• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Degrees
​
Log In
Join for Free
  • Browse
  • Pen Testing

Pen Testing Courses

Pen testing courses can help you learn vulnerability assessment, network security, and ethical hacking techniques. You can build skills in penetration testing methodologies, risk analysis, and incident response strategies. Many courses introduce tools like Metasploit, Wireshark, and Burp Suite, that support identifying and exploiting security weaknesses in systems and applications. By engaging with these tools, you can practice practical work that enhance your ability to secure networks and protect sensitive data.


Popular Pen Testing Courses and Certifications


  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    P

    Packt

    Advanced Penetration Techniques

    Skills you'll gain: Penetration Testing, Cyber Security Assessment, Exploitation techniques, Vulnerability Assessments, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Brute-force attacks, Application Security, Network Security, Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN), Cloud Security, API Testing, Wireless Networks

    Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    I

    Infosec

    Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

    Skills you'll gain: Identity and Access Management, IT Security Architecture, Security Testing, Single Sign-On (SSO), Data Security, Contingency Planning, User Provisioning, Cryptography, Network Security, Application Security, Information Systems Security, Cryptographic Protocols, Asset Protection, Cloud Security, Computer Security Incident Management, Digital Assets, Public Key Cryptography Standards (PKCS), Incident Response, Risk Management Framework, Risk Management

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    67 reviews

    Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Preview
    Preview
    C

    Coursera

    Optimizing Enterprise Test Suites with Worksoft Certify

    Skills you'll gain: Test Automation, Test Execution Engine, System Testing, Software Testing, Regression Testing, Test Case, CI/CD, Integration Testing, Maintainability, Automation, Test Data, Quality Assurance, Scalability, SAP Applications

    Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    L

    L&T EduTech

    Mastering Concrete Techniques

    Skills you'll gain: Construction Engineering, Laboratory Testing, Construction, Construction Inspection, Production Process, Construction Management, Manufacturing Operations, Plant Operations and Management, Manufacturing Processes, Civil Engineering, Commercial Construction, Safety Assurance, Product Testing, Engineering Plans And Specifications, Materials science, Structural Engineering, Sustainable Engineering, Manufacturing Standards, Design Specifications, Analytical Testing

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    19 reviews

    Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    L

    L&T EduTech

    Precast Structural System

    Skills you'll gain: Shop Drawing, Construction, Structural Engineering, Building Codes, Architectural Drawing, Construction Inspection, Construction Engineering, Structural Analysis, Building Design, Manufacturing Processes, Architectural Engineering, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Engineering Tolerance, Engineering Practices, Engineering Software, Engineering Design Process, Engineering Analysis, Product Testing, Engineering Calculations

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    14 reviews

    Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    L

    L&T EduTech

    Construction Techniques and Practices

    Skills you'll gain: Construction, Construction Inspection, Construction Management, Equipment Design, Construction Engineering, Construction Estimating, Product Lifecycle Management, Cost Estimation, Building Codes, Engineering Practices, Commercial Construction, Machine Controls, Plant Operations and Management, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Facility Management and Maintenance, Automation Engineering, Engineering Plans And Specifications, Architecture and Construction, Civil Engineering

    4.4
    Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
    ·
    7 reviews

    Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    L

    L&T EduTech

    Geotechnical Foundation Design

    Skills you'll gain: Building Codes, Construction, Laboratory Testing, Structural Engineering, Test Engineering, Laboratory Experience, Construction Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Monitoring, Engineering Analysis, Virtual Environment, Experimentation, Research Reports, Structural Analysis, Analytical Testing, Engineering Practices, Penetration Testing, Engineering Calculations, Failure Analysis, Finite Element Methods

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    14 reviews

    Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Next level skills. New Year savings.

