⚔️ Mile2 C)PTE

(Certified Penetration Testing Engineer)    

🧠 1. Certification Name and Issuing Body

🧩 2. Certification Level and Type

  • Level: Intermediate

  • Type: Technical

📜 3. Purpose and Goals

  • What skills does it certify?
    Professional-level penetration testing methodologies, information gathering, scanning, exploitation, privilege escalation, password attacks, wireless and web app testing

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

  • Practical applications:
    Full engagement pentests including planning, vulnerability validation, and client reporting for internal or external targets

🎓 4. Prerequisites

  • Recommended prior certifications:
    Mile2 C)HT (Certified Hacking Technician), Security+, or equivalent experience

  • Suggested experience:
    1–2 years in IT/networking/cybersecurity

  • Required technical knowledge:
    TCP/IP, Linux and Windows environments, vulnerability assessment tools, scripting (basic)

📚 5. Content and Curriculum

  • Key domains/modules:

    1. Introduction to Ethical Hacking

    2. Penetration Testing Methodologies

    3. Information Gathering & Scanning

    4. Enumeration & Exploitation

    5. Client-Side and Web Application Attacks

    6. Wireless Network Attacks

    7. Cryptographic Weaknesses

    8. Malware and Rootkits

    9. Post-Exploitation and Reporting

  • Technologies/tools:
    Nmap, Nessus, Metasploit, Wireshark, Burp Suite, Cain & Abel, John the Ripper, SQLMap, Hydra

  • Framework mapping:
    NIST SP 800-115, OWASP, MITRE ATT&CK (Initial Access, Execution), NICE Framework

🧪 6. Learning Approach

  • Style: Mixed (theory + hands-on lab simulations)

  • Labs/environments: Mile2 Lab Portal (cloud-based labs with virtual scenarios)

  • Materials: Official C)PTE courseware, slides, lab manuals, video content, exam prep guide

  • Recommended platforms: Mile2 LMS, TryHackMe (as supplemental), TCM Academy (for practical enhancement)

📝 7. Exam Format and Details

  • Mode: Online proctored (via Mile2 exam system)

  • Duration: 2 hours

  • Questions: 100 multiple choice (exam only)

  • Languages: English

  • Practical component: Not required for certification, but labs are part of training

  • Certification validity: 3 years

💰 8. Estimated Cost

  • Exam fee: $500 USD

  • Training cost (bundle): ~$1,000–$1,500 USD (includes eBook, videos, labs, and exam)

  • Renewal cost: ~$250 USD every 3 years (or free if upgraded to a higher-level Mile2 cert)

🌍 9. Industry Recognition

  • Demand/popularity: More niche but accepted in sectors aligned with U.S. DoD 8570 or small to mid-sized cybersecurity firms

  • Organizations that value it: MSSPs, U.S. military contractors, academic programs, private consultancies

  • Comparison:

    • Similar in scope to CompTIA PenTest+

    • Less hands-on and rigorous than eJPT, PNPT, or OSCP

    • Stronger theory than CEH but lacks OSCP-level realism

💼 10. Career Opportunities

  • Job roles:
    Junior Pentester, Vulnerability Assessor, Red Team Apprentice, Security Consultant

  • Suggested paths:
    → C)HT → C)PTE → C)PTC (Pen Testing Consultant)
    → C)PTE + TryHackMe/HTB practice → OSCP / PNPT

💵 11. Average Salary

  • USA: $65,000–$90,000/year

  • Europe: €40,000–€60,000/year

  • Salary impact: Useful for stepping into pentesting or for compliance-focused consulting

  • (Sources: Mile2 alumni, PayScale, regional job boards)

📅 12. Renewal and Maintenance

  • Validity: 3 years

  • Renewal options:

    • Submit 40 CPEs

    • Pay ~$250 renewal fee

    • Upgrade to another Mile2 certification (e.g., C)PTC)

🧭 13. Final Recommendations

  • Ideal for:
    IT and cybersecurity professionals seeking to validate practical pentesting knowledge with a formal credential

  • When to pursue:
    After gaining foundational skills in networking/security or completing C)HT / Security+

  • Tips:
    Use Mile2 labs thoroughly; they simulate real-world networks. Pair the cert with hands-on exercises on Hack The Box or TryHackMe to sharpen skills.