What is Penetration Testing Methodology? — UK Software Development Guide

4 min readJune 2025ClickMasters Technical TeamReviewed by James Whitmore, CTO
what is penetration testing methodology

Direct Answer

A penetration testing methodology is the structured approach a security professional uses to conduct a penetration test. Common methodologies: OWASP Testing Guide (web application security testing — the most widely used framework), PTES (Penetration Testing Execution Standard — general methodology), NIST SP 800-115 (US government framework, referenced by UK public sector), and CREST methodology (the standard for CREST-certified UK pen testers).

Pen-test-methodology in the UK

In the UK, CREST certification requires pen testers to follow a documented methodology. The most common UK web application pen test methodology combines OWASP Testing Guide (OWASP Top 10 as the finding framework) with CREST technical requirements (documentation standards, evidence requirements, severity ratings). For UK regulated software: DTAC Domain 3 requires CREST-certified pen testing using a recognised methodology. NHS Cyber Security Standard aligns with the OWASP Testing Guide for web application testing. UK pen test reports must document: scope, methodology, tools used, findings (with severity and evidence), and remediation guidance.

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