PJPT: This ‘Beginner’ Cert Covers Advanced Pentesting Topics
As 2025 kicked off, like many of you, I set out to achieve several goals — writing more consistently, getting in shape, fixing my sleep schedule, cutting down on caffeine, and, most importantly, learning new skills in penetration testing.
One area I’ve been eager to explore is Active Directory exploitation, a critical skill in the cybersecurity landscape. For beginners looking to dive into this domain, one certification stood out as the best option: The PJPT by TCM Security.
Before we dive into the details of the certification, I’d like to give a big shout-out to TCM Security and its founder, Heath Adams (TheCyberMentor), for creating an excellent learning experience. From course content to exam support, they’ve provided top-notch guidance throughout my certification journey.
PJPT: Practical Junior Penetration Tester
The Practical Junior Penetration Tester™ (PJPT) is a beginner-friendly certification designed to test fundamental penetration testing skills. This exam evaluates a student’s ability to conduct an internal network penetration test at an associate level, simulating real-world cybersecurity scenarios.
Candidates are given two (2) full days to complete the hands-on assessment, followed by an additional two (2) days to submit a professional penetration test report — an essential skill for any aspiring ethical hacker.
This certification is an excellent starting point for those looking to build a strong foundation in penetration testing, especially in Active Directory and internal network security.
The Art of War.. or Maybe Just Studying: PJPT Edition
With the PJPT certification, you get access to 20+ hours of on-demand training for an entire 12 months — plenty of time to absorb, practice, and master the fundamentals.
The Practical Ethical Hacking (PEH) course, taught by none other than TheCyberMentor (Heath Adams) himself, covers everything a beginner needs to know about Active Directory and its exploitation. From basic enumeration to advanced attack techniques, this course lays the perfect foundation for those looking to break into penetration testing.
Sun Tzu once said, “Every battle is won before it is fought.” Clearly, he was talking about penetration testing certifications — or at least, that’s what I tell myself while drowning in study notes.
Preparing for the PJPT felt like strategizing for war:
📜 Know your enemy — In this case, Active Directory, misconfigurations, and poorly secured networks.
🛠 Sharpen your weapons — Enumeration, exploitation, and privilege escalation techniques.
📖 Study the ancient texts — Well, maybe not ancient, but TCM Security’s course material is a must.
💻 Train in the dojo — AD home Practice labs, and trying to keep it simple.
My PJPT experience: A rollercoaster ride
After completing the Practical Ethical Hacking (PEH) course, I spent time revising my notes and testing techniques in my Active Directory home lab — which, by the way, you’ll learn to set up in PEH itself.
After weeks of preparation, it was finally time to face the PJPT certification challenge.
I have to say, the exam support was great, and the environment was stable — no unexpected technical issues, just me, my tools, and the challenge ahead.
I dove into the exam, and after seven intense hours, I owned the Domain Controller. Victory! 🎉
I was beyond excited, knowing that all my hard work had paid off. I wrapped up my report, submitted it for review, and waited for my well-earned success.
But wait… good things don’t last long.
I failed.
Yes, the general himself had fallen in battle. But why? Was it my preparation? My exploitation techniques? Did the cybersecurity gods curse me?
No. It was my report.
Turns out, while I had successfully compromised the Domain Controller, my report lacked sufficient details to prove it beyond a doubt. A harsh but valuable lesson: hacking is only half the job — documenting it is just as critical.
After my first setback, I dusted myself off, rearmed my pride, and went back to the reporting phase for my second attempt. This time, I wasn’t leaving any stone unturned. I added every detail, double-checked everything, and submitted the report with absolute confidence.
And you know what? This time, I passed! 🎉
The general had finally secured the victory!
Now that the general has secured the victory, it’s time to share some battle-tested tips that will help you pass the PJPT on your first attempt. Prepare for victory, fellow soldiers!
PJPT Exam Tips 🛡️💻
✅ Keep it simple. Don’t overcomplicate things — sometimes, the simplest approach is the right one.
💧 Take breaks & stay hydrated. A fresh mind works better than a tired one. Step away, reset, and come back stronger.
📖 Feeling stuck? Revisit your notes and course videos. Everything you need to pass has already been taught — trust the process.
🚀 Work smart, not hard. Avoid unnecessary tool spamming. Stick to the methodologies covered in the course and save your time for the actual challenges.
Remember: It’s not about running the most tools — it’s about using the right ones effectively.
🎯 Prepare before the exam. Set up your workflow, organize your notes, and ensure you understand each technique before diving in.
The Final Verdict!
The PJPT certification was an excellent stepping stone into Active Directory penetration testing for me. The hands-on experience it provided was invaluable, and unlike typical CTF-based challenges, it gave me real-world scenarios to work through.
This certification truly prepares cybersecurity professionals for practical penetration testing techniques they’ll use in the field, making it a great choice for anyone looking to advance their skills in Active Directory exploitation.
If you’re looking to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, the PJPT is definitely worth pursuing.
Thanks for sticking with me this far! If you’ve made it to the end, you expect a salute from Sun Tzu — I mean, from me! 😎
If you’re looking for more insights on certifications, penetration testing techniques, or just want to chat cybersecurity, be sure to follow my blog for more updates.
Connect with me here and let’s keep the conversation going! 🔥
