Bita Beigishah
Life after CEH – ECSA and the LPT Certification (Licensed Penetration Tester)
As a training center that specializes in teaching ethical hacking and other cyber security courses, we are often asked the question “So what is the next step after CEH?” Upon which we always answer ECSA/LPT by EC-Council because it is a course that provides the most natural progression from CEH.
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EC-Council’s Certified Security Analyst (ECSA) is a more advanced and analytical ethical hacking training course and it is designed to complement EC-Council’s CEH certification.
Certification in ECSA demonstrates that an ethical hacker has the ability to effectively analyze the outcomes of pen testing technologies to identify and mitigate risk. While attaining an ECSA certification already provides greater industry acceptance as well as the knowledge ethical hackers need to carry out their jobs it’s not the end of the road. Often times the other acronym in this widely accepted course is forgotten.
What is a Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) Certification?
LPT is grouped with ECSA in certification training courses because ECSA is the last required industry certification a professional needs before applying to become a Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT); there is no individual certification training course for LPT. However, attaining this certification is where real recognition comes into play; LPT is the most prestigious certification accepted throughout the industry and it should be every penetration tester’s goal to achieve it.
LPT has evolved into the industry accepted standard for penetration testing and it is based on the best practices that industry experts follow. Jay Bavisi created the LPT certification for EC-Council as a means to hold all EC-Council licensed professionals to a uniform code of ethics and provide regular compliance updates within the industry. Due to the strict standards with which EC-Council holds its LPTs, organizations actively seek out these professionals before any other penetration tester.
How to earn a Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT)
While you don’t have to attend another certification training course or test for another exam, earning your LPT is still a process. To help you manage the requirements we have outlined below all the steps you will need to take to acquire your LPT certification. Please note that processing time, once all requested documents are received, will take between two and four weeks.
1. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification:
As stated at the beginning of this post, this is the first step towards attaining your LPT. Once you pass the CEH exam then you can move on to ECSA. You will need to attach a copy of the CEH certificate along with your score transcript to the LPT application.
2. EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA) Certification:
Take the ECSA/LPT certification course and then pass your ECSA exam and you’ve completed step two of the LPT process! You will also need to attach a copy of the ECSA certificate and score transcript to your LPT application.
3. EC-Council Certifications Must be up-to-date
All EC-Council certifications must be up-to-date and in good standing in order to apply for the LPT. Applicants, therefore, should ensure that they have a valid EC-Council Continuing Education account.
4. Sign and Agree to EC-Council’s Code of Ethics
Now that you have attained the necessary certifications and your accounts are up-to-date you can fill out the LPT application form. At this time you will also need to agree and sign the EC-Council’s Code of Ethics.
5. Pay the Required Fees
Now to gain this license the EC-Council requires a first time payment of $500.00. This will provide a license that is valid for the first two years. After the two years an annual payment of $250.00 will be required for renewal.
6. Submit All Necessary Documentation
Documentation must also be provided stating that an investigative agency performed a criminal background check and findings revealed no prior criminal history. Applicants may also sign a Declaration of No Criminal Convictions if they are unable to provide the background documentation; in order to sign this declaration, candidates must make a request in writing to certmanager@eccouncil.org.
7. Submit a Resume/C.V.
Now the last step! Along with the documents requested above, candidates will need to submit a resume/C.V. detailing their relevant professional experience, the current certifications they hold as well as references of character to the EC-Council Certification Department via email at lpt@eccouncil.org.
Now that you are know all the steps that are required towards earning a LPT, start the process towards achieving your license today.