🎓 eJPT Certification Guide
eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester - Your first step into professional pentesting
Entry-Level CertificationOverview
The eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (eJPT) is an excellent entry-level certification for aspiring penetration testers. This hands-on certification focuses on practical skills and real-world scenarios, making it perfect for those beginning their journey in cybersecurity.
Why Choose eJPT?
- 100% practical, hands-on exam with no multiple choice questions
- Covers essential penetration testing fundamentals
- Affordable and accessible for beginners
- Industry recognition from eLearnSecurity (now INE)
- Excellent foundation for advanced certifications
📋 Exam Details
Exam Information
- Duration: 48 hours (extendable)
- Format: Practical lab environment
- Passing Score: 70% (15/20 flags)
- Prerequisites: None (recommended: basic networking knowledge)
- Cost: $200 USD (exam voucher)
- Retakes: Allowed with additional fee
🎯 Exam Objectives
Assessment Methodologies
Understanding penetration testing methodologies and frameworks.
- Information gathering techniques
- Vulnerability assessment principles
- Testing methodology frameworks
- Reporting and documentation
Host & Network Auditing
Network discovery and host enumeration techniques.
- Network scanning with Nmap
- Service enumeration
- Operating system fingerprinting
- Network topology discovery
Host & Network Penetration Testing
Exploitation techniques for network and host-based vulnerabilities.
- Vulnerability exploitation
- Post-exploitation techniques
- Privilege escalation
- Lateral movement basics
Web Application Penetration Testing
Basic web application security testing techniques.
- Web application enumeration
- Common web vulnerabilities
- SQL injection basics
- Cross-site scripting (XSS)
📚 Study Plan
Week 1-2: Fundamentals
Build your foundation with networking basics and Linux command line skills.
- TCP/IP networking fundamentals
- Linux command line mastery
- Basic scripting (Bash/Python)
Week 3-4: Reconnaissance
Master information gathering and enumeration techniques.
- Nmap scanning techniques
- Service enumeration
- Web directory discovery
Week 5-6: Exploitation
Learn basic exploitation techniques and post-exploitation.
- Metasploit framework
- Manual exploitation
- Basic privilege escalation
Week 7-8: Web Security
Focus on web application security testing.
- Burp Suite basics
- SQL injection exploitation
- XSS and other web vulnerabilities
Week 9-10: Practice & Review
Intensive practice with vulnerable machines and mock exams.
- VulnHub and TryHackMe machines
- eJPT lab practice
- Weak areas reinforcement
🛠️ Essential Tools
Network Tools
- Nmap: Network discovery and security auditing
- Netcat: Network utility for testing
- Wireshark: Network packet analyzer
- Masscan: Fast port scanner
Exploitation Tools
- Metasploit: Exploitation framework
- Msfvenom: Payload generator
- Searchsploit: Exploit database search
- John the Ripper: Password cracking
Web Testing Tools
- Burp Suite: Web application security testing
- Dirb/Gobuster: Directory brute forcing
- Nikto: Web vulnerability scanner
- SQLMap: SQL injection testing
🧪 Practice Labs
Recommended Practice Platforms
- INE Starter Pass - Official eJPT training material
- TryHackMe - Beginner-friendly cybersecurity challenges
- VulnHub - Vulnerable virtual machines
- HackTheBox - Starting Point machines
- OverTheWire - Wargames for beginners
📖 Study Resources
- INE Learning Paths - Official eJPT training
- Georgia Weidman's Penetration Testing - Comprehensive guide
- The Web Application Hacker's Handbook - Web security reference
- Nmap Network Scanning - Official Nmap guide
- Metasploit: The Penetration Tester's Guide - Framework mastery
💡 Exam Tips
Key Success Strategies
- 🎯 Practice methodically: Follow a structured approach
- 📝 Document everything: Keep detailed notes during reconnaissance
- 🔍 Enumerate thoroughly: Don't rush the enumeration phase
- 🛠️ Master basic tools: Focus on Nmap, Metasploit, and Burp Suite
- ⏰ Manage time wisely: You have 48 hours, use them effectively
- 🧪 Practice pivoting: Network routing is often required
- 🔐 Check default credentials: Many flags use weak passwords
- 📊 Read flag requirements: Understand what's being asked
🚀 Next Steps
Career Progression
How eJPT fits into your cybersecurity career path.
- Entry-level penetration tester positions
- Cybersecurity analyst roles
- Foundation for advanced certifications
- Freelance security consulting
Advanced Certifications
Natural progression paths after eJPT certification.
- eCPPTv2 (eLearnSecurity Professional)
- OSCP (Offensive Security)
- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
- GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester)
Specialization Areas
Areas of focus for continued learning.
- Web application security
- Active Directory security
- Mobile application testing
- Cloud security assessment
🎯 Ready to Take the eJPT?
Assessment Checklist: Ensure you're ready before booking your exam.
- ✅ Comfortable with Linux command line
- ✅ Can perform comprehensive Nmap scans
- ✅ Familiar with Metasploit framework
- ✅ Basic web application testing skills
- ✅ Understanding of privilege escalation
- ✅ Completed practice labs successfully