The CompTIA PenTest+ certification bridges the gap between foundational security knowledge and advanced penetration testing skills. Unlike purely theoretical certifications, PenTest+ combines multiple-choice questions with hands-on performance-based scenarios that test your ability to plan, scope, and execute real penetration testing engagements.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the CompTIA PenTest+ certification in 2026: the current PT0-003 exam format, what it costs, how to prepare effectively, and whether it's the right certification for your cybersecurity career path. We'll also compare PenTest+ against OSCP and PNPT to help you make an informed decision.
📊 CompTIA PenTest+ (PT0-003) Exam Overview
| Exam Detail | PT0-003 Specification |
|---|---|
| Exam Code | PT0-003 (launched 17 December 2024) |
| Price | Check current voucher price (varies by region) |
| Duration | 165 minutes (2 hours 45 minutes) |
| Questions | Maximum 90 (multiple-choice + performance-based) |
| Passing Score | 750 on a scale of 100-900 |
| Validity | 3 years (renewable through CE program) |
| Prerequisites | None required (3-4 years experience recommended) |
Exam at a Glance
- Vendor-neutral penetration testing certification from CompTIA
- Includes hands-on performance-based questions (PBQs)
- Covers network, web, cloud, wireless, and AI-based attacks
- Check DoD 8140 baseline lists if targeting government roles
- Available at Pearson VUE centers or online proctored
- PT0-003 replaced PT0-002 (retired 17 June 2025)
📑 In This Guide
🎯 What is the CompTIA PenTest+ Certification?
CompTIA PenTest+ is an intermediate-level cybersecurity certification that validates your ability to plan, scope, and perform penetration testing engagements. Offered by CompTIA, one of the most recognized IT certification bodies globally, PenTest+ carries significant weight with employers who trust the CompTIA brand.
What sets PenTest+ apart from entry-level certifications is its practical component. The exam includes performance-based questions (PBQs) that require you to demonstrate hands-on skills, not just recognize correct answers. You'll analyze code snippets, interpret tool output, craft attack strategies, and write professional findings, all within the exam environment.
The current exam version is PT0-003, which launched on 17 December 2024 and replaced the previous PT0-002 (retired 17 June 2025). This version adds coverage for AI-based attacks, expanded cloud and API exploitation, and modern post-exploitation techniques. CompTIA updates exam objectives every three years to keep pace with the evolving threat landscape.
Key differentiator: PenTest+ is vendor-neutral and approved for U.S. DoD DoD 8140 requirements (the successor framework to DoD 8570). Check current baseline certification lists if targeting government or military cybersecurity roles.
📋 PenTest+ Exam Format and Requirements
Understanding the exam structure helps you prepare strategically. The PT0-003 exam tests both theoretical knowledge and practical application through a mix of question types.
Exam Structure
- Maximum 90 questions The actual number varies per exam instance. Not all questions count toward your score, as some are unscored pilot questions for future exams.
- 165 minutes (2 hours 45 minutes) Approximately 1.8 minutes per question on average. Most the exam includes up to 90 questions.
- Multiple-choice and performance-based questions Includes performance-based questions (PBQs) in addition to multiple-choice. PBQs typically appear at the beginning of the exam.
- Passing score: 750 out of 900 CompTIA uses scaled scoring (100-900 range), not a simple percentage. Scoring is weighted based on question difficulty.
Performance-Based Questions (PBQs)
PBQs are what make PenTest+ more practical than purely multiple-choice certifications. These questions present realistic scenarios where you must:
- Analyze vulnerability scan output and prioritize findings
- Review code snippets to identify security flaws
- Match attack techniques to appropriate tools and commands
- Interpret network diagrams to plan attack paths
- Draft penetration testing report sections
- Configure tools based on engagement requirements
Exam Delivery
You can take PenTest+ at Pearson VUE testing centers or through online proctoring from home. The online option requires a webcam, microphone, stable internet connection, and a clean workspace. Testing centers provide computers with the exam software pre-installed. No outside materials, notes, or electronic devices are permitted during the exam.
