CERTIFICATION GUIDE How Many Questions Are on the CompTIA PenTest+ Exam?
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Quick Answer

The CompTIA PenTest+ exam contains Up to 85 questions . You have 165 minutes to complete the exam, and you need a score of 750/900 to pass. The exam includes multiple-choice and performance-based questions (PBQs), testing your knowledge across all certification domains. Understanding the exact structure helps you plan your time and preparation strategy effectively.

The CompTIA PenTest+ exam structure directly impacts how you should prepare. From question count to time management, here's everything PenTest+ candidates need to know.

The CompTIA PenTest+ certification from CompTIA validates your expertise in this field. This guide covers Up to 85 questions across 165 minutes, the 750/900 passing threshold, and strategic approaches for each question type. Whether you're scheduling your first attempt or retaking the exam, understanding format details helps optimize your preparation.

Use the objectives for your booked exam and your own skill gaps to choose study resources. This guide does not establish a pass rate, salary outcome, or holder count.

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CompTIA PenTest+ Exam Structure Overview

The CompTIA PenTest+ exam is designed to thoroughly assess your knowledge and skills. Here's the complete breakdown of what you'll face:

Total Questions: Up to 85 Time Allowed: 165 minutes Passing Score: 750/900 Number of Exams: 1

The exam is administered by CompTIA and can be taken at authorized testing centers or online with live proctoring. The questions are designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application of concepts.

Types of Questions You Will See

The CompTIA PenTest+ exam includes multiple-choice and performance-based questions (PBQs). Understanding each question type helps you prepare effectively:

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ) The majority of questions are traditional multiple-choice with four answer options. Some questions may have multiple correct answers, which will be clearly indicated (e.g., "Select TWO answers").

Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) PBQs require you to complete tasks in a simulated environment. You might configure settings, troubleshoot issues, or demonstrate hands-on skills. These typically appear at the beginning of the exam and are weighted more heavily in scoring.

Question Distribution by Domain

Questions are distributed across all exam domains based on their weight in the exam objectives. Higher-weighted domains have more questions. Review the official exam objectives to understand the percentage breakdown for each domain.

Time Management Strategy

With Up to 85 questions in 165 minutes, time management is critical. Here's how to approach it:

Calculate Your Average Time Per Question Divide your total time by the number of questions to get your baseline pace. For CompTIA PenTest+, this works out to approximately 116 seconds per question on average.

Strategy for Maximum Efficiency: 1. First Pass (60% of time): Answer all questions you're confident about. Mark difficult questions for review. 2. Second Pass (30% of time): Return to marked questions and work through them carefully. 3. Final Review (10% of time): Check your answers, especially on high-weighted questions.

PBQ Time Allocation Performance-based questions take longer than multiple-choice. Budget 5-10 minutes per PBQ. Many experts recommend flagging PBQs initially, completing multiple-choice questions first, then returning to PBQs with remaining time.

Don't Get Stuck

If you spend more than 2 minutes on any single multiple-choice question without progress, mark it and move on. Spending too much time on difficult questions can prevent you from answering easier questions you know well.

Scoring and Passing Requirements

Understanding how CompTIA PenTest+ scoring works helps you set realistic goals:

Linear Scoring Your score is based on the percentage of questions answered correctly, weighted by domain importance. Some questions may be unscored "beta" questions being tested for future exams, but you won't know which ones—answer all questions as if they count.

Approximate Questions to Answer Correctly: Based on the passing score, you need to answer roughly 75% of questions correctly. This provides some margin for error, but you should aim higher to ensure a comfortable pass.

Score Report

After the exam, you receive a score report showing your performance by domain. If you don't pass, this report helps identify weak areas for focused study before your retake. Even if you pass, reviewing domain scores can guide your professional development.

How to Prepare for Up to 85 Questions

Preparing for Up to 85 questions across all domains requires a strategic approach:

1. Master the Exam Objectives Every question is tied to the official exam objectives. Get the current objectives from CompTIA and use them as your study checklist.

2. Practice with Realistic Questions Complete at least 500+ practice questions before your exam. Focus on questions that match the exam format, including multiple-choice and performance-based questions (PBQs).

3. Time Your Practice Exams Take full-length practice exams under timed conditions. This builds stamina and helps you calibrate your pacing for the real exam.

4. Focus on Weak Domains Use practice test results to identify domains where you score below 80%. Concentrate additional study time on these areas.

5. Understand, Don't Memorize With Up to 85 questions covering diverse scenarios, memorization alone won't work. Focus on understanding concepts so you can apply them to novel situations.

Expert Tips

• CompTIA exams test both theoretical knowledge and practical application—balance your study between concepts and labs.
• Review CompTIA's official acronym list—you'll encounter many during the exam without explanation.
• CompTIA exams often front-load Performance-Based Questions—consider flagging them initially and returning after completing multiple-choice sections.
• Focus on the official CompTIA exam objectives as your study checklist—every question ties directly to these objectives.
• CompTIA scenario questions often include irrelevant details. Identify what they're actually asking before reading answer choices.
• Use CompTIA CertMaster Labs or similar environments to get hands-on practice that mirrors PBQ scenarios.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Spending excessive time on difficult questions early, leaving too little for easier ones.
• Neglecting official documentation in favor of third-party summaries.
• Assuming prior experience alone will carry you through without dedicated study.
• Focusing too heavily on areas you're already comfortable with instead of weak spots.
• Underestimating scenario-based questions that require applying concepts creatively.
• Not allocating enough time for hands-on lab practice alongside theoretical study.

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Additional details from the guide

• Last updated: September 8, 2026
• Duration
• Passing score
• Free CompTIA PenTest+ Practice Test
• Test your knowledge with realistic exam questions.
• PenTest+ renewal requirements and validity period.
• Does PenTest+ Expire? 2026 Renewal Guide
• Does it expire?
• Failed PenTest+? Retake Policy & Tips (2026)
• If you fail
• This guide was last updated on September 8, 2026