In October 2024, I became eMAPT (eLearnSecurity Mobile Application Penetration Tester) Certified. The certification journey offered valuable insights into mobile application security, but there are some key points worth sharing for anyone considering this course.
This blog post will cover the course content, the exam itself, and some tips to help you pass the exam. Let’s dive in!
Course Content
The course provides a mix of fundamental concepts and practical approaches to mobile penetration testing, but it has its fair share of strengths and weaknesses.
Pros:
- The course provides a solid understanding of core mobile application concepts.
- It covers both Android and iOS platforms, making it comprehensive.
- The approach bridges the gap for web developers transitioning into mobile security, which is particularly useful for the exam.
Cons:
The content is outdated, with no mention of modern tools like Frida, Objection, or MobSF.
- The course appears to have been compiled between 2016–2017, and has not been updated since.
- It provides a sort of mobile developer approach instead of focusing on practical techniques, making it less efficient for red-teamers.
The Exam
The EMAPT v2 exam mirrors the course in many ways. It tests your understanding of mobile security concepts and your ability to build and exploit a malicious app.
Pros:
- The exam reinforces core concepts of Android application development.
- The seven-day timeline is manageable, even with a full-time job.
- Only the malicious app is required for submission — no formal report is needed.
- The exam avoids unnecessary complexities, focusing on straightforward solutions.
Cons:
- It does not teach how to build an app from scratch, leaving candidates to figure it out independently.
- The outdated target application requires modern solutions to old problems.
- Candidates must ensure their SDK and Android devices (API versions) are compatible with the outdated target app.
Preparing for this certification can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can ace it. Here are some tips to guide you:
- Although the seven-day exam period is feasible alongside work, dedicating extra time is highly recommended.
- Brush up on basic Android development or Java concepts beforehand; even a quick course can be helpful.
- Focus on the provided vulnerabilities — the solution is often right in front of you.
- Use tools like Drozer to test your PoC before integrating it into your malicious app.
- Repurpose code from the target app to save time, but ensure hardcoded secrets are fetched dynamically instead of hardcoding them.
Final Thoughts
The EMAPT v2 certification is a solid starting point for understanding mobile application security fundamentals. However, its outdated content significantly limits its utility for professionals aiming to stay ahead in modern pentesting practices. For newcomers to mobile security or those seeking foundational knowledge, the course may still hold value — just be prepared to adapt and tackle challenges stemming from its outdated material.
