Course Overview
Penetration Tester (X-PT) is a hands-on programme designed to build real engagement capability, not just tool familiarity. You will learn how to plan and run a structured test, gather evidence responsibly, and communicate findings in a way that stakeholders can act on.
Delivered through mentor-led sessions, the course uses practical scenarios that mirror real client engagements. You will practise reconnaissance, enumeration, vulnerability validation, and controlled exploitation within safe lab environments, while maintaining professional standards of scope control and documentation.
Over four days, you will produce a client-style report pack and a repeatable workflow you can take into junior penetration testing or security assessment roles. Aligned with recognised best practices including ISO, GDPR, NIST and SOC 2, ensuring skills remain practical and deployable in real organisations. All prices are exclusive of VAT (where applicable). Group enrolments and custom packages available.
Hands-On Learning
Guided labs and scenario simulations across recon, exploitation, post-exploitation evidence capture, and reporting.
Mentor-Led Sessions
Mentor-led walkthroughs, live demonstrations, fix-forward coaching, and reporting feedback clinics.
Career-Ready Skills
A complete client-style workflow with evidence standards, scope discipline, and remediation-focused reporting.
Learning Outcomes
Design a scoped penetration testing engagement workflow.
Analyse targets to prioritise reconnaissance and enumeration.
Implement a structured approach to validate vulnerabilities safely.
Lead controlled exploitation activities within a lab environment.
Communicate findings through client-ready written reporting.
Evaluate remediation options and prioritise fixes effectively.
Prerequisites
Comfortable with basic networking concepts
Familiarity with Linux and command line basics
Understanding of web and system fundamentals
Detailed Syllabus
Step-by-step learning journey from basics to professional practice
Topics Covered
- Rules of engagement, scope boundaries, and safe testing behaviour
- Evidence standards: what to capture and how
- Note-taking structure and timeboxing for real engagements
Skills You'll Gain
Master these in-demand skills through hands-on practice
Career Progression
A clear view of the roles this programme supports, what typically comes next, and where learners progress over time
Ways to Learn
Choose the learning format that works best for you and your team
Live Online
Instructor-Led Training
Join live instructor-led sessions from anywhere. Interactive, engaging, and flexible.
- Live instructor interaction (real-time)
- Trainer-led walkthroughs and real examples
- Guided resources and session notes provided
- Structured Q&A and practical discussion
Price per person
Group enrolments and early planning options available.
All prices are exclusive of VAT where applicable. Group enrolments and custom packages available on request.
Prefer a Faster, Personalised Route into IT?
Not everyone learns best in a group. If you want focused guidance, faster clarity, and confidence you can use on the job, our 1-to-1 Fast-Track Training gives you private, mentor-led support tailored to your experience and goals.
"Many learners choose 1-to-1 when they want understanding, not memorisation."
Exam & Certification Information
Everything you need to know about the certification exams
Important Information
You will receive an Xcademia Certificate of Achievement based on strong performance across labs, scenario simulations, and the quality of evidence-based reporting deliverables.
Credential
Certificate of Completion
On successful completion of Penetration Tester, learners receive an Xcademia Certificate of Completion. This standalone certificate is issued directly by Xcademia and is aligned with globally recognised frameworks and best practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about this course
It is best for learners with core networking and Linux basics. If you are brand new, start with IT fundamentals and security foundations first, then return to X-PT.
Ready to Start Your Learning Journey?
Take the next step in your professional development