vulnerabilities, however, penetration testers are specialized and trained to think like hackers. Moreover, as the demand for pen testers increases, so does the workforce gap. According to the latest ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, the cybersecurity domain showed a global gap of 3.4 million workers, with 436,080 workers needed in North America. The workforce gap can be reduced by hiring potential employees in this domain, and what makes you a potential employee is a penetration testing certification.

3. Increased Market Demand

The demand for penetration testers is rising, and that’s good news for those who want to become a penetration tester. The following statistics from various sources will help you understand the market demand for penetration testers.

According to CyberSeek, penetration tester is the most in-demand cybersecurity job title, with 21,048 job openings in the U.S.

Best Penetration Tester Certifications for 2024

We have listed the best penetration tester certifications in entry-level, intermediate-level, and professional-level certifications. The categorization of levels will help you understand which certification is best for you based on your knowledge, experience, and career level.

1. GIAC Penetration Tester Certification (GPEN)

GIAC penetration tester certification (GPEN) is a beginner-level certification that validates a practitioner’s ability to conduct a penetration test using best-practice techniques and methodologies. The certified individual has the ability and skills to conduct exploits and identity attacks and implement a process-oriented approach to penetration testing projects.

2. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

EC Council offers Certified Ethical Hacker credentials, one of the best ethical hacking or penetration testing certifications. The certification enables you to grasp the foundation of ethical hacking by covering 20 modules. This module will enhance your ability to use ethical hacking techniques like network scanning, hacking techniques, hijacking, and conducting vulnerability analyses. If you want to start your cybersecurity career or in penetration testing, this certification is a great place to start.

3. OffSec’s Penetration Testing with Kali Linux Certification (OSCP)

OSCP is a penetration testing offered by Offensive Security. This certification validates professional hands-on knowledge of penetration testing methodologies using Kali Linux distribution. The certification is considered more technical than other ethical hacking certifications and is also one of the few that require proof of practical penetration testing skills.

4. Certified Penetration Tester Certification (CPT)

The Certified Penetration Tester certification is from Infosec and is the first of several ethical hacking or penetration testing certifications it offers. This certification demonstrates your knowledge and skills for pen-testing across nine domains. It enables you to understand various pen-testing methodologies, attacking and networking reconnaissance, vulnerability identification, and exploiting across various networking systems.

Deep Delve into Penetration Testing with Intermediate-Level Certifications

1. CompTIA PenTest+

CompTIA PenTest+ is one of the most acknowledged certifications for cybersecurity professionals tasked with penetration testing and vulnerability management. This certification covers hands-on vulnerability assessment, scanning, analysis, and scoping and managing weaknesses. This certification requires relevant pen testing skills for the cloud, hybrid environments, web applications, Internet of Things (IoT), and traditional on-premises.

2. Certified Penetration Tester (CPENT)

The EC-Council Certified Penetration Tester (CPENT) program is about the pen test. It demonstrates your expertise in an enterprise network environment that is attacked, exploited, evaded, and defended. This certification live practical range teaches you to gain skills to the next level, getting you acquainted with pen test IoT systems and OT systems as well as how to write your exploits, build your tools, conduct advanced binaries exploitation, double pivot to access hidden networks, and customization of scripts and exploit to get into the private segments of the network.

3. GIAC Certified Incident Handler Certification (GCIH)

The GIAC Incident Handler (GCIH) certification validates your ability to detect, respond, and resolve computer security incidents using cutting-edge and essential security skills. This certification teaches you to manage security incidents by understanding standard attack techniques, vectors, and tools and responding against such attacks.

4. OffSec Experienced Pentester Certification (OSEP)

Offsec Experienced Pentester (OSEP) certification demonstrates your knowledge of Penetration Testing with Kali Linux and your ability to perform advanced penetration tests against mature organizations with an established security function and focus on bypassing security mechanisms designed to block attacks. Candidates who complete the course and pass the exam will earn the Offsec Experienced Pentester certification.

5. Certified Mobile and Web Application Penetration Tester (CMWAPT)

The Certified Mobile and Web Application Penetration Tester will build your skills around using pen testing methodologies and tools to conduct tests on Web and mobile apps and assess their security. To qualify for this certification, you should understand pen testing concepts and principles of secure coding.

How to Choose the Best Penetration Certification for One’s Career?

• Research the Available Options: Before deciding which certification is best for you, it is essential to research all the available options.

• Eligibility Requirement: Review the certification eligibility criteria. If it matches your skill level, give it a go.

• Difficulty Level: You must look for a certification rigor level next. Choose the certification that matches your current knowledge and experience level and whose difficulty you can stand for.

• Industry Validation: While reviewing other criteria, look at a credential body’s status globally. An industry-recognized certification gives you a competitive edge and validates your expertise to the next level.

These factors will aid you in opting for the best certification for your career. Moreover, you can also make an informed decision by reviewing our list of best penetration tester certifications.

Conclusion

The demand for penetration testers has skyrocketed, giving pentest professionals plenty of job opportunities. Not just for today but the craze of penetration testers is continuing. But as the demand increased, so as the workforce gap. Now, organizations want professionals with dynamic skills because of the current revolution in cyber tech. Penetration tester certifications are a new hope for seasoned and emerging professionals. Our list of best penetration tester certifications gives you insights on which is best for you and which you should pursue for your career jump. Read the list of top pen testing certifications now and make an informed decision.

FAQs

1. What prerequisites are required to pursue a penetration testing certification?

Prerequisites vary depending on the certification program. Generally, entry-level certifications may not require prior experience, while more advanced certifications often require a certain level of experience in cybersecurity or penetration testing. Additionally, some certifications may have specific educational or training requirements.

2. How do penetration testing certifications differ, and how can we choose the right one for my career goals?

Penetration testing certifications differ in terms of the skills and knowledge they assess, the level of difficulty, and industry recognition. When choosing a certification, consider factors such as your current knowledge and experience level, the specific areas of penetration testing you want to specialize in (e.g., network, web application, mobile application), and the credibility of the certification body. Researching the available options and understanding their differences can help you make an informed decision aligned with your career goals.

3. Are there any ongoing education requirements to maintain a penetration testing certification?

Many certification programs require holders to participate in continuing education activities to maintain their credentials. These activities may include attending training courses, conferences, webinars, or engaging in relevant professional development activities. Some certifications may require individuals to renew their certification periodically by passing a recertification exam or fulfilling other requirements. It’s crucial to review the maintenance requirements outlined by the certification body to ensure compliance and the continued validity of your certification.