Penetration Testing Agreement Template

Create a professional penetration testing agreement that protects both parties, defines clear testing boundaries, and ensures compliance with security standards. Download in PDF format.

Penetration Testing Agreement Template

A penetration testing agreement is a crucial legal document that establishes the terms, conditions, and scope of security testing activities between a security service provider and their client. This comprehensive template ensures all critical aspects of the engagement are properly documented and agreed upon before testing begins.

What This Template Is For

This agreement template is designed for security professionals and organizations conducting authorized security assessments. It provides a structured framework that covers testing permissions, scope limitations, methodology, reporting requirements, and liability protections. The document helps prevent misunderstandings and establishes clear boundaries for testing activities.

When To Use This Template

Use this penetration testing agreement template when:

  • Initiating a new security assessment engagement
  • Defining the scope of permitted testing activities
  • Establishing testing timeframes and methodologies
  • Documenting liability limitations and confidentiality requirements
  • Setting expectations for deliverables and reporting

How To Customize It

Follow these steps to customize the template:

  1. Review and adjust the scope of testing section to match specific requirements
  2. Define exact IP ranges and systems to be tested
  3. Specify testing windows and notification procedures
  4. Customize reporting requirements and deliverable formats
  5. Add any client-specific compliance requirements
  6. Include relevant insurance and liability clauses
  7. Update confidentiality terms as needed

Common Use Cases

This agreement template is commonly used for:

  • External network penetration testing
  • Web application security assessments
  • Internal network security testing
  • Mobile application penetration testing
  • Cloud infrastructure security assessments

Best Practices

  • Clearly define testing boundaries and out-of-scope systems
  • Include emergency contact procedures
  • Specify reporting timelines for critical vulnerabilities
  • Document all testing tools and methodologies
  • Include clear escalation procedures
  • Define acceptance criteria for deliverables

Template Variations

Different versions of this template are available for:

  • Red team engagements
  • Compliance-focused assessments
  • Application security testing
  • Infrastructure security assessments

Success Stories

Organizations have successfully used this template to:

  • Secure Fortune 500 testing engagements
  • Support regulatory compliance assessments
  • Define parameters for government security testing
  • Structure multi-phase security programs

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be included in the scope section?

The scope section should include specific IP ranges, domains, applications, and systems to be tested, as well as any explicitly excluded systems.

How should testing windows be defined?

Testing windows should specify exact dates, times, and time zones, including any blackout periods or maintenance windows to avoid.

What liability protections should be included?

Include clauses covering accidental damage, data exposure, and service disruption, along with required insurance coverage and limitation of liability terms.

How should deliverables be specified?

Detail all required reports, including executive summaries, technical findings, remediation guidance, and any compliance-specific documentation.

What confidentiality terms are necessary?

Include terms covering test findings, client data handling, vulnerability disclosure, and any specific NDAs required for the engagement.