For anyone in the cybersecurity field, continuous learning and validation of skills are paramount. One of the respected, hands-on certifications that many strive for is the Hack The Box Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS). I recently embarked on this journey, and after weeks of intense preparation and a challenging exam, I find myself in that familiar, slightly nerve-wracking phase: waiting for the results.
Phase 1: Laying the Foundation – The CPTS Course & Methodology
My path began like many others, by diving deep into the official Hack The Box CPTS certification path material. Hack The Box has built a reputation for its realistic and practical training environment, and the CPTS course content was no exception. It provided a structured approach, covering the essential methodologies, tools, and techniques required for a real-world penetration test engagement.
Alongside the official course, another resource proved invaluable: IppSec’s Hack The Box preparation playlist on YouTube. While the HTB course teaches the “what” and “how” of specific techniques, I found IppSec’s videos absolutely brilliant for understanding the methodology – the systematic “why” and “when” behind approaching a target. Watching his methodical walkthroughs helped solidify a structured approach to enumeration, exploitation, and privilege escalation that goes beyond just individual tools. His approach was incredibly valuable in shaping how I tackled problems throughout my preparation.
Phase 2: Forging Skills in the Fire – Pro Labs Preparation
While the core coursework and methodology study were invaluable, I knew that true readiness comes from applying knowledge in complex, unpredictable scenarios. This is where the Hack The Box Pro Labs come in. To simulate the kind of environment I expected in the exam and gain experience with larger, interconnected networks, I decided to tackle three specific Pro Labs:
- Dante: This lab is well-known for testing pivoting skills and Active Directory exploitation techniques in a sophisticated corporate environment.
- P.O.O. : P.O.O. pushed my ability to chain vulnerabilities and think creatively within a simulated enterprise.
- Xen: Xen demanded persistence and careful enumeration across diverse targets.
Working through Dante, P.O.O., and Xen was demanding but incredibly rewarding. These labs were crucial in bridging the gap between individual machine challenges and a full-scope network assessment.
Phase 3: The Gauntlet – Taking the CPTS Exam
With the coursework digested, methodology refined, and the Pro Labs conquered, it was time for the main event. Last week, I sat for the CPTS exam. As expected, it was a comprehensive, hands-on assessment designed to simulate a real penetration testing engagement. It demanded not just technical skills but also a solid methodology (thanks again, IppSec!), careful documentation, and the ability to perform under pressure.
Phase 4: Documenting the Engagement – The Report
The exam isn’t just about gaining access; it’s about communicating your findings effectively. After the practical assessment concluded, the final step was compiling and submitting a professional penetration test report. This involved detailing the vulnerabilities discovered, the steps taken, the potential impact, and recommendations. This is a critical part of the process. I submitted my report, marking the end of the active engagement.
Phase 5: The Waiting Game
And now, I wait. After pouring significant time and effort into preparation and the exam itself, it all comes down to the evaluation. It’s a period of anticipation and reflection.
Regardless of the outcome, the journey to prepare for the CPTS has been incredibly valuable. The skills honed in the course, through IppSec’s videos, and especially in the Pro Labs are directly applicable to real-world scenarios. Taking the exam itself was a significant learning experience.
Fingers crossed for a positive result! I’ll be sure to share an update once the news comes in. For anyone else considering the CPTS, I hope this insight into my preparation path is helpful. It’s a challenging but worthwhile endeavour.