Rushd Almasar
Certifications
Cybersecurity

CPTS — Certified Penetration Testing Specialist

Hack The Box Academy

Advanced
Share:
Visit official site

Decision summary

Best for
  • Those with solid experience targeting senior roles.
Preferred prerequisites
  • Hands-on experience matching the certification's level.
Estimated price
HRDF support
HRDF status not verifiedVerify on HRDF

Guidance only · Verify pricing and requirements with the official provider

Certification details

Overview

Comprehensive hands-on penetration testing certification at intermediate/advanced level — 10-day practical lab exam

Comprehensive hands-on penetration testing certification at intermediate/advanced level — 10-day practical lab exam. This certification is suitable for the Advanced.

Exam & requirements

Tips to pass the exam

General guidance — verify with official source

  • Lock in one consistent quiet hour daily (early morning works well) — consistency beats volume.

  • Start with a question bank before reading the book — it tells you what's actually tested.

  • Take a full rest day before the exam — adequate rest noticeably sharpens focus and recall.

Study plan
Generic level-based template
Estimated study hours
150–300 hours
Suggested duration
3–6 months at ~2 hours/day
  1. 1

    Study the exam blueprint deeply and self-assess against each domain individually before starting.

  2. 2

    Start by reviewing real-world experience: document the projects you've worked on and map them to the cert requirements.

  3. 3

    Use only one official or accredited source (Official Study Guide) as your primary reference.

  4. 4

    Spend half of your time on scenario-based (case-study) practice, not rote memorisation.

  5. 5

    Join a professional study group (Discord or Slack) to discuss complex scenarios.

  6. 6

    Reserve the final month for full-length mock exams matching the real exam duration, deeply reviewing every wrong answer.

Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to prepare for CPTS — Certified Penetration Testing Specialist?
Typical preparation is 150–300 hours of focused study (3–6 months at ~2 hours/day), with the last two weeks reserved for full mock exams. The exact time depends on your prior experience in the field.
How much does CPTS — Certified Penetration Testing Specialist cost?
Cost varies by exam centre and country. Check Hack The Box Academy's official site for the latest pricing, and verify whether HRDF (Hadaf) covers it.
Does CPTS — Certified Penetration Testing Specialist expire?
Most professional certifications require renewal every 2–3 years through CPE / CEU (continuing-education credits). Check Hack The Box Academy's renewal policy for exact requirements.
Does CPTS — Certified Penetration Testing Specialist help land a job in Saudi Arabia?
The certification clearly increases your chances but isn't sufficient alone. Saudi employers look at certification + hands-on experience + projects + English fluency + local market understanding. Pair the cert with a real project or measurable experience.

Similar or alternative certifications

Compare with same-level alternatives

Saudi Cybersecurity Workforce Framework (SCyWF)

National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA)

IntermediateFree
Details

Essential Cybersecurity Controls (ECC)

National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA)

IntermediateFree
Details

Critical Systems Cybersecurity Controls (CSCC)

National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA)

Advanced
Details

What's next?

Continue your journey after reading this certification.

This site is a free informational guide only. For the latest pricing, requirements, and exam scheduling, please visit the issuer's official site via the link above.

Official source