199 reviews

GIAC© Penetration Tester (GPEN) Course

Item: penetration-tester-gpen-certification
Rating: 10
Author: Johan Andersson

Build advanced penetration testing skills to identify and help remediate vulnerabilities in modern IT environments. This course prepares you to sit for the GPEN™ certification exam and confidently conduct ethical hacking assessments in real-world scenarios.

course: GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)

Duration: 5 days

Format: Virtual or Classroom

Prepares for Exam: GIAC Penetration Tester GPEN

Prepares for Certification: GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)

Attend this and 60+ other Security courses for FREE with Unlimited Security Training

Overview

The GIAC© Penetration Tester (GPEN) course teaches you to conduct advanced penetration testing and ethical hacking assessments in real-world environments. You will gain hands-on skills in identifying vulnerabilities, exploiting systems, and recommending remediation strategies to strengthen security. This instructor-led training prepares you for the GPEN exam and the GIAC Penetration Tester certification, a globally recognized credential for cybersecurity professionals.

This course includes

Instructor-led training
Practice test
Pre-reading
Personal Learning Path
Certification Guarantee
Email, chat and phone support

Who is the GIAC© Penetration Tester (GPEN) training course for?

The GIAC® Penetration Tester (GPEN) training course is tailored for cybersecurity professionals, ethical hackers, and penetration testers who want to strengthen their ability to assess and identify vulnerabilities in networks and systems. The course provides in-depth coverage of penetration testing methodology, network and host enumeration, vulnerability identification and analysis, exploitation techniques, password attacks, web and wireless penetration testing, and post-exploitation techniques. By completing the training and earning the GPEN certification, participants demonstrate their expertise in executing thorough penetration tests, discovering system weaknesses, and delivering strategic recommendations to enhance security. The certification affirms their qualifications in penetration testing and positions them as valuable contributors to any organization’s cybersecurity posture.

Disclaimer: Readynez is an independent training provider and is not affiliated with the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) organization. All GIAC® certification names, including GFACT™, GPEN, GICSP, GRID, and others, are trademarks or registered trademarks of GIAC®. Our courses are designed to help learners prepare for GIAC® certification exams, which are administered independently by GIAC®. Certification exam fees are separate and paid directly to GIAC®.

Curriculum

What you will learn during our GIAC© Penetration Tester (GPEN) course.

Introduction to Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking

Overview of penetration testing and ethical hacking concepts and methodology
Overview of penetration testing tools and techniques
Reconnaissance methods and tools (passive, active, OSINT)
Scanning methods and tools (port scanning, service scanning, vulnerability scanning)

Exploitation Techniques

Overview of exploitation techniques and challenges
Exploitation methods and tools (Metasploit, PowerShell Empire, etc.)
Postexploitation methods and tools (Mimikatz, BloodHound, etc.)
Privilege escalation methods and techniques (local, domain)

Web Application Penetration Testing

Overview of web application penetration testing concepts and challenges
Web application reconnaissance methods and tools (OWASP ZAP, Nikto, etc.)
Web application exploitation methods and tools (SQL injection, XSS, CSRF, etc.)
Web application postexploitation methods and tools (web shells, session hijacking, etc.)

Network Penetration Testing

Overview of network penetration testing concepts and challenges
Network reconnaissance methods and tools (Nmap, Netcat, Wireshark)
Network exploitation methods and tools (buffer overflows, RCE, file transfers)
Network postexploitation methods and tools (pivoting, port forwarding, tunneling)

Wireless Penetration Testing

Overview of wireless penetration testing concepts and challenges
Wireless reconnaissance methods and tools (aircrackng, Kismet)
Wireless exploitation methods and tools (WEP cracking, WPA cracking, Evil Twin)
Wireless postexploitation methods and tools (Rogue APs, MITM attacks)

Social Engineering Penetration Testing

Overview of social engineering penetration testing concepts and challenges
Social engineering reconnaissance methods and tools (Maltego, theHarvester)
Social engineering exploitation methods and tools (phishing emails, malicious attachments)
Social engineering postexploitation methods and tools (keyloggers, webcams)

Preparation

How to best be prepared for our GIAC© Penetration Tester (GPEN) course.

At Readynez, we provide many resources and have experienced experts in the field. That is why we are also very successful with many satisfied customers. You can therefore safely take your course with us. In order to take the GPEN course, however, some prerequisites are required.

You have the perfect starting point to take this course with these prerequisites:

Basic understanding of TCP/IP networking and protocols
Basic familiarity with Linux and Windows operating systems and command line tools
Basic knowledge of web application development and security
Basic knowledge of scripting languages such as Python, PowerShell, or Ruby

Meet our instructors

Meet some of the Readynez Instructors you can meet on your course. They are experts, passionate about what they do, and dedicated to give back to their industry, their field, and those who want to learn, explore, and advance in their careers.

Kevin Henry

Kevin Henry delivers high-impact, LIVE instructor-led cybersecurity training for professionals preparing for certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, and CCSP. With decades of global experience and deep industry insight, he equips learners with practical skills, strong exam readiness, and real-world understanding essential for modern security roles.

