Why PEN 200 Is the Best First Step into Ethical Hacking

In the rapidly evolving world of cybersecurity, offensive security skills are more in demand than ever. As companies look to fortify their digital defenses, the need for skilled ethical hackers is on the rise. If you're looking to break into this exciting field, PEN 200 (also known as PWK: "Penetration Testing with Kali Linux") is a powerful starting point.

Offered by Offensive Security, the creators of Kali Linux and the globally respected OSCP certification, PEN 200 is more than just a course—it's a gateway to a career in penetration testing and cybersecurity. In this blog, we’ll explore what makes PEN 200 so impactful, who it’s for, what you’ll learn, and how it can help launch your career in ethical hacking.

What Is PEN 200?

PEN 200, or “Penetration Testing with Kali Linux,” is an entry-level yet hands-on penetration testing course offered by Offensive Security. It serves as the official training for the OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) certification, one of the most sought-after credentials in the cybersecurity industry.

The course is designed to give students a solid foundation in real-world penetration testing. It's not just theory—you'll be hacking into machines in a controlled environment, learning how attackers think, operate, and exploit vulnerabilities.

Who Should Take PEN 200?

PEN 200 is ideal for:

• Aspiring ethical hackers

  
  

• Cybersecurity analysts

  
  

• IT professionals looking to upskill

  
  

• Network administrators

  
  

• Anyone aiming for the OSCP certification

  
  

While the course is labeled as “entry-level” by Offensive Security, it assumes a certain level of technical knowledge. Basic familiarity with Linux, TCP/IP networking, and scripting (like Bash or Python) will go a long way. That said, determination, curiosity, and a willingness to learn are even more critical.

Course Structure and What You’ll Learn

PEN 200 is structured around three main components:

1. PDF + Video Course Material

   This includes comprehensive written documentation (over 800 pages) and a series of instructional videos. It walks you through each phase of penetration testing: information gathering, vulnerability identification, exploitation, privilege escalation, and post-exploitation.

   
   

2. Hands-on Labs

   The lab environment simulates real-world networks, with machines of varying difficulty levels and configurations. You’ll learn how to chain vulnerabilities, evade detection, and gain full control over systems.

   
   

3. OSCP Exam Voucher

   The course comes bundled with one exam attempt for the OSCP, a rigorous 24-hour hands-on test where you must exploit several machines to prove your skills.

   
   

Topics covered include:

• Active and passive reconnaissance

  
  

• Buffer overflows

  
  

• Web application attacks

  
  

• Privilege escalation techniques

  
  

• Windows and Linux exploitation

  
  

• Tunneling and pivoting

  
  

• Custom exploit development

  
  

The real strength of PEN 200 lies in its “Try Harder” philosophy. It forces students to problem-solve and research independently, which mirrors real-life penetration testing scenarios.

Benefits of Taking PEN 200

1. Practical, Hands-On Learning

   Unlike many theory-heavy courses, PEN 200 throws you into practical scenarios from day one. You’ll be writing scripts, scanning networks, and cracking passwords—skills you’ll use on the job.

   
   

2. Industry Recognition

   Completing PEN 200 and earning the OSCP certification instantly boosts your resume. Many hiring managers list OSCP as a requirement or preferred qualification for security roles.

   
   

3. Strong Foundation for Advanced Certs

   PEN 200 lays the groundwork for more advanced courses and certifications like OSWE (Web Expert), OSEP (Evasion Techniques), and OSCE3.

   
   

4. Community and Support

   The Offensive Security community is vast and welcoming. Whether you're stuck on a lab machine or need career advice, help is just a forum post or Discord message away.

   
   

5. Job-Readiness

   By the time you finish PEN 200, you'll not only know the tools of the trade—you’ll have the mindset of an ethical hacker. That’s something books alone can’t teach.

   
   

How to Prepare for PEN 200

If you're new to cybersecurity or feel underprepared, consider these steps before jumping into PEN 200:

• Learn Linux Basics: PEN 200 relies heavily on Kali Linux. Familiarize yourself with file systems, permissions, and terminal commands.

  
  

• Understand Networking: Concepts like IP addressing, DNS, DHCP, and ports are fundamental.

  
  

• Basic Scripting: Learn Bash and Python scripting to automate tasks.

  
  

• Try Hack The Box or TryHackMe: These platforms offer guided labs that resemble the challenges you’ll face in PEN 200.

  
  

Preparation doesn’t have to be perfect, but having a solid base will help you make the most out of the course.

Career Opportunities After PEN 200

Once you’ve completed PEN 200 and earned your OSCP, you’re positioned for several high-demand roles:

• Penetration Tester

  
  

• Red Team Specialist

  
  

• Security Analyst

  
  

• Vulnerability Researcher

  
  

• Cyber Security Consultant

  
  

The OSCP certification demonstrates that you can think critically, solve complex problems, and execute attacks in a controlled, ethical way. It's a badge of honor that proves you’re ready for the frontlines of cybersecurity.

Conclusion 

In a world where cyber threats are constantly evolving, skilled ethical hackers are not just valuable—they're essential. If you're serious about building a career in cybersecurity, PEN 200 is the ultimate launchpad. It’s intense, it’s challenging, and it will test your limits—but that’s exactly why it’s worth it.

If you're ready to take your first big step into the world of ethical hacking, PEN 200 is the course to start with. Stay curious, stay persistent, and as Offensive Security says—Try Harder.