CPENT (EC-Council) – Certified Penetration Testing Professional
Advanced, real-world penetration testing training focused on enterprise networks, pivoting, cloud, and red-team style operations—aligned with the CPENT exam mindset and professional projects.
Overview
CPENT is not just about running tools—it’s about thinking like an advanced attacker in complex, multi-layered environments. This program focuses on enterprise-grade penetration testing: multi-segment networks, pivoting, privilege escalation, Active Directory attacks, cloud and web exploitation, and reporting at a professional level.
SmartFind’s CPENT-oriented training helps you bridge the gap between “lab CTF” and “real client network”, while staying aligned to the difficulty and style of scenario-based exams and red-team style engagements.
Who this is for
- Security professionals who already know basic pentesting.
- eJPT / OSCP-level learners who want to level up.
- Red team / internal security engineers in growing orgs.
- People targeting CPENT or similar advanced certifications.
What you’ll be able to do
- Assess multi-segment networks and complex attack surfaces.
- Perform pivoting, tunneling and lateral movement.
- Analyze and exploit web, AD and cloud components together.
- Produce reports that senior engineers and managers respect.
Scenario-driven, exam-aware
Instead of random isolated machines, you will work through mini-scenarios: a branch office network, a vulnerable DMZ, an exposed web application with internal reach, or a hybrid AD + cloud setup—so your thinking becomes end-to-end, just like in advanced exams and engagements.
Curriculum
The curriculum is structured to refresh core skills quickly and then move into CPENT-style advanced topics: multi-segment networks, cloud and web exploitation, pivoting, IoT/OT-style thinking, and reporting.
Module 1
Assessment Methodology & Rules of Engagement
Review of professional pentest lifecycle: scoping, ROE, communication, documentation. Lab threat modeling, mapping business assets to attack surface, and planning engagements under time constraints (exam & real world).
Module 2
Advanced Reconnaissance & Enumeration
Deep recon on external and internal targets: DNS, subdomain discovery, infrastructure fingerprinting, VPN and remote access entry points. Service- specific enumeration for complex stacks (databases, middleware, message queues, custom services).
Module 3
Web & API Exploitation at Enterprise Scale
Beyond basic SQLi/XSS: authentication weaknesses, broken access control, multi-role testing, JWT issues, insecure direct object references, and API flaws. Working with Burp Suite in complex login flows and multi-step business logic attacks.
Module 4
Network Exploitation & Hybrid Environments
Advanced host and service exploitation on Linux and Windows. Chaining vulnerabilities across services, leveraging misconfigurations, weak network boundaries, and mixing infrastructure flaws with application flaws in the same engagement.
Module 5
Active Directory & Identity Attacks
AD enumeration, Kerberoasting concepts, password spraying, misconfigured delegation, local admin reuse, and common privilege escalation paths in Windows domains. Mapping and visualizing AD attack paths in lab setups.
Module 6
Pivoting, Tunneling & Lateral Movement
Multi-segment networks, VPNs and restricted subnets. Building tunnels, SOCKS proxies, port forwarding, and chaining pivots. Using compromised hosts as jump points while staying stable and stealthy within time limits.
Module 7
Post-Exploitation & Data-Centric Thinking
From “I have a shell” to “I have impact”: credential harvesting, data discovery, mailbox and file share analysis, and evidence collection for high-value impact. Lab-safe tradecraft with logs and detection in mind.
Module 8
Cloud & Perimeter Considerations (Exam-Level)
Common cloud misconfigurations that show up in advanced labs and real tests: exposed services, key leaks, overly permissive roles, and weak perimeter controls. Mapping cloud resources into the broader attack chain.
Module 9
Scripting, Automation & Tooling Hygiene
Using small scripts (bash/Python/PowerShell) to automate enumeration and data processing. Understanding where automation helps, where it harms, and how to keep your toolkit exam-friendly and client-safe.
Module 10
Reporting, Storytelling & Executive View
Turning technical findings into a coherent story: executive summary, methodology, detailed findings, proof-of-concept, and remediation guidance. Writing with clarity so defenders and management can act on your work.
