Passed the Hackviser CAPT Certification – My Module-by-Module Experience 🎯

This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by prateek pulastya

I recently completed the Hackviser Certified Associate Penetration Tester (CAPT) certification, and I wanted to share my breakdown for anyone considering it. This course is currently free (for a limited time) and is perfect for beginners and intermediates who want hands-on experience with penetration testing.

Module Highlights

1. Introduction

• Ethical hacking mindset
• Attacker vs defender framework
• Role of a penetration tester
• Scope of pentesting in security
• Sets learning objectives clearly

Takeaway: Strong ethical grounding from the start.

2. Operating Systems Fundamentals

• Linux basics: shell, file system
• Windows command line & admin tasks
• System navigation for pentesting
• Dual-environment familiarity
• CLI practice across platforms

Takeaway: Comfort with OS = confidence in attacks.

3. Cryptology Fundamentals

• Encoding vs hashing vs encryption
• Weak crypto implementations
• Cipher cracking labs
• Secure communication basics
• Hands-on crypto analysis

Takeaway: Cryptography is central to both attack and defense.

4. Network Security & Pentesting

• Nmap scanning basics
• Metasploit introduction
• Reconnaissance & footprinting
• Mapping vulnerabilities
• Simulated network exploitation

Takeaway: Recon is everything—maps the path forward.

5. Web Application Security

• SQL Injection, XSS, Command Injection
• File Inclusion vulnerabilities
• 33 modules of web exploit labs
• Attacker mindset in web apps
• Defender strategies (patches/mitigation)

Takeaway: Web is the frontline—must-know for pentesters.

6. Privilege Escalation

• Linux escalation techniques
• Windows escalation methods
• Misconfiguration exploitation
• Horizontal vs vertical escalation
• Practical lab chaining

Takeaway: Access ≠ control—escalation matters.

7. OSINT

• Public data reconnaissance
• Tools for footprinting
• Transform OSINT into exploit paths.
• Strategic vulnerability hunting
• Real-world recon scenarios

Takeaway: Most hacks start with Google.

8. Social Engineering

• Phishing campaign basics
• Psychological exploitation
• Human factor in pentests
• Safe simulations
• One-module focus

Takeaway: Humans are the weakest link.

9. Real-World Scenarios

• Full pentest workflow
• Network + web + OS skills combined
• Simulated attack chains
• Reporting & documentation
• Confidence-building final labs

Takeaway: Practice ties theory into readiness.

Why You Should Take This

• Beginner-to-intermediate friendly
• Fully hands-on, no fluff
• A certificate adds credibility.
• Builds fundamental skills employers value
• Free right now

This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by prateek pulastya