What global certifications are available for Penetration Testing?

There are several globally recognized certifications for penetration testing and ethical hacking. These certifications validate a professional’s skills and knowledge in the field and can be beneficial for career advancement. Here are some of the most prominent penetration testing certifications:

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH):

• Offered by the EC-Council, this certification covers a wide range of hacking and penetration testing techniques. It’s a foundational certification for those new to the field.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP):

• While not exclusively a penetration testing certification, CISSP, offered by (ISC)², is a well-regarded certification in the cybersecurity field. It includes topics related to security, risk management, and access control.

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM):

• Offered by ISACA, CISM is focused on information security management but includes domains related to penetration testing and ethical hacking.

Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP):

• This certification by Offensive Security is highly regarded in the industry. It involves a rigorous hands-on exam where candidates must penetrate a series of machines in a controlled environment.

GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN):

• Offered by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), the GPEN certification focuses on ethical hacking, penetration testing, and network defense.

Certified Penetration Testing Professional (CPENT):

• EC-Council’s CPENT certification is designed for advanced penetration testers. It includes real-world challenges and hands-on labs.

Certified Professional Ethical Hacker (CPEH):

• Offered by the Mile2, this certification covers ethical hacking, penetration testing, and information security concepts.

Certified Penetration Tester (CPT):

• EC-Council’s CPT certification is an intermediate-level program that covers penetration testing methodologies and techniques.

Certified Security Analyst (ECSA):

• This EC-Council certification builds on the CEH and goes into more advanced penetration testing topics.

Certified Web Application Tester (CWAPT):

• EC-Council’s CWAPT certification focuses on web application penetration testing and security.

Certified Mobile Application Penetration Tester (CMAPT):

• Also offered by EC-Council, the CMAPT certification specializes in mobile application penetration testing.

Certified Wireless Security Analyst (CWSA):

• EC-Council’s CWSA certification is designed for those interested in wireless network security and penetration testing.

CompTIA Security+:

• Although not a penetration testing-specific certification, CompTIA Security+ covers a broad range of security topics, making it a good entry-level certification for those new to security.

Each of these certifications has its own prerequisites, curriculum, and examination requirements. The choice of which certification to pursue depends on your current skill level, career goals, and specific areas of interest within penetration testing and ethical hacking. Additionally, many professionals pursue multiple certifications to broaden their skill set and enhance their career prospects.