⚔️ EC-Council CPENT 

Certified Penetration Testing Professional

(intermediate level before LPT Master)

🧠 1. Certification Name and Issuing Body

🧩 2. Certification Level and Type

  • Level: Intermediate to Advanced

  • Type: Technical (hands-on, offensive security)

📜 3. Purpose and Goals

  • What skills does it certify?
    Full-scope penetration testing skills including internal/external network attacks, web app exploitation, binary analysis, evasion techniques, privilege escalation, and post-exploitation

  • Target roles or profiles:
    Penetration Tester, Red Team Operator, Cybersecurity Consultant, Offensive Security Specialist

  • Practical applications:
    Advanced penetration testing against enterprise networks, bypassing defenses, exploiting Windows/Linux systems, Active Directory attacks

🎓 4. Prerequisites

  • Recommended prior certifications:
    CEH, PenTest+, or equivalent hands-on experience

  • Suggested experience:
    2–3 years in cybersecurity or penetration testing

  • Required technical knowledge:
    Networking, web exploitation, Linux/Windows CLI, Python/Bash scripting, basic assembly, Active Directory

📚 5. Content and Curriculum

  • Key domains/modules:

    1. Penetration Testing Scoping and Engagement

    2. Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)

    3. Social Engineering

    4. Network and Perimeter Exploitation

    5. Web Application Exploitation

    6. Wireless Penetration Testing

    7. IoT and OT Hacking

    8. Bypassing Security Defenses

    9. Advanced Privilege Escalation

    10. Active Directory Attacks

    11. Reporting and Documentation

  • Technologies/tools:
    Nmap, Burp Suite, PowerShell Empire, Metasploit, Responder, BloodHound, Mimikatz, Hydra, custom payloads

  • Framework mapping:
    MITRE ATT&CK, NIST SP 800-115, NICE Framework (PR, DE, and RS categories)

🧪 6. Learning Approach

  • Style: 100% practical, scenario-based

  • Labs/environments: CPENT Cyber Range (24-hour virtual engagement)

  • Materials: EC-Council iLabs, eBook, video training, cheat sheets

  • Recommended platforms: INE (optional prep), Hack The Box (to reinforce red teaming), TryHackMe (post-exploitation labs)

📝 7. Exam Format and Details

  • Mode: Online, proctored, practical-only exam

  • Duration: 24 hours (divided into 2 x 12-hour sessions if desired)

  • Questions: Practical tasks with scoring system based on real exploit success

  • Languages: English

  • Passing score:

    • 70%+ → CPENT Certified

    • 90%+ → Awarded LPT (Master) status

  • Retake policy: One free retake included depending on purchase bundle

  • Certification validity: 3 years

💰 8. Estimated Cost

  • Exam voucher only: ~$550 USD

  • Training + iLabs + exam: ~$2,199 USD (varies with offers)

  • Renewal cost: Annual EC-Council membership (~$80 USD) or recertification after 3 years

🌍 9. Industry Recognition

  • Demand/popularity: Gaining recognition as a more practical alternative to CEH, though not as advanced or renowned as OSCP

  • Organizations that value it: Government contractors, EC-Council training partners, defense contractors, companies under 8570.01-M

  • Comparison:

    • More hands-on and real-world than CEH

    • Less intense than OSCP in terms of exploit development but better structured for guided training

    • LPT Master is the next step for elite recognition

💼 10. Career Opportunities

  • Job roles:
    Penetration Tester, Ethical Hacker, Red Team Analyst, Security Consultant

  • Suggested paths:
    → CEH → CPENT → LPT Master
    → CPENT → OSCP / CRTO for specialization

💵 11. Average Salary

  • USA: $85,000–$115,000/year

  • Europe: €55,000–€85,000/year

  • Salary impact: Up to 25% increase compared to CEH-only roles

  • (Sources: PayScale, EC-Council reports, CyberSeek)

📅 12. Renewal and Maintenance

  • Validity: 3 years

  • Renewal options:

    • Submit Continuing Education Units (120 EC-Council ECEs)

    • Renew membership or retake updated exam

🧭 13. Final Recommendations

  • Ideal for:
    Professionals with some pentest experience ready to move beyond CEH into full-scope Red Team simulations

  • When to pursue:
    After CEH, eJPT, or PenTest+; before OSCP or as an alternative to PNPT

  • Tips:
    Time management is key for the 24-hour exam. Practice privilege escalation and Active Directory attacks. Document every step and validate your exploits in lab reports.