DORA TLPT, clearly explained.

TLPT is a controlled, intelligence-led test that uses realistic adversary scenarios against a financial entity’s critical live production systems. It examines people, processes and technology, including prevention, detection and response.

No. The advanced-testing obligation applies to identified financial entities, subject to Article 26 and the selection criteria in the TLPT RTS. General DORA testing obligations are broader. Confirm your status with the relevant authority.

Article 26 sets a baseline of at least once every three years for identified entities. The competent authority can adjust the frequency. This does not create one universal first-test deadline.

The active red-team testing phase lasts at least 12 weeks under RTS Article 11(5). Preparation, threat intelligence, reporting, closure and remediation planning add time. A credible timetable is developed around the scope and authority process.

An ordinary penetration test does not automatically satisfy the TLPT requirements. TLPT adds targeted threat intelligence, critical-function scope, governance, controlled adversary scenarios, authority involvement and specific closure requirements.

No. DORA and the TLPT RTS set legal requirements. TIBER-EU is an operational framework with guidance and templates that can support their implementation. Applicable authority requirements still govern the engagement.

DORA TLPT covers the relevant live production systems supporting the functions in scope. The test needs explicit authorisation, risk controls, agreed restrictions and escalation arrangements. A staging-only exercise should not be presented as equivalent without the authority’s agreement.

No. A provider does not certify all DORA obligations through one test. The relevant authority process may issue an attestation concerning the TLPT, including for mutual recognition. Wider compliance and remediation remain the entity’s responsibility.

Scope, entities and functions, relevant providers, scenarios, delivery resources, reporting and closure work affect the price. An agreed proposal should set out assumptions, inclusions and change control.

Your organisation, work contact, whether you have an authority notification, a high-level description of the likely scope and an indicative timeframe. Do not submit credentials, network diagrams, vulnerabilities or sensitive production information.