Exam tip: Start with the multiple-choice questions and return to PBQs at the end. You can flag and skip questions. PBQs take longer but aren't necessarily worth more points. Secure the easier points first, then tackle complex scenarios.
PenTest+ PBQ Examples: What to Expect
Performance-based questions simulate real penetration testing scenarios. While we can't share actual exam content, here are the types of scenarios you should prepare for:
- Scan analysis: Review Nmap or vulnerability scanner output and identify the highest-priority finding
- Attack matching: Given a scenario, select the appropriate exploitation technique and tool
- Code review: Identify the vulnerability in a code snippet (SQL injection, XSS, etc.)
- Report writing: Draft an executive summary or finding description from provided data
- Tool configuration: Set up a tool correctly for a given engagement requirement
The key to PBQs is hands-on practice. Build a home lab, complete CTF challenges, and practice documenting findings professionally.
📚 PenTest+ Exam Domains and Objectives
The PT0-003 exam covers five domains, restructured from the previous version to better reflect modern penetration testing workflows. Understanding these domains helps you allocate study time effectively.
| Domain | Weight | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Engagement Management | 13% | Planning, scoping, compliance, reporting, communication |
| 2. Reconnaissance and Enumeration | 21% | Passive/active recon, OSINT, scanning, service enumeration |
| 3. Vulnerability Discovery and Analysis | 17% | Vulnerability scanning, analysis, validation, prioritization |
| 4. Attacks and Exploits | 35% | Network, web/API, cloud, wireless, social engineering, AI attacks |
| 5. Post-Exploitation and Lateral Movement | 14% | Persistence, lateral movement, privilege escalation, exfiltration |
Domain 1: Engagement Management (13%)
This domain covers planning, scoping, and communication throughout the penetration test lifecycle. In PT0-003, reporting is integrated here rather than as a separate domain. You'll need to understand engagement types (black box, white box, gray box), rules of engagement, compliance requirements, professional report writing, and client communication.
Domain 2: Reconnaissance and Enumeration (21%)
Reconnaissance is fundamental to penetration testing. This domain covers passive and active reconnaissance techniques, OSINT methodologies, and service enumeration. Practice Nmap scanning for PenTest+ recon to master network discovery and enumeration techniques.
Domain 3: Vulnerability Discovery and Analysis (17%)
New as a dedicated domain in PT0-003, this focuses on identifying and analyzing vulnerabilities before exploitation. Topics include vulnerability scanning tools, manual testing techniques, vulnerability validation, false positive identification, and prioritization based on risk.
Domain 4: Attacks and Exploits (35%)
The largest domain covers exploitation techniques across multiple environments:
- Network attacks: MITM, LLMNR poisoning, relay attacks, on-path attacks
- Web and API attacks: SQL injection, XSS, CSRF, API abuse
- Cloud attacks: IAM exploitation, container escapes, metadata service attacks
- Social engineering: Phishing, pretexting, physical security testing
- AI attacks: Prompt injection, model manipulation (new in PT0-003)
Master OWASP Top 10 techniques for PenTest+ to cover web application attack scenarios.
Domain 5: Post-Exploitation and Lateral Movement (14%)
This domain covers what happens after initial access: persistence mechanisms, lateral movement techniques, privilege escalation on Windows and Linux, credential harvesting, and data exfiltration. Practice post-exploitation and lateral movement labs to build these skills.
👤 Who Should Take CompTIA PenTest+?
PenTest+ occupies the intermediate tier in CompTIA's security certification pathway. It's designed for professionals who have foundational security knowledge and want to specialize in offensive security testing.
