eCPPTv3 Certification Achieved!
Overview
I’m proud to share that I have successfully earned the eCPPTv3 (eLearnSecurity Certified Professional Penetration Tester) certification from INE! 🎉 This achievement represents a major milestone in my journey toward becoming a well-rounded cybersecurity professional.
The eCPPTv3 is a highly respected certification that validates advanced knowledge and hands-on skills in various areas of penetration testing, including network, web, Active Directory, and system exploitation. I’m especially proud to mention that I passed the practical exam in just 10 hours, far below the allowed time—showcasing both speed and skill.
Why eCPPTv3?
I chose the eCPPTv3 because of its heavy emphasis on real-world, hands-on penetration testing. Unlike theory-based exams, this one places you in a live lab environment where you must demonstrate technical ability, critical thinking, and exploitation techniques across multiple layers of a network.
Key Takeaways
Here are the main areas I gained experience in during the certification process:
- Network Penetration Testing: Scanning, enumeration, and exploiting network services.
- Web Application Exploitation: Attacking modern web vulnerabilities such as SQLi, XSS, file inclusion, and more.
- System & OS Exploitation: Gaining access to Linux and Windows targets using various vulnerabilities and misconfigurations.
- Privilege Escalation: Elevating access on compromised systems using local exploits, misconfigurations, and credential reuse.
- Active Directory Attacks: Performing attacks like Kerberoasting, AS-REP Roasting, and enumeration of AD environments.
- Lateral Movement: Moving between machines using harvested credentials and pivot techniques to compromise additional systems.
- Pivoting & Internal Access: Establishing footholds and navigating internal environments post-compromise.
Challenges Faced
The exam lab environment was demanding and realistic—just like a real engagement. There’s no multiple-choice here: everything is hands-on. You must exploit targets, pivot through the network, escalate privileges, and demonstrate full compromise. Passing it in 10 hours was tough but incredibly satisfying.
Conclusion
The eCPPTv3 is one of the most practical and complete penetration testing certifications available. It sharpened my red team skills and gave me deep confidence in handling real-world assessments—from external access to internal Active Directory environments.
If you’re looking for a cert that challenges your hands-on skills across multiple domains of offensive security, eCPPTv3 is the way to go.
Keep learning. Keep hacking (ethically)! 💻🔥