    Save on Coursera Plus
  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    L

    L&T EduTech

    Highway Planning, Pavement Design and Construction

    Skills you'll gain: Traffic Flow Optimization, Construction Inspection, Building Codes, Construction Engineering, Construction, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Stormwater Management, Civil and Architectural Engineering, Structural Engineering, Hydrology, Engineering Practices, Hydraulics, Structural Analysis, Materials science, Engineering Plans And Specifications, Laboratory Testing, Engineering Software, Engineering Design Process, Plant Operations and Management

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    9 reviews

    Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    L

    L&T EduTech

    Strategies for Heavy Lifting

    Skills you'll gain: Structural Engineering, Construction Engineering, Construction, Engineering Management, Equipment Design, Construction Management, Engineering Practices, Hydraulics, Architecture and Construction, Mechanics, Safety Standards, Engineering, General Construction and Construction Labor, Engineering Calculations, Civil Engineering, Structural Analysis, Mechanical Engineering, Hazard Analysis, Engineering Analysis, Transportation Operations

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    14 reviews

    Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    G

    Google

    Google Advanced Data Analytics

    Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Data Visualization, Data Ethics, Exploratory Data Analysis, Sampling (Statistics), Data Visualization Software, Feature Engineering, Regression Analysis, Descriptive Statistics, Logistic Regression, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Model Evaluation, Data Analysis, Tableau Software, Data Science, Statistical Analysis, Machine Learning, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Interviewing Skills, Python Programming

    Build toward a degree

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    11K reviews

    Advanced · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    S

    SkillUp

    Enterprise Data Integration, Governance and Architecture

    Skills you'll gain: Data Security, Data Migration, Data Governance, Extract, Transform, Load, Cloud Storage, Data Architecture, Data Management, Data Integration, Data Storage, Enterprise Architecture, Data Quality, Personally Identifiable Information, Data Modeling, Incident Response, Security Controls, Information Privacy, Data Infrastructure, Data Warehousing, Threat Detection, Law, Regulation, and Compliance

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    66 reviews

    Advanced · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Preview
    Preview
    C

    Coursera

    Playwright Power Techniques: Fast and Reliable Web Testing

    Skills you'll gain: Test Script Development, Test Automation, Regression Testing, Continuous Integration, Performance Testing, CI/CD, Browser Compatibility, Test Execution Engine, GitLab, Debugging, Test Case, User Interface (UI), Scalability

    Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

What brings you to Coursera today?

Searches related to pen testing

gen ai testing
open-source qa: cypress, jmeter & xunit testing
gen ai in software testing
pentesting fundamentals for beginners
web pentesting
kali linux: ethical hacking & pentesting
hands-on web app pentesting
practical pentesting
1234…12

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular pen testing courses

  • Advanced Penetration Techniques: Packt
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Infosec
  • Optimizing Enterprise Test Suites with Worksoft Certify: Coursera
  • Mastering Concrete Techniques: L&T EduTech
  • Precast Structural System: L&T EduTech
  • Construction Techniques and Practices: L&T EduTech
  • Geotechnical Foundation Design: L&T EduTech
  • Highway Planning, Pavement Design and Construction: L&T EduTech
  • Strategies for Heavy Lifting: L&T EduTech
  • Google Advanced Data Analytics: Google

Skills you can learn in Computer Security And Networks

Cybersecurity (33)
Google (25)
Google Cloud Platform (17)
Internet (17)
Cryptography (16)
Network Security (16)
Linux (12)
Software Testing (12)
Information Security (10)
Application Programming Interfaces (8)
Kubernetes (8)
Web (8)

Frequently Asked Questions about Pen Testing

Pen testing, or penetration testing, is a simulated cyber attack against a computer system, network, or web application to identify vulnerabilities that an attacker could exploit. It is crucial because it helps organizations strengthen their security posture by proactively identifying and addressing weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors. By understanding potential threats, businesses can protect sensitive data, maintain customer trust, and comply with regulatory requirements.‎

A career in pen testing can lead to various job roles, including penetration tester, security analyst, security consultant, and ethical hacker. These positions are in high demand as organizations increasingly prioritize cybersecurity. Professionals in this field often work for cybersecurity firms, government agencies, or as independent consultants, helping to safeguard systems and data from cyber threats.‎