Ideal Candidates
- Security analysts wanting to add penetration testing to their skillset
- IT professionals transitioning from defensive to offensive security roles
- Security+ holders looking to advance their credentials
- Government/military personnel targeting roles on DoD 8140 baseline lists
- Aspiring pentesters who prefer vendor-neutral credentials
Recommended Prerequisites
While CompTIA doesn't enforce prerequisites, they recommend:
- CompTIA Security+ certification or equivalent knowledge
- CompTIA Network+ or equivalent networking fundamentals
- 3-4 years of hands-on security experience
- Basic scripting knowledge (Python, Bash)
If you lack hands-on experience, build practical skills through hands-on penetration testing labs before attempting the exam. The performance-based questions require real understanding, not just theoretical knowledge.
Career Positions Aligned with PenTest+
- Penetration Tester
- Vulnerability Analyst
- Security Consultant
- Application Security Analyst
- Red Team Operator (entry-level)
⚔️ PenTest+ vs OSCP vs PNPT: Which Certification?
The penetration testing certification landscape offers multiple paths. Each certification serves different purposes and audiences. Here's how CompTIA PenTest+ compares to the two most popular alternatives.
| Aspect | PenTest+ | OSCP | PNPT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provider | CompTIA | Offensive Security | TCM Security |
| Price | ~$400 | $1,749+ | $499 |
| Exam Duration | 165 minutes | 24 hours | 5+2 days |
| Format | MCQ + PBQ | Practical only | Practical + debrief |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Advanced | Intermediate-Advanced |
| Expiration | 3 years | 3 years | Never |
| Gov't Recognition | Check 8140 lists | Check 8140 lists | Limited |
| Best For | Compliance, govt jobs | Max recognition | Practical skills |
Choose PenTest+ If:
- You're targeting government roles (check DoD 8140 baseline lists)
- Your employer values CompTIA certifications specifically
- You prefer a shorter, less intense exam experience
- You want a stepping stone before pursuing OSCP
- Budget is limited and you need recognized credentials quickly
Choose OSCP If:
- You want maximum industry recognition for penetration testing roles
- You can invest $1,749+ and months of preparation time
- You prefer purely practical, hands-on assessments
- You're targeting senior or specialized pentesting positions
Choose PNPT If:
- You want realistic engagement simulation including client debriefs
- You want included training with your exam voucher
- You prefer a certification that never expires
- You're building toward OSCP but want validation first
Many professionals pursue multiple certifications strategically. A common path is PenTest+ first (for compliance and foundation), then PNPT for practical skills, and finally OSCP for maximum market recognition.
PenTest+ vs CEH: Which Should You Choose?
CompTIA PenTest+ and EC-Council CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) both target penetration testing professionals, but they differ significantly in approach and value:
- Exam format: PenTest+ includes hands-on PBQs; CEH is purely multiple-choice
- Cost: PenTest+ is significantly less expensive than CEH
- Practical focus: PenTest+ tests tool usage and methodology; CEH tests theoretical knowledge
- Gov't roles: Both may appear on DoD 8140 baseline lists (verify current status)
- Recognition: CEH has stronger name recognition in some international markets
Recommendation: Choose PenTest+ if you want practical validation at lower cost. Choose CEH only if your employer specifically requires it or you're targeting markets where CEH name recognition matters more than practical skills testing.
📖 How to Prepare for CompTIA PenTest+
Success on PenTest+ requires balancing theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Here's a structured approach to prepare effectively in 2-3 months.
Preparation Timeline
| Week | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1-2 | Engagement management. Understand engagement types, rules of engagement, scoping, and legal considerations. |
| Weeks 3-4 | Reconnaissance and enumeration. Master Nmap, OSINT, and service enumeration techniques. |
| Week 5 | Vulnerability discovery and analysis. Practice scanning, validation, and prioritization. |
| Weeks 6-8 | Attacks and exploits. Cover network, web/API, cloud, social engineering, and AI attacks. |
| Weeks 9-10 | Post-exploitation and lateral movement. Practice persistence, privilege escalation, and exfiltration. |
| Weeks 11-12 | Practice exams, weak area review, and final preparation. Schedule your exam. |
Study Resources
Official CompTIA Resources
- CompTIA CertMaster Learn: Official online course with labs and practice questions
- CompTIA CertMaster Practice: Adaptive practice tests that identify weak areas
- PT0-003 Exam Objectives (free): Download the official PDF and use as your study checklist
Avoid exam dumps. Brain dumps violate CompTIA's candidate agreement and can result in certification revocation. Use official exam objectives and hands-on practice.
