eJPT
BEGINNER
Entry Level Penetration Testing Best First Cert

eJPT

eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester

Cost

$249

Exam

48 Hours

Difficulty

Easy

Format

Practical

Quick Info

Vendor: INE Security
Level: Entry
Format: Lab + MCQ
Pass Score: 70%
Questions: 35 MCQ
Training: 40-60 hours
Retakes: Included
Prereq: None

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.

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. 1 Access the lab environment via VPN
  2. 2 Enumerate and attack machines in the network
  3. 3 Answer questions based on your findings
  4. 4 Submit before 48 hours-instant results!

3 Topics Covered

Network Scanning & Enumeration
Information Gathering (OSINT)
Web Application Attacks
Basic Exploitation
Routing & Pivoting Basics
Metasploit Framework
Password Attacks
Vulnerability Assessment
NEW: Offensive AI
Linux Host Exploitation

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 EXAM

TryHackMe

Jr Penetration Tester learning path. Excellent beginner-friendly labs with guided walkthroughs.

FREE TIER

HackTheBox Academy

Free tier modules cover network fundamentals, Linux, and basic pentesting concepts.

FREE TIER

YouTube Creators

NetworkChuck, John Hammond, TheCyberMentor-free content that covers eJPT topics.

FREE

5 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 192.168.1.1
View All Cheatsheets →

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

Cert Cost Exam Time Difficulty Best For
eJPT ← $249 48 hours Beginner First cert
PNPT $499 5 days Intermediate Budget OSCP alt
CPTS $210 10 days Intermediate+ HTB fans
OSCP+ $2,749/yr 24 hours Hard Industry standard

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