Cybersecurity Bootcamp — Specialist Track

Pen Tester Track

ISC² CC · CompTIA Network+ · CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) · EC-Council CEH v13

Learn to think like an attacker — legally. The Pen Tester Track takes you from zero IT knowledge through networking foundations and security fundamentals to full-scale ethical hacking and penetration testing. Graduate with CEH v13 exam readiness and a portfolio of real penetration test reports.

Kali Linux Metasploit Burp Suite Nmap Wireshark Nessus Hydra Aircrack-ng OWASP ZAP
260 hrs
Training
3
Modules
4
Certs Aligned
~3 mo
Full-Time
R28,000
Track Fee

Three Modules. Zero to Ethical Hacker.

The Pen Tester Track is three sequential modules that take you from networking fundamentals through security concepts to hands-on penetration testing. Each module prepares you for at least one industry certification.

1
ISC² CC · CompTIA Network+

IT & Networking Foundations

OSI model, TCP/IP deep dive, DNS, DHCP, subnetting, Wireshark packet analysis and Kali Linux lab setup. The entry point for all tracks — no prior IT knowledge required.

OSI / TCP-IP Subnetting Wireshark Kali Linux
2
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701)

Core Security Fundamentals

Threats and vulnerabilities, cryptography, PKI, firewalls, IDS/IPS, vulnerability scanning, identity and access management, and POPIA/NIST compliance frameworks.

Cryptography PKI Firewalls IDS/IPS POPIA
3
EC-Council CEH v13

Ethical Hacking & Pen Testing

Reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation, post-exploitation and professional report writing. Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, OWASP Top 10 web app attacks and wireless penetration testing.

Metasploit Burp Suite OWASP Top 10 Nmap

18 Weeks from Beginner to Pen Tester

A week-by-week overview of what you will learn across the three modules of the Pen Tester Track.

Module 1 — IT & Networking Foundations
Weeks 1–2
Networking Foundations
OSI model, TCP/IP stack, IP addressing, DNS, DHCP, ARP. Understanding how data moves across networks — the foundation for everything that follows.
Weeks 3–4
Network Tools & Lab Setup
Wireshark packet capture and analysis, Kali Linux installation and configuration, VirtualBox/VMware lab setup, basic Linux command line proficiency.
Module 2 — Core Security Fundamentals
Weeks 5–6
Security Concepts & Threat Landscape
CIA triad, threat actors, attack vectors, malware types, social engineering, risk assessment methodologies and the current South African threat landscape.
Weeks 7–8
Cryptography, PKI & Access Control
Symmetric and asymmetric encryption, hashing, digital certificates, PKI infrastructure, multi-factor authentication, identity and access management.
Weeks 9–10
Firewalls, IDS/IPS & Vulnerability Scanning
Firewall configuration and rule sets, intrusion detection and prevention systems, Nessus vulnerability scanning, security baselines and hardening.
Module 3 — Ethical Hacking & Pen Testing
Weeks 11–12
Reconnaissance & Footprinting
Passive and active reconnaissance, OSINT techniques, Google dorking, Shodan, DNS enumeration, social engineering reconnaissance and information gathering.
Weeks 13–14
Scanning, Enumeration & Exploitation
Nmap scanning techniques, service enumeration, Metasploit framework, exploit development basics, privilege escalation on Linux and Windows targets.
Weeks 15–16
Web App Hacking & Wireless Attacks
OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities, SQL injection, XSS, CSRF, Burp Suite interception, OWASP ZAP, wireless network attacks with Aircrack-ng, WPA2 cracking.
Weeks 17–18
Post-Exploitation, Pivoting & Report Writing
Maintaining access, lateral movement, pivoting techniques, data exfiltration, covering tracks, professional penetration test report writing and client presentation.

Four Industry Certifications. One Track.

Every module in the Pen Tester Track is aligned to at least one globally recognised certification exam. Your tuition includes all training materials and mock exams to prepare you fully.

CC
ISC² Certified in Cybersecurity
Exam: ISC² CC

Entry-level security certification that validates foundational cybersecurity knowledge. Recognised globally and a strong first credential on your CV.

N+
CompTIA Network+
Exam: N10-009

Networking skills foundation for security professionals. Validates your understanding of how networks operate — essential knowledge for any penetration tester.

S+
CompTIA Security+
Exam: SY0-701

The gold standard entry-level security certification. Required by US DoD 8570 and requested by most South African cybersecurity employers as a baseline requirement.

CEH
EC-Council CEH v13
Exam: 312-50v13

The industry standard for penetration testing. Validates ethical hacking skills across reconnaissance, exploitation, web app attacks and report writing.

Built for Aspiring Ethical Hackers

Aspiring ethical hackers, IT professionals wanting to specialise in offensive security, anyone drawn to the challenge of finding vulnerabilities before the bad guys do.

⚔️
Aspiring Red Teamers

You’re fascinated by how systems break. You want to learn reconnaissance, exploitation and post-exploitation — and get paid to do it legally. The Pen Tester Track is your structured path from curiosity to career.

