HackTheBox Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS) Study Notes | 2026 Edition + FREE CHEAT SHEET

The HackTheBox CPTS Study Notes V8 are an 856-page PDF guide updated to meet the changes performed on the exam in 2026.

They are designed to help candidates prepare for the Hack The Box Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS) exam by covering key topics such as web and network exploitation, Active Directory attacks, enumeration, privilege escalation, and professional reporting. The notes also include practical walkthroughs and tool usage guidance.

Authored and reviewed by certified professionals with firsthand experience preparing for and earning the certification.

What topics are included in the study notes?

The notes encompass a wide range of topics relevant to the CPTS exam, including:

• Information Gathering & Enumeration
• Web Application Exploitation
• Network Exploitation
• Linux and Windows Privilege Escalation
• Active Directory Attacks
• Post-Exploitation Techniques
• Penetration Testing Reporting
• Recommended HackTheBox machines for practice

How do these notes assist in preparing for the CPTS exam?

The notes provide detailed explanations of penetration testing concepts, methodologies, and tools. They include practical examples and walkthroughs that mirror real-world scenarios, helping candidates develop hands-on skills necessary for the CPTS exam. Additionally, the notes emphasize the importance of professional reporting, a critical component of the exam.

What tools and techniques are covered in the notes?

The study notes cover a variety of tools and techniques essential for penetration testing, including:

• Nmap for network scanning
• Burp Suite for web application testing
• Metasploit for exploitation
• BloodHound for Active Directory enumeration
• Impacket tools for various network attacks
• John the Ripper and Hashcat for password cracking
• Gobuster and Dirbuster for directory brute-forcing

Table of content:

- About the CPTS exam

- Tips to prepare

- Recommended HackTheBox machines to practice

- Information Gathering & Enumeration

- Network & Web Exploitation

- Linux Hacking

- Windows Hacking

- Active Directory Hacking

- Password Cracking

- DB Exploitation

- Network and Web Exploitation

- Attacking Common Web Applications

- Other Common Web Attacks and Exploits

- Lateral Movement

Page Count: 856

Format: PDF

What you will get

• HTB CPTS Study Notes (856 pages)
• AD Pentesting Cheat Sheet
• HTB CPTS Report Writing Template
• QAs

Disclaimer: Unofficial Study Material

This study guide is an unofficial, independently written resource created solely for educational purposes. It is based on personal exam experience and publicly available information. This product is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or authorized by The certification body, or any of their partners. It does not contain any copyrighted material, proprietary courseware, or confidential exam content.All trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. By purchasing or downloading this material, you agree not to hold the author or this store liable for any outcomes related to exam performance.

For official training material, please visit the certification body’s website.

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