The initiative reflects the high demand for cybersecurity jobs. Cyber Seek<\/a>, a project backed by the U.S. Department of Commerce, reported over 460,000 cybersecurity job listings from April 2020 through March 2021. <\/p>\r\n Penetration testers fill a crucial role in cybersecurity. Sometimes referred to as ethical hackers or white-hat hackers, penetration testers<\/a> try to hack security systems at the owner's request to test system vulnerabilities. This page explores the requirements and necessary steps to become a penetration tester. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n A penetration and vulnerability tester, or pen tester, uses their hacking knowledge to test digital security systems for flaws. A pen tester simulates cyberattacks to help security experts find and close vulnerabilities against malicious attacks. <\/p>\r\n Pen testers work directly with cybersecurity personnel and software engineers. They may not communicate with security before certain tests to simulate real cyberattacks<\/a>, otherwise known as double-blind testing. After conducting tests, a pen tester summarizes the results and presents their findings to the security department. <\/p>\r\n Depending on their role, some pen testers may help companies design security policies and procedures. Penetration testers must stay on top of developments in the field to accurately simulate new cyberattacks. These professionals can pursue work with nearly any company that has an online presence or uses technology. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\n According to Cyber Seek, 71% of all pen testing jobs<\/a> listed online from April 2020 through March 2021 required a bachelor's degree. Only 8% of employers advertised jobs requiring a lower level of education. The remaining 21% sought applicants with graduate degrees. <\/p>\r\n Payscale's data<\/a> on penetration testing jobs shows that many employers look for bachelor's degrees in information technology<\/a>, cybersecurity, and other related majors. However, some employers may waive education requirements for relevant experience or certifications.<\/p>\r\n According to Cyber Seek, 71% of all pen testing jobs listed online from April 2020 through March 2021 required a bachelor's degree.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\r\n Individuals wondering how to become penetration testers can start by pursuing bachelor's degrees. In some cases, a pen tester may create software and tools to probe security networks. As a result, pen testers need to master coding and computer logic to find flaws in digital systems.<\/p>\r\n Pursuing a graduate degree or penetration tester certifications can distinguish candidates from other job applicants. Students should look for college programs that emphasize Linux, Python, and Java. These skills rank among the top requested programming languages<\/a> for pen testing. Employers also seek applicants with skills in container security, threat hunting, SaaS security, and anomaly detection. <\/p>\r\n Students can also enroll in cybersecurity bootcamps<\/a> to develop the necessary pen testing skills. These intensive career prep programs can last from a few months to half a year or more, depending on the program and course load. <\/p>\r\n\r\n Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.<\/p>\n \n Along with earning a bachelor's degree or higher, the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies<\/a> recommends that aspiring pen testers pursue additional certifications, continued education, and relevant experience. <\/p>\r\n Cyber Seek lists penetration tester as a mid-level position among cybersecurity roles. Before becoming pen testers, many applicants find entry-level jobs as IT auditors, cybercrime analysts, and cybersecurity specialists. Job-seekers may need to gain additional experience in networking, software development, or systems engineering before switching roles. <\/p>\r\n Previous experience with information security, vulnerability assessment<\/a>, and project management can help applicants find jobs. <\/p>\r\n\r\n Students can gain experience through internships and co-op programs through schools and other organizations. The rising need for cybersecurity employees has led to additional work and training opportunities.<\/p>\r\n For example, government departments like the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency <\/a>(CISA) and the National Security Agency<\/a> (NSA) offer experiential programs to students. Internships through CISA and the NSA may pay competitive salaries based on the candidate's education level. <\/p>\r\n The CISA-backed Cybersecurity Talent Initiative<\/a> allows graduates to pay off their student loans by working in cybersecurity for the federal government for two years. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\n \n \n <\/a>\n\n\r\n\r\n Employers place a heavy emphasis on professional certifications. Cyber Seek reports<\/a> that over 290,000 open cybersecurity positions from April 2020 to March 2021 required applicants to have certifications. <\/p>\r\n Luckily, some college programs and cybersecurity bootcamps design their curriculums with professional certifications in mind. However, professional certifications may require work experience or additional training to sit for the exam.<\/p>\r\n Cyber Seek reports that over 290,000 open cybersecurity positions from April 2020 to March 2021 required applicants to have certifications.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\r\n The top requested certifications for pen testing jobs include: <\/p>\r\n Employers also value any certifications from the Global Information Assurance Certification<\/a> group. <\/p>\r\n\r\n Comparing the Top Requested Certifications for Cybersecurity<\/strong><\/p>\r\nWhat Is a Pen Tester? <\/h2>\r\n
Required Education for Penetration Testers<\/h2>\r\n
Explore Your Degree Options:<\/h3>\r\n
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and Policy<\/a><\/li>\r\n
\r\n Top Online Bachelor's Programs<\/h2>\n \n
\r\n\r\nRequired Experience for Penetration Testers <\/h2>\r\n
Internship Opportunities<\/h3>\r\n
Required Certifications for Penetration Testing<\/h2>\r\n
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