CompTIA PenTest+ Explained: Skills, Jobs, and How to Ace the Certification

Key takeaways

The intermediate-level CompTIA PenTest+ certification exam tests your knowledge of identifying, mitigating, and reporting security vulnerabilities.

• Cyber risks increased year-over-year for 72 percent of organizations, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 [1].

• The PenTest+ certification exam validates your skills in penetration testing, vulnerability reconnaissance and scans, attack simulations, and vulnerability report writing.

• You can earn the PenTest+ certification to help you secure a cybersecurity job in a role such as penetration tester, vulnerability assessor, or cybersecurity engineer. 

Learn more about the CompTIA PenTest+ certification, including eligibility requirements and prerequisites, exam syllabus, and potential career paths. If you’re ready to start building your cybersecurity skills, consider enrolling in the IBM and ISC2 Cybersecurity Specialist Professional Certificate. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about security threats, data breaches, and malware in as little as three months. By the end, you'll have earned a career credential to add to your resume.

What is a CompTIA PenTest+ certification?

The CompTIA PenTest+ certification tests your knowledge of penetration testing, including identifying, mitigating, and reporting system vulnerabilities. Earning this certification shows potential employers that you possess hands-on penetration testing skills to secure attack surfaces such as web apps, cloud-based platforms, application programming interfaces (APIs), and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This intermediate-level certification validates your ability to assess vulnerabilities, perform penetration tests, and identify strategies to strengthen network defenses. You’ll have the opportunity to showcase your skills in offensive cybersecurity, particularly how to proactively identify potential risks.

Purpose and value for cybersecurity professionals

Amid rising cyberattacks, the CompTIA PenTest+ certification can help professionals develop the expertise needed to defend organizations and stay ahead in the cybersecurity field. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2026, 77 percent of respondents have seen an increase in cyber-enabled phishing and fraud, and 73 percent claimed that they or someone in their network had been affected by cyber-enabled fraud.

There’s also a bigger focus now on the threats associated with adoption of AI, with 87 percent of organizations identifying AI vulnerabilities as the fastest-growing cyber risk [1]. In the years ahead, data suggests that the cybersecurity industry will likely grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 11.9 percent between 2026 and 2033, reaching a market size of $663.24 billion [2]. As a result, skilled cybersecurity professionals will remain essential in this growing industry, and the CompTIA PenTest+ certification can help equip you with in-demand skills. 

Key skills validated by the certification

As you prepare for the CompTIA PenTest+ certification exam, you’ll study and better understand key topics in cybersecurity, helping develop the following skills:

• Planning and scoping a penetration testing engagement in accordance with legal policies 

• Performing both active and passive reconnaissance to identify vulnerabilities

• Conducting vulnerability scans to identify potential security weaknesses

• Performing simulated attacks to test how well the system’s defenses respond

• Developing written reports to communicate findings and make recommendations for key stakeholders

CompTIA PenTest+ certification cost

Taking the CompTIA PenTest+ certification exam costs $425 for a single-use voucher that you must use within 12 months. You can also purchase the exam with one retake included for $474 [3]. Before sitting for the exam, you may invest some time and money in preparing for it. CompTIA offers various learning resources, including lessons, videos, hands-on practice, and exercises to ensure you’re prepared for the exam. These resources, as well as online courses or boot camps, will cost extra.

How difficult is the CompTIA PenTest+? 

The PenTest+ exam difficulty is subjective and depends on your current penetration testing skills and knowledge. This CompTIA certification exam includes both performance-based simulations and multiple-choice questions, which may increase the overall difficulty of this intermediate-level certification.

Who should get the CompTIA PenTest+ certification?

Mid-level penetration testers and information technology (IT) professionals looking to move into cybersecurity can benefit from the PenTest+ certification. With artificial intelligence (AI) increasing hacking capabilities, such as phishing and developing malicious code, trained professionals are essential to combat these threats with preventative measures, including penetration testing. The following roles can benefit from earning the PenTest+ certification.

Ethical hackers and penetration testers

Ethical hackers and penetration testers conduct security testing to identify vulnerabilities and counteract cyberattacks. Obtaining the CompTIA PenTest+ certification can help ethical hackers and penetration testers develop practical skills in active and passive reconnaissance and vulnerability scanning, boosting their capabilities in threat management.

Security analysts and engineers

Security analysts and security engineers work together to maximize an organization’s data security. Security engineers work to build the organization’s security architecture, which may include firewalls and data encryption protocols. Security analysts also monitor the network to reduce the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches. A PenTest+ certification can help these security professionals study various types of potential attacks, including host-based, cloud-based, and AI attacks, to quickly identify and stop them.

IT professionals looking to specialize in cybersecurity

Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand, so transitioning into a cybersecurity role can be a rewarding next step for IT professionals. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that information security analysts rank as the fifth-fastest-growing occupation in the US between 2024 and 2034, growing by 29 percent [4]. The CompTIA PenTest+ certification equips IT professionals with key skills, such as developing penetration test reports and documenting attack narratives, to transition into the cybersecurity field.

Professionals seeking career advancement in cybersecurity

The PenTest+ certification is for mid-level cybersecurity professionals, equipping them with skills to advance in the field. After passing the exam and developing expertise in engagement management and vulnerability discovery and analysis, cybersecurity professionals may qualify for higher-level jobs, such as chief information security officer or information systems security manager.

How to get the CompTIA PenTest+ certification

Earning the CompTIA PenTest+ certification requires studying for the exam and then scoring at least 750 on a scale of 100 to 900 [5]. Follow these steps to learn how to apply and prepare for the PenTest+ exam and maintain your certification over time.

