Best Penetration Testing Courses for 2025: Top Training Options Compared

In today's increasingly digital world, the role of penetration testers has become vital for organizations looking to secure their systems against malicious attacks. Whether you're just starting your cybersecurity journey or looking to advance your existing skills, finding the right penetration testing course is crucial for developing the expertise needed in this high-demand field.

This comprehensive guide explores the best penetration testing courses available in 2025, comparing features, pricing, and target audiences to help you make an informed decision about your cybersecurity education.

Quick Comparison: Top Penetration Testing Courses

Course	Provider	Best For	Key Features	Price Range
PEN-200: Penetration Testing with Kali Linux	OffSec	Hands-on learners	Real-world scenarios, OSCP certification prep, 90 days lab access	$1,499
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)	EC-Council	Industry recognition	Comprehensive coverage, globally recognized, instructor-led options	$1,850+
SEC560: Enterprise Penetration Testing	SANS Institute	Enterprise security	Advanced techniques, corporate focus, instructor expertise	$7,270
Penetration Testing Essential Training	LinkedIn Learning	Beginners	Fundamentals, accessible platform, self-paced learning	$39.99/month subscription
Advanced Penetration Testing	Cybrary	Intermediate professionals	Advanced exploitation, covert techniques, practical exercises	Free/Premium plans
CompTIA PenTest+	CompTIA	Entry to mid-level	Vendor-neutral certification, good for government roles	$392 (exam only)
GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)	SANS GIAC	Comprehensive coverage	Industry respected, thorough curriculum, certification	$2,499 (exam only)
HTB Certified Penetration Testing Specialist	Hack The Box	Practical application	Immersive labs, realistic challenges, hands-on approach	$249/month
Virtual Hacking Labs	VHL	Self-directed learners	Lab environments, practical challenges, certification exam	$99-$249/month
Penetration Testing Boot Camp	Infosec Institute	Intensive training	Comprehensive curriculum, instructor-led, certification prep	Contact for pricing

1. PEN-200: Penetration Testing with Kali Linux (OffSec)

• Best for: Hands-on learners seeking practical skills and OSCP certification
• Price: $1,499 (includes course materials, lab access, and exam attempt)
• Visit website: OffSec

OffSec's flagship penetration testing course is renowned for its practical approach and challenging lab environment. This course focuses on foundational penetration testing skills with an emphasis on real-world problem-solving rather than theoretical knowledge.

Key Features

• 90 days of lab access: Real-world penetration testing scenarios
• Comprehensive course materials: Covering information gathering, vulnerability identification, and privilege escalation
• OSCP certification prep: Prepares students for the highly respected Offensive Security Certified Professional certification
• Methodical approach: Teaches penetration testing with limited use of automated tools

2. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) (EC-Council)

• Best for: Professionals seeking an industry-recognized certification and structured approach
• Price: $1,199 (exam only)
• Visit website: EC-Council

EC-Council's Certified Ethical Hacker program is one of the most recognized certifications in ethical hacking and penetration testing. The course covers a wide range of topics including reconnaissance techniques, system hacking, and social engineering.

Key Features

• Comprehensive coverage: 20 security domains with over 340 attack technologies
• Global recognition: Certification valued by employers worldwide
• Multiple formats: Available in instructor-led, online self-paced, and bootcamp options
• Extensive hands-on labs: Over 220 real-world scenarios

3. SEC560: Enterprise Penetration Testing (SANS Institute)

• Best for: Advanced professionals focusing on enterprise security
• Price: $7,270 (includes course materials and GIAC certification attempt)
• Visit website: SANS Institute

SANS Institute offers this in-depth course focused on advanced penetration testing techniques for enterprise environments. SEC560 is designed for security professionals who want to conduct effective penetration tests to enhance their organization's security posture.

Key Features

• Hands-on labs: Covering network, web, and wireless penetration testing
• Enterprise focus: Addressing enterprise-level security challenges and solutions
• Expert instructors: Industry-leading professionals with real-world experience
• GPEN certification prep: Prepares students for the GIAC Penetration Tester certification

4. Penetration Testing Essential Training (LinkedIn Learning)

• Best for: Beginners and those seeking a basic understanding of penetration testing concepts
• Price: $39.99/month LinkedIn Learning subscription (free trial available)
• Visit website: LinkedIn Learning

This LinkedIn Learning course provides a solid introduction to penetration testing fundamentals for IT security professionals. It covers the basics of ethical hacking, common exploitation tools, and methodologies.

Key Features

• Accessible content: Clear explanations for beginners
• Self-paced learning: On-demand video lessons
• Comprehensive coverage: Includes reconnaissance, scanning, and exploitation basics
• Expert instruction: Taught by cybersecurity professionals with real-world experience

5. Advanced Penetration Testing Course (Cybrary)

• Best for: Intermediate to advanced security professionals seeking to enhance their skills
• Price: Free basic access; Premium plans start at $39/month
• Visit website: Cybrary

Cybrary's Advanced Penetration Testing course focuses on complex penetration testing tasks, advanced exploitation techniques, and covert methods used in professional penetration tests.

