Role Snapshot
A Penetration Tester is often called an Ethical Hacker.
In the United States, this role is recognized as a professional who is authorized to safely test systems in order to find weaknesses before real attackers do.
Penetration Testers help organizations improve security by thinking like attackers, but always working within legal, ethical, and clearly defined rules.
What You Actually Do
In this role, you are often the person who:
tests systems, applications, and networks with permission
looks for weaknesses in authentication, configuration, and access controls
documents how a vulnerability could be exploited
explains risks in a clear and responsible way
works with defensive teams to help fix discovered issues
This role requires curiosity, discipline, and respect for boundaries.
A Day in the Life
A typical day as a Penetration Tester may include:
reviewing the scope and rules of an engagement
testing applications or systems in a controlled environment
documenting findings and reproduction steps
meeting with Blue Team or engineering teams to explain results
updating reports and validating remediation efforts
Some days involve deep technical focus.
Other days involve communication and collaboration.
Real-Life Scenarios
Scenario 1
A company asks you to test the security of a new application before launch.
You explore login mechanisms, input validation, and access controls to identify weaknesses.
Scenario 2
You are assigned to test internal network access.
You attempt to move laterally between systems to see how far an attacker could go if initial access were gained.
Scenario 3
After testing, you prepare a report explaining what was found, why it matters, and how it can be fixed safely.
These scenarios are common in companies, startups, and public institutions across the U.S.
Skills You Build
As a Penetration Tester, you develop:
strong understanding of operating systems and networks
problem-solving and creative thinking
attention to detail
documentation and reporting skills
ethical decision-making
collaboration with defensive teams
These skills are highly transferable across cybersecurity roles.
Soft Skills That Matter in the U.S. Market
In the U.S., Penetration Testers are expected to communicate responsibly.
Strong professionals in this role:
clearly explain risks without exaggeration
respect scope, rules, and legal boundaries
write reports that engineers and leaders can understand
collaborate with Blue Teams rather than compete with them
Ethics and communication are just as important as technical skill.
Training and Certifications
Aligned with NICCS and the NICE Framework
Within the NICE Framework, Penetration Testing aligns with roles under Protect and Defend and Analyze, depending on focus and scope.
To explore how this role fits into the U.S. cybersecurity workforce, use the Cyber Career Pathways Tool:
https://niccs.cisa.gov/tools/cyber-career-pathways-tool
To find training aligned with this role, use the NICCS Education and Training Catalog:
https://niccs.cisa.gov/training/catalog
NICCS recommends viewing certifications as learning validation tools, not as mandatory requirements:
https://niccs.cisa.gov/resources/cybersecurity-certifications
Certifications commonly explored for ethical hacking paths include:
CompTIA PenTest+
EC-Council CEH
Offensive Security certifications (later in career)
Hands-on labs and structured practice environments are essential for this role.
Career Progression
Many Penetration Testers in the U.S. later move into roles such as:
Red Team Specialist
Security Researcher
Threat Hunter
Security Architect
Cybersecurity Consultant
Experience in ethical testing also supports long-term growth into leadership and advisory roles.
How This Role Fits the Be a Cyber Hero Initiative
Penetration Testers represent the Red Team, the ethical challengers of security.
Their work strengthens defenses, improves resilience, and helps organizations learn before harm occurs.
Final Thought
If you enjoy exploring how systems work, thinking creatively, and improving security through responsible testing, Penetration Testing can be a powerful path.
In the U.S., the most respected ethical hackers are those who combine curiosity with discipline and integrity.
Challenge systems.
Strengthen defenses.
Protect people.
Be a Cyber Hero.
—
Daniel Porta
Cybersecurity Professional | CISO
Founder, Be a Cyber Hero Initiative