Books
- CompTIA PenTest+ Study Guide (Sybex)
- CompTIA PenTest+ All-in-One Exam Guide (McGraw Hill)
Hands-On Practice
Theoretical knowledge alone won't pass PenTest+. PBQs require genuine hands-on experience:
- Home lab: Build a vulnerable network with Metasploitable and DVWA
- Practice challenges: PenTest+ practice challenges
Tools You Must Know
The exam expects familiarity with these tools:
- Nmap: Network scanning
- Metasploit: Exploitation
- Burp Suite: Web testing
- Wireshark: Packet analysis
- Hashcat/John: Password cracking
- SQLMap: SQL injection
- Gobuster: Directory enumeration
Study tip: Focus heavily on Domain 4 (Attacks and Exploits) since it represents 35% of the exam. PT0-003 also separates vulnerability discovery (17%) from reconnaissance, so practice both scanning and exploitation techniques thoroughly.
Start practicing now:
- Nmap Mastery - Reconnaissance and network scanning techniques
- Web Application Security - SQL injection, XSS, and OWASP Top 10 exploits
- Network Penetration Testing - Full methodology from recon to reporting
🎯 PenTest+ Exam Day Tips
Strategic exam-taking can significantly impact your score. Here's how to approach the 165-minute assessment effectively.
Before the Exam
- Get adequate sleep the night before
- Arrive early at the testing center (or log in early for online proctoring)
- If testing online, ensure your environment meets all requirements
- Review exam objectives one final time, but don't cram new material
- Have government-issued ID ready
During the Exam
- Skip PBQs initially: Performance-based questions appear first. Flag them and return after completing multiple-choice questions
- Read carefully: CompTIA often includes qualifiers like "BEST," "MOST," or "FIRST" that change the correct answer
- Eliminate wrong answers: On difficult questions, eliminating obviously wrong answers improves your odds
- Manage time: With up to 90 questions in 165 minutes, you have about 1.8 minutes per question. Don't spend 10 minutes on one question
- Trust your preparation: If you've studied, your first instinct is often correct. Don't overthink.
💎 Is CompTIA PenTest+ Worth It?
Every certification represents an investment of time and money. Here's an honest assessment of PenTest+ value in 2026's job market.
Strengths
- Government recognition: Check DoD 8140 baseline lists for applicable work roles
- Vendor-neutral: Skills apply across all environments, not tied to specific products
- CompTIA brand recognition: HR departments worldwide recognize and trust CompTIA
- Affordable: Significantly less expensive than OSCP ($1,749+)
- Practical component: PBQs validate hands-on skills, not just memorization
- Clear progression: Fits naturally after Security+ and before advanced certs
Limitations
- Less practical than OSCP/PNPT: Still includes multiple-choice, not pure hands-on
- Renewal required: Must recertify every 3 years through CE program or retesting
- Not as prestigious: Senior pentesting roles often prefer OSCP specifically
- No included training: Exam voucher is separate; quality training costs extra
When PenTest+ Makes Sense
Best value scenarios: You're targeting government/contractor roles requiring DoD compliance, your employer sponsors CompTIA certifications, you want a recognized credential while building toward OSCP, or you need to demonstrate pentest knowledge for a promotion in your current role.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much does CompTIA PenTest+ cost?
Pricing varies by region and retailer. Check the official CompTIA store for current voucher prices. Authorized resellers often offer discounts, and students can access academic pricing. Training materials are sold separately or through bundled packages.
How hard is the PenTest+ exam?
