What is the CompTIA PenTest+ exam format?

The CompTIA PenTest+ certification exam by CompTIA lasts approximately 165 minutes, with a passing score of 83%.

How many practice questions are available for the CompTIA PenTest+ exam?

The CompTIA PenTest+ practice question bank includes 270 questions across 3 levels (approximately 90 per level), each of which is available in three wording variants. That gives you up to 810 practice question variations to study. On every attempt, questions appear in random order and answer options are shuffled, so each session evaluates your knowledge from a fresh angle.

What level is the CompTIA PenTest+ certification?

CompTIA PenTest+ is a EXPERT level certification offered by CompTIA. Preparation is considered very complex and typically requires intermediate experience.

How should I prepare for the CompTIA PenTest+ exam?

CompTIA PenTest+ is organized into 5 exam domains, starting with Engagement Management, Reconnaissance and Enumeration, Vulnerability Discovery and Analysis. Practice with the Certilum diagnostic engine to simulate the CompTIA exam, pinpoint weak domains and measure your readiness before test day.

How difficult is the CompTIA PenTest+ exam?

The CompTIA PenTest+ exam has a difficulty score of 6.4/10 (Challenging). Preparation complexity is very complex. It typically requires intermediate experience. With a passing score of 83%, thorough preparation is recommended. Certilum's diagnostic engine helps you identify weak domains before test day.

CompTIA PenTest+

PT0-003

CompTIA PenTest+ validates offensive security skills in penetration testing and vulnerability management. This 90-question exam covers engagement planning, reconnaissance, vulnerability discovery, attack execution, and post-exploitation reporting for real-world professional cyber defense.

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Exam syllabus, organized by domain

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Sample CompTIA PenTest+ exam question

Answer this question the same way you would on exam day. No sign-up needed — one random question, three tries to swap it out.

ProficientEngagement Management

Based on the code block's communication plan, what must the tester do immediately after observing sensitive personal data during a successful exploit?

text

Communication and Escalation Plan:
Critical findings: notify Technical POC immediately via encrypted email
Emergency after-hours: +1-555-0100
No screenshots of customer PII may be stored locally
Status updates: daily by 17:00 UTC

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Practice the CompTIA PenTest+

Free CompTIA PenTest+ practice questions, scored per domain against the official blueprint.

CompTIA PenTest+ practice examFree diagnostic, scored per domain against the official blueprint.CompTIA PenTest+ exam questionsBrowse every CompTIA PenTest+ question in the bank, with explanations.How hard is the CompTIA PenTest+ exam?Our 1-10 difficulty score for this exam, broken down by domain.

Everything about the CompTIA PenTest+ exam

The questions people ask before booking, answered with the official specification.

CompTIA PenTest+ exam formatQuestion count, time limit and the official weight of each domain.CompTIA PenTest+ pass rateThe score you need, and whether the vendor publishes a cut score at all.Who can take the CompTIA PenTest+Prerequisites, target audience and the skills being assessed.How to pass the CompTIA PenTest+A revision plan ordered by domain weight, not by topic count.CompTIA PenTest+ exam costThe published fee, what it covers and the real total budget.

Frequently asked questions

Key facts about the CompTIA PenTest+ certification and how to prepare for it.

Skills & Requirements

What you need to know before attempting the CompTIA PenTest+ exam.

Use an iterative approach. Build a home lab with VirtualBox, Kali Linux, Metasploitable, and a vulnerable web application such as DVWA or Juice Shop. Practice each phase on realistic targets and write detailed reports. Review the official exam objectives and spend extra time on vulnerability discovery and exploitation. Take practice exams to build speed and comfort with performance-based questions. Use flashcards for ports, tools, and command syntax.