When a penetration testing provider is hired, the hiring company should expect that every penetration test team includes a dedicated project manager, a skilled and experienced test team, resource coordinator(s), and a point of escalation. The test team should include individuals with in-depth experience across multiple technologies including client platforms, server infrastructures, web application development, and IP networking. The individuals on the team should hold valid certifications relevant to their role such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or equivalent credentials.
When a network penetration test is being performed to comply with a regulatory requirement, additional experience or certification is required to ensure the approach is appropriate and the results are presented in the correct context. For example, a penetration test performed to validate compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) requirement 11.3 is best delivered by individuals with PCI QSA and PCI PA-QSA credentials. Many skilled penetration testers also typically possess other technology certifications to demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency.