eJPT v2 certification: The Ultimate Guide to Penetration Testing for Beginners in Saudi Arabia (2025)

Introduction to eJPT certification: Why is it your best choice to start a career in cybersecurity?

Are you passionate about cybersecurity and dream of becoming a Penetration Tester? Perhaps you feel lost in the plethora of theoretical certifications and don't know where to start, or wonder about eJPT Certificate Value Actual in the Saudi labor market. You may have heard about it, but you want to know: What exactly is it, how much does it cost, how difficult is the v2 practical test, and will it really help you get a well-paying job in Riyadh or Jeddah?

You're in the right place. This article is your comprehensive, step-by-step guide to answering all these questions. We'll take you step-by-step through the eJPT v2 certificationfrom the skills you will learn, how it compares to other degrees, and its overall cost, to a clear study plan and salary expectations in the Kingdom. By the end of this article, you will have full insight to make an informed decision on whether eJPT is your first gateway to a successful career in the world of penetration testing.

eJPT certification: Your comprehensive guide to entering the world of penetration testing in 2025

Do you aspire to enter the exciting world of cybersecurity? Are you passionate about Penetration Testing but don't know where to start? As digital transformation accelerates within the Vision 2030The demand for cybersecurity professionals is higher than ever. But getting started can be confusing amid the plethora of theoretical certifications.

This article is your complete guide to the eJPT (eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester)which is widely regarded as one of the best practical starting points in the industry. We'll cover everything from what it is, why it's special, its value in the Saudi labor market, to how to prepare for it step-by-step.

What is eJPT v2 certification (and what does it have to do with INE)?

eJPT is an entry-level professional certification in penetration testing, whose full name is "eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester". This certification was developed by eLearnSecuritywhich later became part of the global technical training giant INE.

It is very important to focus on the most recent version, which is eJPT v2. This version is not just a simple update, it is a comprehensive restructuring of the curriculum and testing to align with the modern threats and technologies that organizations face today. While v1 was great, v2 adds more depth and covers more realistic scenarios, making you better prepared for the job market.

Why eJPT is the first choice for beginners (the secret is in the practical test)

The core reason that puts the eJPT certification at the forefront of options for beginners is the nature of its exam. Unlike many other certifications that focus on theoretical multiple-choice questions (MCQs), the eJPT exam is 100% Practical.

This means you won't be asked "What is Nmap?", you will be asked to use Nmap to scan a real network and find open ports. You won't memorize the definition of the SQL Injection vulnerability, you'll actually exploit it to extract data from a database.

This pragmatic approach ensures two things:

1. Build trust: After taking the test, you will be confident that you You can Execute tasks, not just that you Know Terminology.
2. Demonstrate skill to employers: Companies are looking for employees who can get the job done. The eJPT certificate proves that you have the Hands-on Skills needed to get started.

Real value: Is the eJPT certificate recognized in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, and increasingly so. In the Saudi labor market, especially in sectors like banking, telecommunications, and government agencies (as well as major projects like NEOM and Qiddiya), practical skills are highly valued.

While certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CEH (theoretical) may be more familiar to human resources (HR) departments, technical managers and cybersecurity team leaders in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam Recognize the value of INE/eLearnSecurity certifications.

When a hiring manager sees the eJPT certification on your resume, they understand that you're not just a memorizer, you've spent time in hands-on labs and know how to use basic penetration testing tools. This gives you Strong competitive advantage For candidates with theoretical degrees only.

Skills covered in the eJPT v2 (Zero to Professional) curriculum

The official eJPT v2 certification training curriculum, known as Penetration Testing Student (PTSv2)is designed to take you from beginner level (even if your knowledge is limited) to basic competence in penetration testing. The curriculum is comprehensive and covers the main stages of any ethical penetration testing process.

Scanning & Enumeration Fundamentals

This is the first and most important stage. You will learn how to systematically explore the "enemy" network. This includes:

• Network Mapping: Discover active devices and the systems running on them.
• Port & Service Scanning: Using tools such as Nmap To determine what services (e.g., web server, database) are running on each machine.
• Enumeration: Dive deeper to collect detailed information such as usernames, network shares, and software versions. This is Key to finding vulnerabilities.

