Occupation
Penetration tester
Penetration testers are paid to attack systems with permission, to find weaknesses before someone else does. Every engagement runs inside an agreed written scope, and the deliverable is a report that explains each finding, its impact, and how to fix it.
Also known as: Ethical hacker · Offensive security tester · Red team operator
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Occupation content
Part of Information technology, data and cybersecurity
A visual day in the work
What the work involves
Agree scope, rules of engagement, and authorisation before testing begins
Map an application, network, or environment for exposed services
Attempt controlled exploitation of identified weaknesses
Record evidence and rate findings by impact and exploitability
Write and present a report with clear remediation advice
Retest fixes to confirm a weakness is genuinely closed
Entry-route stepper
How people commonly enter
A degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or information systems
A college diploma or certificate in cybersecurity or ethical hacking
A cyber security apprenticeship with an employer
Hands-on offensive security certifications alongside practical lab experience
Progression from a security analyst, networking, or development role
Typical training: Varies by employer or jurisdiction
Licensing: Certification common, not usually required
Pathways: Apprenticeship route
Work-context map
Typical work context
- Team based
- Quiet focus
- High responsibility
- Remote capable
- Client sites
- Varied work
Team based · Quiet focus · High responsibility · Remote capable · Client sites · Varied work
Related interests
- Investigative (analytical)
- Realistic (hands-on)
- Enterprising (leading)
Investigative (analytical) · Realistic (hands-on) · Enterprising (leading)
Related aptitude preparation
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Skills to practise
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Related learning
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Labour-market context (not part of exploration match)
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