How to Become a Penetration Tester: Free Learning Path
- Hawkins University
- Dec 23, 2025
- 6 min read
Introduction:
Cybersecurity is no longer optional—it's a necessity. As organizations move their systems online, cyberattacks are increasing rapidly. This is where penetration testers play a critical role. A penetration tester, also known as an ethical hacker, helps organizations identify security vulnerabilities before malicious hackers exploit them.
If you’re wondering how to become a penetration tester, the good news is that you don’t need expensive degrees or paid courses to get started. With the right mindset, free learning resources, and hands-on practice, anyone can become a penetration tester—even without a technical background.
Penetration testing offers:
High demand and job security
Competitive salaries
Continuous learning and growth
Opportunity to work globally and remotely
This guide focuses on a free learning path to help beginners start their journey confidently.
What Does a Penetration Tester Do?
Before you become a penetration tester, it’s important to understand the role clearly. A penetration tester simulates cyberattacks on systems, networks, and applications to find weaknesses.
Key responsibilities include:
Identifying vulnerabilities in systems and applications
Exploiting weaknesses ethically
Documenting findings in detailed security reports
Recommending fixes and security improvements
Working with security teams and developers
Penetration testers may specialize in:
Network penetration testing
Web application testing
Mobile application testing
Cloud security testing
Understanding these responsibilities helps you plan your learning path effectively.
Skills Required to Become a Penetration Tester
To successfully become a penetration tester, you must develop a mix of technical and non-technical skills.
Technical skills:
Networking fundamentals
Linux and Windows system knowledge
Programming and scripting
Web technologies
Vulnerability analysis
Non-technical skills:
Analytical thinking
Problem-solving mindset
Attention to detail
Communication and reporting
The best penetration testers think like attackers while acting responsibly. These skills can be developed over time using free resources and consistent practice.
Understanding Cybersecurity Fundamentals (Free Resources)
Cybersecurity fundamentals form the foundation of penetration testing. Without understanding basic security concepts, advanced techniques won’t make sense.
Key topics to learn:
CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability)
Types of malware and attacks
Authentication vs authorization
Encryption basics
Risk, threat, and vulnerability
Free learning platforms:
Cybrary (free cybersecurity courses)
OpenLearn (security fundamentals)
YouTube cybersecurity channels
Free PDFs and documentation
Mastering fundamentals is the first major step in learning how to become a penetration tester the right way.
Networking Basics Every Penetration Tester Must Know
Networking is the backbone of penetration testing. Most attacks exploit network weaknesses, so understanding how data flows is essential.
Must-know networking concepts:
TCP/IP model
OSI model
IP addressing and subnetting
DNS, HTTP, HTTPS
Firewalls, routers, and switches
Free ways to learn networking:
Cisco Networking Academy (free intro courses)
Professor Messer videos
Network simulation tools
Strong networking knowledge makes exploitation techniques easier to understand and execute.
Linux Essentials for Ethical Hacking
Linux is the most widely used operating system in penetration testing. Tools like Kali Linux and Parrot OS are built on Linux.
Important Linux skills:
File system navigation
User and permission management
Bash commands
Process management
Networking commands
Free Linux learning resources:
Linux Journey
OverTheWire (bandit challenges)
YouTube Linux tutorials
If your goal is to become a penetration tester, Linux proficiency is non-negotiable.
Programming Languages to Learn for Free
You don’t need to be a software developer, but scripting knowledge greatly enhances your effectiveness.
Best languages for penetration testers:
Python – automation, exploit development
Bash – Linux scripting
JavaScript – web application testing
SQL – database attacks
Free learning platforms:
FreeCodeCamp
Codecademy (free plans)
W3Schools
Programming helps you understand how vulnerabilities work internally rather than relying only on tools.
Web Application Basics and OWASP Top 10
Most modern penetration testing targets web applications. Understanding how websites work is essential.
Learn web fundamentals:
HTML, CSS, JavaScript basics
Client-server architecture
Cookies and sessions
OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities:
SQL Injection
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Broken Authentication
Security Misconfigurations
Insecure Direct Object References
OWASP provides free documentation, labs, and guides, making it perfect for beginners learning how to become a penetration tester.
Free Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing Courses
There are plenty of free courses that teach ethical hacking step-by-step.
Recommended free platforms:
Cybrary Ethical Hacking Path
TryHackMe (free rooms)
Open Security Training
YouTube ethical hacking playlists
These courses explain real-world attack techniques while maintaining ethical standards.
Hands-On Practice Using Free Labs and Platforms
Theory alone won’t help you become a penetration tester. Hands-on practice is where real learning happens.
Best free practice platforms:
TryHackMe
Hack The Box (starting labs)
OverTheWire
VulnHub
These platforms simulate real environments, helping you develop problem-solving skills and confidence.
Learning Penetration Testing Tools at Zero Cost
Tools make penetration testing faster and more efficient. Fortunately, most tools are open-source and free.
