What is eJPT
The eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (eJPT) certification is an entry-level cybersecurity credential designed for individuals aspiring to become penetration testers or cybersecurity professionals. It validates foundational knowledge in penetration testing, networking, and cybersecurity practices. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to pass the eJPT exam, including preparation strategies, study resources, and exam-day tips.
Understanding the eJPT Certification
Certification Body: eLearnSecurity (part of INE)
Target Audience: Beginners in cybersecurity and penetration testing
Exam Format: Practical, hands-on penetration testing in a virtual lab environment
Duration: 48 hours
Passing Score: Typically around 70% or higher
Skills Tested:
- Basic penetration testing
- Networking fundamentals
- Web application security
- Information gathering
- Exploitation techniques
Skills and Topics Covered
a. Networking Fundamentals
- TCP/IP stack, ports, and protocols
- Subnetting and IP addressing
- DNS, DHCP, and other network services
b. Information Gathering and Reconnaissance
- Using tools like
whois,nslookup,Nmap - Understanding open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques
c. Scanning and Enumeration
- Port scanning, service detection (
Nmap,Netcat) - Identifying vulnerabilities in services
d. Web Application Security
- Understanding OWASP Top 10 basics
- SQL Injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), Command Injection
e. Exploitation Basics
- Exploiting weak configurations
- Simple privilege escalation techniques
f. Basic Scripting and Automation
- Familiarity with Python, Bash, or PowerShell for automation
Ejptv2 Exam Details
Prerequisites: None, but basic networking (TCP/IP, ports, IP addresses) helps
Training: Through INE’s “Junior Penetration Tester Learning Path”
Exam: 48-hour practical exam in a full lab environment; complete objectives and answer questions based on your findings
Cost: Starts at $299 USD for the training + exam bundle (they often offer discounts)
Who Ejptv2 For
Beginners looking to break into cybersecurity or ethical hacking
IT or help desk professionals wanting to transition into offensive security
Students building a practical portfolio
Anyone who prefers doing over memorizing
Study Plan and Resources
a. Official Training
- eLearnSecurity PTSv4 (Penetration Testing Student):
The official training course covering all exam topics. Includes practical labs and theoretical material. - E-learn Junior Penetration Tester (eJPTv2) Study Notes
b. Supplementary Learning Resources
- Networking:
- “CompTIA Network+” resources for networking basics
- Professor Messer videos on networking fundamentals
- Linux Basics:
- Linux Command Line Basics on platforms like Udemy or YouTube
- Web Application Security:
- PortSwigger Web Security Academy (free)
- OWASP resources
- Tools:
- Nmap for scanning
- Netcat for networking
- Burp Suite (Community Edition) for web testing
- Metasploit basics
c. Practice Labs
- TryHackMe (Beginner-friendly)
- Hack The Box (HTB) for hands-on practice
- VulnHub for downloadable vulnerable machines
- INE’s provided labs if enrolled in the PTS course
Exam Day Tips
Set Up Your Environment:
- Stable internet connection
- Kali Linux (or Parrot OS) VM ready
- Essential tools pre-installed and updated
Organize Notes:
- Have a cheat sheet for common commands
- Keep a checklist for each phase (recon, scan, exploit)
Documentation:
- Take detailed notes and screenshots
- Answer the exam questions directly from your findings
Stay Calm and Focused:
- Take breaks to avoid burnout
- If stuck, move on and return later
Post-Exam: Next Steps
Upon Passing:
- You’ll receive the eJPT certificate and badge
- Share it on LinkedIn or in your portfolio
After eJPT:
- Progress to more advanced certifications like:
The eJPTv2 Study Guide & Notes
Table of Contents:
- About The Exam
- Prep & Exam Strategy
- Target AudienceRecommendation
- Advantages of the eJPT Certification
- Basics in IT & Cyber Security
- Information Gathering
- Foot-printing & Scanning
- Enumeration Techniques
- Vulnerability Scanning & Assessment
- Host Based Attacks
- Web Application Attacks
- The Metasploit Framework
- Windows Post Exploitation & Privilege Escalation
- Linux Post Exploitation & Privilege Escalation
- Network Based Attacks
- Post Exploitation
- Penetration Testing Process (Windows/Linux)
- AV Evasion & Obfuscation
- Social Engineering
Page Count: 329
Format: PDF & Markup
Testimonials (LinkedIn)
How to buy the study notes?
You can buy the booklet directly by clicking on the button below
After you buy the booklet, you will be able to download the PDF booklet along with the markup files if you want to import them to Obsidian software.
7. Recommended Timeline
| Week | Focus Area | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Networking & Linux Basics | Understand TCP/IP, basic Linux commands |
| 3-4 | Information Gathering & Scanning | Master Nmap, Netcat, and reconnaissance techniques |
| 5-6 | Web Application Security | Learn OWASP Top 10 and practice on PortSwigger |
| 7-8 | Exploitation Basics | Practice exploitation in labs (TryHackMe/HTB) |
| 9 | Mock Exams & Review | Simulate exam conditions and review weak areas |
| 10 | Exam Week | Take the exam and manage time effectively |
eJPTv2 Certification Review
The eJPTv2 is an entry-level practical penetration testing certification from INE/eLearnSecurity. It’s the updated version of the original eJPT, redesigned to align more with modern pentesting workflows and tools.
It’s one of the most beginner-friendly, hands-on hacking certs out there — great for people starting their journey in offensive security.
Pros
- Fully hands-on – no multiple-choice guessing
- Great learning platform – INE’s labs are realistic and guided
- Builds foundational offensive skills step-by-step
- Affordable compared to OSCP or even some CompTIA certs
- Recognized by hiring managers who value practical skills
Cons
- Not as widely known as OSCP or even PenTest+
- Might feel too basic if you’ve already been doing CTFs or HTB/TryHackMe for a while
- Not DoD 8570 compliant, so not useful for U.S. gov/contractor paths
The eJPTv2 is one of the best practical certs for beginners in offensive security. It teaches you how to think like a pentester and prove your skills in a real-world-like lab — without overwhelming you. If you’re serious about breaking into ethical hacking, this cert can bridge the gap between theory and action.
Best paired with: TryHackMe/HTB, Security+ (for theory), and personal projects to build out your resume.
What about the notes updates?
if you have been watching my YouTube Channel, you definitely know that those who subscribe to the second tier of my channel membership they instantly get access to a vast catalog of cybersecurity, penetration testing, digital marketing, system administration and data analytics notes catalog for 10$ along with the ability to receive all notes updates as long as they are subscribed so what does that mean?
This means if you want to stay up to date with the changes and updates to the notes and get access to other categories, I encourage to join the channel membership second tier instead. However, if you are fine with downloading the current version of this section of the notes then you can buy this booklet instead for a one-time payment.
Will the prices of this booklet change in the future?
Once another version of this booklet is released, which it will, the price will slightly change as the booklet will include more contents, notes and illustrations.
Free Cyber Security Training Courses
Checkout the playlist below on my YouTube channel for free Cyber Security Training
