Certified Network Pentester (CNPen) Exam Review
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Introduction
I took the Certified Network Penetration Tester (CNPen) exam from SecOps on March 15, 2025, and passed with Merit. This certification tests a candidate’s ability to conduct penetration testing on network infrastructures, assess security risks, and exploit vulnerabilities in real-world scenarios. In this review, I’ll share my experience with the exam structure, key topics, difficulty level, and preparation strategies to help others who are considering this certification.
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One of the key differences that set the CNPen exam apart from other certifications is its focus on exams over courseware and training. The SecOps Group exclusively provides exams and certifications, offering only a syllabus outlining the topics covered in the exam. While they do provide a list of free and paid resources for training, candidates are not required to follow any specific coursework. By not bundling training courses, SecOps keeps the certification cost lower, making it an attractive option for those seeking a practical, hands-on exam to validate their penetration testing skills.
Exam Format & Structure
The CNPen exam is a hands-on, practical assessment lasting 4 hours and 15 minutes. Candidates must answer 15 questions, which include submitting flags obtained from compromised machines.
Scoring Criteria:
75% – 100% → Passed with Merit
60% – 74.99% → Passed
Below 60% → Failed
#Note
A VPN file is provided to connect to a subnet with multiple machines.
A Kali Linux host inside the network is given for penetration testing.
It is recommended to use the provided Kali host for port scanning and reverse shell connections to ensure smooth execution.
Exam Retake Policy
Candidates, who fail the exam, are allowed 1 free exam retake.
Exam Structure & Sections
The CNPen exam can be divided into three main sections:
Active Directory (AD) Environment
Web Exploitation
Solo Box
The initial foothold wasn’t particularly difficult—if you have experience with Hack The Box (HTB) or TryHackMe (THM), you’ll quickly recognize familiar attack patterns. The challenges are structured in a way that mimics real-world penetration testing scenarios.
Web Exploitation Section – Key Focus Areas
For the Web Exploitation section, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of:
Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) – Learn different SSRF techniques, including bypass methods and file inclusion.
API Enumeration – Understand how to identify and enumerate API endpoints, analyze responses, and exploit misconfigurations for sensitive data exposure.
Recommended Practice Machines
Before taking the exam, I recommend the following Hack The Box machines:
Jerry (HTB) – Useful for understanding certain web exploitation techniques.
Cicada (HTB) – Offers insights into lateral movement and privilege escalation strategies.
These machines provide a solid foundation for tackling the exam’s challenges effectively.
Conclusion
I highly recommend the CNPen exam for those looking to enhance their resume and validate their penetration testing skills. The SecOps Group has done an excellent job structuring this certification, making it a great choice for professionals who prefer a hands-on, real-world assessment over theory-based exams.
