You have decided to invest in penetration testing services. The next step is preparation. A little planning before the test starts leads to better scope, clearer findings, and fewer we could not test that because conversations. Here is a practical checklist so you are ready when the testers show up.
1. Define Scope Clearly
What is in and what is out? Put it in writing. Typical scope elements:
- Systems and applications: Specific URLs, IP ranges, app names, or environments.
- Testing types: external network, web application, cloud, API, internal network.
- Out of scope: Systems that must not be tested and any do not test dates.
If you are doing this for compliance, align scope with what the standard and your assessor expect. Ambiguous scope wastes time and can leave critical systems untested.
2. Get Access and Credentials Sorted Early
Nothing kills momentum like missing access on day one. Confirm:
- Network access: VPN, bastion, or IP allowlisting.
- Application access: Test accounts, roles, and any MFA or IP restrictions.
- Cloud: If cloud penetration testing is in scope, read only or scoped credentials per provider rules.
- Documentation: High level architecture or network diagrams so testers understand boundaries and critical assets.
Send credentials and access details through a secure channel and by an agreed date so the team can start testing on day one.
3. Identify Points of Contact
Define who the testers should contact for:
- Technical questions.
- Access or environment issues.
- Critical findings.
- Scope questions.
Establish a channel and response expectations so blockers do not sit for days.
4. Set Expectations on Timing and Communication
Agree up front:
- Kickoff: Brief call to confirm scope, access, and rules of engagement.
- During the test: How and when testers will notify you.
- End of engagement: When to expect the report and whether there is a readout or walkthrough.
Many penetration testing providers offer real time critical finding alerts. Clarify if that is included so you can start remediation during the test.
5. Run Your Own Checks First
You do not have to fix everything before the test, but basic hygiene helps testers focus on real issues instead of low hanging fruit:
- Patching: Critical and high patches applied where possible.
- Default credentials: Changed or disabled.
- Obvious misconfigurations: Storage or admin interfaces not publicly exposed unless that is in scope.
If you have run vulnerability scans, sharing high level results can help testers prioritize. Do not feel you need to fix every scan finding; that is partly what the pen test is for.
6. Confirm Rules of Engagement and Legal
Your provider should provide a formal agreement that covers:
- Authorized scope and methods.
- Data handling.
- Liability and confidentiality.
Review and sign before testing starts. If you have internal legal or procurement requirements, loop them in early.
7. Plan for Remediation and Retest
A pen test is not done when the report lands. Plan for:
- Remediation: Who owns each finding? What is the timeline?
- Clarification: A good report should be clear, but you may need a call to walk through complex findings.
- Retest: Many engagements include a retest of fixed items to confirm they are actually resolved. Schedule it so it does not slip.
Having a remediation owner and a rough timeline before the test makes the follow through much easier.
Quick Prep Checklist
- Scope documented.
- Access and credentials provisioned and tested before kickoff.
- Points of contact agreed.
- Communication and reporting expectations set.
- Rules of engagement and legal contract in place.
- Remediation and retest planned.
The more of this you lock in before the engagement, the more value you will get from your penetration testing investment. If you would like to discuss scope or timing for an upcoming test, reach out.