If you're here hoping for a "memorize these three commands and you'll be fine" guide, sorry. This isn't that. But if you want the exact approach that worked for me, plus the mindset that stopped me from panicking mid exam, keep reading :)

Why I Picked eJPT

eJPT caught my attention for two reasons:

1. It's affordable — $200, free retake, and includes the PTS course from INE.
2. It's practical — no multiple-choice fluff. You hack, you find answers, you prove you can actually do the work.

For someone like me already dabbling in TryHackMe and security labs — it felt like the perfect step to bridge "learning" and "doing."

My 2-Month Study Framework

I kept it simple, because overcomplication kills momentum.

Month 1: Build the Base

• PTS course — Went module by module, hands-on first, then notes.
• TryHackMe — Junior Penetration Tester path for structured practice.
• GitHub Roadmaps — Grabbed community-made eJPT roadmaps and cheatsheets. My favorite? The enumeration checklist it saved me when my brain blanked.

Month 2: Go Offensive

• Switched from "learn mode" to "exam simulation mode."
• Practiced pivoting, privilege escalation, and web app testing until it was muscle memory.
• Timed myself. If I couldn't complete a task fast, I drilled it again the next day.

Mindset Shift: Stop Chasing Flags

Early on, I caught myself slipping into CTF brain — just chasing the "win" without understanding why it worked. The eJPT isn't about guessing payloads. It's about thinking like a pentester:

• What's my attack surface?
• What's the easiest win?
• How do I chain my access into something bigger?

Once I made that switch, my lab sessions became 10× more effective.

Exam Day Game Plan

Here's how I kept my head clear during the 48-hour window:

1. Read all questions first — This instantly told me which machines to prioritize.
2. Easy first, stubborn later — I knocked out the quick wins to build momentum.
3. Enumerate everything — If you think you've enumerated enough, you haven't.
4. Document as you go — IPs, creds, paths — saved me from re-doing work.

I finished in 10 hours total, but only because I paced myself. The clock is generous if you stay calm.

Quick Takeaways

• Start with PTS — don't skip it.
• Mix TryHackMe/HackTheBox for real-world flavor.
• Keep a cheatsheet folder ready. You will forget syntax under pressure.
• Don't be a hero — if you're stuck, move on and circle back.

Passing eJPT wasn't just about adding another badge to my LinkedIn. It validated that the hours I'd put into learning actually translated into something real.

If you're planning to take it, remember: It's not about how fast you finish it's about building habits and workflows you can carry into every engagement afterward.

And if you've got two months? Trust me. That's more than enough — if you use them wisely.

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