How to become a Penetration Tester
Cybersecurity penetration testers conduct authorized offensive security assessments of applications, infrastructure, cloud environments, networks, containers, and enterprise systems. They identify and exploit vulnerabilities, validate security controls, document business risk, recommend remediation, and communicate findings to technical and executive stakeholders.
Top Skills Required
- Web application and API penetration testing
- Cloud security assessment
- Infrastructure and network penetration testing
Education & Certifications
Typical: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or a related technical field.
Alternative paths:
- Master's degree in a related field
- PhD in a related field
- Equivalent professional experience in lieu of a degree
- Relevant certifications such as OSCP, OSWE, OSEP, GPEN, GXPN, PenTest+, CEH, CySA+, AWS Security Specialty, or Azure Security Engineer Associate