How to Choose a CREST Certified Penetration Testing Provider (Checklist)

Key Takeaways

CREST certification ensures penetration testing providers meet global standards for quality and ethics.
A 7-step checklist helps businesses evaluate providers with confidence.
Choosing the right partner reduces breach risk, supports compliance, and improves resilience.

Introduction

Selecting a penetration testing provider is one of the most important cybersecurity decisions your business will make. With cyberattacks increasing in sophistication and frequency, you need assurance that your provider is skilled, ethical, and independently verified.

That’s where CREST certification comes in. CREST-accredited providers undergo rigorous audits covering technical ability, methodologies, and data security practices. In short, working with a CREST certified partner means you’re not leaving your organization’s defenses to chance.

This article provides a practical 7-step checklist to guide you in choosing the right CREST certified penetration testing provider for your business.

Why CREST Certification Matters

CREST (Council of Registered Ethical Security Testers) is a globally recognized accreditation body for cybersecurity services. Its certification is more than a badge — it’s a guarantee of:

Technical Competence – CREST testers meet internationally recognized standards.
Quality Assurance – Providers are independently assessed on methodologies and reporting.
Ethical Standards – Accredited firms must follow strict codes of conduct.

Stat Insight: According to IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average breach costs $4.45 million, up 15% in just three years. Partnering with a certified penetration testing company significantly reduces this risk by identifying vulnerabilities before attackers do.

The 7-Step Checklist for Choosing a CREST Certified Provider

1. Verify Their CREST Accreditation

Always confirm accreditation using the official CREST member directory. Don’t just rely on a provider’s website claim, independent verification ensures authenticity.

2. Assess Their Testing Methodologies

A strong provider should align with established frameworks such as:

OWASP Top 10 (for web apps)
MITRE ATT&CK (for adversary tactics)
NIST SP 800-115 (for penetration testing guidance)

CREST certification ensures methodological rigor, but always ask how these frameworks apply to your environment.

3. Check Team Credentials

Beyond company-level certification, individual testers should hold respected qualifications such as:

OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)
OSCE (Offensive Security Certified Expert)
SANS GIAC certifications

These demonstrate deep technical knowledge and practical skills.

4. Review Industry Experience

Cyber risks vary across industries. For example, healthcare faces data privacy challenges, while finance deals with fraud and transaction security. Choose a provider with proven experience in your sector.

5. Request Sample Reports

A professional penetration test report should include:

Executive Summary (for non-technical leadership)
Detailed Technical Findings
Severity Ratings (CVSS scoring or similar)
Actionable Remediation Steps

If a provider can’t share a redacted sample, that’s a red flag.

6. Understand Their Engagement Model

Ask how they approach:

Scoping workshops to align with business goals
Retesting after vulnerabilities are fixed
Ongoing support or vulnerability management services

A strong partner won’t just hand over a report and disappear.

7. Evaluate Security & Confidentiality Measures

Your provider will access sensitive data. Verify they follow strict controls such as:

Encrypted data storage and transfer
Secure report delivery
Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)

CREST certification enforces these standards, but due diligence builds trust.

Questions to Ask Before You Sign

To further assess potential providers, ask:

How do you scope a penetration test for a new client?
What is your policy on retesting?
How quickly do you deliver final reports?
Can you provide tailored recommendations for executives and technical teams?

Conclusion

Not all penetration testing providers are created equal. With CREST certified partners, you can trust that your security is tested by experts who meet the highest global standards.

By following this 7-step checklist, you’ll be able to identify providers who go beyond compliance and deliver actionable insights that strengthen your defenses.

Call to Action

EJN Labs is proud to be a CREST certified penetration testing provider. Our accredited experts deliver thorough, business-aligned testing that helps you stay secure against evolving threats.

👉 Contact EJN Labs today to schedule a consultation and protect your business with confidence.