If you are looking for an application security certification that truly tests real-world skills, not theory or multiple-choice questions, then Certified AppSec Pentesting eXpert (CAPenX) by The SecOps Group is something you should seriously consider.
I recently attempted the Certified AppSec Pentesting eXpert (CAPenX) exam and successfully passed with merit. This write-up is short, honest, and experience-based — written to help anyone planning to take this exam understand what they're actually signing up for.
What CAPenX Is Really Like
CAPenX is a purely practical exam. There is:
- No theory section
- No official study material
- No step-by-step guidance
You are given two real-world web applications and a limited time window of around 7.5 hours. Your goal is to discover, exploit, and chain vulnerabilities to capture flags. Everything depends on manual testing, enumeration, and logical thinking.
This exam does not reward tool dependency. It rewards understanding.
What Surprised Me the Most
The biggest surprise was how deep and layered the challenges were.
At first glance, some vulnerabilities look simple. But once you start testing, you realize:
- One vulnerability is rarely enough
- Enumeration plays a massive role
- Chaining issues is often required
- Payloads must be adapted continuously
This is not a "paste payload and win" exam. You need patience, creativity, and strong fundamentals.
Vulnerabilities Tested in CAPenX
CAPenX focuses on advanced and realistic AppSec issues, including:
Password Reset Vulnerabilities Logic flaws in password recovery mechanisms that allow account takeover through token abuse, parameter manipulation, or improper validation.
Broken Access Control Missing or weak authorization checks on endpoints that allow unauthorized actions or data access after deep enumeration.
Advanced Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) Not basic SSRF. Expect filter bypasses, internal service access, and sometimes chaining SSRF with other vulnerabilities.
Command Injection User input reaching system-level command execution, often requiring bypassing filters and understanding backend behavior.
SQL Injection Classic, but non-trivial. Manual detection and custom payload crafting based on application responses are required.
Stored XSS Attack Chains XSS combined with other flaws such as session abuse or privilege escalation. Context matters a lot here.
Race Conditions Timing-based logic flaws where sending concurrent requests leads to unintended behavior or security bypasses.
JWT Token Forging / Manipulation Weak JWT implementations allowing privilege escalation or authentication bypass by modifying token claims.
In-Depth Enumeration Hidden endpoints, undocumented parameters, and logic paths that are easy to miss but critical to exploitation.
Advanced XXE Attack Chains XXE vulnerabilities combined with other weaknesses to extract sensitive data or achieve deeper impact.
Nothing in this exam is accidental — every vulnerability requires intentional thinking.
Preparation: What Actually Helps
There is no official preparation material, so preparation is entirely self-driven.
What genuinely helps:
- PortSwigger Web Security Academy (especially advanced labs)
- Hands-on CTF-style labs requiring vulnerability chaining
- Strong understanding of real-world developer mistakes
- Comfort with writing and modifying payloads manually
Automation alone will not carry you through this exam.
Who Should Take CAPenX
Recommended for:
- Application security professionals
- Pentesters with strong web fundamentals
- Bug bounty hunters wanting serious skill validation
CAPenX does not teach AppSec — it verifies it.
Passing With Merit
Passing CAPenX itself is difficult. Passing with merit means consistently solving complex, high-effort challenges under time pressure. It's a quiet but meaningful achievement.
Final Thoughts
CAPenX truly deserves its "eXpert" title.
It's hard, fair, realistic, and rewarding. If your goal is to validate real-world application security skills — not just collect certificates — this exam is absolutely worth considering.
No shortcuts. No theory games. Just real AppSec.
Keep learning. Keep testing. Keep securing. 🔐