Published in: ARTICLES

Building Cybersecurity Knowledge: CompTIA Security+, eJPT, and PNPT Explained

Author aziz

Published on: 10/04/2025

In today’s world, cybersecurity is more important than ever, with increasing digital threats and a growing demand for skilled professionals who can protect data and infrastructure. Whether you’re just starting your cybersecurity journey or looking to specialize, certifications play a key role in validating your knowledge and helping you break into the field.

Among the most valuable entry-to-mid-level certifications are CompTIA Security+, eJPT (eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester), and PNPT (Practical Network Penetration Tester). Each of these certifications provides a unique learning experience, and together they build a solid foundation for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.

1. CompTIA Security+: Your Cybersecurity Entry Point

Overview

CompTIA Security+ is often the first cybersecurity certification professionals pursue. It’s vendor-neutral, meaning it’s not tied to a specific technology or company, and it provides a broad understanding of key cybersecurity concepts.

What It Covers

Security+ is an ideal certification for beginners because it covers a wide range of essential topics, including:

• Threats, vulnerabilities, and attacks
• Network security fundamentals
• Identity and access management
• Risk management and incident response
• Cryptography and public key infrastructure (PKI)
• Security architecture and design

Security+ doesn’t focus on hands-on hacking, but rather builds foundational knowledge needed for roles like security analyst, systems administrator, or IT auditor.

Why It’s Valuable

• Globally recognized and compliant with DoD 8570/8140 requirements
• Frequently listed in job postings
• A stepping stone for advanced certs like CEH, CISSP, or OSCP

Ideal For:

• Beginners entering cybersecurity
• IT professionals transitioning into security roles
• Anyone needing a solid foundation in cyber principles

2. eJPT: Hands-On Introduction to Ethical Hacking

Overview

The eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (eJPT) is an entry-level hands-on certification designed to introduce learners to penetration testing and ethical hacking. Unlike theory-heavy certifications, eJPT tests your ability to perform real-world attacks in a simulated lab.

What It Covers

The eJPT focuses on the offensive side of cybersecurity, helping learners understand how attackers think and act. Topics include:

• Networking and TCP/IP basics
• Information gathering and scanning
• Web application attacks (XSS, SQLi)
• System exploitation and privilege escalation
• Basic scripting and automation
• Vulnerability assessment and exploitation

It includes training via the “Intro to Pentesting” (PTP) course from INE, which guides learners through labs and examples.

Why It’s Valuable

• Fully practical exam in a virtual lab environment
• Affordable and beginner-friendly
• No rigid prerequisites—perfect for those curious about ethical hacking
• Teaches tools like Nmap, Burp Suite, Metasploit, and Wireshark

Ideal For:

• Newcomers interested in offensive security
• Students who learn best by doing
• Those who want to move from IT or development into cybersecurity

3. PNPT: Realistic, Practical Penetration Testing

Overview

The Practical Network Penetration Tester (PNPT) by TCM Security is a more intermediate-level certification focused on real-world network penetration testing. What makes PNPT unique is its exam structure—you’re hired as a pretend pentester for a simulated company, and you must attack, document, and report findings just like in a real engagement.

What It Covers

PNPT goes beyond individual tools or techniques to teach full pentesting workflows:

• Active Directory exploitation
• Internal and external network attacks
• Password attacks and credential harvesting
• Exploiting misconfigurations
• Post-exploitation and lateral movement
• Report writing and professional communication

It includes access to training such as the “Practical Ethical Hacking” course, as well as courses on privilege escalation, open-source intelligence (OSINT), and reporting.

Why It’s Valuable

• Focuses on real-world skills required by employers
• The exam includes a real pentest engagement and professional report
• Prepares learners for jobs, not just certification
• Praised by professionals as more practical than CEH

Ideal For:

• Students with some basic cybersecurity knowledge
• Aspiring red teamers or network pentesters
• Learners wanting to simulate real engagements

Comparing the Certifications

How to Choose the Right One

Choose Security+ if:

• You’re just starting in cybersecurity.
• You want a broad, vendor-neutral foundation.
• You’re aiming for compliance-based roles or working for government contractors.

Choose eJPT if:

• You want to start learning hacking hands-on.
• You’ve completed Security+ or understand networking basics.
• You’re curious about becoming an ethical hacker or pentester.

Choose PNPT if:

• You’ve already played with basic tools like Nmap, Burp, or Metasploit.
• You want to go deeper into realistic pentesting scenarios.
• You’re preparing for roles like penetration tester or red teamer.

Why These Certifications Matter

Cybersecurity is a vast field, and certifications like Security+, eJPT, and PNPT help you progress from understanding to application. These aren’t just resume boosters—they teach you how to think critically, solve problems, and protect systems.

What sets certifications like eJPT and PNPT apart is their emphasis on real-world practice, which is increasingly important to employers. As companies look for professionals who can detect, analyze, and prevent attacks, certifications that validate hands-on ability carry more weight than ever.

Conclusion

CompTIA Security+, eJPT, and PNPT offer a well-rounded learning path for anyone entering or growing in cybersecurity. Security+ builds your foundation, eJPT gets you comfortable with offensive tools, and PNPT puts your skills to the test in real-world scenarios. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an aspiring ethical hacker, these certifications provide a structured way to learn, grow, and stand out in a competitive industry.

If you’re serious about a career in cybersecurity, start with Security+, explore hacking with eJPT, and level up with the PNPT. Each step brings you closer to being a confident, capable security professional ready to defend the digital world.