Validates practical skills in planning, performing and reporting penetration tests, from scoping and reconnaissance to exploitation and post-exploitation.
A good PenTest+ course teaches the PT0-003 tools, attacks and scripts and gives you hands-on labs, because the exam asks you to read commands and output. We compared the main options on coverage, labs, length and price.
Most people should start with Jason Dion's Udemy course, which gives about 36 hours of PT0-003 lessons at a lower price with a refund window. Choose Dion's own course for labs and 700+ questions, and the Sybex study guide if you learn by reading.
| Course | Best for | Format | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 PenTest+ PT0-003 Complete Course, Labs & Practice Exams | Labs and questions included | Video | $399 |
 CompTIA PenTest+ (PT0-003) Full Course & Practice Exam | Lower-cost course | Video | $160 |
 PenTest+ Study Guide, 3rd edition | Learning by reading | Book | $54 |
Over 27 hours of video organized by the PT0-003 objectives, with hands-on labs and 700+ practice questions in one package. It is the only course here with labs. Access lasts 12 months.
Great fit if you want lessons, labs and questions in one package
Poor fit if you already test professionally and only need question practice; choose Dion's 6 Practice Exams
Jason Dion's PT0-003 video course on Udemy, about 36 hours of lessons with a full practice exam. It teaches the same objectives as his own-site course, without the labs, at Udemy's price and with a 30-day refund.
Great fit if you want Dion's PT0-003 lessons at a much lower price and with a refund window
Poor fit if you want the hands-on labs and 700+ practice questions; choose Dion's own course
Mike Chapple, Rob Shimonski and David Seidl's chapter-by-chapter guide to the PT0-003 objectives, with review questions and online practice tools. It works as a reference you can return to later.
Great fit if you learn by reading and want a reference for later
Poor fit if you need hands-on lab work; choose Dion's own course
For most people, Jason Dion's PT0-003 course on Udemy plus a practice exam set. Choose his own-site course if you want labs.
The own-site course ($399) adds hands-on labs and 700+ practice questions and gives 12 months of access. The Udemy course costs less and has a 30-day refund.
Dion's Udemy course runs about 36 hours and his own-site course over 27 hours. Plan for about 80 hours of preparation in total, between 60 and 100.
All three cover PT0-003, the current exam.