Penetration Tester
An offensive-security path that builds networking and security foundations before hands-on penetration-testing practice.
Target role
Penetration Tester
Estimated path time
Varies by experience and study pace
Path overview
Establish networking and security fundamentals, progress through entry or intermediate penetration-testing credentials, and continue toward advanced practical assessment skills.
Step-by-step path
Follow the sequence in order unless a step is marked optional.
CompTIA Network+
Build the networking foundation needed to understand services, protocols, and attack surfaces.
CompTIA Security+
Add broad security concepts, controls, threats, and risk knowledge.
eJPT or CompTIA PenTest+
Choose an entry-level practical route or an intermediate vendor-neutral penetration-testing route.
Offensive Security Certified Professional
Progress toward advanced practical penetration-testing methodology and technical reporting.
Practical activity
Practical activityApply the path only in legal, authorized lab environments.
Practical activity
Complete legal hands-on labs and publish sanitized methodology notes.
Continue building this career path
Explore the certification areas used in this roadmap, then compare training and study resources for your next step.