Meet the Instructor: Kevin Henry  

At Readynez, we’re beyond proud to have Kevin on the instructor team!  

With over 30 years of experience in IT security and audit, Kevin has helped thousands achieve certifications like CISSP, CISA, CISM, CCSP, and more.  

As the official course writer for ISC2 and ISACA, and a trusted advisor to organizations globally, Kevin brings unmatched expertise, actionable guidance, engaging stories and real-world insight to every course.  

Delegates consistently rate him 10/10 - and it’s easy to see why. His passion for teaching, deep knowledge, and genuine care for student success make him one of the most respected instructors in the field.  

Excellence starts with instructors like you. Thank you for empowering learners worldwide - and for your unwavering commitment and trust!  

Ready to join a session with Kevin? https://www.readynez.com/en/training/courses/vendors/isc2/

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James Rowney

James is recognised for his more than 20 years of contribution to learning and certification within IT Security.

James has worked on many large mission critical environments in some of the largest companies in their industries.

Understanding business requirements and drivers are essential to any strategy and design. Understanding environments are key to any application or infrastructure changes, both the immediate services they interface with and those beyond. A failure to satisfy Non Functional Requirements can not be fixed by a process.

Specialties: CISSP, CCSP, AWS Solution Architect Associate, TOGAF 9 certified 86080 member of The Association of Enterprise Architects (AEA) - 27519830. BCS Solution & Enterprise Architect Certified - AMBCS - 990529878, Linux RHCE V5 expired, RHCVA Unix, Storage, SAN, Netbackup, Clusters, Design and Delivery of Infrastructure.

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Friedhelm Düsterhöft

As one of Europe’s most respected GRC and cybersecurity experts, Friedhelm Düsterhöft brings over 30 years of experience to his LIVE instructor-led training. He equips professionals with practical skills, strong certification readiness, and a clear understanding of complex regulatory frameworks essential for modern security roles.

Meet the Instructor: Friedhelm Düsterhöft

With over 30 years of experience in IT, information security, and data privacy, Friedhelm Düsterhöft is one of the most respected voices in the GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) space - helping professionals build robust, regulation-ready organizations.

As an authorized trainer for ISC2 and an accredited trainer for ISACA & EXIN, Friedhelm’s dedication to excellence has earned him the titles PECB German Trainer of the Year 2022 and PECB Platinum Trainer 2024.

Founder of msdd.neT GmbH 
ISO 27001 & ISO 31000 Expert 
Accredited Certification Auditor
Contributor to global whitepapers on cybersecurity and compliance 
Instructor for GRC courses including CISSP, CISA and NIS2 Lead Implementer

Friedhelm is known for translating complex regulatory demands into clear, actionable strategies - empowering professionals to build strong compliance cultures from the ground up.

If you're training with Friedhelm, you're learning from one of the most trusted minds in the field.

Find your next IT and security course with Friedhelm Düsterhöft here: https://www.readynez.com/en/training/courses/all/

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FAQ

FAQs for the GPEN prep course.

What is GPEN certification?

Issued by GIAC (Global Information Assurance Certification), the GPEN certification validates a practitioner’s ability to properly conduct penetration tests using best-practice techniques and methodologies.

How do I prepare for the GPEN exam?

Join Readynez’s specialized GPEN course for expert-led, hands-on training. Whether you’re an individual or part of a team, our tailored sessions will help you master ethical hacking and secure your path to certification.

What are the prerequisites for GPEN certification?

While there are no strict requirements, it’s recommended that candidates understand Windows OS, Linux and Windows CLI, computer networking, TCP/IP protocols, and have a basic understanding of cryptographic concepts.

How much does the GPEN exam cost?

The GPEN certification exam costs €1576.

What topics are covered in the GPEN exam?

The exam covers a range of cybersecurity areas: Network Security, System Security, Application Security, Data Security, Compliance and Auditing, and Incident Response.

Is GPEN certification worth it for my career?

Yes - GPEN certification validates your penetration testing expertise, enhances your credibility, and can open up new career opportunities and increase your earning potential.

How long does it take to become GPEN certified?

It depends on your experience and schedule. On average, candidates take a few weeks to a few months to prepare, study, and pass the GPEN exam.

Can I take the GPEN exam online?

Yes. All GIAC exams are web-based and must be proctored either remotely via ProctorU or onsite through PearsonVUE.

How easy or difficult is it to pass the GPEN exam?

Difficulty varies by individual. With the right preparation, tools, and hands-on practice, most candidates can confidently pass the GPEN certification exam.

What is the passing score for the GPEN exam?

The minimum passing score is 75%.

How can I maintain my GPEN certification?

GIAC certifications must be renewed every four years. You can begin the renewal process two years before your expiration date.

How much salary can I get after getting GPEN certified?

Certified penetration testers earn between $57,000 and $134,000 annually. GPEN holders earn a median salary of around $100,000—well above the national average.

Reviews

Feedback from our delegates.

Stephen Ridgway

Readynez is the best training provider I've used for many years. Their customer service is first class, prices are very competitive and instruction excellent.