> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.aikido.dev/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.aikido.dev/pentests/prepare-a-pentest.md).

# Prepare a Pentest

Prepare your environment before you launch an assessment.

Use these guides to prepare your environment, organize projects, and allow access safely.

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th>Guide</th><th>What it covers</th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref">Target</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Preparing for a Pentest</strong></td><td>The full preflight checklist.</td><td><a href="/pentests/prepare-a-pentest/preparing-for-a-pentest.md">Preparing for a Pentest</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Why Use a Testing Environment</strong></td><td>Why some tests can change data, and why that belongs on a testing environment.</td><td><a href="/pentests/prepare-a-pentest/why-use-a-testing-environment.md">Why Use a Testing Environment</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>IP Addresses for Pentest</strong></td><td>Allowlist requirements for agent traffic.</td><td><a href="/pentests/prepare-a-pentest/ip-addresses-for-pentest.md">IP Addresses for Pentest</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Using Projects to Group Assessments</strong></td><td>How to organize repeated or related pentests.</td><td><a href="/pentests/prepare-a-pentest/using-projects-to-group-assessments.md">Using Projects to Group Assessments</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


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