PenTest+ (CompTIA) Study Guide
Provider: CompTIA
Difficulty: 💡💡💡💡 (Difficult)
Ideal For: Penetration testers, ethical hackers, red team members, vulnerability analysts, and cybersecurity professionals who want hands‑on offensive security skills beyond foundational ethical hacking.
Quick Start Summary
- Certification Name: CompTIA PenTest+
- Exam Code: PT0‑002
- Length: 165 minutes
- Questions: Up to 85
- Format: Multiple choice + performance‑based simulations
- Passing Score: 750 (on a 100–900 scale)
- Delivery: Pearson VUE (in‑person or online)
- Recommended Experience: Security+ or equivalent knowledge + hands‑on security experience
- Renewal: Every 3 years (CEUs required)
Table of Contents
- Overview
- What the Exam Covers (Domains)
- How Hard Is the PenTest+
- How Long It Takes to Prepare
- Recommended Study Resources
- Study Strategy
- 30‑Day / 60‑Day / 90‑Day Study Plans
- Exam‑Day Tips
- After You Pass
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Links
1. Overview
PenTest+ is CompTIA’s intermediate‑to‑advanced offensive security certification, designed for professionals who perform or support penetration testing engagements. It emphasizes hands‑on skills across reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation, post‑exploitation, and reporting.
Unlike CEH, which focuses more on concepts and terminology, PenTest+ requires practical application through performance‑based questions and realistic scenarios. It is a natural next step for learners who want to move beyond ethical hacking fundamentals into structured penetration testing workflows.
Within the Cybersecurity Pathway, PenTest+ sits between CEH and advanced offensive certifications, and pairs naturally with CySA+ and CASP+.
2. What the Exam Covers (Domains)
The PenTest+ exam blueprint is organized into domains that reflect the full penetration testing lifecycle.
Domain 1: Planning and Scoping
- Rules of engagement and legal considerations
- Defining scope, constraints, and objectives
- Understanding compliance and authorization requirements
Domain 2: Information Gathering and Vulnerability Identification
- Reconnaissance and OSINT techniques
- Network and service enumeration
- Vulnerability scanning and validation
- Identifying attack surfaces and weaknesses
Domain 3: Attacks and Exploits
- Network‑based attacks and exploitation
- Web application attacks
- Wireless and RF exploitation
- Privilege escalation and lateral movement
- Post‑exploitation techniques
Domain 4: Reporting and Communication
- Documenting findings and evidence
- Writing penetration testing reports
- Communicating results to stakeholders
- Providing remediation guidance
Domain 5: Tools and Code Analysis
- Common penetration testing tools and frameworks
- Basic scripting and automation
- Interpreting code snippets and exploit logic
3. How Hard Is the PenTest+
PenTest+ is challenging, especially for learners without hands‑on experience in exploitation or scripting. The exam expects you to apply offensive techniques in realistic scenarios and understand how to document and communicate findings.
Learners often find PenTest+ challenging because:
- Performance‑based questions require practical skill
- Exploitation techniques can be complex
- Reporting and communication require clarity and precision
Learners succeed when they:
- Practice in safe lab environments
- Understand the full attack lifecycle
- Use practice questions to refine reasoning and workflow
4. How Long It Takes to Prepare
- Experienced security practitioners: 6–8 weeks
- CEH‑level learners: 2–3 months
- Candidates new to offensive security: 3–4+ months
Hands‑on practice is the biggest factor in preparation time.
5. Recommended Study Resources
PenTest+ candidates benefit from a mix of conceptual study and hands‑on practice.
- Official CompTIA materials: Exam objectives, study guides, and domain outlines
- Hands‑on labs: Safe environments for scanning, exploitation, and post‑exploitation
- Practice questions: Scenario‑based questions that mirror exam style
- Video‑based instruction: Walkthroughs of common attacks and tools
- Notes and summaries: Checklists, attack‑phase summaries, and reporting templates
6. Study Strategy
Step 1: Understand the Penetration Testing Lifecycle
Start by reviewing the phases of a penetration test: planning, reconnaissance, exploitation, post‑exploitation, and reporting.
Step 2: Build Hands‑On Skills
Use labs to practice scanning, enumeration, exploitation, and privilege escalation. Focus on understanding what each tool does and where it fits in the workflow.
Step 3: Study Domain by Domain
Work through each domain using a primary guide or course, then reinforce with labs and practice questions.
Step 4: Practice Reporting and Communication
PenTest+ places strong emphasis on reporting. Practice writing clear findings, evidence summaries, and remediation guidance.
Step 5: Take Practice Exams
Use practice exams to identify weak areas and refine your reasoning. Review every missed question and map it back to the relevant domain.
Step 6: Final 2–3 Week Consolidation
Focus on exploitation techniques, reporting, and high‑yield tools.
7. 30‑Day / 60‑Day / 90‑Day Study Plans
30‑Day Accelerated Plan
- Week 1: Domains 1–2 (Planning + Recon)
- Week 2: Domain 3 (Attacks & Exploits)
- Week 3: Domains 4–5 (Reporting + Tools)
- Week 4: Practice exams + targeted review
60‑Day Standard Plan
- Weeks 1–2: Domain 1
- Weeks 3–4: Domain 2
- Weeks 5–6: Domain 3
- Weeks 7–8: Domains 4–5 + practice exams
90‑Day Deep‑Dive Plan
- Weeks 1–4: Domains 1–2 — planning, recon, enumeration
- Weeks 5–8: Domain 3 — exploitation and post‑exploitation
- Weeks 9–10: Domains 4–5 — reporting and tools
- Final 2–3 weeks: Practice exams + consolidation
8. Exam‑Day Tips
- Start with multiple‑choice questions: Save performance‑based items for later.
- Think like an attacker: Identify the most efficient path to exploitation.
- Use elimination: Remove answers that are unrealistic or out of scope.
- Manage your time: Simulations can be time‑consuming.
- Stay calm: Focus on workflow and reasoning, not memorizing tool names.
9. After You Pass
- Update your resume and profiles: PenTest+ signals practical offensive capability.
- Leverage the credential: Explore penetration testing, red teaming, and vulnerability assessment roles.
- Plan next steps: Consider CASP+, GPEN, or cloud security certifications.
- Maintain your credential: Track CEUs and stay current with emerging attack techniques.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Is PenTest+ more hands‑on than CEH?
Yes. PenTest+ includes performance‑based questions and emphasizes practical exploitation skills.
Do I need a home lab?
A lab is strongly recommended. Hands‑on practice is essential for mastering exploitation workflows.
Is PenTest+ required for DoD roles?
PenTest+ is approved for several DoD 8570/8140 categories, especially offensive and vulnerability roles.
Is PenTest+ a good stepping stone to GPEN?
Yes. PenTest+ provides a strong foundation for more advanced offensive certifications.
11. Related Links
