Exam Details
Exam CodePT0-002
Exam Cost$392 USD
Duration165 minutes
Questions85
Passing Score750/900
ProviderCompTIA
Difficulty6/10
Salary Data
Professionals holding the CompTIA PenTest+ certification earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, with an average of $110,000.
Job market demand trend: Growing (+11% YoY)
Prerequisites
- CompTIA Security+ or equivalent knowledge recommended
- 3-4 years of hands-on information security experience recommended
- Familiarity with penetration testing tools (Nmap, Burp Suite, Metasploit)
Skills Covered
Planning & Scoping EngagementsInformation Gathering & Vulnerability ScanningNetwork & Wireless AttacksApplication-Based Attacks (Web, API)Cloud & Social Engineering AttacksPost-Exploitation & Lateral MovementReporting & Remediation Communication
Best Study Resources
Official
CompTIA PenTest+ Exam Objectives (PT0-002)
CourseJason Dion — CompTIA PenTest+
Hands-on LabsTryHackMe — PenTest+ Learning Path
Practice ExamsCompTIA CertMaster Practice
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is CompTIA PenTest+ worth it?
Yes, for aspiring penetration testers and ethical hackers. It's DoD 8570 approved, vendor-neutral, and covers both hands-on attack techniques and professional reporting. It bridges the gap between Security+ and advanced certs like OSCP.
PenTest+ vs OSCP — which should I get?
PenTest+ is more accessible and includes multiple-choice plus performance-based questions. OSCP is entirely hands-on and significantly more challenging, carrying higher prestige in offensive security roles. Start with PenTest+ as a stepping stone toward OSCP.
How hard is the PenTest+ exam?
Moderately challenging with an estimated 58% pass rate. The PT0-002 exam includes up to 85 questions with performance-based (hands-on simulation) questions. Practical experience with penetration testing tools is strongly recommended.
Data Sources
- Salary data — Aggregated from job postings and salary surveys (US median)
- Job listings — Active postings across major job boards
- Pass rates — Community-reported estimates (not official vendor data)
- Exam details — CompTIA official documentation