Penetration Tester Roadmap

Learn to think like an attacker and find the gaps before real adversaries do.

An offensive-security path that moves from fundamentals to professional, report-driven penetration testing across networks, web and beyond. You learn the same methodology our red team uses on real engagements, always under clear scope and written authorization.

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Duration: 9 to 12 months
Level: Beginner to job-ready
Stages: 6
Field: Cybersecurity

By the end

What you will be able to do

Run a structured penetration test from recon to reporting

Find and exploit common web and network vulnerabilities safely

Write a clear, professional report with proof-of-concept evidence

Understand the ethics, scope and authorization that govern the work

The roadmap

Your step-by-step path

Follow the stages in order. Each one builds on the last, from fundamentals to job-ready.

01
Networking & Linux Foundations
You cannot attack what you do not understand. Master the terrain first.
- TCP/IP, routing and services
- Linux command line and scripting
- Windows internals basics
- Virtual labs and tooling
02
Security & Offensive Fundamentals
Learn the attacker mindset, ethics and the rules of engagement.
- Threats, vulnerabilities and exploits
- Ethics, scope and authorization
- Recon and OSINT
- Pentest methodology
Certification checkpoint CompTIA Security+ (helpful)
03
Web Application Hacking
The most common attack surface, broken down hands-on.
- OWASP Top 10
- Injection, XSS and auth flaws
- Burp Suite and proxies
- API testing basics
04
Network & Infrastructure Testing
Move from a single host to a full internal compromise, safely.
- Scanning and enumeration
- Exploitation and pivoting
- Privilege escalation
- Active Directory attacks
05
Reporting & Professionalism
A finding is only useful if the client can act on it.
- Risk rating and impact
- Proof-of-concept evidence
- Clear remediation advice
- Client communication
Certification checkpoint Practical offensive certs (target)
06
Job-Ready: Junior Pentester
Prove it on realistic targets and build a portfolio that gets you hired.
- Full end-to-end engagements
- Capture-the-flag practice
- Building a report portfolio
- Intro to red teaming
Certification checkpoint NUEXUS Penetration Tester (Verified)