Moving from the hotel-based to the new Pearson Vue based CRT exam

I’ve taken CRT before and need to re-take

If you need to re-take now and have been studying for the old, hotel-based exam, please notify [email protected] ASAP – it may be possible to schedule your exam at a UK hotel in early 2024.

Alternatively, you should study the updated syllabus and review the differences below to ensure you are well prepared for your re-take in the new format.

Please note we are running introductory promotions, which make the new style exam even more affordable.

I’ve not taken CRT before but I’ve been studying for the previous hotel-based exam

If you’ve been studying for the old, hotel-based exam, please notify [email protected] ASAP – it may be possible to schedule your exam at a UK hotel in early 2024.

Alternatively, you should study the updated syllabus and review the differences below to ensure you are well prepared for your re-take in the new format

Please note we are running introductory promotions, which make the new style exam even more affordable.

What are the key differences from old to new format CRT

The table below summarises the key differences between the two exams:

Hotel-based CRT exam	New CRT exam (delivered via Pearson VUE)
Candidate uses own laptop and tools	Virtual Kali box with pre-installed tools
Open book	Closed book – candidates should investigate the Virtual Kali box in advance and revise key commands for use in the exam CREST is working closely with Pearson VUE to potentially enable notes to be pre-uploaded and will provide an update on this matter in Q1 2024
All multiple choice	Single word answers and multiple-choice questions
Candidates must use a SMB share at the beginning to access papers	Exam questions are integrated to the exam screen
PDF fillable answer sheet	Exam questions are answered on the same exam screen
Heavily focused on Infrastructure	More evenly balanced across Infrastructure and Web Applications
Assessor required to validate exam environment	Non-technical invigilator present
Smaller skillset tested	Larger skillset tested (desktop breakout, network routing, more web application, more exploitation variety)

The new syllabus has been updated and restructured adding greater depth to the exam.

The exam duration has been extensively assessed to ensure that the time allocated is appropriate to answer all questions.