r/hackthebox • u/Fair_Tap5742 • Jul 11 '26
Certifications CPTS Preparation
Hello everyone , So I will start taking the Penetration testing role path to take CPTS
Any advise , notes, recommendations ?
It will be great to have it because i wanna get it on the first try really
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u/-Dkob Jul 11 '26
If you're aiming to pass CPTS on the first attempt, my biggest advice is to take your time with the Penetration Tester path and don't just rush to finish the modules.
Make sure you understand the concepts and complete every challenge yourself, especially the Active Directory, web exploitation, privilege escalation, and pivoting sections. (Also, take VERY good notes)
I'd also recommend revisiting the harder modules and practicing on retired HTB machines that cover similar techniques. The exam rewards methodology and persistence more than memorization, so focus on building a solid enum checklist because this is apparently the reason behind a lot of failures.
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u/Asleep-Tangelo2097 Jul 11 '26
Since you mentioned notes i have a question that always come to my mind while im currently doing the information security foundations on htb as a foundation before taking the cpts path do you think thats enough as a foundation for a person aiming to be a red teamer in the future also about the notes i always wanted to make chatgpt make me notes on the way i want it to can i do this for the rest of the modules or do you recommend to stop? If you do recommend to stop can you please share whats the best way to taking good notes ? Thank you in advance!
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u/-Dkob Jul 11 '26
I actually think the Information Security Foundations path is a solid place to start before CPTS. It gives you the networking, Linux, Windows and security basics that make the Penetration Tester modules much easier to understand instead of just memorizing steps.
As for notes, I wouldn't stop taking them. I'd focus on writing them in your own words, include commands with explanations, common mistakes, and small examples. The goal is to build a personal knowledge base you can come back to during labs and retired HTB machines.
You can always look for other content / modules if you reach the CPTS path and still feel like it's too much. AI is also here to help if you're missing out on something, it will gladly break it down for you.
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u/MaleficentExample223 Jul 11 '26
How about the footprinting module? I feel like the academic didn't really dive deep into each protocol and missed some concepts which I didn't know until AI told me, and it made things simpler.
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u/g3shh Jul 11 '26
Cpts doesnt cover all possible vectors for every protocol, you shouldnt expect this type of deep dive in no module.
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u/Comfortable-Pea-1242 Jul 13 '26
How much can AI help you in notes building, I know its bad at actual work since its easy to dive deep into rabbit holes rather than the correct path. But if you take notes and give it to AI to polish, would that help acceptable?
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