CompTIA PenTest+ credential artwork

CompTIA PenTest+ (PT0-003)

Validates practical skills in planning, performing and reporting penetration tests, from scoping and reconnaissance to exploitation and post-exploitation.

Summary

CompTIA PenTest+ covers how to plan, carry out and report an authorized penetration test, from scoping and reconnaissance to post-exploitation and cleanup. It mixes multiple-choice questions with performance-based tasks, so it tests practical method as well as knowledge.

Good fit if

  • You want a structured overview of pentesting methods and tools
  • You want vulnerability assessment or junior pentesting work
  • Your employer or a DoD role asks for CompTIA offensive security

Look elsewhere if

  • You want the most practical pentesting credential: OSCP
  • You are new to IT or security: Security+
  • You want defensive security work: CySA+

Salary & jobs

Prerequisites

No required prerequisites.

Network+ and Security+ knowledge

Recommended

Networking and security fundamentals that penetration testing builds on.

3–4 years in a penetration tester role

Recommended

Hands-on experience planning and carrying out security assessments.

Cost

USD · US pricing
$439
A voucher with one retake (Retake Assurance) costs $579. Vouchers are valid for 12 months from purchase.

What holders say

Mixed reputation against hands-on offensive certifications

The most-upvoted reply in a January 2025 discussion says PenTest+ has little pull with pentest hiring managers and recommends OSCP. Others value it as a structured overview of tools and procedures.

r/CompTIAReddit: is PenTest+ recommended?, January 2025

Certification path

CompTIA recommends Network+ and Security+ before PenTest+. After PenTest+, CompTIA points to SecurityX or SecAI+.

CompTIA Network+ credential artwork
Network+Networking fundamentals
CompTIA Security+ credential artwork
Security+Core cybersecurity skills
This certification
CompTIA PenTest+ credential artwork
PenTest+Penetration testing
CompTIA SecurityX credential artwork
SecurityXSecurity architecture and engineering
CompTIA SecAI+ credential artwork
SecAI+AI security skills

Renewal

PenTest+ is valid for 3 years from the day you pass.

Validity
3 years
Renewal requirement
60 CEUs per cycle
Renewal fee
$150 USD

Renew with continuing education or by passing a higher CompTIA certification such as SecurityX. Passing a qualifying exam waives the CE fee.

CompTIA continuing education ↗

Alternatives

OffSec Certified Professional credential artwork
OSCP$1,749 required · Advanced

A hands-on lab exam, more widely respected for offensive security roles.

CompTIA CySA+ credential artwork
CySA+$439 required · Intermediate

The defensive counterpart, for security operations instead of offensive testing.

Certified Ethical Hacker credential artwork
CEH$1,050 required · Intermediate

EC-Council's ethical hacking credential, covering similar techniques.

FAQ

Is PenTest+ harder than Security+?

Yes. It assumes security fundamentals and asks about specific tools, commands, scripts and web requests, including in performance-based questions.

Is PenTest+ respected for pentesting jobs?

It is a recognized overview credential and appears in DoD role requirements, but hiring managers for hands-on pentest roles usually weigh practical exams such as OSCP more heavily.

Does PenTest+ renew Security+?

Yes. Passing PenTest+ renews Security+, Network+ and A+ if you hold them.

Does PenTest+ expire?

Yes, after three years. Renew with 60 CEUs and the CE fee, or by passing a higher CompTIA certification such as SecurityX.

Last updated October 2026