Learning path
Zero to Pentester
Start with no background. Finish with the skills to work through a complete penetration testing engagement, with every step in the order the next one requires.
Cold
Hot
- Range
- L1 → L4
- Courses
- 7
- Total time
- 46h
- Access
- Members
The route, in order
Four stages. You do not pick what comes next — each stage assumes the one above it, and nothing here is optional if you want the ending.
L1 · Foundation
No experience assumed.
- Linux Fundamentals
- Networking Fundamentals
L2 · Practical
You start typing, not watching.
- Python for Security
- Linux Administration
L3 · Applied
Whole systems, not single commands.
- Web Application Security
L4 · Offensive
Requires everything above it.
- Ethical Hacking
- Privilege Escalation
What you can do at the end
- Read and write Bash and Python well enough to automate your own work
- Map a network, identify exposed services, and explain the risk in writing
- Find and exploit common web application flaws
- Escalate from a limited shell to full control on a Linux host
- Produce a findings report someone else can act on
Before you start
- No prior security or programming experience needed
- A computer that can run a virtual machine
- Roughly 5 hours a week for about three months
- Willingness to type things rather than watch them
Start cold. Finish hot.
Every path starts at L1. Open the first course and see whether this route fits how you learn.