Penetration Tester

Program Description

Penetration testers, or pen testers, are considered white hat or good hackers. They help identify weaknesses in an organization’s network and help them improve their security practices to prevent theft and damage. Pen testers target traditional operating systems and devices as well as emerging technology, including Internet of Things (IoT) devices, mobile devices, embedded systems and more. Pen testers apply appropriate tools for penetration testing; perform social engineering tests; review physical security where appropriate; keep up to date with latest testing and hacking methods; collect data and deploy testing methodology; locate, assess and manage vulnerabilities; make suggestions for security improvements; and prepare technical responses to security questions. If you like to scope out vulnerabilities in your network and stop cybercriminals in their tracks, then Pen Testers may be a good next step for you.

Job titles related to penetration testers include application security analyst, lead security analyst, security analyst, and vulnerability assessment analyst.

This program prepares students to take the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA®) A+, Network+, Security+, Linux+, and PenTest+ certification exams and for a career as a penetration tester. Students learn how to install, configure, and troubleshoot PCs, mobile devices and networks as well as the theory, principles, technologies, and operations of computer networking. Students also learn how to implement and manage network security to protect against threats, risks, and attacks and perform vulnerability assessments and audits. In addition, students learn to script in Python and install, configure, and manage the Linux operating system as well as analyze, troubleshoot, and diagnose system properties and optimize system performance. Finally, this program covers how to use various tools to exploit network-based and host-based system vulnerabilities and to develop mitigation strategies for vulnerabilities that are discovered based on best practices.

The successful candidate must be self-driven, an analytical thinker, and a problem solver as well as have exceptional planning and project management skills and can work both independently and as a team member. This career requires continued training and education.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, overall employment of penetration testers is projected to grow 19% from 2022 to 2032 in Maryland. Projected annual job openings in Maryland are 1,960.  The salary range in Maryland is $70,680 - $181,210 with a median wage of $141,540. Additional career information may be found in Career Coach: https://ccbcmd.lightcastcc.com/.

Program Objectives

Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:

1. prepare to pass the (CompTIA®) A+, Network+, Security+, Linux+, and PenTest+ certification exams;

2. perform the various responsibilities and tasks required for a penetration tester;

3. discuss common hacking methodologies to conduct passive and active reconnaissance to carry out a penetration test;

4. perform various scenario-based network and host attacks using penetration tools;

5. construct mitigation strategies for various types of attacks; and

6. describe ethical behavior appropriate to security-related technologies.

CCBC Pathway & Track

Technology and Engineering Pathway: Programming Track - Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs.  Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study.  You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals

Program Credentials

CCBC Credential: Students will be awarded a Continuing Education Workforce Certificate and will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).

External Credential: Students will be prepared to sit for the CompTIA® A+, Network+, Security+, Linux+, and PenTest+ exams.

Certifying Organization: Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA®); www.comptia.org

Financial Aid and Payment Options

We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education courses and programs. Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition, the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development.

Some CE Workforce Development Certificate Programs are eligible for early high school funding through Maryland Blueprint for qualifying BCPS high school students.  Please check with your School Counseling Office to determine your eligibility for the BCPS Tuition Benefit Program. 

Program Length

Approximately 90 weeks

Program Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED

• Strong computer skills

• Strong analytical skills

• Access to the Internet to complete assignments

Application Process

To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate program application.  An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.

Open Entry – No screening or documentation required.

Prior Learning Assessment

This program has potential options for waiving select courses based on previous coursework or articulated coursework from an approved curriculum and demonstrated portfolio and/or prior occupational learning. Maximum number of program hours that may be earned from prior learning and recent certification training: 212.5

Program Course Sequence

Additional Information

Related Courses or Programs:

Introduction to Firewalls; Introduction to Intrusion, Detection/Prevention Systems; Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP); and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

Additional Expenses:

2 CompTIA® A+ Certification exams - $530 ($265 per exam); CompTIA® Network+ Certification exam = $390; CompTIA® Security+ Certification exam = $425; CompTIA® Linux+ Certification exam = $390, and CompTIA® PenTest+ Certification exam = $425.

Program Contact Information

Coordinator: Katherine Walton | kwalton3@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-4890 |  Catonsville BESS 100 L

Administrative Assistant: Sarah Faul | sfaul@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-3677 | Catonsville BESS 100