Foreword
While many articles discuss TCM Academy’s PNPT certification, I felt compelled to write my own review. Exceptional work deserves continuous praise and acknowledgment. This concise review aims to share my personal sentiments about the certification exam and the learning material while avoiding the clichés of simply repeating what is already mentioned on TCM Academy's exam description on their website. For more detailed information about the certification, please visit: PNPT Certification.
About the Exam (Summarized)
The Practical Network Penetration Tester (PNPT) certification is designed to evaluate a student's ability to conduct a thorough internal and external network penetration test. One standout feature is the comprehensive video tutorials covering the entire exam content, which students have lifetime access to. This is a rare and valuable offering in the realm of certifications.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with TCM Security. This article reflects my genuine opinions on the certification exam and my overall experience.
Key Highlights:
Free Retake Policy: TCM Security offers a free retake if you fail on your first attempt. Additionally, they provide a helpful hint after you submit your report for the failed attempt, giving you a solid starting point for your next try.
Practical Hacker Mindset: Beyond technical skills, the exam environment fosters a hacker mindset and enhances logical reasoning. It encourages you to identify common flaws that may not always require technical solutions, making it a holistic learning experience.
Career-Ready Training: Unlike other certifications that focus solely on technical aspects, the PNPT course material prepares you for a career as a consultant or hacker. It includes content on engagement procedures and essential documentation for penetration tests. As a cybersecurity consultant, I can attest that these procedures are crucial in the field. Approximately 70% of an engagement involves client relations and paperwork, which this certification thoroughly covers.
Engaging Coursework: The coursework is rich with practical concepts, anecdotes, and real-life case studies. I was particularly drawn towards the case study regarding the late Pop Smoke's case, which highlights the practicality of the field and how everyday situations can impact security. This engaging material makes cybersecurity intriguing, even for beginners. Importantly, there’s no “death by PowerPoint” – all concepts are accompanied by hands-on practical demonstrations that you can follow along with.
Interview Preparation: The practical nature of the course material ensures you are interview-ready for penetration testing roles. It provides a strong foundation in internal penetration testing, Active Directory exploitation, web exploitation, wireless hacking, and reporting. In addition to the technical hacking section and report writing section, the exam includes a live debrief section where you can test and enhance your reporting skills to a client. This comprehensive approach ensures you are well-prepared for real-world scenarios and client interactions.
Conclusion
Overall, I greatly appreciate TCM Security's work ethic and their commitment to enhancing cybersecurity skills. Their approach undeniably offers students excellent value for money and a solid understanding of ethical hacking.
The PNPT certification has been an incredibly enriching experience, providing not just theoretical knowledge but practical, real-world skills that are directly applicable in the field. The comprehensive course material, combined with the realistic exam environment, ensures that students are well-prepared for careers in offensive security.
Inspired by my positive experience with the PNPT, I am now looking forward to pursuing TCM Security’s Web Exploitation certification (PWPT). I am eager to expand my knowledge further and continue supporting the fantastic team behind this company.