To succeed in pen testing, you need a solid foundation in several key skills. These include knowledge of networking protocols, familiarity with operating systems (especially Linux), understanding of web applications, and proficiency in programming languages such as Python or Java. Additionally, skills in security tools and frameworks, as well as an understanding of compliance and regulatory standards, are essential for effective pen testing.‎

Some of the best online pen testing courses focus on practical skills and real-world applications. Look for programs that cover topics like ethical hacking, vulnerability assessment, and security testing methodologies. Courses such as the Software Quality Assurance and Testing Specialization can provide a strong foundation in testing principles that are applicable to pen testing.‎

Yes. You can start learning pen testing on Coursera for free in two ways:

  1. Preview the first module of many pen testing courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in pen testing, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

To learn pen testing, start by familiarizing yourself with the basics of cybersecurity and networking. Enroll in introductory courses and gradually progress to more advanced topics. Hands-on practice is crucial, so seek out labs or simulations that allow you to apply what you've learned. Joining online communities and forums can also provide support and resources as you navigate your learning journey.‎

Pen testing courses typically cover a range of topics, including ethical hacking principles, reconnaissance techniques, vulnerability scanning, exploitation methods, and reporting findings. Additionally, courses may explore into specific tools and frameworks used in the industry, such as Metasploit, Nmap, and Burp Suite, providing learners with practical skills applicable in real-world scenarios.‎

For training and upskilling employees in pen testing, look for comprehensive programs that combine theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Courses like the Software Testing and Automation Specialization can be beneficial, as they cover essential testing methodologies that are relevant to pen testing, helping teams enhance their security capabilities effectively.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Other topics to explore

Arts and Humanities
338 courses
Business
1095 courses
Computer Science
668 courses
Data Science
425 courses
Information Technology
145 courses
Health
471 courses
Math and Logic
70 courses
Personal Development
137 courses
Physical Science and Engineering
413 courses
Social Sciences
401 courses
Language Learning
150 courses

Coursera Footer

Skills

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Analytics
  • Digital Marketing
  • English Speaking
  • Generative AI (GenAI)
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Power BI
  • Project Management
  • Python

Certificates & Programs

  • Google Cybersecurity Certificate
  • Google Data Analytics Certificate
  • Google IT Support Certificate
  • Google Project Management Certificate
  • Google UX Design Certificate
  • IBM Data Analyst Certificate
  • IBM Data Science Certificate
  • Machine Learning Certificate
  • Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Certificate
  • UI / UX Design Certificate

Industries & Careers

  • Business
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science
  • Education & Teaching
  • Engineering
  • Finance
  • Healthcare
  • Human Resources (HR)
  • Information Technology (IT)
  • Marketing

Career Resources

  • Career Aptitude Test
  • Examples of Strengths and Weaknesses for Job Interviews
  • High-Income Skills to Learn
  • How Does Cryptocurrency Work?
  • How to Highlight Duplicates in Google Sheets
  • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
  • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
  • Preparing for the PMP Certification
  • Signs You Will Get the Job After an Interview
  • What Is Artificial Intelligence?

Coursera

  • About
  • What We Offer
  • Leadership
  • Careers
  • Catalog
  • Coursera Plus
  • Professional Certificates
  • MasterTrack® Certificates
  • Degrees
  • For Enterprise
  • For Government
  • For Campus
  • Become a Partner
  • Social Impact
  • Free Courses
  • Share your Coursera learning story

Community

  • Learners
  • Partners
  • Beta Testers
  • Blog
  • The Coursera Podcast
  • Tech Blog

More

  • Press
  • Investors
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Help
  • Accessibility
  • Contact
  • Articles
  • Directory
  • Affiliates
  • Modern Slavery Statement
  • Do Not Sell/Share
Learn Anywhere
Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play
Logo of Certified B Corporation
© 2026 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Coursera Facebook
  • Coursera Linkedin
  • Coursera Twitter
  • Coursera YouTube
  • Coursera Instagram
  • Coursera TikTok