When it comes to ethical hacking, staying ahead of the curve is not just a preference but a necessity. For ethical hackers, achieving the right certifications not only validates their skills but also opens doors to opportunities in the field.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey within the ethical hacking field, here are five must-have certifications that can propel your ethical hacking career to new heights.

Check them out!

1. OSCE (Offensive Security Certified Expert):

The OSCE certification, offered by Offensive Security, is designed for experienced pentesters and ethical hackers who want to validate their advanced skills in exploit development and network attacks. This certification requires candidates to pass a rigorous 48-hour hands-on exam, demonstrating their ability to exploit vulnerabilities across various systems and networks.

To apply for the OSCE exam, candidates must first complete the prerequisite Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification, which serves as a foundation for advanced pentesting techniques.

2. OSWE (Offensive Security Web Expert)

Aspiring web application security professionals often pursue the OSWE certification, also provided by Offensive Security. This certification focuses on assessing and exploiting web application vulnerabilities, emphasizing skills in code review, web exploitation, and advanced web attacks.

To obtain the OSWE certification, candidates must pass a challenging 48-hour practical exam that evaluates their ability to identify and exploit vulnerabilities within web applications. Prerequisites for the OSWE exam include a solid understanding of web application security principles and completion of the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification.

3. eCPPTv2 (eLearnSecurity Certified Professional Penetration Tester)

The eCPPTv2 certification, offered by eLearnSecurity, is aimed at professionals seeking comprehensive training in pentesting methodologies and techniques. This certification covers a wide range of topics, including network security, web application security, and exploit development.

To apply for the eCPPTv2 certification, candidates must complete the eLearnSecurity Penetration Testing Student (PTS) course and pass a practical exam that assesses their ability to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in real-world scenarios.

4. eMAPT (eLearnSecurity Mobile Application Penetration Tester)

The eMAPT certification, provided by eLearnSecurity, focuses on mobile application security and pentesting. This certification equips candidates with the knowledge and skills needed to assess the security of mobile applications on various platforms, including Android and iOS.

To obtain the eMAPT certification, candidates must complete the eLearnSecurity Mobile Application Security and Penetration Testing (MASPT) course and pass a practical exam that evaluates their ability to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in mobile applications.

5. eWPTxv2 (eLearnSecurity Web Application Penetration Tester eXtreme)

The eWPTxv2 certification, offered by eLearnSecurity, is designed for professionals seeking advanced training in web application security and pentesting. This certification covers topics such as advanced web application vulnerabilities, secure coding practices, and advanced exploitation techniques.

To apply for the eWPTxv2 certification, candidates must complete the eLearnSecurity Web Application Penetration Testing (WAPT) course and pass a practical exam that assesses their ability to identify and exploit complex vulnerabilities in web applications.

6. CREST (Council of Registered Ethical Security Testers):

CREST certifications are widely recognized in the cybersecurity industry, particularly in the UK and Europe. CREST offers a range of certifications for ethical hackers, including pentesting and web application testing. These certifications validate candidates' skills in conducting security assessments and ethical hacking engagements.

To apply for CREST certifications, candidates typically need to undergo training from accredited providers and pass rigorous practical exams.

7. CRTO (Certified Red Team Operator):

The CRTO certification, provided by Pentester Academy, is aimed at experienced cybersecurity professionals looking to specialize in red teaming. Red teaming involves simulating real-world cyberattacks to assess an organization's security posture. The CRTO certification covers topics such as advanced attack simulation, post-exploitation techniques, and adversarial tactics.

To obtain the CRTO certification, candidates must complete the Certified Red Team Operator (CRTO) course from Pentester Academy and pass a practical exam.

8. CEH Practical (Certified Ethical Hacker Practical):

The CEH Practical certification, offered by the EC-Council, complements the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification by providing hands-on experience in ethical hacking techniques. This certification assesses candidates' ability to apply their knowledge of ethical hacking principles in real-world scenarios.

To apply for the CEH Practical exam, candidates must first complete the CEH training program and pass the CEH certification exam.

9. Burp Suite Practitioner:

The Burp Suite Practitioner certification, provided by PortSwigger, focuses on advanced usage of the Burp Suite web application security testing tool. This certification validates candidates' proficiency in using Burp Suite to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in web applications.

To obtain the Burp Suite Practitioner certification, candidates must complete the Burp Suite Training course and pass a practical exam that evaluates their ability to effectively utilize Burp Suite's features and functionalities.

10. AWS Cloud Security Specialist:

With the increasing adoption of cloud technologies, the AWS Cloud Security Specialist certification has become essential for ethical hackers interested in securing cloud environments. Offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), this certification validates candidates' expertise in securing AWS cloud infrastructures and applications.

To apply for the AWS Cloud Security Specialist certification, candidates must have a solid understanding of AWS services and security best practices, as well as practical experience in implementing security controls in AWS environments. Candidates can prepare for the certification exam by completing relevant AWS training courses and hands-on labs.

You may also be interested in Certifications for Mobile Hacking

In our recent online event titled 'Secrets of a Hacker,' mobile hacking expert Arthusu shared valuable insights about certifications within mobile devices.

These certifications can be very useful to elevate skills in the field, and also ensure that you are well-equipped to address the complexities of securing mobile applications on multiple platforms.

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