If you’re aiming to break into the high-demand world of cybersecurity, earning the CompTIA Pentest+ certification is an excellent stepping stone. This advanced infosec certification equips you with the practical skills to identify and exploit vulnerabilities, preparing you for penetration testing roles and the ethical hacking profession. The basic steps to start your career are simple: gain a foundational knowledge of IT, networking, and system administration, earn relevant industry certifications like CompTIA Security+ to build your understanding of cybersecurity principles. complete the CompTIA Pentest+ certification to validate advanced penetration testing knowledge, gain hands-on experience through internships or junior cybersecurity roles and continue developing your skills through continuous learning, advanced certifications, and real-world threat modelling.
With Ireland’s ongoing investment in cybersecurity and a shortage of qualified professionals, it’s the ideal time to upskill and accelerate your career.
So let’s look at how you can begin a career as a penetration tester in Ireland.
How to Become a Penetration Tester
Understanding the Penetration Tester Industry
Penetration testers, also known as ethical hackers, play a critical role in protecting organisations from cyber threats. They simulate cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in IT systems before malicious hackers can exploit them. Given the constant evolution of cybercrime, the demand for skilled penetration testers has grown significantly in Ireland, especially within financial services, government agencies, healthcare, and tech companies based in Dublin, Cork, and Galway.
As businesses move more operations online and adopt cloud solutions, the need for top-tier cybersecurity professionals has never been greater. The CompTIA Pentest+ certification is widely accepted as one of the best pentesting credentials to enter this exciting field and supports long-term growth within the cybersecurity industry.
Core Responsibilities of a Penetration Tester
Penetration testers in Ireland typically engage in a range of tasks, depending on the industry and type of systems under scrutiny. The key responsibilities include:
• Conducting authorised simulated attacks: Testing networks, applications, and systems to uncover vulnerabilities.
• Creating detailed security reports: Documenting findings and providing actionable recommendations for security improvements.
• Collaborating with IT and security teams: Working closely with infrastructure teams to address identified weaknesses and implement patches.
• Staying updated on the latest threats: Monitoring emerging cybersecurity threats and adapting techniques accordingly.
• Maintaining compliance: Ensuring penetration testing activities adhere to legal and regulatory standards in Ireland such as GDPR and ISO 27001.
Essential Soft Skills
While technical expertise is critical for the ethical hacking profession, soft skills are just as vital for success. Irish employers in penetration testing roles look for professionals who demonstrate:
• Communication: The ability to explain technical findings clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
• Analytical thinking: A logical approach to problem-solving and the capacity to think like a hacker.
• Attention to detail: Precision in identifying vulnerabilities and crafting effective test cases.
• Adaptability: Responsive to changing technologies and threats in a fast-paced environment.
• Team collaboration: Ability to work across teams, particularly during red and blue team exercises.
Steps to Becoming a Penetration Tester in Ireland
Step 1: Build foundational IT knowledge. Start by understanding networking, systems administration, and basic cybersecurity principles – often through self-study or entry-level certifications like CompTIA ITF+ or CompTIA A+.
Step 2: Progress to intermediate certifications such as CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+ to cover broader security concepts and tools used by professionals in the field.
Step 3: Enrol in a CompTIA Pentest+ focused course to gain hands-on penetration testing experience, learn how to leverage tools like Metasploit, Wireshark, and Nmap, and simulate real-world attack scenarios.
Step 4: Pass the CompTIA Pentest+ exam. This credential validates your ability to conduct penetration testing and manage vulnerabilities in various IT environments.
Step 5: Begin applying for junior roles such as cyber analyst, junior penetration tester, or security operations centre (SOC) analyst in Ireland. These positions offer practical experience that employers value.
Step 6: Consider joining local cybersecurity groups, attending conferences like IRISSCON, or engaging with online ethical hacking communities to enhance your professional network security roles.
Step 7: Continue advancing your skills with further certifications (e.g. CEH, OSCP) and specialise in areas like cloud security or web application testing to access high-paying pentesting opportunities across Ireland and beyond.
Salaries and Career Growth
The penetration testing career path in Ireland offers competitive salaries and substantial growth potential:
• Entry-Level (0–2 years): €40,000 – €55,000 p.a.
• Mid-Level (2–5 years): €55,000 – €75,000 p.a.
• Senior-Level (5+ years): €75,000 – €110,000+ p.a.
Career progression can move towards senior tester roles, ethical hacking team leads, or security architect positions. Many professionals also branch into consultancy or compliance auditing. With the rise of remote work and global cybersecurity concerns, demand continues to grow – and Ireland, as a European tech hub, is at the forefront of this expansion.
Courses and Certifications
To begin your journey into the ethical hacking profession or to support upskilling for security analysts, consider recognised Irish courses and certifications that align with industry needs. These options often complement CompTIA Pentest+ pathways and align with national standards.
Relevant certifications in Ireland include:
• QQI Certified Cybersecurity Programmes – Provides structured learning aligned with Irish Framework Levels.
• SOLAS-Approved ICT Security Courses – Government-supported options for learners and jobseekers.
• CompTIA Security+ and Pentest+ Certification Support Courses – Recognised foundation and penetration testing credentials.
• Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) Cybersecurity Specialist Programmes – For professionals looking to integrate security with digital infrastructures.
If you would like to find out more about certification and the courses available to you, just get in touch or complete the form below.
