How to become a Penetration Tester
Legally hacks systems to find vulnerabilities before attackers do.
Core skills
- 01Linux
- 02Web app security
- 03Networking
- 04Report writing
Guides for this path
Flagship project idea
Complete and write up legal CTF and lab boxes (Hack The Box, TryHackMe) in a public portfolio.
JuniorRoute Pro turns this into a milestone-by-milestone build plan sized to your skill level.
Your path in
- 1
Learn the fundamentals
Get comfortable with linux and web app security. Free resources are enough to start. Consistency beats intensity.
- 2
Build a flagship project
Complete and write up legal CTF and lab boxes (Hack The Box, TryHackMe) in a public portfolio.
- 3
Meet people in the role
Find 3–5 people working as a Penetration Tester and ask for 15-minute chats about how they broke in. JuniorRoute gives you outreach templates and a tracker.
- 4
Apply strategically
Target internships, apprenticeships and programs matched to your grade and experience, with a resume tailored to each posting.
- 5
Practice interviews
Run mock interviews specific to Penetration Tester roles, both technical and behavioral, and fix what the scorecard flags.
Get your personal Penetration Tester plan.
Free to start. No credit card. Built around your grade, goals and schedule.