CompTIA Pentest+

Intermediate Level

CompTIA PenTest+ gets you hands-on skills for ethical hacking and penetration testing roles.

CompTIA PenTest+ is a globally recognized certification for cybersecurity professionals who want to prove they can find and fix security vulnerabilities before attackers do. It’s built for real-world, offensive security work.

The Pentest+ credential valiudates your ability to identify, mitigate, and report system vulnerabilities. Covering all stages of penetration testing across attack surfaces like cloud, web apps, APIs, and IoT, it emphasizes hands-on skills such as vulnerability management and lateral movement. This certification equips you with the expertise to advance your career as a penetration tester or security consultant.

Master practical penetration testing with tools and techniques used by security teams worldwide.

Learn to perform professional penetration tests across networks, web apps, and cloud systems.

The certification covers all stages of penetration testing, including planning and scoping, reconnaissance, vulnerability discovery, attacks and exploits, and post-exploitation activities. It also emphasizes hands-on skills, such as lateral movement, vulnerability management, and artificial intelligence.

CompTIA PenTest+

27-31 Oct 2025

RM3,500.00 – RM5,264.00

Certification details
  • Exam: PT0-003
  • Questions: Max of 90 (multiple choice + performance-based questions)
  • Duration: 165 minutes
  • Passing Score: 750/900
  • Delivery: Pearson VUE (test center or online)

Skills measured:

  • Pen test planning and legal considerations

  • Scripting basics and tool usage

  • Network and app exploitation
  • Info gathering and vulnerability scans 
  • Post-exploit clean-up
  • Reporting and communication

Who is this for?

  • Security Analysts looking to upskill
  • Red Team beginners
  • IT professionals aiming to shift into ethical hacking

Show employers you can think like a hacker — and act like a defender.

The cybersecurity market in Malaysia is expected to grow at a 16.2% CAGR, reaching USD 11.7 billion by 2030.

(Horizon Gran View Research)

Penetration Testers with PenTest+ certification earn between $92,759 to $125,000 annually, with an average of $124,424.

(Infosec)

94% of Malaysian companies prefer certified cybersecurity professionals — and 98% are open to funding these certifications.

(Cybersecurity Asia)

Learn real attack methods

Train using actual tools and methods used by hackers.

Stand out in the job market

Recognized by global employers — and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Boost your salary potential

Cert holders report higher earnings and more job interviews.

Foundation for Red Team roles

Helps you progress into advanced certs like CEH or OSCP.

Why choose Trainocate?

We’re a CompTIA-authorized partner with certified trainers and local support. Learn from industry experts and get hands-on experience. Trusted by top Malaysian companies for professional cybersecurity training.

FAQs

CompTIA PenTest+ is a cybersecurity certification that validates your skills in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and mitigation. It ensures you can identify, exploit, and report system vulnerabilities across various attack surfaces, including cloud, web apps, APIs, IoT, and hybrid environments.

Successful candidates will have the following skills:

  • Plan and scope penetration tests
  • Conduct passive reconnaissance
  • Perform non-technical tests to gather information
  • Conduct active reconnaissance
  • Analyze vulnerabilities
  • Penetrate networks
  • Exploit host-based vulnerabilities
  • Test applications
  • Complete post-exploit tasks
  • Analyze and report penetration test results

Not necessarily. While basic scripting (like Python or Bash) can help automate tasks during a pen test, it’s not a requirement to pass the exam or take the course.

The focus is on understanding penetration testing concepts, tools, and real-world processes. You’ll also be introduced to some scripting basics during the course.

Yes — PenTest+ is designed to help you build practical, job-ready skills.

The exam includes performance-based questions that simulate real scenarios, so employers know you’ve been tested on more than just theory.

Pair it with a home lab or online practice labs to strengthen your portfolio and show recruiters you’re ready.

It depends on your background. If you already have Security+ or experience in IT/security, 6–8 weeks of part-time study should be enough.

Beginners may need 2–3 months.

Trainocate’s official course accelerates this by providing structured guidance, labs, and trainer support.

The difficulty of the PenTest+ exam depends on your background and experience. It is an intermediate-level certification designed for professionals with 3–4 years of hands-on experience in penetration testing or related roles. Proper preparation, including hands-on practice and studying the exam objectives, is key to success.

CompTIA PenTest+ is the industry standard for validating that cybersecurity professionals can perform systems tasks through penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and management. CompTIA PenTest+ complies with ISO 17024 standards and is approved by the US DoD to meet directive 8140/8570.01-M requirements.

The new CompTIA PenTest+ certification covers the penetration tester job role, in addition to the following positions:

  • Vulnerability tester
  • Security analyst (II)
  • Vulnerability assessment analyst
  • Network security operations
  • Application security vulnerability

Furthermore, companies like ASICS Corp., Las Vegas Sands Corp., Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, and Brotherhood Mutual look for CompTIA PenTest+ certification in hiring.

CompTIA PenTest+ and CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) are both respected certifications, but they differ in focus. PenTest+ emphasizes intermediate hands-on skills and covers all stages of penetration testing, while CEH focuses more on basic cybersecurity and pen testing knowledge. PenTest+ is often seen as more practical and cost-effective.

PenTest+ is an intermediate-level certification that builds on foundational certifications like Security+. After earning PenTest+, you can pursue advanced certifications like SecurityX+, OSCP, or CISSP to further specialize in cybersecurity and advance your career.

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