I believe those three (LPT/ECSA, CEPT, CPTE) are the only advanced penetration certifications out there. 

Doesn't look like many know these at all and what's worse is that HR probably won't know these either. 

I'm going to attend CHFI training in July and believe that it is an advanced level, computer forensic certification along with the GCFA (GIAC Computer Forensic Analyst). 

Unlike other CF certs, the CHFI recommends taking the CEH to understand attack entry points into a network which seems to elevate the CHFI to include investigating a complete network.  Some of the modules specifically cover network analysis, network attacks, & gathering evidence on a network.

Wish they had a lab component included for this exam! 

Thanks Negrita for your response.  It looks like the Penetration Testing / Vulnerability Assessment circles haven't really come together in agreement between certain certification tracks.

The first 2 certifications seem to be proprietary tracks with specialized curriculum for the penetration tester.  The CPTE is the advanced penetration course offered by Mile2 training, while the CEPT is also an advanced penetration course ("replacing" the ECSA) offered by Infosec Institute. 

Most companies haven't recognized these certifications yet as pertaining to penetration testing which has me wondering if they'll be "embraced" at some point. 

How well-known are these certs within the Pen-testing community?


(CPTE) Certified Pen-Testing Expert : Mile2
(CEPT) Certified Expert Pen-Tester : Infosec Institute
(LPT) Licensed Penetration Tester : Ec-Council


The curriculum for the first two follow similar lines, but the LPT seems to be hardly discussed anywhere on the net.  What are the reputations of these certifications?

Thanks.