Network Penetration Testing

This is where the actual "hacking" begins. After identifying potential vulnerabilities, you will learn how to exploit them. The curriculum covers:

• Exploitation: Using tools such as Metasploit to carry out known attacks and gain access to systems.
• Post-Exploitation: What do you do after a breach? You'll learn how to search for sensitive information, Privilege Escalation, and maintain your access.
• Pivoting: This is a critical skill. You'll learn how to use the device you've compromised as a springboard to attack other "hidden" devices within the network that you can't access directly.

Web Application Penetration Testing Fundamentals

Most services today are web applications, and this is a huge part of a penetration tester's job. You'll learn the basics of the most common attacks (based on OWASP Top 10), such as:

• SQL Injection: How to utilize databases.
• Cross-Site Scripting (Cross-Site Scripting - XSS): How to inject codes into web pages.
• Directory Traversal attacks: How to access sensitive files on the server.

Basic tools in eJPT (Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite)

The certificate doesn't test you on obscure tools, but focuses on standard tools used daily in the industry. You'll gain solid hands-on experience using:

• Nmap: The number one tool for exploring networks.
• Metasploit Framework: The most popular platform for managing and executing exploits.
• Burp Suite: The essential tool for web application penetration testing (the community version will be used and is sufficient).
• Other tools such as: Hydra (to guess passwords). DirBuster/GoBuster (to search for hidden folders), and Wireshark (for analyzing network packets).

Critical comparison: eJPT v2, CEH Practical or PenTest+?

The entry-level certification market is crowded. How does eJPT v2 compare to its main competitors such as CEH Practical and CompTIA PenTest+? Let's explain the differences.

Comparison Table: eJPT v2 vs CEH Practical and CompTIA PenTest+

Crucial difference: Why is the eJPT test more realistic?

As the table shows, PenTest+ still relies heavily on theoretical questions. CEH Practical is entirely practical, but it is a series of challenges Separate (Isolated Challenges).

The fundamental difference in eJPT v2 is that it Simulation of a complete, interconnected Black Box network. You don't get 10 separate challenges, you get access to one network and you have to explore it, find vulnerabilities, exploit a system, and then use that system as a pivoting point to attack deeper systems.

You don't solve "puzzles," you execute Mini penetration testing process from A to Z. This experience is the closest to a real business scenario, which is what gives eJPT its high technical value.

Is the eJPT certification right for you? (Who is it for?)

This is an excellent certification, but it's not for everyone. It's tailor-made for certain individuals.

Checklist: Find out how ready you are to start your eJPT journey

Use this checklist to assess the suitability of the certificate for you:

• Are you curious about "how things work" and how they can be "broken"?
• Do you prefer to learn by Practical application Instead of theoretical memorization?
• Do you have an understanding (or at least a strong willingness to learn) Networking basics (e.g. TCP/IP, what is a port, what is an IP address)?
• Are you comfortable (or ready to become comfortable) using Command Line In Linux and Windows?
• Is your goal a purely technical position (e.g. penetration tester, SOC analyst) and not a management or governance position?
• Do you have patience and perseverance? (The hack test involves a lot of failures and attempts before success).

Result: If you answered "yes" to 3 or more of these points, the eJPT certification is likely the ideal choice for you.

Prerequisites: Do I need Network+ or CCNA certification before eJPT?

Officially. There are no prerequisites For eJPT certification. The official course (PTSv2) is designed to start you off with the basics, including a review of networking.

But, as practical advice from the experts: Highly Recommended Have a good understanding of networking basics before you start. You don't have to be an expert, but understanding concepts like the TCP/IP protocol, the difference between TCP and UDP, and what subnets are, will make the journey much easier.

If your knowledge of networking is zero, consider spending a couple weeks studying Network+ basics before diving into the eJPT curriculum.

How much does eJPT v2 cost? (Comprehensive Price Analysis)

Investing in your career requires financial planning. The cost of eJPT can be divided into two parts: Training and testing.

INE Official Training Course (PTS) Prices

INE is powered by Subscriptions. You cannot "buy the course" separately. You must subscribe to one of their plans to access the training materials.

