CompTIA PenTest+
A penetration-testing credential centered on planning authorized assessments, identifying weaknesses, using practical testing techniques, and communicating findings responsibly.
Last verified: 2026-09-01
Overview
CompTIA PenTest+ is a vendor-neutral penetration-testing certification that validates the ability to plan authorized engagements, conduct reconnaissance, discover and analyze vulnerabilities, perform attacks and exploitation in controlled environments, and document post-exploitation findings and remediation guidance.
- Recommended experience
- CompTIA recommends 3–4 years of hands-on experience in a penetration tester role, with Network+ and Security+ level knowledge or equivalent experience.
- Estimated study time
- 120–180 hours
- Target job roles
- Penetration TesterSecurity ConsultantRed Team AnalystEthical HackerVulnerability Assessment Analyst
Exam Details
CompTIA PenTest+ Certification Exam
- Exam code
- PT0-003
- Number of exams
- 1
- Duration
- 165 minutes
- Question count
- Up to 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions
- Delivery method
- Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored exam
- Price
- Pricing varies by country or region; verify current CompTIA pricing
Skills and Domains
Engagement Management
13%Scoping, authorization, rules of engagement, legal and ethical considerations, communication, and reporting.
Reconnaissance and Enumeration
21%Passive and active reconnaissance, discovery, enumeration, intelligence gathering, and target mapping.
Vulnerability Discovery and Analysis
17%Vulnerability identification, scanning, validation, prioritization, and analysis of weaknesses.
Attacks and Exploits
35%Authorized exploitation of networks, hosts, applications, cloud environments, wireless systems, and other attack surfaces.
Post-exploitation and Lateral Movement
14%Post-exploitation activity, privilege escalation, persistence concepts, lateral movement, cleanup, and documentation.
Study Resources
CompTIA PenTest+ Certification
Official resourceDocumentation · Free
Official certification overview and registration information.
View resourceCompTIA Continuing Education Renewal Options
Official resourceDocumentation · Free
Official CompTIA renewal pathways and CE guidance.
View resourceRenewal
- Validity period
- 3 years
- Renewal method
- Renew through CompTIA Continuing Education, including eligible CE activities, higher-level certifications, or other approved options.
- Notes
- Current CompTIA guidance commonly requires 60 CEUs during the three-year PenTest+ renewal cycle.
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