The 6 best Penetration Testing courses in 2026
We compared 6 Penetration Testing courses across 1 providers and ranked the top 6 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.
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
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
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
This course is covers information security and ethical hacking. You'll learn the core principles of cybersecurity, exploring the critical differences between information security and cybersecurity operations. Gain insights into the cyber kill chain and ethical hacking methodologies, and learn to navigate the complexities of security laws and standards. You will aquire skills to plan and scope penetration testing assessments effectively. By the end of this course, you will be prepared to apply ethical hacking practices to safeguard digital environments.
Updated in May 2025. In this comprehensive course, you'll embark on a journey through the world of ethical hacking. The initial modules guide you through setting up a secure pentesting lab environment, including installing VirtualBox and Kali Linux. These foundational steps ensure you're equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to begin your hacking journey. The course then delves into Linux essentials, offering a thorough introduction to basic commands critical for navigating the Kali Linux environment, a favorite among cybersecurity professionals. As you progress, you'll explore ne
"Introduction to Kali Linux" is a meticulously designed course to guide beginners through the essentials of Kali Linux, a powerful tool for cybersecurity. Spanning two modules, the course begins with a comprehensive introduction to Kali Linux, its installation, navigation, and essential tools. It then advances into practical applications, covering network monitoring, ethical hacking principles, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessment. This course is tailored to provide a solid foundation in Kali Linux, equipping learners with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential
// Side by side
Quick comparison
| # | Course | Provider | Rating | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Introduction to Ethical Hacking Principles | Coursera | — | 4h | Subscription |
| 02 | Exploitation and Penetration Testing with Metasploit | Coursera | — | 3h | Subscription |
| 03 | Introduction to Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking | Coursera | — | 6h | Subscription |
| 04 | Ethical Hacking: Information Security, Cybersecurity, and Ethical Hacking | Coursera | — | 1h | Subscription |
| 05 | Ethical Hacking Foundations | Coursera | — | — | Subscription |
| 06 | Kali Linux | Coursera | — | 2h | Subscription |