• Fundamentals plan: is the most convenient plan to get started. Its cost is about 399 USD per year (Prices may vary slightly).
• This subscription not only gives you access to the eJPT (PTSv2) course, it also gives you access to Huge library Other foundational courses in networking, cloud, and programming. The value for money is excellent.

eJPT test voucher price and return cost

The Exam Voucher is your ticket to the exam.

• The cost of an eJPT v2 test voucher is about 249 USD.
• Huge advantage: The price includes One Free Retake in case you don't succeed the first time. This greatly reduces the psychological and physical stress, which is rare in the world of professional certification.

Cheaper alternatives: Are free resources (TryHackMe) enough to pass the eJPT?

This is a common question. Platforms such as TryHackMe and HackTheBox These are great resources for hands-on training. The "Jr Penetration Tester" track on TryHackMe is very helpful.

But, is it enough AloneThe answer is: Maybe not. The official INE course is specially designed to cover each exam objective. Great external resources Supplement for training, but relying on it entirely may cause you to miss some of the key concepts or specific techniques that the exam focuses on, especially pivoting techniques, which are explained in depth in the official course.

30-day study plan to pass the eJPT v2 exam

This is an intensive study plan intended for people who have some background in IT. If you are a complete beginner, we recommend extending the plan to 60 days.

First week: Fundamentals of Grids and Enumeration

• Focus: Master the Networking Fundamentals, Vulnerability Assessment, and Scanning modules in the PTSv2 course.
• Objective: Deep understanding of Nmap. You should be able to read the Nmap output and identify interesting targets. Do all the labs related to this section. Don't rush this weekIt is the foundation for all that is to come.

Second week: Exploitation

• Focus: Diving into Exploitation and Post-Exploitation units.
• Objective: Understanding how Metasploit (Exploit research, setup, execution). Practice targeting systems in labs. Start to understand how to transfer files to and from a compromised system.

Third week: Web Hacking and Pivoting Techniques

• Focus: Complete web application hacking modules (SQLi, XSS, etc.) and focus on capacitor on the unit Pivoting (pivoting/moving within the network).
• Objective: Pivoting is the most challenging part for many and is absolutely necessary for testing. You need to practice over and over again how to add Routes to access hidden networks across the system you've hacked.

Fourth week: Practical application and final review

• Focus: Stop learning new things.
• Objective: Resolve all INE Labs From start to finish. Pay special attention to the final Black Box labs in the course, as they mimic the real test environment. Get some rest the day before the test.

The eJPT v2 test experience: What can you expect in 48 hours?

You booked your test. You pressed the "Start" button. What happens now?

The nature of the test (Black Box) and number of questions

• Contact: You will get a VPN to connect your device to the test network, and a "Letter of Engagement" that tells you what's allowed and what's not.
• The environment: You're on a test Black Box Real. You have a network in front of you that you don't know anything about.
• Time: You have 48 hours to complete the test from the moment you start.
• Questions: Testing is not just "hack and slash." It's about 35 questions You should answer them based on what you find (Example: "What is the password stored in file X on machine Y?" or "What exploit did you use to compromise server Z?").
• Success: You must have a score of 75% or higher to pass the test and get the certificate.

Golden tips to succeed in eJPT on the first attempt

1. Enumeration is Key: Take your time during the initial scanning phase. Don't leave any port or service unchecked. The answers are hidden in the details that you find at this point.
2. Note-taking is mandatory: Use a tool like CherryTree or Obsidian to document every step. For each device (Host) you find, create its own section, record open ports, services, potential vulnerabilities, and any notes. This is essential for information management within 48 hours.
3. Read the questions first: Reading the questions gives you hints about what you're looking for and guides your efforts.
4. Don't succumb to panic: 48 hours is a period of Very long. If you hit a dead end, take a break, sleep, and come back with fresh eyes. Don't try to work 48 hours straight.

Avoid these mistakes: The most difficult challenges in the eJPT (e.g. Routing)

The first mistake beginners make is failing to Pivoting and Routing. You will definitely come across a compromised device that connects you to another subnet that you can't see directly.