PenTest+ is intermediate difficulty. It's harder than Security+ but more accessible than OSCP. The PT0-003 version includes new content on AI attacks and expanded post-exploitation coverage. Candidates with 3-4 years of security experience and 2-3 months of focused study typically pass on the first attempt. The performance-based questions require genuine hands-on experience, not just memorization.
Is PenTest+ recognized by employers?
Yes. PenTest+ is widely recognized, especially for government and defense contractor government positions (check current DoD 8140 baseline lists). Private sector employers also value the certification, though some senior pentesting roles specifically prefer OSCP.
Should I get Security+ before PenTest+?
CompTIA recommends Security+ and Network+ before PenTest+, though they're not required. If you lack foundational security knowledge, Security+ first makes sense. If you already have equivalent experience, you can attempt PenTest+ directly.
Does PenTest+ expire?
Yes. PenTest+ is valid for three years. You must renew through continuing education, passing a higher certification, or retaking the exam before expiration.
Is PenTest+ better than CEH?
PenTest+ is generally considered more practical and modern than CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker). PenTest+ includes performance-based questions that test hands-on skills, while CEH is purely multiple-choice. PenTest+ is also significantly less expensive than CEH. However, CEH has stronger name recognition in some markets.
Can I take PenTest+ online?
Yes. CompTIA offers online proctoring through Pearson VUE OnVUE. You'll need a webcam, microphone, stable internet, and a private workspace. The testing experience is identical to in-person testing centers.
What's the pass rate for PenTest+?
CompTIA doesn't publish official pass rates. Anecdotal reports from training providers and online communities suggest prepared candidates generally pass on their first attempt, though the performance-based questions remain the most challenging component for those with only theoretical preparation.
⚖️ Legal and Ethical Considerations
Penetration testing skills carry significant responsibility. The techniques you learn preparing for PenTest+ can cause real harm if misused. Professional conduct is essential.
Critical reminder: Always get explicit written authorization before testing any system. Unauthorized access is illegal regardless of intent. Even "educational" testing against systems you don't own or have permission to test can result in criminal prosecution.
- Only test systems you own or have written permission to test. A verbal agreement isn't sufficient for professional engagements. Get signed authorization.
- Use legal practice environments. legal penetration testing practice labs provide safe, legal environments to develop your skills without legal risk.
- Respect scope boundaries. During authorized engagements, stay within the defined scope. Just because you can pivot to other systems doesn't mean you should.
- Practice responsible disclosure. If you discover vulnerabilities, report them through proper channels without exploitation or public disclosure.
- Protect confidential information. Handle any data encountered during testing with appropriate care and discretion.
🚀 Your Next Steps
CompTIA PenTest+ provides a solid foundation for penetration testing careers, especially in government and enterprise environments that value CompTIA certifications. The blend of theoretical knowledge and performance-based validation creates genuine skills that transfer to real engagements.
Your roadmap: Download the free exam objectives from CompTIA, assess your current knowledge against each domain, build hands-on skills through lab practice, complete a study course, take practice exams until scoring consistently above 80%, then schedule your exam.
Start Here Based on Your Level
- Complete beginner Start with Security+ and build foundational skills through the ethical hacking fundamentals course before attempting PenTest+.
- Security+ certified Focus on hands-on skills. Work through penetration testing labs, master the required tools, then begin PenTest+ specific study.
- Experienced security professional Review the exam objectives, identify weak areas, take practice exams to validate readiness, and schedule your attempt.
PenTest+ isn't just about passing an exam. It's about building practical skills and professional methodology. Invest in hands-on practice, understand the concepts deeply, and earn a certification that genuinely reflects your capabilities.
📖 Sources and References
- CompTIA PenTest+ Certification Page - Official overview and registration
- CompTIA Exam Objectives - Free PT0-003 objectives PDF
- CompTIA Continuing Education - Renewal requirements
- DoD Cyber Workforce Framework - 8140.03M work roles and approved certifications
- Pearson VUE - CompTIA - Exam scheduling