How to become a Penetration Tester
Break into systems on purpose, with permission, to find weaknesses before attackers do.
Part of the career change guide — A practical, step-by-step method for moving into a new occupation — how to pick the target, work out the real gap, and prove the missing skills without going back to university.
Get your free Penetration Tester roadmap
We turn these skills into a phased plan with free courses, checkpoints and proof you can show employers.
Skills a Penetration Tester needs
Ranked by how important employers rate each one. Every skill you prove is stored in your Skill Wallet and used to match you to live jobs.
Your Penetration Tester learning path, phase by phase
Phase 1 · Foundations
Weeks 1–6- Critical thinking
- Cybersecurity fundamentals
- Problem solving
Phase 2 · Core craft
Weeks 7–14- Python programming
- Risk management
- Written communication
Phase 3 · Applied practice
Weeks 15–22- Presentation skills
- Stakeholder communication
- Time management
This is the shape of the plan. Your own roadmap is sequenced around what you already know — see a full sample roadmap.
Free and low-cost courses for this path
Courses are sequenced into a phased plan with checkpoints. Create a free account to unlock the full list.
Unlock for freePenetration Tester jobs by location
Penetration Tester by experience level
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Common questions about becoming a Penetration Tester
- How long does it take to become a Penetration Tester?
- Most people working through a focused plan cover the 9 core skills in roughly six to nine months part-time. Your roadmap shortens automatically for skills you can already evidence.
- Do I need a degree?
- Many employers still ask for a degree, but a demonstrated portfolio plus verified skills increasingly substitutes for one, particularly for career changers.
- What does a Penetration Tester earn?
- The benchmark median is $110,000, with entry-level roles below that and senior roles well above it. Pay varies substantially by market.
- Is Freecoursera free?
- Yes. Building your roadmap, tracking progress and applying to matched jobs costs nothing. Courses we recommend are free or low-cost wherever possible.
Start your Penetration Tester plan today
Free forever. No credit card. Your first phase is ready in under three minutes.
Occupation data from O*NET and ESCO. Attribution
Sector: Technology