TryHackMe PT1: Is It Worth It?

TryHackMe released a certification that combines web, network, and Active Directory penetration testing into one junior-level exam. It’s called PT1, and it has a lot of people asking the same question: is this a game changer, or just another entry-level cert?

In this post, I’ll break down where PT1 fits, how it compares to eJPT, PJPT, and PWPA, and whether it’s the best choice for your first hacking certification, or just a distraction from the ones that really matter.

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Quick Summary on TryHackMe PT1

For those who only want the highlights, here’s what you need to know:

• PT1 is the only junior certification that combines web, network, and Active Directory penetration testing in one exam.

• It’s tightly integrated with the TryHackMe platform.

• It lacks video training and proctoring, and may be spreading itself too thin compared to more focused alternatives.

  
  

My take: If you haven’t committed to another junior cert, PT1 is a solid starting point. But if you’re already on another junior track, skip PT1 and move on to mid-level certifications that actually move the needle.

If you’ve started PT1 and find yourself struggling to complete rooms without walkthroughs, take a step back and work on foundational certifications like CompTIA Network+ or CompTIA Security+ first. PT1 probably won’t get you hired, despite how it’s marketed, but it can build confidence, sharpen your skills, and prep you for higher-level certifications.

Use PT1 as a launchpad, not a destination.

PT1 vs the Competition

TryHackMe’s own comparison chart makes some odd choices. They line PT1 up against Pentest+ and CEH, which are theoretical certifications. PT1 is hands-on, so they’re not even in the same weight class. I hold both Pentest+ and CEH, and while I respect them, PT1 is a different type of exam.

One misleading thing: TryHackMe lists the Pentest+ cost at $1,319, which is only true if you buy the full bundle. Most people pay closer to $500 using third-party training (which is how I earned my seven CompTIA certifications).

They also compare PT1 against TCM Security’s PWPP, but that’s a professional-level web application cert, not junior. A fairer comparison would be TCM’s PWPA, which is designed for the associate level.

Strengths of PT1

• Well-rounded coverage: It’s the only junior-level exam that spans network, web, and Active Directory.

• TryHackMe integration: If you’re already using the platform daily, PT1 helps certify your effort and keeps your learning tightly connected.

• Momentum builder: By forcing you to pay attention to TryHackMe rooms, it may accelerate your progress and reduce platform fatigue.

  
  

Weaknesses of PT1

• No proctoring: That means credibility issues may arise down the road. eJPT, PJPT, and PWPA also lack proctoring, so it’s not unique to PT1, but it’s still a drawback compared to OffSec certifications, which set the gold standard.

  
  

• No video training: A major miss for visual learners, especially when other junior certs include strong video instruction.

  
  

• Too broad? Trying to cover AD, web, and network in one cert risks being a “jack of all trades, master of none.”

  
  

AI Grading

PT1 uses AI to grade.

• Pro: Instant results, which helps with anxiety and waiting.

• Con: AI can miss nuance. Cybersecurity lives in the gray, and mistakes are inevitable. Some people may pass who shouldn’t, and others may fail unfairly.

  
  

By comparison, TCM Security and OffSec both use human graders. TCM usually turns results around in ~24 hours, and OffSec takes 48–72 hours. That human validation still matters.

Should PT1 Be Your First Cert?

If you’re new, PT1 can be a great all-in-one intro. But it can also overwhelm you if you’re not ready. If you constantly rely on walkthroughs, slow down and build up foundational knowledge first (Network+ and Security+ are great starts).

The good news: you can try PT1’s learning path for free on TryHackMe before committing.

Will PT1 Get You Hired?

No. Employers aren’t hiring junior pentesters right now. They’re hiring mid and senior-level testers.

To break in, you need to brand yourself as mid-level, even if you’ve never had a pentesting job. That doesn’t mean lying on your resume. It means building the skills and getting the mid-level certs to prove them.

Use PT1 as momentum, not as your career endpoint.

Who Should Consider PT1?

• Already have a junior cert? Skip PT1.

• Blue teamers pivoting to offensive security? PT1 could help, though it’s not your only option.

• Visual learners? Look at PJPT, PWPA, or eJPT instead.

• Want to specialize?

  • Network: Go PJPT.

  • Web apps: Go PWPA.

• Want to be a generalist? PT1 is your best bet, but expect slower progress toward advanced certifications.

  
  

My Personal Verdict

If all my skills and certs were stripped away and I had to start from scratch, would I get PT1? For me, the answer is no. The lack of video training is a dealbreaker. TryHackMe was always an intro tool for me, but I didn’t truly cement knowledge until I took courses like eJPT and OSCP.

That said, don’t let my preference stop you. If PT1 excites you, go for it, especially if you’re a text-based learner who wants to tie TryHackMe directly to a certification.

Final Advice

• Pick one junior certification and then move up.

• Don’t stack three or four junior certs and never graduate to mid-level.

• For mid-level, target:

  • Network side: OSCP, PNPT, CPTS.

  • Web app side: OSWA, CBBH, PWPP.

    
    

You only need one mid-level cert to start applying for pentesting jobs, but adding more later can strengthen your profile.

Closing Thoughts

PT1 is not a resume booster. It’s a momentum builder.

If you’re early in your journey and haven’t committed to a junior certification yet, PT1 is a solid choice. But know its trade-offs, and don’t stop there. Your real career opportunities open at the mid-level.