About the certification
Penetration testers simulate cyber attacks to find security weaknesses in networks, operating systems, and applications. Information security experts worldwide use penetration techniques to evaluate enterprise defenses. The PenTest Essentials is an entry-level certification intended for IT professionals seeking to validate their knowledge of Penetration Testing.
This exam includes topics such as the stages of the penetration test (information gathering, finding exploitable vulnerabilities, gaining access to systems, exploitation, post exploitation and reporting), ethical hacking techniques and tools (Kali Linux, Wireshark, Nmap, Nessus and Burp Suite), Buffer Overflows, Vulnerability Scanning, Exploits, The Metasploit Framework, Web Application Attacks, Password Attacks (Brute Force and wordlists), Port Scanning, Enumeration, OpenVAS, Social Engineering, Web Application Attacks (Cross Site Scripting, SQL Injection), Exploitation, Wireless Attacks, Mobile Hacking.
The PenTest Essentials certification exam is an online, closed-book, and remotely-proctored exam. It includes 40 multiple-choice questions and the passing score is 70%. You will have 60 minutes to complete the exam. Validate your knowledge of Penetration Testing and advance your career. Register for your online exam now!
Exam details
|
Exam code |
ITC-042 |
|
Launch date |
March 31, 2019 |
|
Exam description |
The PenTest Essentials exam tests the candidate knowledge in Penetration Testing. |
|
Current version |
1.0 |
|
Exam format |
Multiple choice; computer-based; closed book |
|
Number of questions |
40 questions |
|
Passing score |
70% (28 out of 40) |
|
Exam duration |
60 minutes |
|
Level |
Foundation |
|
Languages |
English and Portuguese (Brazilian) |
|
Exam description |
The stages of the penetration test (information gathering, finding exploitable vulnerabilities, gaining access to systems, exploitation, post exploitation and reporting), ethical hacking techniques and tools (Kali Linux, Wireshark, Nmap, Nessus and Burp Suite), Buffer Overflows, Vulnerability Scanning, Exploits, The Metasploit Framework, Web Application Attacks, Password Attacks (Brute Force and wordlists), Port Scanning, Enumeration, OpenVAS, Social Engineering, Web Application Attacks (Cross Site Scripting, SQL Injection), Exploitation, Wireless Attacks, Mobile Hacking. |
|
RECOMMENDED HOURS OF STUDY |
16 hours |
|
Bloom's Taxonomy |
Level 1 (Remembering), Level 2 (Understanding) and Level 3 (Applying) |
|
Recommended reading |
Penetration Testing: A Hands-On Introduction to Hacking 1st Edition by Georgia Weidman |
|
Prerequisites |
There are no prerequisites for this certification |
|
Recommended experience |
Six months of work experience in Penetration Testing |
|
Validity period |
Lifetime |
Exam Content Outline
| Domains | Weight |
|---|---|
|
1. Types Of Penetration Testing |
15% |
|
2. Stages of a Penetration Testing |
35% |
|
3. Vulnerability Scanning |
15% |
|
4. Attacks and Exploits |
25% |
|
5. Penetration Testing Tools |
10% |
Total | 100% |
How to get certified
Browse our certification programs and choose your certification.
Discover the exam objectives and prepare for your exam.
Register for your online proctored exam.
Take your online proctored exam in the comfort of your home or office.
Congratulations! You are certified!
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does an ITCERTS certification exam cost?
All exams are available for $150 USD each. Prices may vary slightly by region and currency exchange rates.
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Are there any prerequisites to take the exams?
There are no prerequisites to take the exams. ITCERTS recommends that candidates have at least six months of work experience in the area that the certification exam covers.
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What is the exam retake policy?
If a candidate does not achieve a passing score on the first attempt, there is no waiting period between the first and the second attempt. If a candidate does not achieve a passing score on the second attempt, the candidate must wait at least 7 days before retaking the exam for a third time. A candidate may not take a given exam any more than three times per year (12 months).
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How do I register for an Online Proctored Exam?
Visit the Online Proctored Exam registration page to find complete instructions.
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Are there any mandatory training to take an exam?
Training is recommended as part of your certification preparation, but it is not mandatory.
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Which languages are the exams available in?
Our exams are currently available in English and Portuguese.
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Where can I take the exams?
Exams are delivered online (Online Proctored Exams) and can be taken from anywhere in the world.
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Do the ITCERTS certifications expire?
ITCERTS certifications are considered good-for-life and do not expire.
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How can a potential employer verify my certifications?
Your employer can verify your certification on our certification verification page. Your certification number will be needed in order to process the verification.
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