  • No prior IT experience required — start from scratch
  • Hands-on labs with real attack tools from week one
  • Build a portfolio of professional pen test reports
  • CEH v13 exam readiness upon completion
  • Career placement support via Compuways network
🛠
IT Professionals Pivoting to Security

You’re already working in IT — networking, system admin, helpdesk — and you want to move into offensive security. The Pen Tester Track formalises your knowledge and adds the ethical hacking skills employers are hiring for.

  • Skip Module 1 if you pass the placement assessment
  • CompTIA Security+ and CEH to formalise what you know
  • Practical Metasploit, Burp Suite and Nmap lab work
  • Part-time option — keep your current role while upskilling
  • Recognised by SA banking, finance and consulting employers

Where Pen Tester Track Graduates Work

The Pen Tester Track prepares you for in-demand offensive security roles across South Africa and internationally.

Junior Penetration Tester
Most common entry role
Red Team Analyst
Simulated adversary operations
Vulnerability Assessor
Scanning & risk analysis
Application Security Tester
Web & mobile app testing
Security Consultant
Advisory & client-facing
Entry Level
R300K – R600K
0–2 years experience
Mid Level
R700K – R1.2M
2–5 years + CEH
Senior Level
R1.2M – R2M+
5+ years · lead / consulting

Pen Tester Track Pricing

Save R4,000 when you enrol in the full Pen Tester Track versus purchasing the three modules individually.

⭐ Best Value
Pen Tester Track Bundle
All 3 Modules · 260 Hours
R 28 000
Save R4,000 vs individual module prices (R32,000)
Module 1: IT & Networking Foundations (80 hrs)
Module 2: Core Security Fundamentals (80 hrs)
Module 3: Ethical Hacking & Pen Testing (100 hrs)
4 certification exam preparations included
All training materials & mock exams
3 Code College digital badges
Real penetration test portfolio project
Or Purchase Modules Individually
Module 1: IT & Networking Foundations
80 hrs · ISC² CC · Network+
R9,500
Module 2: Core Security Fundamentals
80 hrs · Security+ SY0-701
R10,500
Module 3: Ethical Hacking & Pen Testing
100 hrs · CEH v13
R12,000
Individual Total
R32,000
🏅 Go All-In

Full Cybersecurity Bootcamp — All 6 Modules

Want more than pen testing? Complete all six modules within 24 months and earn the full Code College Cybersecurity Bootcamp Certificate. Add SOC operations, cloud security and portfolio preparation to your skillset.

Apply for Full Bootcamp → Compare Tracks
Standard
R49,500
Elite
R79,000
Questions about pricing or payment plans?
📝 Please note: Certification exam fees are not included in the track or bootcamp fee. Your tuition covers all training materials and mock exams.
🎓 B-BBEE Level 4 contributor · Training counts toward SDL spend.

Pen Tester Track — Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need IT experience to start the Pen Tester Track? +

No prior IT or cybersecurity experience is required. The track begins with Module 1 — IT & Networking Foundations — which starts from absolute zero. You’ll learn networking concepts, Linux basics and set up your own security lab before moving into security and ethical hacking. If you already have an IT background, you may be able to skip Module 1 after a short placement assessment.

Which certifications does the Pen Tester Track prepare me for? +

The Pen Tester Track prepares you for four industry-recognised certifications: ISC² CC (Certified in Cybersecurity), CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) and EC-Council CEH v13 (Certified Ethical Hacker). Each module’s curriculum is directly aligned to the relevant exam objectives.

How long does the Pen Tester Track take? +

The Pen Tester Track is 260 hours of training across three modules. Studied full-time, this takes approximately 3 months (13 weeks). A part-time option is available and roughly doubles the duration to about 6 months. All sessions are recorded so you can catch up if you miss a class.

Are certification exam fees included? +

Certification exam fees are not included in the track fee of R28,000. Your tuition covers all training materials, lab environments and mock exams to prepare you fully before you sit the official exam. Exam vouchers can be purchased separately or are included as part of the Elite tier if you choose to enrol in the full bootcamp.

What equipment do I need? +

You need a laptop or desktop with at least 8 GB of RAM (16 GB recommended), a modern processor (Intel i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 or better) and 100 GB of free disk space. You’ll be running virtual machines with Kali Linux and target labs, so the more resources the better. A stable internet connection is required for online attendance and cloud lab access.

What does a penetration tester earn in South Africa? +

Entry-level penetration testers and junior red team analysts in South Africa typically earn between R300,000 and R600,000 per year. Mid-level pen testers with CEH and 2–4 years of experience earn R700,000 to R1.2 million. Senior penetration testers, security consultants and red team leads earn R1.2 million to R2 million or more, with contract and consulting rates often exceeding salaried positions.

Ready to become a penetration tester?

Apply for the Pen Tester Track and start your journey into ethical hacking. No prior IT experience required — just the drive to learn.

✓ 5-minute application
✓ No commitment
✓ Reply within 24 hours