Is the CompTIA PenTest+ Worth It? Benefits, Comparison, Cost 

Is the CompTIA PenTest+ Worth It? - To get it right and understand all the aspects of CompTIA PenTest+ certification, read the article carefully. This guide will discuss benefits, comparisons, domains, costs, and more.  

CompTIA PenTest+ is an excellent start in cybersecurity, making it one of the sought-after entry-level penetration testing certifications.  

Thus, if you are looking for a detailed CompTIA PenTest+ guide, you are at the right place.  

Let's get into it!   

What is the CompTIA PenTest+? 

CompTIA PenTest+ is an industry-standard penetration testing cybersecurity certification, validating penetration testing and management skills. CompTIA PenTest+ is an intermediate-level IT certification that comes with 85 multiple choice and performance-based questions.

To pass the CompTIA PenTest+ exam, you need to score 750 out of 900. The duration of the exam is 165 minutes long. 

PenTest+ is characterized as a more challenging test than the CompTIA Security+ exam and CySA+, which focuses on the defensive side of the cybersecurity approach rather than the aggressive approach applied by penetration testers.   

CompTIA PenTest+ Exam Details 

Number of Questions: Up to 85 Question Type: Multiple Choice and PDQ Test Length: 165 Minutes Scoring Minimum: 750 out of 900 Recommended Experience: Network+, Security+ or equivalent knowledge. Minimum 3 years of information security experience. Required Prerequisite: None Suggested Prerequisite: CompTIA Security+ and 2-3 years of experience.

Key skill areas of the CompTIA PenTest+  

• Planning and Scoping 
• Information Gathering and Vulnerability Identification 
• Attacks and Exploits 
• Pen Testing Tools 
• Reporting and Communication   

What domains and topics are covered in the CompTIA PenTest+ certification?

The PenTest+ certification exam is divided into five domains. Here's a quick look at domains covered in the PenTest+ exam:   

• Planning and scoping - 15% 
• Information gathering and vulnerability identification - 22% 
• Attacks and exploits - 30% 
• Penetration testing tools - 17% 
• Reporting and communication - 16%     

Who can take the CompTIA PenTest+ exam? 

When it comes to who the CompTIA PenTest+ certification is for, the PenTest+ exam is designed for penetration testers and cybersecurity professionals working in defensive cybersecurity roles.

More specifically, professionals who are in network security operations and vulnerability assessment. The CompTIA PenTest+ addresses a wide range of job roles in intermediate and higher-level security tasks.   

Which positions would benefit from the CompTIA PenTest+? 

  According to CompTIA, here is the list of positions that can benefit from getting the PenTest+ certification.  

• Penetration Tester 
• Vulnerability Tester 
• Security Analyst (II) 
• Vulnerability Assessment Analyst 
• Network Security Operations 
• Application Security Vulnerability   

What are the prerequisites to take the CompTIA PenTest+ certification? 

There is nothing like the prerequisites for CompTIA PenTest+ certification. CompTIA does not require any prior certification or experience to appear for the CompTIA PenTest+ exam.

However, CompTIA, on the other hand, recommends a Security+ or related cyber security certification as well as 2-3 years of practical information security experience.    

Cost of CompTIA PenTest+ certification 

To get CompTIA PenTest+ certification, you need to pay $349. Oftentimes, rates and many discounts can be seen by CompTIA or third-party training providers. 

If you want to take the CompTIA PenTest+ exam through proxy test services, CBT Proxy can help you.   

How long is the CompTIA PenTest+ good for? 

Unlike other cybersecurity certifications, the CompTIA PenTest+ is also valid for three years from the date you pass the certification exam.

After a period of three years, the PenTest+ certification can be renewed by obtaining CEUs and CASP+ certification.   

Is the CompTIA PenTest+ certification exam popular? 

CompTIA added PenTest+ to its cybersecurity certification line-up in 2018. CompTIA PenTest+ is a relatively new IT certification, so it is not as well recognized as other penetration testing certifications.

However, this does not hinder the significant value of the PenTest+ certification exam. Over the years, the PenTest+ exam has been taken by a large number of cybersecurity professionals.   

Is the CompTIA PenTest+ certification exam hard? 

There is no one-size-fits-all kind of answer to this question. But to begin with, this has to be admitted that CompTIA PenTest+ certification is pretty challenging for most entry-level to intermediate-level cybersecurity candidates.

However, the PenTest+ exam is easy for cybersecurity professionals who have been working in networks and security-related fields or have hands-on experience.

The well-structured planning and long hours of preparation are required to pass the PenTest+ certification exam.    

The Final Words 

Undoubtedly, the CompTIA PenTest+ certification is the most excellent entry-level penetration testing cybersecurity certification. 

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