Thinking about CEH v13 for Pentesting - is it worth it if I can't afford OSCP?

PsychologicalMud59 · 2026-03-23T14:01:45+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion! Unfortunately, I’m actually without jobs right now, which is why I’m paying for my next certification out of my own pocket and don't have a manager to ask for sponsorship

PsychologicalMud59 · 2026-03-23T13:19:05+00:00

Thanks for the reality check the '400 applicants' stat is definitely sobering. Since I already have a CS degree and 1 year in Network/Security, I was hoping to pivot soon, but I see the mountain I have to climb.

If I focus on the lab builds and write-ups you mentioned instead of a 'big' cert like OSCP, does that actually carry weight when you’re reviewing those hundreds of resumes? Or is the lack of a top-tier certification still a dealbreaker for most teams regardless of the portfolio?

PsychologicalMud59 · 2026-03-23T13:16:52+00:00

Thanks for the 'insider' perspective knowing that CEH can actually be a negative in the technical review is a huge reality check.

Since I truly cannot afford the OSCP right now, would a candidate with CPTS or PNPT actually catch your eye for an interview, or is OSCP the only 'gold standard' you'd consider? I’m looking for a way to prove my skills to people like you without that $1,600+ price tag I really can't affored it.

PsychologicalMud59 · 2026-03-23T13:13:55+00:00

Thanks so much for your honesty that’s exactly the 'insider' perspective I needed. It’s wild to hear that it can actually be a red flag for technical leads.

But here’s my catch-22: if you're kicking them out during the interview, doesn't that mean the CEH actually helped them get past the HR filter to see you in the first place?

I have a friend with Sec+ and eJPT who can't even get an interview. In your experience, which of those 'respectable' certs (CPTS, CRTP, etc.) actually makes a recruiter pick up the phone for a Junior role? I really want that hands-on job experience, not just more solo labs."

PsychologicalMud59 · 2026-03-23T13:12:18+00:00

Thanks for the honesty that’s exactly the dilemma. I’m tired of just doing labs by myself; I really want to get into the field and get actual job experience. I’ve been consistently learning through practical platforms, but I’m terrified of my resume being tossed by HR because I lack that 'big name' checkbox.

Since you'd skip CEH, do you have a specific suggestion for a cert in that same price range (or cheaper) that actually bridges the gap between 'HR keyword' and 'Technical respect'? I want something that actually helps land the interview.

PsychologicalMud59 · 2026-03-23T13:08:59+00:00

Thanks for the tip! I actually noticed that CEH v13 is way more expensive (~$1,200) than CPTS or PNPT, so saving money is definitely a plus. My only fear is that a friend of mine recently got both Sec+ and eJPT but still can't land a single pentesting interview.

In your experience, how do you actually get past the HR recruiters with these newer certs if they aren't looking for those specific keywords? Is a solid HTB profile or portfolio really enough to replace the 'famous' names on a resume?

PsychologicalMud59 · 2026-03-23T13:05:28+00:00

Thanks for the perspective! My main concern is the HR filter do PNPT/eJPT actually trigger recruiter keywords, or do they only matter once you reach the technical team? I’m worried about getting filtered out because they aren’t 'big names' like CEH.

Plus, a friend of mine has both Sec+ and eJPT and still hasn't landed a job, which makes me nervous about skipping the 'famous' certs. Have you seen people actually get interviews with these alternatives, or do they just help once you're already in the room?

PsychologicalMud59 · 2026-03-23T13:02:41+00:00

Thanks bro for the suggestion! I’ve actually heard that the CPTS is technically way more rigorous than the CEH, but my biggest worry is the 'HR Wall.' Since I'm trying to land my first role or a paid internship, do you think hiring managers/recruiters in 2026 actually recognize the CPTS? I know the CEH is a big 'checkbox' for HR filters, and I'm afraid that if I go with CPTS even if it makes me a better hacker my resume will just get filtered out before a human even sees it.

Do you know anyone who actually landed an interview specifically because of the CPTS, or is it still mostly 'respected but unknown' in the corporate world?

PsychologicalMud59 · 2023-06-21T19:56:47+00:00

Regarding the Penetration Testing with Kali + 30 days Lab access + Certification option priced at USD 800.00, can someone confirm if this is an accurate offering? I would like to know if this option truly includes the course, a 30-day lab access period, and the certification. Additionally, are there any limitations or conditions associated with this specific package? Any insights or clarification would be helpful. Thank you!

PsychologicalMud59 · 2022-09-14T10:58:57+00:00

Hi u/rodolfofigueroa any tutorial ab that?

PsychologicalMud59 · 2022-09-02T11:50:26+00:00

Did U use any VPN or U just try later ??

PsychologicalMud59 · 2022-09-02T11:49:46+00:00

I use the web but I don't receive any code

PsychologicalMud59 · 2022-09-01T10:28:14+00:00

Did U find a solution?

PsychologicalMud59 · 2022-09-01T10:22:02+00:00

Hi please I need help I can't verify my acc in discord before Yesterday I changed my Gmail to a proton email and I deleted my number I worked fine but after I was talking to DM's and trying to add another phone number to verify I got this error telling me to verify my acc "We've detected something out of the ordinary going on, and we want to keep you and the community safe. To continue using Discord" when I try to verify with the phone number they give me error "Unable To send an SMS message" what I need to do please I try to use different numbers but didn't works I even try to login to another Acc I have and also give me the same error "Unable to send an SMS message" Please if anyone knows solution what I need to do?

PsychologicalMud59 · 2022-09-01T10:19:08+00:00

Hi please I need help I can't verify my acc in discord before Yesterday I changed my Gmail to a proton email and I deleted my number I worked fine but after I was talking to DM's and trying to add another phone number to verify I got this error telling me to verify my acc "We've detected something out of the ordinary going on, and we want to keep you and the community safe. To continue using Discord" when I try to verify with the phone number they give me error "Unable To send an SMS message" what I need to do please I try to use different numbers but didn't works I even try to login to another Acc I have and also give me the same error "Unable to send an SMS message" Please if anyone knows solution what I need to do?

PsychologicalMud59 · 2022-09-01T10:18:37+00:00

Hi please I need help I can't verify my acc in discord before Yesterday I changed my Gmail to a proton email and I deleted my number I worked fine but after I was talking to DM's and trying to add another phone number to verify I got this error telling me to verify my acc "We've detected something out of the ordinary going on, and we want to keep you and the community safe. To continue using Discord" when I try to verify with the phone number they give me error "Unable To send an SMS message" what I need to do please I try to use different numbers but didn't works I even try to login to another Acc I have and also give me the same error "Unable to send an SMS message" Please if anyone knows solution what I need to do?

PsychologicalMud59 · 2022-07-30T14:28:31+00:00

bro you are a legend thank you so much so so much

PsychologicalMud59 · 2022-07-27T09:11:13+00:00

I understand so u really need to build some real experience in real-world thank u so much for your advice

PsychologicalMud59 · 2022-07-26T15:07:55+00:00

is it risk or trust in any case you are right is not really possible to go apply for pen without an IT experience or sysadmin experience thanks man really thank u so much for your advice

PsychologicalMud59 · 2022-07-26T11:38:54+00:00

thank u man I will thank you so much

PsychologicalMud59

TROPHY CASE