PenTest+CompTIA PenTest+
Vendor-neutral penetration testing and vulnerability management
Details last reviewed October 2026. Fees and exam formats change — always confirm on the official page.
About this certification
CompTIA PenTest+ validates hands-on penetration testing and vulnerability assessment skills. It covers all stages of a pen test including planning, scanning, exploitation, reporting, and remediation recommendations.
MyCertPath verdict
CompTIA's vendor-neutral pentesting cert — useful for breadth and HR keyword coverage, but the industry generally rates OSCP higher for proving you can actually pentest. PenTest+ is a reasonable bridge: deeper than CEH, broader and more business-aware than OSCP.
What it actually tests
Up to 85 questions in 165 minutes, with PBQs that include code analysis, tool-selection scenarios, and report-writing tasks. The exam covers the full engagement lifecycle — planning, recon, exploitation, reporting — rather than only the exploitation phase.
Common traps
Things candidates underestimate or get wrong on this exam.
- Skipping planning, scoping, and reporting — they're heavily tested while candidates focus on hacking.
- Studying only tools. PenTest+ tests methodology and decision-making, not just syntax.
- Not practicing report writing — PBQs include report-related tasks.
What you'll validate
- ✓Penetration testing planning
- ✓Information gathering
- ✓Attacks and exploits
- ✓Reporting and remediation
- ✓Tools and scripting
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +DoD 8570 approved for CSSP-analyst roles
- +Vendor-neutral approach
- +Covers full pentest lifecycle
Disadvantages
- −Less respected in pentest community than OSCP
- −Relatively newer cert
Who it's for
Best for
- →Security+ holders moving into offensive security
- →Government/DoD pentest roles
Not ideal for
- ×Those seeking the most respected pentest credential (look at OSCP)
Career paths this unlocks
PenTest+: quick answers
- How much does the PenTest+ exam cost?
- The listed exam fee is $392 (USD). Fees vary by region and change over time — confirm on the official page before you buy.
- How long does it take to prepare for PenTest+?
- We estimate roughly 150 hours of study for most candidates; your time depends on prior experience.
- How long is the PenTest+ exam?
- The exam is 165 minutes with about 90 questions.
- How long is the PenTest+ credential valid?
- 3 years.
Study Resources
Contains affiliate linksTop picks for PenTest+
Register for the exam
Official vouchers — watch for bundle discounts and CompTIA CertMaster bundles
More places to study
Self-paced video courses from independent instructors
Courses and certificates from universities and companies
Practice tests and hands-on labs for IT certifications
Printed and Kindle exam guides
Subscription video courses
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Jobs for PenTest+ holders
Pay depends on role, location, and experience more than on any single credential. Check current postings below for real ranges in your market.
LinkedIn Jobs
Posted in the last 7 days
Indeed
Dice (tech roles)
Tech-focused job board
CyberSeek (cyber only)
NIST-backed supply/demand tool
Job links open external sites. Search results are live and not curated by MyCertPath.
Quick Facts
- Exam Cost
- $392
- Exam Duration
- 165 minutes
- Questions
- ~90
- Passing Score
- 750/900
- Exam Format
- Multiple Choice + Performance
- Study Time
- ~150 hours
- Validity
- 3 years
- Salary Impact
- Strong (editorial rating)
- Last Reviewed
- October 2026
Prerequisites
- !Security+ and 3 years of hands-on IT security experience
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