Review eligibility and prerequisites.

You’ll need to have some experience before preparing for the certification exam. CompTIA recommends three to four years of experience as a penetration tester. Earning the Network+ or Security+ certification, or having equivalent knowledge, is also helpful. Finally, you’ll want to have some familiarity with the content covered on the exam, which includes:

• Engagement management (13 percent)

• Reconnaissance and enumeration (21 percent)

• Vulnerability discovery and analysis (17 percent), 

• Attacks and exploits (35 percent)

• Post-exploitation and lateral movement (14 percent)

Read more: What Is the CompTIA Network+ Certification?

Prepare using study resources.

CompTIA offers preparation resources to help learners get ready for the exam. You can also explore online courses, boot camps, and study groups to develop a well-rounded understanding of concepts covered in the PenTest+ exam. 

• CompTIA resources: Self-study resources allow you to learn key concepts to meet the exam’s objectives. CompTIA’s CertMaster training products give you access to lessons, videos, and assessments on key penetration testing subjects tested on the exam. You can also find practice questions to help you prepare.

• Online courses and boot camps: Online courses, such as the CompTIA PenTest+ (PT0-002) Specialization, allow you to study the exam objectives to expand your penetration testing knowledge. Similarly, many colleges and universities offer boot camps designed to support your learning journey. 

• Hands-on labs: CompTIA’s CertMaster Labs allow you to complete guided projects using various software, networks, and cloud solutions to build skills tested on the exam.

• Study groups and forums: Connect with fellow professionals seeking the PenTest+ certifications through online study groups and forums, where you can access study tips and more.

If you learn best with an instructor, consider opting for instructor-led training from CompTIA Authorized Training Providers, available online and in person.

Schedule and take the exam.

Once you feel ready to take the exam, you can purchase and schedule your exam on CompTIA’s website. You have two options: take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center near you or complete an online, proctored exam from home. The exam is 165 minutes, with a maximum of 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions [5].

Receive and maintain the certification.

Once you’ve passed the exam, your PenTest+ certification remains valid for three years [6]. Since cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, CompTIA requires you to renew and extend the validity of your certification by obtaining continuing education credits. Once you earn these credits, which you can gain through completing training courses, attending webinars, or taking a college course, your certification is valid for another three years.

What’s on the CompTIA PenTest+ exam?

When taking the PenTest+ certification exam, you’ll complete multiple-choice and performance-based questions. Topics include the following: 

• Engagement management: These questions explore the planning and scoping of penetration testing, including legal and ethical compliance, collaboration and communication, and the development of penetration test reports.

• Reconnaissance and enumeration: By answering these questions, you’ll showcase your knowledge of conducting active and passive reconnaissance, using tools like Nmap and Wireshark, and customizing Python scripts for reconnaissance and enumeration.

• Vulnerability discovery and analysis: This exam objective tests your ability to perform vulnerability scans, analyze their results, and use tools such as Nessus for vulnerability discovery.

• Attacks and exploits: By completing these exam questions, you’ll demonstrate your knowledge of various types of attacks, including network, authentication, host- and cloud-based, web application, and AI attacks.

• Post-exploitation and lateral movement: These exam questions test your knowledge of what to do after an attack, including performing lateral movement and developing attack narratives.

Is CySA+ harder than PenTest+? 

Both the CompTIA PenTest+ and CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) are intermediate certifications designed for mid-career IT professionals, so their difficulty levels depend on your current knowledge. PenTest+ focuses on offensive cybersecurity, testing for vulnerabilities before an attack, while CySA+ highlights defensive cybersecurity aimed at protecting an organization’s network from incoming attacks.

So, an experienced ethical hacker or penetration tester may find CySA+ more challenging, as it evaluates defensive cybersecurity knowledge, whereas a cybersecurity analyst may find the PenTest+ exam more challenging, as it focuses on offensive cybersecurity.

What jobs can you get with the CompTIA PenTest+ certification?

Earning a PenTest+ certification can help you land various jobs in cybersecurity, including penetration tester, security analyst, vulnerability assessor, and security analyst. Discover more about each of these roles.

Penetration tester

As a penetration tester, you’ll look for security flaws and vulnerabilities in your organization’s network. You’ll be a key player in your organization’s offensive cybersecurity policy, focusing on proactively reducing the risk of cyberattacks.

Security analyst

Your work as a security analyst requires overseeing your organization’s security, monitoring network activity, and analyzing security reports for potential threats. You may also install firewalls, data encryption programs, and software to maximize network security. 

Vulnerability assessor

In the position of a vulnerability assessor, you’ll conduct vulnerability assessments to determine what areas of security require improvement to reduce the risk of an attack. Additionally, you may assist organizations with developing an incident response plan.

Security consultant

As a security consultant, you may work with different organizations or departments to evaluate their current security and make recommendations for improvement. You’ll work alongside IT departments, IT managers, and other security professionals to reduce an organization’s cyber risk.

Cybersecurity engineer

Cybersecurity engineers develop secure systems, monitor for incoming threats, and stop cyberattacks from happening. You’ll install equipment and design systems to address current vulnerabilities and establish emergency protocols in the event of a cyberattack.

Discover free cybersecurity resources

Join Career Chat on LinkedIn for weekly insights into in-demand skills and career trends. Then, check out these free resources to learn more about cybersecurity:

• Watch on YouTube: 15 Essential Skills Every Cybersecurity Analyst Needs 

• Understand cyber threats: How AI Is Changing Cybercrime and Cybersecurity 

• Explore your options: AI Career Path: Explore Roles and Specializations

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