eJPTv2 exam Review with Success Tips

On May 2025, I took the eJPTv2 exam. I’m excited to share my awesome journey of how I passed the eJPT exam!!

Duration: 48 hours

Questions: 35*

• Note that questions are NOT theoretical and you’ll have to hack your way into the machines to respond successfully to all of them.

Exam Format

The eJPT exam environment is designed with an in-browser lab that provides a pre-configured Kali Linux setup, equipped with all the essential tools, scripts, and wordlists to help you tackle the exam’s tasks and challenges. This cloud-based setup allows you to start, navigate, and complete the exam from any device with a stable internet connection, eliminating the need to set up and maintain your own Virtual Machines.

While the Kali Linux environment is isolated and does not have internet access for direct research, you can use the browser on your host operating system to conduct external searches. Additionally, the necessary exploit modules and scripts are readily available within the Kali environment, accessible through tools like the Metasploit Framework and Exploit Database (Exploit-DB). This setup ensures that you have everything you need to solve the exam’s problems without the complications of managing your own setup.

Recommended Pre-Installed Tools

Kali Linux Instance

• Nmap
• Dirb
• Nikto
• WPScan
• CrackMapExec
• The Metasploit Framework
• Searchsploit
• Hydra

Keep in mind that you’re allowed to use any other tool installed on the exam instance.

Training Course Quality:

The eJPT v2 training by INE provides a comprehensive learning experience with 121 hands-on labs, each accompanied by detailed PDF write-ups for easy reference and integration into personal notes. These PDFs are especially useful for reinforcing concepts and ensuring you’re organized during your certification preparation. While most labs include solution PDFs, some only provide solutions on the webpage, so it’s recommended to use browser tools or manual methods (like screenshots) to save these for later review. The training content is designed with a strong alignment to industry standards and NIST guidelines, which enhances its real-world applicability.

Additionally, the course includes scenarios that mimic real-world environments, providing a great balance between theory and practical application, which will help in building the skills necessary for any penetration testing role.

Exam Experience:

After completing the course on November 30th, I took five full days off to rest and recover, which helped me approach the exam with a clear mind. I started my 48-hour exam at 9:30 AM, diving into information gathering and host enumeration, with a clear focus on structuring my notes around the target environment and objectives.

Tips:

1. Stay Patient: The first few hours or day might feel slow. I answered 32 out of 35 questions by the second day, but by pacing myself and focusing on key objectives, my performance improved significantly.
2. Strategic Question Interpretation: When struggling with questions, use the wording to your advantage. In my case, two questions referred to the same machine I couldn’t access initially. However, by leveraging information from other machines, I was able to rule out some options and increase my chances of scoring.
3. Breaks Are Essential: Don’t underestimate the power of rest. Taking short naps or going for a walk during breaks helped me stay mentally sharp, allowing me to approach the exam with renewed energy.
4. Time Management: I carefully planned my exam time to ensure that I wasn’t rushed. I completed the exam in 36 hours, including ample sleep and breaks, which allowed me to think clearly and manage stress levels effectively.
5. Useful resources (Cheatsheets & Notes)

By staying organized, pacing myself, and using logical approaches to tackle questions, I was able to complete the exam in 36 hours and score 95%. The key takeaway is to maintain a balance between focus and relaxation — mental clarity is essential for performing well under pressure.