Do you need a degree to become a pen tester?

Some pen tester jobs may only need certification or hands-on IT and security experience. However, a bachelor's or master's degree in cybersecurity can boost your employment chances. These programs typically provide a background in risk management, security testing, and best practices.

How long does it take to train as a pen tester?

The training time to become a pen tester varies — for instance, earning a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity can take four to five years. If you opt for a master’s degree in the field, count on another year or two. Adding to your knowledge through certifications and cybersecurity boot camps can require weeks or months. If you need to get hands-on experience through an entry-level position, count on one to four more years.

Is a pen tester a good career?

If you’re interested in information technology, penetration testing can be a great career. The skills are in high demand, and the pay and benefits are competitive. Penetration testing also offers many opportunities to learn and grow in the fast-changing field of IT.

What does a penetration tester do?

By: Amy Sorter, Edited by: Vanessa Wolf

Published: February 14, 2025

Data breaches are becoming more common. As a result, companies and organizations must keep ahead of ever-changing attack methods.

This is where a penetration tester's skills are essential. In this role, you help safeguard information technology (IT) systems from bad actors.

Explore a detailed list of a penetration tester's duties so that you can determine whether this career is right for you.

What is a penetration tester?

As a penetration tester, or pen tester, you are part of a cybersecurity team as an “ethical hacker."

Your main tasks involve creating and implementing simulated cyberattacks to determine system vulnerabilities. This determines whether your organization's networks, equipment, and data can stand up to outside attacks.

Penetration tester skills are in high demand among data-intense industries, including:

Online retail/e-commerce companies
Government agencies
Financial institutions
Healthcare providers
Educational institutions

What does a penetration tester do for cybersecurity?

A company's cybersecurity team is in place to prevent unauthorized use and access to data, systems, networks, and mobile devices. Penetration testers are an essential part of the team. In this position, you find and recommend solutions for vulnerabilities before cybercriminals can exploit them.

The three penetration test methods are:

White box, in which you have complete entry information into a system
Black box, where you have no information about the system
Gray box, where you'll have some, but not all, information about the system

Critical daily tasks performed by pen testers

Your job duties will likely include the following daily tasks and additional responsibilities:

Establish penetration methods: You must determine the right penetration methods to test your company's specific systems. With this task, you might decide on tools developed by other companies or create your own.
Launch the test: Using the methods mentioned above, you'll simulate system cyberattacks and threats. The process exposes hardware and software vulnerabilities without the danger of data breaches.
Collect data: Upon completion of the tests, you'll collect and analyze the resulting data. This information might include unauthorized entry points, lack of security controls, and the impact of a breach.
Document and report findings: This involves writing up the information and analysis. You'll then present it to your cybersecurity team and management. Documentation topics can include the applications tested and test methods used.
Recommend improvements: With known vulnerabilities, you provide recommendations to reduce (or eliminate) system weaknesses, improve security, and start employee training.

Additional duties involved

Here are a few more tasks that may also be integrated into your duties:

Investigate cyberattacks: Pen testers don't often investigate real-time hacks. But you might use your expertise to track breaches to their source or collect proof of attacks.
Present training programs or workshops: You could lead workshops that tell employees about systems safety procedures and threats. These programs may also include password protocols and information technology policies.
Configure and design systems: Systems design isn't usually part of a pen tester's job description. However, you may assist with computer-related tasks, such as implementing cloud storage safeguards or RAM installation.
Conduct ongoing research: Part of your job is keeping up to date. Plan on reading industry publications and attending conferences. Doing so helps you obtain the latest information about threats, malware, and viruses.
Suggest incident responses: You might use your skills to help prepare responses to cyberattacks or threats. Advanced preparation helps equip your team with an immediate response protocol to a malicious strike.

Get started in cybersecurity on edX

Cybersecurity offers many in-demand, well-paying jobs, including penetration testing. Check out edX's array of online cybersecurity courses and programs to help provide you with the skills you need to succeed.

Frequently asked questions about what pen testers do

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