Cybersecurity
Penetration Tester
Tests systems and applications for exploitable weaknesses and reports them.
Overview
Penetration testers work to an agreed scope, find and prove weaknesses, then write clear remediation reports. Strong networking and Linux skills come first; an offensive-security certification helps with hiring filters.
Core skills
Network fundamentals
Networking
Addressing, routing, switching, DNS, DHCP and the OSI model.
Penetration testing
Offensive security
Reconnaissance, exploitation and reporting within an agreed scope.
Linux administration
Systems
Shell, permissions, services and troubleshooting on Linux hosts.
Vulnerability management
Security
Scanning, prioritising and remediating technical weaknesses.
Recommended certifications
Entry-level certifications
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA • N10-009 • Associate
You cannot attack what you cannot map — start with networking.
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA • SY0-701 • Associate
Defensive baseline that hiring filters often require.
Intermediate certifications
Certified Ethical Hacker
EC-Council • CEH v13 • Associate
Widely recognised offensive-security certification for job filters.