⚔️ GIAC GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester)

🧠 1. Certification Name and Issuing Body

🧩 2. Certification Level and Type

  • Level: Intermediate to Advanced

  • Type: Technical (offensive security)

📜 3. Purpose and Goals

  • What skills does it certify?
    Full lifecycle penetration testing including reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation, password attacks, web app testing, and reporting

  • Target roles or profiles:
    Penetration Tester, Ethical Hacker, Red Team Operator, Security Consultant

  • Practical applications:
    Simulated attacks against networks and systems to identify weaknesses, compliance testing, vulnerability validation

🎓 4. Prerequisites

  • Recommended prior certifications:
    GSEC, Security+, or equivalent knowledge

  • Suggested experience:
    2–3 years in networking, systems administration, or security

  • Required technical knowledge:
    TCP/IP, scripting (Bash/Python), Linux & Windows CLI, common vulnerabilities, Nmap, Metasploit

📚 5. Content and Curriculum

  • Key domains/modules:

    1. Penetration Testing Methodology and Legal Considerations

    2. Information Gathering and Enumeration

    3. Vulnerability Scanning

    4. Exploitation Techniques

    5. Web Application Attacks

    6. Password Attacks

    7. Post-Exploitation

    8. Reporting and Communication

  • Technologies/tools:
    Nmap, Metasploit, Hydra, Netcat, Burp Suite, John the Ripper, SQLMap, Linux CLI, Windows PowerShell

  • Framework mapping:
    NIST SP 800-115, MITRE ATT&CK (Initial Access, Discovery, Credential Access), OSSTMM, OWASP

🧪 6. Learning Approach

  • Style: Mixed (conceptual + technical, not lab-based in the exam)

  • Labs/environments: Hands-on labs provided in SANS SEC560 training course (optional)

  • Materials: SANS SEC560: Network Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking course (recommended), GIAC Practice Tests, official GPEN books

  • Recommended platforms: SANS OnDemand, TryHackMe (labs for practice), CyberDefenders, Hack The Box (supplementary)

📝 7. Exam Format and Details

  • Mode: Online proctored via ProctorU

  • Duration: 3 hours

  • Questions: 82–115 multiple-choice

  • Languages: English

  • Retake policy: Retake available for a fee after waiting period

  • Certification validity: 4 years

💰 8. Estimated Cost

  • Exam only: $949 USD

  • SANS SEC560 course (optional but recommended): ~$7,000–$8,000 USD (includes exam voucher + labs + materials)

  • Renewal cost: $479 USD (or submit CPEs and pay maintenance fee)

🌍 9. Industry Recognition

  • Demand/popularity: Highly respected globally, especially in U.S. government, defense, and Fortune 500 companies

  • Organizations that value it: NSA, U.S. DoD (8570 compliance), consulting firms, cybersecurity vendors, financial services

  • Comparison:

    • More structured than OSCP, less hands-on than PNPT

    • Often compared to CEH, but with stronger theoretical base and more challenging content

💼 10. Career Opportunities

  • Job roles:
    Penetration Tester, Red Teamer, Vulnerability Assessor, Security Analyst, Threat Hunter (offensive ops)

  • Suggested paths:
    → GPEN → GXPN (Exploit Development), OSCP, CRTO
    → GPEN + GCIH = well-rounded Offensive + IR combo

💵 11. Average Salary

  • USA: $100,000–$130,000/year

  • Europe: €70,000–€100,000/year

  • Salary boost: Significant in federal/DoD and consulting roles

  • (Sources: GIAC Salary Survey, CyberSeek, PayScale)

📅 12. Renewal and Maintenance

  • Validity: 4 years

  • Renewal options:

    • Retake the exam ($949)

    • Submit 36 CPEs + pay $479 USD renewal fee

    • Attend SANS training and submit proof

🧭 13. Final Recommendations

  • Ideal for:
    Security professionals aiming for solid penetration testing roles with a strong methodology and framework grounding

  • When to pursue:
    After Security+ / GSEC / eJPT, or in parallel with PenTest+ if aiming for consulting or federal jobs

  • Tips:
    Build a detailed index for the exam (open book). Know enumeration and password attack techniques cold. Practice structured approaches, not just tool use.