CompTIA PenTest+ is for cybersecurity professionals tasked with penetration testing and vulnerability management.

Why is it different?

  • CompTIA PenTest+ is the most comprehensive exam covering all penetration testing stages. Unlike other penetration testing exams that only cover a portion of stages with essay questions and hands-on, PenTest+ uses both performance-based and knowledge-based questions to ensure all stages are addressed.
  • PenTest+ is the only exam on the market to include all aspects of vulnerability management. It not only covers hands-on vulnerability assessment, scanning, and analysis, but also includes planning, scoping, and managing weaknesses, not just exploiting them.
  • PenTest+ is the most current penetration testing exam covering the latest techniques against expanded attack surfaces. It is a unique exam that requires a candidate to demonstrate the most relevant pen testing skills for the cloud, hybrid environments, web applications, Internet of Things (IoT), and traditional on-premises.
Four people in a work meeting presentation.

About the exam

PenTest+ assesses the most up-to-date penetration testing, and vulnerability assessment and management skills necessary to determine the resiliency of the network against attacks. The CompTIA PenTest+ certification exam will verify successful candidates have the knowledge and skills required to:

PenTest+ is compliant with ISO 17024 standards and approved by the US DoD to meet directive 8140/8570.01-M requirements. Regulators and government rely on ANSI accreditation, because it provides confidence and trust in the outputs of an accredited program. Over 2.3 million CompTIA ISO/ANSI-accredited exams have been delivered since January 1, 2011.

What Skills Will You Learn?

HARDWARE

Planning and Scoping

Includes updated techniques emphasizing governance, risk, and compliance concepts, scoping and organizational/customer requirements, and demonstrating an ethical hacking mindset.

WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEMS

Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning

Includes updated skills on performing vulnerability scanning and passive/active reconnaissance, vulnerability management, as well as analyzing the results of the reconnaissance exercise.

SOFTWARE TROUBLESHOOTING

Attacks and Exploits

Includes updated approaches to expanded attack surfaces, researching social engineering techniques, performing network attacks, wireless attacks, application-based attacks and attacks on cloud technologies, and performing post-exploitation techniques.

NETWORKING

Reporting and Communication

Expanded to focus on the importance of reporting and communication in an increased regulatory environment during the pen testing process through analyzing findings and recommending appropriate remediation within a report.

HARDWARE & NETWORK TROUBLESHOOTING

Tools and Code Analysis

Includes updated concepts of identifying scripts in various software deployments, analyzing a script or code sample, and explaining use cases of various tools used during the phases of a penetration test. It is important to note that no scripting and coding is required.

Organizations that have contributed to the development of PenTest+

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secureworks-logo
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Jobs that use CompTIA PenTest+

Penetration Tester

Security Consultant

Cloud Penetration Tester

Web App Penetration Tester

Cloud Security Specialist

Network & Security Specialist


Exam Details

Exam Code  PT0-002
Launch Date October 28, 2021 
Exam Description The CompTIA PenTest+ will certify the successful candidate has the knowledge and skills required to plan and scope a penetration testing engagement including vulnerability scanning, understand legal and compliance requirements, analyze results, and produce a written report with remediation techniques. 
Number of Questions Maximum of 85 questions
Type of Questions Performance-based and multiple choice
Length of Test 165 minutes
Passing Score 750 (on a scale of 100-900)
Recommended Experience Network+, Security+ or equivalent knowledge. Minimum of 3-4 years of hands-on information security or related experience. While there is no required prerequisite, PenTest+ is intended to follow CompTIA Security+ or equivalent experience and has a technical, hands-on focus.
Languages  English, Japanese to follow
Retirement Usually three years after launch 
Testing Provider  Pearson VUE
Price $381 USD (See all pricing)

Get Practice Questions and Exam Objectives
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PenTest+ PT0-002:
What’s in this version

Global cybercrime costs are expected to grow 15% over the next five years. Now more than ever, it is imperative that organizations prevent sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands. Updates to PenTest+ reflect newer pen testing techniques for the latest attack surfaces, including the cloud, hybrid environments, and web applications, as well as more ethical hacking concepts, vulnerability scanning and code analysis.

How Does CompTIA PenTest+ Compare?

 

 EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
Performance Based Questions
 
Experience LevelIntermediateIntermediateIntermediateIntermediate / Advanced
Exam FocusPenetration testing and vulnerability assessmentPenetration TestingPenetration Testing from a Business-valueReal World-based with a Lab and submitted report
Vendor NeutralYes YesYes Yes

Exam Preparation

CompTIA offers a wealth of certification training that is designed for exam success. Find out more and explore all training options.

Interactive Labs with CompTIA Labs for PenTest+

Supercharge your certification training with hands-on online training that simulates real world IT configurations. Jump into the role of an administrator, complete basic to advanced tasks and quickly understand the impact of the system changes you make.

 

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eLearning with CompTIA CertMaster Learn for PenTest+

Train anywhere, anytime. Master all exam objectives through learning content that is enhanced with videos, flash cards and performance-based questions. Confirm your learning progress with an included practice test.

 

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Exam Prep with CompTIA CertMaster Practice for PenTest+

Go into your PenTest+ certification exam with confidence. Adaptive exam preparation in this intelligent online training companion will reinforce what you already know and fill the gaps in areas you need to improve.

 

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Study Guides for PenTest+

Developed by CompTIA for the CompTIA certification candidate, Study Guides are available in print or eBook format and packed with informative and engaging content tied to exam objectives.

 

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Instructor-Led Training

Whether you’re looking for in-classroom or live online training, CompTIA offers best-in-class instructor-led training for both individuals and teams. You can also find training among CompTIA’s vast network of Authorized Training Partners.

 

Training for You   Training for Your Groups   CompTIA Training Partners 

Renewal

Keep your certification up to date with CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program. It’s designed to be a continued validation of your expertise and a tool to expand your skillset. It’s also the ace up your sleeve when you’re ready to take the next step in your career.

Get the most out of your certification
Information technology is an incredibly dynamic field, creating new opportunities and challenges every day. Participating in our Continuing Education program will enable you to stay current with new and evolving technologies and remain a sought-after IT and security expert.

The CompTIA Continuing Education program
Your CompTIA PenTest+ certification is good for three years from the date of your exam. The CE program allows you to extend your certification in three-year intervals through activities and training that relate to the content of your certification.

It’s easy to renew
You can participate in a number of activities and training programs, including higher certifications, to renew your CompTIA PenTest+ certification. Collect at least 60 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in three years and upload them to your certification account, and your CompTIA PenTest+ certification will automatically renew.

Want more details? Learn more about the CompTIA Continuing Education program.

iconHowToRenew PenTest+ can be renewed.

60

CEUs needed for renewal

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CompTIA PenTest+ Purchase Options

 
CompTIA PenTest+ Exam Voucher
CompTIA PenTest+ Exam Retake
eBook - The Official CompTIA PenTest+ Study Guide (PT0-002)
CompTIA CertMaster Practice for PenTest+ (PT0-002)
CompTIA Integrated CertMaster Learn + CompTIA Labs for PenTest+ (PT0-002)
 
Voucher

$381.00

 

 
 
 
 
Basic Bundle

$549.00

 

 
 
Exam Prep Bundle

$699.00

 

 
eLearning Bundle

$949.00