: Points-based system. You need at least 85 points out of 100 to pass.
Incredible value for money, deep technical curriculum, and a realistic 10-day exam format that mimics a professional engagement.
For security professionals aiming to build deep methodology, advanced Active Directory (AD) exploitation skills, and professional-grade reporting capabilities, mastering the CPTS has become a highly respected milestone. What is the CPTS Exam?
The absolute best way to prepare for the exam is to complete the on Hack The Box Academy. The exam is directly aligned with this curriculum. Do not just read the modules; complete every single exercise and capstone lab. Pay special attention to the modules on Active Directory, Pivoting, and Information Gathering. 2. Master the Art of Note-Taking cpts exam
The Ultimate Guide to Passing the CPTS Exam: Certified Penetration Testing Specialist
The CPTS is particularly valuable in the following scenarios:
Modern networks rely heavily on web interfaces. The CPTS demands proficiency in exploiting OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities, including: SQL Injection (SQLi) Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) Local/Remote File Inclusion (LFI/RFI) Command Injection 4. Network and Active Directory (AD) Exploitation : Points-based system
To clear the CPTS, you must master a broad spectrum of offensive security disciplines. The exam heavily tests the following areas: 1. Information Gathering & Reconnaissance
You will learn to map out an organization's digital footprint. This involves advanced Nmap scanning, DNS enumeration, web scraping, and identifying hidden subdomains or exposed assets. 2. Web Application Penetration Testing
Work 8 to 10 hours a day, eat well, and sleep. You have 10 days; do not try to pull a 48-hour marathon. For security professionals aiming to build deep methodology,
If an exploit should work but fails, do not hesitate to reset the target host through the HTB exam dashboard.
Many professionals believe the CPTS provides a more realistic and modern assessment of a penetration tester's skills, particularly in , which are essential for real-world consulting roles.
Web vulnerabilities are a massive part of the exam. You must be proficient in identifying and exploiting: SQL Injections (SQLi) Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) File Inclusion vulnerabilities (LFI/RFI) Command Injection 3. Active Directory (AD) Exploitation
OSCP gives you 24 hours to hack and 24 hours to report. CPTS gives you 5 days to hack and 5 days to report. The CPTS favors deep methodology over time-pressured speed-running.
