This hands-on course guides you through the real-world practice of penetration testing, providing an end-to-end look at what it takes to become a skilled ethical hacker. You'll learn the full lifecycle of a pentest—from the initial client engagement and legal preparations to exploitation, documentation, and final reporting. Whether you're an aspiring pentester or a blue teamer looking to understand offense better, this course has you covered.
Practical Pentesting
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
10 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Master the stages of a pentesting engagement from reconnaissance to final deliverables.
Gain practical experience in using industry-standard tools like Nmap, Nessus, and BurpSuite for vulnerability scanning.
Learn how to exploit vulnerabilities, maintain access, and cover tracks in a pentesting environment.
Understand the role of Blue Team insights in strengthening security through pentesting methodologies.
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Recently updated!
May 2025
Assessments
10 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 9 modules in this course
In this module, we will introduce you to the fundamentals of practical pentesting, exploring key elements like pre-engagement activities, the different stages of an assessment, and the skills required for effective pentesting. You’ll learn about authorization and engagement strategies that ensure a successful pentesting process.
What's included
2 videos1 reading1 assignment
In this module, we will delve into the essential pre-engagement activities for a pentester, including gathering requirements from the client, ensuring proper authorization, and drafting a comprehensive Statement of Work. You’ll also explore blue team considerations that help shape an engagement.
What's included
2 videos1 assignment
In this module, we will explore the significance of data security agreements and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in pentesting. You’ll understand the importance of safeguarding sensitive information and how to implement proper protocols for securing data throughout the pentest.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
In this module, we will guide you through the principles of crafting an effective Statement of Work (SOW) for pentesting engagements. You will learn how to define scope, rules of engagement, and establish clear expectations to drive successful results.
What's included
3 videos1 assignment
In this module, we will cover the final authorization process, a crucial document that grants permission for pentesters to perform security assessments. You’ll learn what this form includes and why it is essential for ensuring both legal protection and engagement success.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
In this module, we will discuss the personal toolkit essential for pentesting. We’ll explore the hardware and software that pentesters use in the field to effectively identify and exploit vulnerabilities, helping you prepare for a range of engagement scenarios.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
In this module, we will explore various pentesting platforms, such as Kali, Parrot, and Black Arch. You’ll learn about the capabilities of each, their differences, and how to select the right one for your pentesting needs.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
In this module, we will take you through the various stages of a pentesting assessment, from validating scope and conducting reconnaissance to scanning for vulnerabilities and exploiting weaknesses. You’ll also learn how to maintain access and cover your tracks during assessments.
What's included
9 videos1 assignment
In this module, we will shift focus to how blue teams can utilize pentesting techniques to strengthen their security posture. Through a real-world case study, you’ll learn how to assess and defend against attacks, enhancing your overall cybersecurity approach.
What's included
1 video2 assignments
Instructor
Offered by
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
New to Security? Start here.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can preview the first video and view the syllabus before you enroll. You must purchase the course to access content not included in the preview.
If you decide to enroll in the course before the session start date, you will have access to all of the lecture videos and readings for the course. You’ll be able to submit assignments once the session starts.
Once you enroll and your session begins, you will have access to all videos and other resources, including reading items and the course discussion forum. You’ll be able to view and submit practice assessments, and complete required graded assignments to earn a grade and a Course Certificate.
More questions
Financial aid available,