Entry Point
No Experience Required
“You don't need a degree. You need curiosity and the discipline to build it. Everyone starts here.”
Tools & Stack
Core Skills
- Networking — TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, subnetting
- OS fundamentals — Windows & Linux
- Security concepts — CIA triad, common threats
- Scripting basics — Python or Bash
Certifications
Junior Pentester
First Exploits, First Reports
“You found the SQLi. Now write a report that makes the developer fix it. Both skills matter equally.”
Tools & Stack
Core Skills
- OWASP Top 10 — SQLi, XSS, broken access control
- Web request interception and replay with Burp Suite
- Vulnerability documentation and proof-of-concept writing
- Basic Python / Bash scripting for automation
Certifications
Recommended
Alternatives
Exploitation Specialist
Full Engagements, Cloud & Chaining
“One XSS becomes a session hijack, becomes an IDOR, becomes a full data breach. You learn to chain.”
Tools & Stack
Core Skills
- Cloud pentesting — IAM misconfigs, S3, Lambda
- Vulnerability chaining — XSS → session hijack → IDOR → exfil
- Custom Python / Golang scanner development
- Client scoping, engagement management and debrief reporting
Certifications
Senior Pentester
Red Teaming & Adversary Simulation
“It's not a test anymore. It's a simulation of a real APT. Your job: think like the adversary.”
Tools & Stack
Core Skills
- Red team TTPs — APT simulation with C2 frameworks
- Threat modeling — STRIDE, PASTA frameworks
- Active Directory attacks and privilege escalation
- Social engineering — phishing simulation and vishing
Certifications
Pentest Lead
Program Ownership & Strategy
“You don't just find vulnerabilities. You design the program that finds them at scale, across every product.”
Tools & Stack
Core Skills
- Pentest program design, tooling strategy and methodology ownership
- CREST / PTES / OWASP Testing Guide compliance
- Team hiring, mentoring and career development
- Executive risk communication and board-level reporting
Certifications
Begin
Next Actions
Every pentester started somewhere. Here's your first move.
Start in a Lab Today
Build a Portfolio
- Write HTB / THM writeups as professional pentest reports
- Document your lab findings with screenshots and PoCs
- GitHub: custom scripts, recon tools, and automation
Web hacking isn't just a career — it's the discipline that keeps software honest.