Official CompTIA PenTest+ (PT0-002 Cyber Security Series) Certification

CompTIA PenTest+ Certification Syllabus

Module 1. Planning and Scoping

• Compare and contrast governance, risk, and compliance concepts.

• Explain the importance of scoping and organisational/customer requirements.

• Demonstrating an ethical hacking mindset by maintaining professionalism and integrity.

Module 2: Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning

• Perform passive reconnaissance.

• Perform active reconnaissance.

• Analyse the results of a reconnaissance exercise.

• Perform vulnerability scanning

Module 3: Attacks and Exploits

• Research attack vectors

• Perform network attacks

• Perform wireless attacks

• Perform application-based attacks

• Perform attacks on cloud technologies.

• Explain common attacks and vulnerabilities against specialised systems.

• Perform a social engineering or physical attack.

• Post-exploitation techniques

Module 4: Reporting and Communication

• Compare and contrast essential components of written reports.

• Analyse the findings and recommend the appropriate remediation within a report.

• Communication is essential during the penetration testing process.

• Explain post-report delivery activities

Module 5: Tools and Code Analysis

• Basic concepts of scripting and software development

• Analyse a script or code sample for use in a penetration test.

• Use cases of the following tools during the phases of a penetration test

CompTIA PenTest+ PTO 002 Exam Details

The CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 Exam is a comprehensive test that evaluates an IT professional's penetration testing and vulnerability management ability. It covers various topics, including script or code sample analysis, post-exploitation techniques, and implementing effective security measures.

Successfully passing this exam demonstrates a candidate's ability to proficiently identify, exploit, and manage network vulnerabilities, affirming their skills for penetration tests and ethical hacking.

Number of questions: Maximum of 85 questions

Types of questions: Multiple-choice and performance-based questions

Length of test: 165 minutes

Passing score: 750/900 (on a scale of 100-900)

Please note that CompTIA certification exams, policies, and procedures are subject to change. Before your exam, please check the official CompTIA website for the most current information.

A CompTIA PenTest+ Certification is a great option for individuals looking to enter cybersecurity or those with other CompTIA certifications who want information security knowledge and experience.

Prerequisites

Requirement: No prerequisites are required for this CompTIA PenTest+ Certification.

Recommended: As this course is intended to follow up on the CompTIA Security+ Certification, we recommend that you complete your CompTIA Security+ Certification and then move on to this certification.

Expert Instructors

Learn from certified professionals experienced in vulnerability assessment and penetration testing. These experts deliver real-world insights, equipping you with the knowledge to secure modern computer systems.

Comprehensive Resources

Access a wealth of materials designed for key aspects of the CompTIA PenTest+ certification. Our practice exams and case studies align with the latest exam objectives, ensuring thorough preparation.

Flexible Learning Options

Our course offers flexible learning options, allowing you to access our virtual classroom sessions from any device at any time. This adaptability makes it easier to integrate your studies into your busy life.

Community Support

Join a community of over 630,000 learners worldwide. Your PenTest+ cohort can become an invaluable support network, sharing insights and encouragement as you pursue your certification and beyond.

Trusted Learning Provider

With over 14,509 positive reviews on Trustpilot, thousands of satisfied learners have recognised and trusted our commitment to delivering high-quality education.

Is PenTest+ beginner friendly?

The CompTIA PenTest+ certification is intended for individuals with essential knowledge and experience in cyber security who want to advance their skills.

If you're starting in the field, e-Careers offers foundational courses to prepare you for this advanced certification. We recommend beginning with the CompTIA Security+ Certification, which provides essential network security and risk management knowledge and skills.

You can also explore our CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications for a comprehensive grounding in IT fundamentals.

After completing these foundational courses, you'll be well-prepared to advance to the more specialised PenTest+ certification.

Is PenTest+ better than CEH?

Whether CompTIA PenTest+ is better than CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) depends on your career goals and the specific skills you want to develop.

Here are some key differences to consider:

1. Focus and Content:

   •     CEH focuses broadly on ethical hacking techniques, covering various hacking tools, attack vectors, and preventative strategies. It's well-suited for those who want a general overview of hackers' tools and techniques.

   •     CompTIA PenTest+ focuses more on the hands-on aspects of penetration testing and vulnerability assessment. It's designed to teach you how to identify, exploit, report, and manage vulnerabilities on a network.

2. Certification Body:

   •     CEH is offered by the EC-Council, an organisation known for its focus on information security education and certification.

   •     CompTIA PenTest+ is provided by CompTIA, which is widely recognised for its foundational and speciality IT certifications.

3. Practical Application:

   •     CEH includes a practical exam that can be pretty challenging. It tests your ability to apply ethical hacking techniques in a controlled environment.

   •     CompTIA PenTest+ also includes performance-based questions and focuses on the practical skills needed for penetration testing roles.

4. Industry Recognition:

   •     CEH may have a slight edge in environments where ethical hacking skills are highly valued, like specific security consulting roles.

   •     PenTest+ may be preferred by employers looking for professionals with specific penetration testing and vulnerability management skills.

How much do roles that require PenTest+ certification get paid?

In the UK, salaries for roles requiring CompTIA PenTest+ certification are influenced by factors such as experience, the specific nature of the job, and location. Below, we provide a breakdown of typical salary ranges across different levels of expertise:

Entry-Level Positions

For those just starting their careers in penetration testing, the expected salary range is between £25,000 and £35,000 per year. These positions often serve as a foundational step, providing essential experience in security testing environments and introducing newcomers to the basic responsibilities of securing network systems.

Mid-Level Roles

Professionals with several years of experience, who may also hold additional cybersecurity certifications, can anticipate earning between £35,000 and £60,000 annually. At this stage, individuals are likely to manage more complex penetration testing projects and may start to specialise in particular aspects of cybersecurity, such as network or application security.

Senior Roles

Senior penetration testers and cybersecurity experts, especially those in high-demand areas like London or in roles that demand specialised knowledge, can see salaries ranging from £60,000 to £90,000 or more. These roles typically involve leadership responsibilities, advanced threat analysis, and the development of strategic security protocols that protect large-scale network infrastructures.