Module 11
CPENT Exam Strategy & Advanced Lab Mindset
Planning for advanced, long-duration labs: note-taking systems, target prioritization, timeboxing, when to move on, and how to maintain a clear mental model of the environment. Handling fatigue, pressure and uncertainty while staying structured and ethical.
Labs & Scenarios
You’ll work through scenario-style environments that mimic how real environments and advanced exams behave: multiple machines, multiple paths, and time pressure.
Scenario 1: Branch Office Network
External foothold into a branch office, then internal reconnaissance, privilege escalation and lateral movement to core services. Focus on pivoting, enumeration and safe post-exploitation.
Scenario 2: Web + AD Hybrid Attack Chain
Vulnerable web portal leading to AD credentials and domain presence. You’ll map the path from web bug to domain lateral movement and demonstrate impact in a structured way.
Scenario 3: Perimeter, Cloud & Reporting
Assess a small hybrid environment, identify weak external exposure and cloud issues, then prepare a concise, high-value report similar to what a real client or manager expects.
Prerequisites
Recommended background
- Comfortable with Linux and Windows basics.
- Solid understanding of TCP/IP and core networking.
- Prior exposure to basic pentesting (eJPT/OSCP-like level).
- Familiarity with Nmap, Burp and at least one scripting language helps.
What you need technically
- PC / laptop capable of running multiple VMs or advanced VPN labs.
- Stable internet connection.
- Virtualization software and basic lab hygiene (we’ll guide setup).
If you’re not sure whether you are at the right level, reach out — we can quickly help you decide if CPENT-level is the right next step.
Outcomes
This program is built to make you think and operate like an advanced penetration tester in realistic conditions—not just solve isolated CTF boxes.
Enterprise mindset
You’ll learn to see environments the way experienced red teamers do: as interconnected systems where one small issue can unlock major access.
Exam & lab readiness
Familiarity with advanced, multi-hour scenario labs, and the discipline to handle documentation, time and fatigue like a professional.
Career acceleration
Stronger profile for advanced pentest roles, team-lead track, or transitioning from pure “tool user” to someone who can design and explain attack paths end-to-end.
Schedule & Delivery
Because this is an advanced, lab-heavy program, we prefer formats that give you time to absorb, practice and reflect instead of just rushing through tools.
| Mode | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend intensive | 4–6 weekends | Longer deep-dive sessions with live labs, walkthroughs and guided practice. |
| Weekday evenings | 6–8 weeks | Focused evening blocks with assignments and self-driven lab work between sessions. |
| Custom / team / academic | Flexible | Tailored for security teams or advanced academic cohorts, with aligned scenarios and reporting requirements. |
Pricing / Engagement Options
This is an advanced program, so fees depend on cohort type, lab access requirements, and whether you combine it with other SmartFind courses (e.g., Linux, DFIR, Red vs Blue simulations).
Individual advanced learners
Ideal if you are already in security or have OSCP/eJPT-level skills and want to sharpen enterprise-grade penetration testing capabilities.
Ask for current fee →Career track bundles
Combine CPENT-level training with other SmartFind offerings to build a full offensive security track: Linux, Firewalls, Advanced Pentest, DFIR, Red vs Blue simulations, and more.
Get bundle options →Teams & organizations
Designed for security teams that want to push beyond basic VA/PT, focusing on simulated red-team-style operations and reporting.
Talk to us →FAQs
Do I need to already be very strong in pentesting?
You should be comfortable with basics: Linux, networking, simple web and host exploitation. If you have eJPT/OSCP-like skills, you’re in the right zone. If you’re completely new, we recommend starting with a foundation course first.
Is this an official CPENT course from the certification body?
This program is designed to build skills aligned with CPENT-level content and real-world penetration testing. It is focused on your skill-building and preparation mindset, not on selling vouchers or making guarantees.
Will we get recordings and lab access duration details?
Yes, those details are shared clearly for each batch before you enroll— including how long you have access to labs or platforms used during the training.
Can you help me plan my overall offensive security roadmap?
Absolutely. We can suggest how CPENT-level skills fit into your bigger journey—whether that’s red teaming, specialist pentester roles, or a combination with DFIR, blue-team and SOC skills.
Ready to operate at CPENT-level with SmartFind?
Talk to us about upcoming batches, lab setup, and how this program can fit into your long-term cybersecurity career plan.
Talk to us