Look, We Get It
You're tired of watching YouTube tutorials that promise you'll "become a hacker in 30 days." You know there's more to pentesting than running nmap and hoping for the best. But where do you actually start without burning $2,000 on OSCP when you're not even sure this is for you yet?
That's where eJPT shines. For $249, you get a proper certification with actual hands-on hacking-no multiple-choice nonsense. It's beginner-friendly without being condescending. It's practical without being overwhelming. And unlike Security+, you're not memorizing acronyms-you're breaking into machines.
Think of eJPT as your "Can I actually do this?" litmus test. If you pass and love it, level up to PNPT or OSCP. If it's not for you, at least you didn't waste five grand finding out.
What is eJPT Certification?
The eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (eJPT) is an entry-level certification by INE Security that validates practical penetration testing skills through a 48-hour hands-on exam. Unlike traditional certs, eJPT tests real hacking ability-not memorization.
Cost
$249
Exam Time
48 Hours
Difficulty
Easy
What makes it unique: eJPT gives you 48 hours to compromise a lab environment and answer questions based on what you find. No report required-just prove you can hack. Perfect for beginners who want to validate their skills before investing in expensive certs like OSCP.
1 What is eJPT?
eJPT is the perfect entry-level certification for aspiring penetration testers. Unlike theory-heavy certifications, eJPT is 100% practical-you'll hack into real machines to prove your skills.
It's designed for beginners who want to break into offensive security. If OSCP feels too intimidating right now, eJPT is your stepping stone. No prior experience required.
Updated for 2025: eJPT v2 now includes a new Offensive AI module , enhanced web application attack labs, and updated pivoting scenarios. The certification remains valid for 3 years and includes one free retake.
The Good
- ✓ Very affordable ($249)
- ✓ 100% practical hands-on exam
- ✓ No time pressure (48 hours)
- ✓ Training material included
- ✓ Great resume builder
- ✓ No prerequisites
The Tough
- ✗ Not as recognized as OSCP
- ✗ Basic coverage only
- ✗ No advanced techniques
- ✗ Some employers don't know it
💡 Bottom Line: Perfect first cert if you're new to pentesting. Get this, then aim for PNPT or OSCP.
Use the Full 48 Hours
Don't rush. Seriously. The exam gives you 48 hours for a reason-use them. Take breaks. Sleep. Come back with fresh eyes. The exam isn't testing if you can speedrun enumeration; it's testing if you can be thorough and methodical. Check out our scanning cheatsheet to make sure you're not missing obvious attack vectors.
2 Exam Details
48 hours
Exam Duration
35
Multiple Choice Questions
70%
Passing Score
The eJPT exam gives you access to a virtual lab environment where you'll perform actual penetration testing tasks. You'll answer questions based on what you find in the lab-no report required!
How it Works:
- 1 Access the lab environment via VPN
- 2 Enumerate and attack machines in the network
- 3 Answer questions based on your findings
- 4 Submit before 48 hours-instant results!
3 Topics Covered
📚 Deep Dive Resources
Don't Skip the Theory Sections
The INE course has dry theory modules about networking, protocols, and TCP/IP fundamentals. It's tempting to skip straight to the hacking labs. Don't. The exam will test your understanding of how networks actually work, not just tool usage. If you can't explain what a three-way handshake is or how ARP poisoning works, you'll struggle with the questions. Boring? Yes. Essential? Absolutely.
4 Study Resources
INE PTS Course (Official)
The official Penetration Testing Student course is included with your exam. 40-60 hours of content covering everything you need.
INCLUDED WITH EXAMTryHackMe
Jr Penetration Tester learning path. Excellent beginner-friendly labs with guided walkthroughs.
FREE TIERHackTheBox Academy
Free tier modules cover network fundamentals, Linux, and basic pentesting concepts.
FREE TIERYouTube Creators
NetworkChuck, John Hammond, TheCyberMentor-free content that covers eJPT topics.
FREE5 Quick Reference
# Network Discovery
nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24
# Full Port Scan
nmap -sV -sC -p- target_ip
# Directory Bruteforce
gobuster dir -u http://target -w /usr/share/wordlists/dirb/common.txt
# Find SUID binaries
find / -perm -4000 2>/dev/null
# Add route for pivoting
ip route add 10.10.10.0/24 via 192.168.1.1eJPT Won't Get You Hired Alone
Let's be brutally honest: eJPT on its own won't open doors at top-tier security firms. It's not OSCP. It's not going to impress hiring managers at Fortune 500 companies. But here's what it will do-prove to yourself and entry-level employers that you can actually hack, not just talk about it.
Think of eJPT as the first stamp in your security passport. It's a stepping stone to PNPT or OSCP. It validates that you're serious without requiring you to sell your car to afford it. Manage your expectations, but don't discount the value of having a hands-on cert when you're just starting out.
6 FAQ
Do I need any experience?
No! eJPT is designed for beginners. Basic familiarity with Linux command line helps, but the training covers everything from scratch.
How long to prepare?
Complete beginners: 2-3 months studying part-time. If you have some IT background: 4-6 weeks. The included training is comprehensive-complete it all before the exam.
Is eJPT worth it for jobs?
For entry-level roles, yes. It shows initiative and practical skills. Most employers won't require it specifically, but it demonstrates you can do hands-on work. Plan to add PNPT or OSCP for senior roles.
What if I fail?
Retakes are included in the price! Review your weak areas, practice more on TryHackMe or HTB, and try again. Most people pass on the first attempt if they complete the training.
eJPT vs OSCP - which first?
Start with eJPT if you're new to pentesting. It builds foundational skills at a fraction of the cost. Once you're comfortable with enumeration, exploitation, and basic pivoting, move to OSCP or PNPT .
Is the new Offensive AI module hard?
The Offensive AI module covers using AI tools for pentesting tasks-prompt injection basics, AI-assisted enumeration, and understanding AI security risks. It's beginner-friendly and aligns with current industry trends.
How long is the certification valid?
eJPT is valid for 3 years from the date you pass. To maintain it, you can either retake the exam or earn continuing education credits through INE Security.
★ How eJPT Compares
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