CYBERSECURITY PATHWAY

ONLINE CERTIFIED WEB
PENETRATION TESTER PROGRAM

Program Details Apply Now

Online Certified Web Penetration Tester Program

Identify, Exploit, and Report Vulnerabilities in Modern Web Applications

Overview

With companies migrating critical operations online, securing web platforms against modern attack vectors has become a top priority. Offensive security professionals and ethical hackers are hired to uncover vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them. Hofstra University's 100% online Certified Web Penetration Tester Program prepares you to lead web application vulnerability audits.

This program is designed for students with basic IT and network navigation knowledge. Approximately 60% of the program's 100 hours is hands-on laboratory exercises inside a virtual sandbox. You will configure and utilize professional penetration testing suites to intercept HTTP traffic, test authentication models, execute payload injections, and write professional penetration testing reports.

This program has been recommended for **2 college credit hours** by the American Council on Education (ACE), meaning it can be recognized by colleges and universities toward an academic degree.

Syllabus & Course Outline

The program is organized into three progressive microcredentials designed to develop your application security auditing skills.

  • Analyze browser structures, cookie configurations, and client-side code behaviors
  • Intercept and modify web requests using local proxy tools like Burp Suite
  • Conduct target reconnaissance to map active endpoints, subdomains, and technologies
  • Auditing HTTP request and response structures for security configuration gaps

  • Discover and exploit input validation flaws like Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and SQL Injection (SQLi)
  • Audit web servers for command injection, insecure file uploads, and directory traversals
  • Perform client-side and server-side request forgery (CSRF & SSRF) audits
  • Develop systematic testing routines to identify and validate security vulnerabilities

  • Analyze authentication workflows, session handling, and credential parameters
  • Test authorization logic and exploit Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR)
  • Identify privilege escalations and logical workflow bypasses
  • Compile findings, calculate CVSS risk ratings, and draft structured penetration reports

Certified Web Penetration Tester Outcomes

Our program prepares you to join cybersecurity teams in roles such as:

  • Web Penetration Tester: Evaluate web portals and APIs for logic errors and software flaws.
  • Penetration Tester: Simulate network and system attacks to test corporate defense readiness.
  • Application Security Auditor: Support software developers by analyzing code releases for security issues.

Receive comprehensive career guidance, resume auditing, LinkedIn optimization workshops, and partner portal listings.

Prerequisites & System Requirements

Academic Prerequisites: Technical intermediate level. Understanding of network principles (TCP/IP), basic HTML/CSS/JavaScript structure, and web proxy usage is highly recommended.

System Requirements:

  • Processor: Intel Core i5 or Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3)
  • RAM: 8GB minimum, 16GB recommended
  • Storage: 100GB of internal SSD drive space
  • OS: Windows 10/11 (Not S Mode) or macOS 11+

Learn from Industry Experts

Instruction is led by active ethical hackers, application security leads, and certified instructors with real-world experience identifying vulnerabilities and securing enterprise environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Web Penetration Tester?

A Web Penetration Tester identifies and exploits vulnerabilities in web applications to help organizations improve security. They simulate real-world cyber attacks to uncover weaknesses in authentication systems, APIs, web servers, and application logic before attackers can exploit them.

What tools will I learn to use?

You will work with leading penetration testing tools, including Burp Suite (proxy and scanner), OWASP ZAP, Metasploit, Nmap, Nikto, and Kali Linux.

How long does this program take to complete?

Most students complete the 100 hours of curriculum in about 10 weeks by studying 10 hours per week. You have up to 75 days of full platform access.