The 3 best Penetration Testing courses in 2026

We compared 3 Penetration Testing courses across 1 providers and ranked the top 3 by learner ratings and enrollment. Updated automatically as ratings and catalogs change.

ShortcutUpload your resume and we'll tell you whether Penetration Testing is actually your highest-impact gap — and which of these courses fits your level.

01
Coursera~4h
All levels
Subscription

Ethical hacking professionals earn $90,000-$150,000 (ZipRecruiter). They’re the frontline defenders against cyber threats in today's high-risk digital landscape and Security Analysts, Penetration Testers, and Security Consultants are in high demand. This introductory course sets you on the path to becoming the skilled security professional employers are looking for! From the start, the course simplifies complex ethical hacking concepts into clear, practical principles. You'll learn the differences between white hat, black hat, and gray hat hacking, explore global cybersecurity regulations l

02
Coursera~3h
All levels
Subscription

Metasploit is one of the best-known and most used cybersecurity technologies for penetration testing (Cyber Security News). This short course gives you the job-ready skills in exploitation techniques and penetration testing using Metasploit employers are looking for. During the course, you’ll explore Metasploit’s core functionalities, gaining valuable hands-on experience in exercises that cover real-world exploitation scenarios, including network, system, and web application attacks. Plus, you’ll dive into post-exploitation tactics, persistence techniques, and attack simulations, building t

03
Coursera~6h
All levels
Subscription

This Advanced Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking course offers a deep dive into key cybersecurity concepts, providing you with hands-on experience in areas like penetration testing, cryptography, and social engineering. Through engaging modules, you will learn to conduct penetration tests using industry-standard methodologies, such as the Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES), and effectively communicate findings through professional reports and executive summaries. You’ll also gain a solid understanding of cryptographic principles, including public key infrastructure (PKI), while

// Side by side

Quick comparison

#CourseProviderRatingDurationPrice
01Introduction to Ethical Hacking PrinciplesCoursera4hSubscription
02Exploitation and Penetration Testing with MetasploitCoursera3hSubscription
03Introduction to Penetration Testing and Ethical HackingCoursera6hSubscription

Careers that need Penetration Testing