Career

The OSCP used to be the only certification that mattered for penetration testers. Then TCM Security released the PNPT and changed the conversation. In 2026, the PNPT has become one of the most respected entry-to-mid-level certifications in offensive security — not because of brand recognition, but because of what the exam actually tests. This is a full review of whether it belongs in your certification roadmap. What Is the PNPT? The Practical Network Penetration Tester (PNPT) is a certification from TCM Security, created by Heath Adams (The Cyber Mentor). It’s a fully practical exam — no multiple choice, no CTF flags, no memorization. ...

Certifications are a polarizing topic in security. Half the community will tell you they’re useless compared to real experience. The other half just got a $30k raise after passing CISSP. Both are partly right. The truth: certifications are door-openers, not skill-builders. They signal to hiring managers that you’ve achieved a standardized benchmark. What you actually know depends on how you prepared. And some certifications open much bigger doors than others. ...

People talk about “getting into cybersecurity” like it’s a single destination. It isn’t. The red team career path is a long road with distinct phases, each requiring different skills, different mindsets, and different investments. I’ve spent over a decade in offensive security — from junior analyst writing first-ever pentest reports to leading red team programs and advising on enterprise security strategy. Here’s an honest map of the terrain. The Career Levels (And What They Actually Mean) Level 1: Junior Penetration Tester / Security Analyst (0-2 years) This is where everyone starts, and most people underestimate how much work it takes to get here legitimately. ...

If you’ve spent any time in offensive security, you’ve heard the debate: is OSCP still worth it in 2026? With new certifications flooding the market and OffSec updating their coursework, I want to give you an honest answer — not a sales pitch. The short version: yes, OSCP is still worth it — but not for the reasons most people think. What OSCP Actually Is The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) is a hands-on penetration testing certification from OffSec (formerly Offensive Security). Unlike multiple-choice exams, OSCP requires you to compromise a series of machines in a 24-hour exam environment and document your findings in a professional report. ...