eJPT exam-day guide
eJPT · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Have a valid passport or driver's license ready. Confirm with the provider which ID forms are accepted and whether verification happens before or during the exam.
Stable internet connection plus backup
Use wired ethernet where possible and have a mobile hotspot or secondary connection ready. Test both before exam day.
Supported computer and attack VM
Confirm the exam platform's browser/client requirements. Have Kali Linux or Parrot Security in a VM or bare metal with enough RAM and disk space, and test it the day before.
Updated toolset
Pre-install and update the tools you rely on: nmap, Burp Suite or ZAP, ffuf/gobuster, Metasploit, netcat, Hydra, John/Hashcat, impacket, and any pivoting tools. Confirm the provider's rules on tool use.
INE account credentials and exam access details
Verify you can log in to the INE portal and locate the exam access email/link. Check spam and confirm scheduling details with the provider.
Note-taking template
Prepare a local document with sections for hosts, open ports, credentials, findings, and question numbers. Document as you go so you can answer questions without re-exploiting.
Password manager or secure notes
Store credentials and flags securely. Do not rely on browser history or clipboard alone.
Power, cables, and peripherals
Bring the laptop charger, ethernet cable, spare mouse, and any adapters. Charge devices the night before.
Quiet workspace and do-not-disturb setup
Reserve a private room, silence phone notifications, and tell others not to interrupt. Breaks are generally allowed, but confirm the provider's break policy.
Timer and timezone reference
Know your exam window start and end in your local timezone. Set alarms for checkpoints and for the final submission deadline.
Exam rules and scope document
Read the rules of engagement and scope before starting. Confirm with the provider what is allowed regarding notes, internet searches, and external help.
Support contact
Save the provider's exam support contact and know the procedure for reporting technical issues during the exam.
Plan the day
Confirm scheduling, ID requirements, and system requirements with the provider. Update your attack VM and tools, and test your internet and backup connection.
Review core methodology: reconnaissance, enumeration, web exploitation, credential attacks, privilege escalation, and pivoting. Prepare your note-taking template.
Get a full night's sleep. Confirm portal login and exam access email, charge devices, prepare your workspace, and re-read the rules of engagement and scope.
Do a final dry run of your VM, VPN/client if applicable, and note-taking workflow. Avoid cramming new tools; stick to what you know.
Start only when you are ready to focus. Read all exam instructions and scope first, then start your notes with the date, scope, and objectives.
Spend the first block on reconnaissance and inventory: discover hosts, scan ports, and record everything. Timebox each target and avoid rabbit holes.
Answer multiple-choice questions as soon as you are confident, and save evidence for each. Document findings continuously so you can revisit questions later.
Take short breaks, hydrate, and keep an eye on the clock. Reserve the final hours for reviewing unanswered questions and submitting before the deadline.
Rules to check
Work alone. Do not share exam content, answers, or screenshots with others, and do not receive help from another person during the exam.
Stay within the authorized scope. Only interact with systems and services explicitly provided in the exam environment.
Breaks are generally permitted, but the exam clock keeps running. Confirm the provider's exact break and timing policy before you start.
Your answers must be based on your own findings in the lab. Keep notes and evidence so you can justify each answer.
Have your photo ID ready. Identity verification requirements vary, so confirm with the provider what is needed and when.
Follow the provider's rules on internet use, notes, and tooling. If a tool or technique is not explicitly allowed, confirm with the provider before using it.
If you hit a technical issue, contact exam support immediately and document the time, issue, and any screenshots. Do not wait until the end of the window.
Confirm the passing score and submission process with the provider. Do not close or abandon the exam without completing the required submission steps.