CompTIA PenTest+ validates intermediate-level penetration testing skills. It's ideal for security professionals who want to demonstrate their ability to plan, scope, and perform penetration tests while analyzing results and producing reports.
Understanding the PenTest+ Exam
- Exam Code: the current PenTest+ exam
- Duration: 165 minutes
- Questions: Up to 85
- Passing Score: 750 out of 900
- Format: Multiple-choice and performance-based questions
- Validity: 3 years
Exam Domains
Planning and Scoping (14%)
Governance, risk, and compliance; scope definition; rules of engagement; threat modeling.
Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning (22%)
Passive and active reconnaissance; vulnerability assessment; analysis techniques.
Attacks and Exploits (30%)
Network, web application, cloud, wireless, and social engineering attacks.
Reporting and Communication (18%)
Report writing, communication strategies, findings recommendations, remediation.
Tools and Code Analysis (16%)
Scripting, code review, tool selection, automation of tasks.
Study Plan: 2-4 Month Timeline
Weeks 1-3: Planning & Reconnaissance
- Understand penetration testing methodology
- Learn scoping and rules of engagement
- Master OSINT and passive reconnaissance
- Practice active scanning techniques
Weeks 4-8: Attacks & Exploitation
- Network-based attacks and exploitation
- Web application testing (OWASP Top 10)
- Wireless network attacks
- Social engineering techniques
- Cloud and mobile security testing
Weeks 9-12: Tools, Scripting & Reporting
- Master penetration testing tools
- Learn basic scripting (Python, Bash)
- Practice report writing
- Take full-length practice exams
Essential Tools to Master
- Nmap: Network scanning and enumeration
- Burp Suite: Web application testing
- Metasploit: Exploitation framework
- Wireshark: Packet analysis
- SQLmap: SQL injection automation
- Nikto: Web server scanning
- Hashcat/John: Password cracking
- Aircrack-ng: Wireless testing
Pro Tip: Hands-On Practice is Essential
Set up a home lab with vulnerable VMs like Metasploitable, DVWA, or use platforms like HackTheBox and TryHackMe. The exam includes performance-based questions that require practical skills.
Key Topics to Master
OWASP Top 10
- Broken Access Control
- Cryptographic Failures
- Injection (SQL, Command, etc.)
- Insecure Design
- Security Misconfiguration
- Vulnerable Components
- Authentication Failures
- Data Integrity Failures
- Logging and Monitoring Failures
- Server-Side Request Forgery
Penetration Testing Phases
- Pre-engagement (scoping, rules of engagement)
- Intelligence Gathering (reconnaissance)
- Threat Modeling and Vulnerability Identification
- Exploitation
- Post-Exploitation
- Reporting
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I study for CompTIA PenTest+?
Most candidates need 2-4 months of dedicated study, depending on prior experience. Those with Security+ and hands-on security experience may need less time. Plan for 10-15 hours of study per week.
What is the PenTest+ exam format?
The CompTIA PenTest+ exam consists of up to 85 questions to be completed in 165 minutes. Question types include multiple-choice and performance-based questions. The passing score is 750 out of 900.
What prerequisites are recommended for PenTest+?
CompTIA recommends Security+ or equivalent knowledge, plus 3-4 years of hands-on security experience. While not mandatory, having Network+ and Security+ certifications provides a strong foundation for PenTest+.
How does PenTest+ compare to CEH?
PenTest+ is more hands-on and practical, while CEH covers broader ethical hacking concepts. PenTest+ is often preferred for operational roles, while CEH is widely recognized for compliance requirements.