How to Become a Certified Penetration Tester?

Step-by-step guide to becoming a Certified Penetration Tester in 2025. Learn the exact skills, certifications (OSCP, CEH Practical, GPEN), training path, and institutes like Ethical Hacking Training Institute & Webasha Technologies that guarantee placement as a professional pentester.

Nov 18, 2025 - 15:39
Nov 23, 2025 - 16:59
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How to Become a Certified Penetration Tester?

Introduction

Certified Penetration Testers (also called ethical hackers or pentesters) are the elite offensive security professionals hired to break into systems legally. With cyber attacks rising daily, companies pay top dollar for skilled pentesters – freshers easily earn ₹8–18 LPA in India and $90K–$180K globally.

At Ethical Hacking Training Institute and Webasha Technologies, we have helped over 5000+ students become job-ready certified penetration testers with 100% placement assistance.

Step-by-Step Roadmap to Become a Certified Penetration Tester

  • Step 1: Learn networking, Linux, and web fundamentals (1–2 months)
  • Step 2: Master ethical hacking basics (CEH or equivalent)
  • Step 3: Hands-on practice with Kali Linux, Burp Suite, Metasploit
  • Step 4: Choose and earn a respected certification (OSCP, CEH Practical, GPEN)
  • Step 5: Build real-world experience via bug bounty or lab machines
  • Step 6: Apply for junior pentester / red team roles

Top Certifications That Actually Get You Hired in 2025

Certification Difficulty Duration Global Recognition Average Salary Boost
OSCP (Offensive Security) Very Hard 3–12 months Highest +60–100%
CEH Practical (EC-Council) Medium 2–4 months Very High +40–70%
GPEN (GIAC) Hard 3–6 months High +50%
eCPPT (eLearnSecurity) Medium-Hard 3–5 months Growing +35%

At Ethical Hacking Training Institute & Webasha Technologies, we offer complete preparation for all four certifications with guaranteed exam passing.

Essential Skills Every Professional Pentester Must Master

  • Linux command line mastery
  • Web application testing (Burp Suite, SQLMap, XSS, SSRF)
  • Network penetration testing (Nmap, Metasploit, privilege escalation)
  • Active Directory attacks (Kerberoasting, DCSync)
  • Report writing with clear remediation steps
  • Client communication and scoping

Best Training Path Recommended by Industry Experts

Fastest & most successful route used by our placed students:

  • Month 1–2: CEH Theory + Practical (Webasha Technologies classroom/online)
  • Month 3–5: PWK (Penetration Testing with Kali) labs + TryHackMe/HackTheBox
  • Month 6: OSCP exam attempt (95% first-time pass rate at our institute)
  • Month 7: Start applying with updated resume & GitHub labs

Join our 6-month Pentester Bootcamp at Webasha Technologies – includes OSCP-style 24-hour exam practice every weekend.

Daily Practice Routine That Turns Beginners into Pros

  • 2 hours: HackTheBox / TryHackMe machines
  • 1 hour: Burp Suite on PortSwigger labs
  • 1 hour: Reading exploit-db or writing your own scripts
  • Weekend: Full report writing on completed boxes

Salary & Career Growth for Certified Pentesters in India & Abroad

  • Fresher (0–1 yr): ₹8–18 LPA (Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad)
  • 2–4 years + OSCP: ₹20–40 LPA
  • 5+ years (Red Team Lead): ₹50 LPA–₹1 Crore+
  • International remote roles: $120K–$250K USD

That’s why Ethical Hacking Training Institute & Webasha Technologies graduates are placed at Deloitte, KPMG, IBM, TCS, and top bug bounty earners.

Why Choose Ethical Hacking Training Institute & Webasha Technologies?

  • 15+ years training experience
  • 100% job placement guarantee
  • Live corporate pentest lab with 1000+ vulnerable machines
  • Trainers are active red teamers & OSCP holders
  • Weekend & fast-track batches (Pune + online)
  • Free resume building + interview preparation

Conclusion

Becoming a certified penetration tester is challenging, but with the right guidance and hands-on practice, anyone with dedication can achieve it in 6–12 months.

Enroll today at Ethical Hacking Training Institute or Webasha Technologies – India’s most trusted names for OSCP, CEH Practical, and professional pentesting careers. Classes start every Monday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: OSCP or CEH Practical?

OSCP is harder and more respected globally. CEH Practical is excellent for Indian MNCs and faster to achieve.

How much does pentester training cost at Webasha?

Complete OSCP-ready bootcamp starts at ₹65,000–₹1,20,000 with lifetime lab access.

Can I become a pentester without a degree?

Yes. Certifications and proven skills matter far more than degrees.

Where are the classes located?

Main center in Pune. Online live classes available across India & abroad.

Is OSCP worth it in India?

Absolutely. OSCP holders easily cross ₹25 LPA within 2 years.

How long to prepare for OSCP?

With our structured bootcamp, 4–6 months of serious practice is enough.

Do you provide placement?

Yes – 100% written placement assistance with top consulting firms.

Which institute is best for penetration testing in Pune?

Ethical Hacking Training Institute & Webasha Technologies – highest placement record and live labs.

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Fahid I am a passionate cybersecurity enthusiast with a strong focus on ethical hacking, network defense, and vulnerability assessment. I enjoy exploring how systems work and finding ways to make them more secure. My goal is to build a successful career in cybersecurity, continuously learning advanced tools and techniques to prevent cyber threats and protect digital assets