You must master how to Adding Routes manually on your device (using the ip route add... in Linux) or using tools such as autoroute in Metasploit, so you can direct your attacks to those hidden networks. If you fail this step, you'll miss half the questions. Practice Pivoting until it becomes automatic.

The future of eJPT in the Saudi labor market

Congratulations, you passed the test! What is the next step in your career in the Kingdom?

Job titles that the eJPT certification opens up for you

This certification strongly prepares you for Entry-Level positions in cybersecurity, such as:

• Junior Penetration Tester
• SOC Analyst - Tier 1
• Security Analyst
• Vulnerability Analyst

You will be an attractive candidate for cybersecurity consulting firms, banks, telecommunications companies, and organizations that are building internal cybersecurity teams.

How much is the salary of an eJPT certificate holder in Saudi Arabia? (Riyadh and Jeddah)

Salaries always depend on several factors (company, city, your other skills, your ability to negotiate). However, as a general estimate in the Saudi market (Riyadh and Jeddah):

• For a new graduate Holding an eJPT certificate (with good communication skills), can expect a starting salary between 8,000 to 13,000 SAR monthly.
• with One to two years of experience With this certification, the salary can quickly rise to 15,000 - 20,000 SAR Or more.

The key is that eJPT gives you the "opportunity" to demonstrate your practical skills in the technical interview, which often leads to better job offers and salaries.

What comes after eJPT? Upgrading to eCPPT or OSCP

Don't stop at eJPT. This is the foundation. The natural path to promotion is:

1. eCPPT (eLearnSecurity Certified Professional Penetration Tester): is the next certification from INE. It is significantly more difficult, and requires you to hack an entire network and write Detailed professional report (which is a highly sought-after skill).
2. OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional): They are considered the "gold standard" in the industry. They are harder and require higher Manual Exploitation skills.

Getting the eJPT first builds the solid foundation you need to succeed on these two legendary exams later in your career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about eJPT Certification

Q1: Does the eJPT certificate expire?

C: No. This is one of its biggest advantages. The eJPT certificate never expires (Lifetime). You get it once and it stays on your resume forever without having to pay a renewal fee.

Q2: Is the eJPT test proctored?

C: No. The test is not proctored. It is an "Open Book" test, which means you can use Google, your notes, and any other sources (except asking for help from other people). They trust that the difficulty of the practice test is enough to ensure your proficiency.

Q3: Do I need strong programming knowledge to pass eJPT?

C: No. The eJPT v2 exam does not require you to write complex programs or scripts from scratch. All you need is the ability to read and understand simple scripts (such as Python or Bash) and sometimes make minor modifications to them. The focus is on using the tools, not developing them.

Q4: What is the fundamental difference between eJPT v1 (old) and eJPT v2 (new)?

A: eJPT v2 is a huge update. The most important differences:

• Method: v2 adds important new material such as the basics of Active Directory (AD)cloud fundamentals, cloud basics, and advanced pivoting techniques.
• The test: v2 test duration 48 hours (compared to 3 days for v1) is more challenging and covers a larger, more complex network that better simulates modern infrastructures. If you are studying, make sure you are studying for the v2.

Conclusion: Summary of your next trip with eJPT

We've come to the end of our comprehensive guide to the eJPT v2 certification. We hope you now have a clearer picture of the value of this certification and how it can be a turning point in your career.

Here's a summary of the most important points we covered in this article:

• The eJPT v2 certification is best for beginners: The 100% certification focuses on practical skills through an exam that simulates a real-life network (Black Box), giving you real-world experience rather than theoretical memorization.
• Its value in the Saudi labor market: The certificate is increasingly recognized by technical managers in Saudi Arabia, and qualifies you for in-demand jobs such as "Junior Penetration Tester" or "Security Analyst" with good starting salaries.
• The key to success: Preparing for the exam (48 hours) requires mastery of the official INE curriculum (PTSv2), extensive practice in the hands-on labs, and an understanding of pivoting techniques in particular.
• Excellent investment value: Compared to its competitors, eJPT offers a reasonable cost, free retakes, and most importantly, a certification Doesn't expire for life.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this detailed guide to the end. We hope you found all the answers you were looking for, and that you now feel confident to take your first step towards a bright and in-demand career in the world of cybersecurity.