Essential tools to learn:
Nmap – network scanning
Burp Suite Community Edition – web testing
Metasploit Framework
Wireshark
SQLmap
Learning tools is important, but understanding how they work internally is even more valuable.
How to Build a Penetration Testing Lab at Home for Free
A home lab allows you to test vulnerabilities legally and safely.
What you need:
VirtualBox or VMware (free)
Kali Linux
Vulnerable machines (DVWA, Metasploitable)
Building a lab helps reinforce your learning and prepares you for real-world penetration testing scenarios.
Bug Bounty Hunting as a Free Learning Path
Bug bounty programs allow you to legally test live applications and earn rewards.
Benefits of bug bounty:
Real-world experience
Portfolio building
Potential income
Industry recognition
Popular platforms include HackerOne and Bugcrowd. Even without earning money initially, bug bounty hunting is an excellent way to become a penetration tester through practical exposure.
Understanding Vulnerability Assessment vs Penetration Testing
Many beginners confuse vulnerability assessment (VA) with penetration testing (PT). While related, they serve different purposes.
Vulnerability Assessment:
Identifies known vulnerabilities
Uses automated scanning tools
Provides a broad security overview
Penetration Testing:
Actively exploits vulnerabilities
Simulates real cyberattacks
Focuses on impact and risk
To become a penetration tester, you must go beyond scanning tools and understand attack chains, privilege escalation, and real-world exploitation techniques.
Free Certifications and Alternatives to Paid Courses
While popular certifications can be expensive, there are free or low-cost alternatives to prove your skills.
Free or low-cost options:
TryHackMe skill badges
Cisco CyberOps (free learning paths)
Google cybersecurity certificates (financial aid options)
Open-source contribution recognition
Certifications help, but hands-on experience and documented skills matter more when learning how to become a penetration tester.
Creating a Penetration Tester Resume Without Experience
Lack of experience should never stop you from applying.
What to include in your resume:
Technical skills and tools
Home lab projects
Bug bounty participation
Online labs completed
GitHub repositories
Focus on what you’ve practiced, not what you haven’t. Employers value initiative and practical knowledge.
Building a Portfolio Using Free Projects and Reports
A strong portfolio sets you apart from other beginners.
Portfolio ideas:
Write vulnerability reports from lab exercises
Document exploit walkthroughs
Publish write-ups on Medium or GitHub
Create your own vulnerable web app
A portfolio demonstrates your problem-solving approach and proves you’re ready to become a penetration tester.
Joining Cybersecurity Communities and Forums
Cybersecurity is a community-driven field. Learning from others accelerates growth.
Useful communities:
Reddit (r/netsec, r/ethicalhacking)
Discord cybersecurity servers
LinkedIn security groups
Twitter/X infosec community
Networking opens doors to mentorship, job opportunities, and real-world insights.
Career Roadmap: From Beginner to Professional Penetration Tester
A structured roadmap helps you stay focused.
Beginner level:
Cybersecurity basics
Networking and Linux
Basic web vulnerabilities
Intermediate level:
Web and network penetration testing
Privilege escalation
Reporting skills
Advanced level:
Red teaming
Cloud and mobile security
Exploit development
This roadmap clarifies how to become a penetration tester step by step.
Common Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid
Avoiding mistakes can save months of frustration.
Common pitfalls:
Relying only on tools
Skipping fundamentals
Practicing illegally
Learning without hands-on labs
Chasing certifications too early
Consistency and patience are key to long-term success.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Penetration Tester?
The timeline varies depending on effort and background.
Estimated timelines:
Absolute beginners: 9–12 months
IT background learners: 6–8 months
Consistent daily learners: faster progress
There’s no shortcut, but a free learning path makes it achievable.
Entry-Level Jobs and Internships in Penetration Testing
Your first role may not be titled “Penetration Tester.”
Common entry roles:
SOC Analyst
Junior Security Analyst
Vulnerability Analyst
IT Support with security exposure
These roles provide experience that helps you become a penetration tester professionally.
Penetration Tester Salary Expectations (Beginner Level)
Salary depends on location and skills.
Approximate beginner salaries:
India: ₹5–10 LPA
USA: $70,000–$95,000
Europe: €50,000–€75,000
Freelancing and bug bounties can supplement income early in your career.
Future Scope of Penetration Testing Careers
The future of penetration testing is strong.
Emerging areas:
Cloud security
AI security testing
IoT and OT security
Red team operations
As cyber threats evolve, skilled penetration testers will remain in high demand.
Final Thoughts:
If you’ve been wondering how to become a penetration tester, remember this: You don’t need expensive tools or degrees—only dedication, practice, and curiosity.
Start with fundamentals, practice daily, build projects, and stay ethical. With a free learning path and consistent effort, you can successfully become a penetration tester and build a rewarding cybersecurity career.
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