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eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (eJPT) Certification

The eJPT certification was created by eLearnSecurity, an Italian cybersecurity training company founded in 2004 that later became part of INE Security after an acquisition in 2020. The certification was developed to provide an entry-level, practical certification for individuals beginning their careers in penetration testing and ethical hacking. eLearnSecurity designed the eJPT as an affordable and accessible alternative to more expensive certifications, focusing on hands-on skills rather than purely theoretical knowledge. The certification emerged during the 2010s as the cybersecurity industry recognized the need for practical, skills-based assessments that could better prepare junior professionals for real-world penetration testing scenarios.

The eJPT is valued in the penetration testing industry as a legitimate entry-level credential that demonstrates fundamental practical competencies in network security, vulnerability assessment, and basic exploitation techniques. Unlike some certifications that rely heavily on multiple-choice exams, the eJPT requires candidates to complete a practical exam involving actual penetration testing tasks in a simulated network environment, which employers appreciate as evidence of hands-on capability. Many penetration testing companies and cybersecurity teams recognize the eJPT as a meaningful indicator that a candidate has moved beyond pure theory and possesses baseline technical skills needed for junior roles. The certification has gained particular traction among career changers and recent graduates as an affordable stepping stone before pursuing more advanced credentials like the OSCP or CEH.

Origin of CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ was created by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), a non-profit trade association established in 1982. The Security+ certification was first launched in 2002 as a response to the growing need for standardized cybersecurity knowledge in the IT industry. CompTIA developed this vendor-neutral certification to establish a baseline of competency for IT security professionals, covering essential principles and best practices that apply across different technologies and platforms rather than focusing on specific products or vendors.

Industry Value and Importance

Security+ is widely recognized as one of the most valuable entry-to-intermediate level cybersecurity certifications in the industry. It meets the ISO 17024 standard and is approved by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) as one of the required certifications for information assurance positions, making it particularly valuable for government contractors and military personnel. Employers value Security+ because it validates that holders possess practical, hands-on skills in areas such as threat detection, risk management, cryptography, and network security. The certification's vendor-neutral approach means certified professionals can work with any technology platform, making them versatile assets to organizations of all sizes and across all sectors.

CCNA Cybersecurity/IT Certification

Origin

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification was created by Cisco Systems in 1998 as an entry to intermediate-level credential for IT professionals. Cisco developed the certification program to validate the skills needed to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot small to medium-sized networks using Cisco equipment. The certification was designed to address the growing demand for qualified networking professionals who could work with increasingly complex network infrastructures and to establish a standardized measure of networking competency.

Industry Value

The CCNA certification is highly valued in the IT industry because it demonstrates foundational knowledge of networking concepts that are essential across virtually all IT roles, from network administration to cybersecurity. Employers recognize CCNA-certified professionals as having verified skills in network fundamentals, IP connectivity, security fundamentals, and automation—competencies that are critical in today's interconnected business environments. The certification often serves as a prerequisite for more advanced Cisco certifications and can lead to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and career advancement, with many organizations specifically requesting or requiring CCNA certification for networking and security positions.