Hack The Box · Professional Certification · Professional
HTB Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS)
Crydd Score 79
Demand Growing
Career Value Strong
Recognition Strong
HTB CPTS at a glance
- Provider
- Hack The Box
- Credential type
- Professional Certification
- Exam required
- Yes
- Category
- Security
- Level
- Professional
- Cost
- An HTB Academy subscription for the 28-module path, plus an exam voucher (price shown in Academy billing; the Silver Annual subscription includes one)
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Time to earn
- 4–6 months
- Validity
- Does not expire
- Format
- 10-day hands-on exam against a real Active Directory network (web, external and internal testing), then a commercial-grade report; two attempts per voucher
- Prerequisites
- The Penetration Tester job-role path in HTB Academy, completed in full
What is HTB CPTS?
Hack The Box's penetration testing certification: after completing its 28-module Penetration Tester path, you test a realistic corporate network over ten days and write a professional report on what you find.
Skills it covers
- Web application testing
- Active Directory attacks
- Pivoting and lateral movement
- Privilege escalation
- Professional reporting
Is HTB CPTS worth it? The Crydd Verdict
CS 79Choose it if
You learn by doing, want a demanding hands-on exam at a lower cost than OSCP, and value the report-writing practice.
Consider alternatives if
Employers you target ask for OSCP by name: it is still the more recognised credential.
Why we say so
Its ten-day exam and required report mirror real engagements more closely than most certifications.
Market demand
CPTS is increasingly respected among penetration testers and consultancies, though job postings still name OSCP more often.
Where HTB CPTS takes you
- Penetration Tester
- Red Team Operator
Career roadmaps show where this certification fits in each path. See the roadmaps.
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Careers HTB CPTS leads to
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