CBBH exam review 2025 for hackthebox

From Zero to CBBH: My 3-Month Journey to Becoming a Certified Bug Bounty Hunter

In this blog post, I’ll share my journey from having zero cybersecurity experience to completing Hack The Box’s Certified Bug Bounty Hunter (CBBH) path and passing the exam in just 3 months. And yes, I did all of this while managing a full-time job and balancing family life. If you're feeling overwhelmed or discouraged and think you've missed your chance to get into ethical hacking or penetration testing, trust me—you’re not alone. I was right there too! In this post, I'll share some tips and tricks that helped me push through the challenging times.

Table of Contents

• Part 1: CBBH Overview
• Part 2: My Methodology and Study Strategies
• Part 3: My Exam Experience and Tips

Part 1: CBBH Overview

So, who is the CBBH for exactly?

According to Hack The Box, the CBBH is designed for:

• Entry-level bug bounty hunters
• Junior web application penetration testers
• Web developers

I fit into the "web developer" category, having experience with building websites, JavaScript, Typescript, and Next.js projects. But even if you don’t have web development experience, don’t worry! While it may be an extra hurdle, you can still go through the CBBH path. I had some Linux experience, but my friends without web dev experience had to focus on that while I learned more about Linux. It’s possible, but will be a bit more challenging.

Job Role and Modules

The CBBH consists of 20 modules, starting with basic concepts like:

• Web Requests
• Introduction to Web Applications
• Web Proxies
• Information Gathering

Some modules are pretty straightforward, while others, like Ffuf, can be tricky. With enough practice, you’ll master it. The real challenge starts with topics like Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), SQL Injection, Command Injection, and File Upload Attacks. These are the modules where I had to slow down and take my time.

Here are some of the key challenges I faced:

• XSS: It’s crucial to fully understand XSS because it’s one of the most common vulnerabilities you’ll encounter.
• SQL Injection: If you’re new to SQL, this module may be difficult, but understanding SQL fundamentals is necessary for tools like SQLmap.
• Command Injection & File Upload Attacks: These are tough but essential topics. Taking notes and staying patient is key here.
• Web API Attacks: This was one of my favorites, probably because of my background as a web developer. If you’re unfamiliar with APIs, this module will require extra effort.

Part 2: My Methodology and Study Strategies

I started with zero experience on TryHackMe’s web browser virtual machine. It was a less intimidating platform for beginners. After about 2-3 weeks, I became comfortable enough with the basics to dive into Hack The Box’s academy path.

The Tools and Resources I Used:

• TryHackMe (for foundational knowledge)
• Kali Linux (for practical, hands-on experience)
• PentesterLab (for Unix/Linux skills)
• The Bug Bounty Bootcamp (book by Vicky Li, which I read during errands and at the gym)

Study Strategies:

1. Take Detailed Notes: I started with pen and paper, then switched to Notion for a more organized structure. Finally, I condensed everything into Obsidian for easy access.
2. Don’t Skip Modules: Even if you're stuck, avoid skipping over challenges. It’s essential to understand the concept before moving forward.
3. Use Solutions Sparingly: If I spent too much time on a module without making progress, I’d check the solution. Most of the time, this revealed a better way to solve the problem.

The Key Steps for Quick Review:

1. Develop a Methodology: I built a structured approach to handling assessments—from reconnaissance to exploitation and reporting.
2. Create a Personal Checklist: Having a checklist helped me stay on track and ensured I didn’t miss anything critical.
3. Organize Notes: Maintaining clear, structured notes helped me review essential techniques and tools quickly.

Part 3: My Exam Experience and Tips

After completing all the CBBH modules, I was ready to take the exam. Here’s how the process went:

Exam Preparation:

Before entering the exam portal, make sure you’ve completed all the modules, skill assessments, and labs. Once you start the exam, the timer begins, so be prepared! The good news is that the exam voucher includes one free retake, so you have two chances to succeed.

The Exam Portal:

Once you enter the exam portal, you’ll see:

• Rules of Engagement: This details the scenario, in-scope targets, and specific requirements to pass the exam. Make sure to read it carefully, even multiple times.
• Tools: You’ll have access to tools like OpenVPN and a pwn box instance if needed.

You’ll have 7 days to complete the exam, which might sound like a lot of time, but trust me, the clock ticks quickly.

Exam Tips:

• Treat the first attempt as a test run: Don’t feel pressured to pass on the first try. Learn from any mistakes you make and take advantage of the free retake.
• Stay Organized: Keep track of your progress with notes, and don’t waste time retracing your steps.
• Manage Your Time: You’re given 7 days, but try not to procrastinate. Focus on completing each part efficiently.

Final Thoughts:

My journey to CBBH was challenging but incredibly rewarding. While there were roadblocks, I pushed through by sticking to a study plan, maintaining organized notes, and using the resources available through Hack The Box and external materials. If you're considering the CBBH path, I highly recommend it. The skills you’ll gain will not only make you a better bug bounty hunter but also a stronger penetration tester.

Stay patient, keep learning, and don’t let any setbacks discourage you. You’ve got this!