Key Features

• Advanced techniques: Focus on exploitation and covert methods
• Post-exploitation: Covers pivoting and maintaining access
• Practical exercises: Virtual lab environments for hands-on practice
• Expert guidance: Self-paced learning platform with professional instruction

6. CompTIA PenTest+ (CompTIA)

• Best for: IT professionals looking for a vendor-neutral penetration testing certification
• Price: $392 (exam only); training courses vary by provider, typically $1,500-$3,000
• Visit website: CompTIA

CompTIA PenTest+ is a vendor-neutral certification that validates the skills required to perform penetration tests and vulnerability assessments. The course covers planning, scoping, and managing weaknesses, not just exploiting them.

Key Features

• Vendor-neutral certification: Internationally recognized
• Practical focus: Emphasis on hands-on ability and practical skills
• Comprehensive process: Covers the entire penetration testing workflow
• Government compliance: Ideal for government roles

7. GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) (SANS GIAC)

• Best for: Comprehensive coverage of penetration testing methodologies and techniques
• Price: $2,499 (exam only); typically paired with SANS training courses (additional cost)
• Visit website: GIAC

The GIAC Penetration Tester certification validates a practitioner's ability to properly conduct a penetration test using best practices. It covers methodologies, tools, and legal issues associated with penetration testing.

Key Features

• Industry respect: Rigorous testing standards
• Comprehensive curriculum: Complete penetration testing process coverage
• Methodology focus: Emphasis on techniques rather than specific tools
• Long-term validity: Certification valid for four years

8. HTB Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (Hack The Box)

• Best for: Hands-on learners who prefer immersive, challenge-based environments
• Price: Academy subscription starts at $249/month
• Visit website: Hack The Box

Hack The Box provides an immersive environment for learning advanced penetration testing through their certification program. The course focuses on practical, hands-on challenges in real-world scenarios.

Key Features

• Immersive environment: Realistic challenges in lab settings
• Offensive security focus: Advanced techniques and skills
• Progressive learning: Self-paced with increasing difficulty
• Community support: Active community for collaboration

9. Virtual Hacking Labs (VHL)

• Best for: Self-directed learners seeking hands-on practice in a dedicated lab environment
• Price: Basic package starts at $99/month; more extensive packages available up to $249/month
• Visit website: Virtual Hacking Labs

Virtual Hacking Labs provides a comprehensive penetration testing course with access to a lab environment containing vulnerable machines designed for practicing penetration testing techniques.

Key Features

• Extensive lab environment: 40+ vulnerable machines
• Detailed materials: Step-by-step exercises with comprehensive guides
• Certification option: Practical exam for completion certificate
• Real-world scenarios: Focus on realistic attack situations

10. Cloud Penetration Testing Training Boot Camp (Infosec Institute)

• Best for: Intensive, instructor-led training with certification preparation
• Price: Contact for pricing
• Visit website: Infosec Institute

Infosec Institute's Penetration Testing Boot Camp provides comprehensive, instructor-led training that combines theoretical knowledge with practical exercises. The program prepares students for various penetration testing certifications.

Key Features

• Intensive format: Accelerated learning in boot camp style
• Practical focus: Real-world simulations and exercises
• Comprehensive coverage: Exploitation techniques, social engineering, and report creation
• Certification prep: Includes exam vouchers for relevant certifications

How to Choose the Right Penetration Testing Course

When selecting a penetration testing course, consider these important factors:

• Experience Level: Assess your current knowledge and skills in cybersecurity and penetration testing. Beginners should start with foundational courses like CompTIA PenTest+ or LinkedIn Learning's offerings, while experienced professionals might benefit more from advanced courses like OffSec's PEN-200 or SANS SEC560.

• Learning Style: Consider how you learn best. Some courses offer structured, instructor-led training, while others focus on self-paced learning or hands-on lab environments.

• Certification Value: Research which certifications are most valued in your target industry or job role. OSCP and CEH are widely recognized, while specialized certifications may be more valuable in certain sectors.

• Budget and Time Commitment: Course prices vary significantly, from subscription-based platforms starting at $40/month to comprehensive boot camps costing thousands of dollars. Consider both the monetary investment and the time required to complete the course successfully.

• Hands-on Experience: Practical application is crucial in penetration testing. Prioritize courses that offer extensive lab environments and real-world scenarios over those that focus primarily on theoretical knowledge.

Emerging Trends in Penetration Testing

The field of penetration testing is constantly evolving. Here are some emerging trends to be aware of when selecting a course:

• Cloud Security Testing: As more organizations move to cloud environments, specialized skills in testing cloud infrastructure are becoming increasingly valuable.

• IoT Penetration Testing: With the proliferation of Internet of Things devices, courses that cover IoT security are growing in demand.

• Automated and AI-Enhanced Testing: While manual skills remain essential, familiarity with automated tools and AI-enhanced techniques is becoming increasingly important.

• DevSecOps Integration: Understanding how penetration testing fits into the DevSecOps pipeline is becoming a valuable skill for testers working in agile environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Investing in a high-quality penetration testing course is a valuable step toward building a successful career in cybersecurity. The courses highlighted in this guide represent some of the best options available in 2025, catering to various experience levels, learning styles, and budget considerations.