PenTest+

Course Description & Overview

SecureNinja's CompTIA PenTest+ training and certification boot camp in Washington, DC and San Diego, CA is like no other PenTest+ exam preparation class available. 

SecureNinja’s Team is widely known as the world’s leading instructor for CompTIA exam preparation. We'll not only give you the knowledge to pass the exam but you will return to the job with real-world skills you can apply right away, maximizing your training investment.  You will benefit from our extensive knowledge base as we teach you proprietary tips and tricks for exam-passing success.

The CompTIA PenTest+ certification is an intermediate-level, vendor-neutral credential which verifies that successful candidates have the knowledge and skills required to plan and scope an assessment, understand legal and compliance requirements, perform vulnerability scanning and penetration testing, analyze data, and effectively report and communicate results.

This CompTIA certification was originally released in July 2018 to fill a gap between the foundational-level CompTIA Security+ exam for those with about 1 year of IT security experience and the advanced-level CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) for those with at least 5 years of IT security experience. 

PenTest+ is unique because the certification requires a candidate to demonstrate the hands-on ability and knowledge to test devices in new environments such as the cloud and mobile, in addition to traditional desktops and servers. The certification exam is challenging with both hands-on, performance-based questions and multiple-choice, to ensure each candidate possesses the skills, knowledge, and ability to perform tasks on systems. The PenTest+ exam also includes management skills used to plan, scope, and manage weaknesses, not just exploit them.

If you are an IT professional hoping to progress in your career and enjoy the challenge of hands-on security audit and assessment, then the CompTIA PenTest+ is one of the most valuable certifications available.

Topics Covered

• Planning & Scoping
• Information Gathering & Vulnerability Identification
• Attacks & Exploits
• Penetration Testing Tools
• Reporting & Communication

Who Would Benefit

• Penetration Tester
• Vulnerability Tester
• Security Analyst
• Vulnerability Assessment Analyst
• Network Security Operations
• Application Security Vulnerability Testers

Pre-requisites

Although not a prerequisite the CompTIA PenTest+ Certification is aimed at an IT security professional who has:

• Network+, Security+, or equivalent knowledge
• Minimum of 3-4 years of hands-on information security or related experience

Course Outline

The CompTIA PenTest+ certification exam evaluates a candidate’s proficiency in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment. The exam is structured around five primary domains, each focusing on critical aspects of cybersecurity. Below is a detailed course outline based on these domains:

1. Planning and Scoping

• Governance, Risk, and Compliance Concepts: Understanding regulatory compliance considerations, legal concepts, and privacy requirements relevant to penetration testing.
• Engagement Planning: Defining the scope of penetration tests, setting objectives, and understanding customer requirements.
• Ethical Hacking Mindset: Maintaining professionalism, integrity, and adhering to ethical standards during engagements.

2. Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning

• Passive Reconnaissance: Utilizing public sources to gather information without direct interaction with targets.
• Active Reconnaissance: Engaging directly with systems to identify open ports, services, and potential vulnerabilities.
• Vulnerability Scanning: Employing tools to detect and analyze security weaknesses in systems and networks.
• Analysis of Reconnaissance Data: Interpreting data collected to identify potential attack vectors.

3. Attacks and Exploits

• Network Attacks: Executing attacks on network infrastructures, including ARP poisoning and Kerberoasting.
• Wireless Attacks: Assessing wireless networks for vulnerabilities and implementing exploitation techniques.
• Application-Based Attacks: Targeting web applications and APIs to identify security flaws.
• Cloud and Specialized System Attacks: Evaluating cloud infrastructures, mobile devices, IoT, and ICS/SCADA systems for vulnerabilities.
• Social Engineering and Physical Attacks: Employing techniques to manipulate individuals and assess physical security measures.

4. Reporting and Communication

• Report Composition: Crafting comprehensive reports that detail findings, impact assessments, and remediation recommendations.
• Findings Analysis: Interpreting results to provide actionable insights and prioritize vulnerabilities.
• Effective Communication: Engaging with stakeholders throughout the penetration testing process to ensure clarity and understanding.
• Post-Engagement Activities: Conducting debriefs, lessons learned sessions, and ensuring proper documentation.

5. Tools and Code Analysis

• Scripting and Software Development Basics: Understanding programming concepts and their application in penetration testing.
• Script and Code Analysis: Evaluating scripts and code samples to identify potential vulnerabilities or malicious intent.
• Penetration Testing Tools: Utilizing industry-standard tools to conduct various testing activities effectively.

This comprehensive course outline ensures that candidates are well-prepared to tackle the challenges presented in the CompTIA PenTest+ certification exam and excel in roles requiring advanced penetration testing skills.

Exam Details

• Number of Questions: Maximum of 85
• Duration: 165 minutes
• Passing Score: 750 (on a scale of 100-900)

Course Length

• 5 Days
• 40 hours

Follow-on Courses

• CASP+
• CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
• CISSP
• Wireless Security
• Computer Forensics

PenTest+ Course Info.
Start Date	End Date	Location	Days	In Person	Online
May. 12, 2025	May. 16, 2025	Alexandria, VA Eastern Time	Mon-Fri (5 Days)	Register	Register
May. 19, 2025	May. 23, 2025	San Diego, CA Pacific Time	Mon-Fri (5 Days)	Register	Register
Jul. 21, 2025	Jul. 25, 2025	Alexandria, VA Eastern Time	Mon-Fri (5 Days)	Register	Register
Oct. 06, 2025	Oct. 10, 2025	San Diego, CA Pacific Time	Mon-Fri (5 Days)	Register	Register
Oct. 13, 2025	Oct. 17, 2025	Columbia, MD Eastern Time	Mon-Fri (5 Days)	Register	Register
Oct. 20, 2025	Oct. 24, 2025	Alexandria, VA Eastern Time	Mon-Fri (5 Days)	Register	Register
Dec. 15, 2025	Dec. 19, 2025	Alexandria, VA Eastern Time	Mon-Fri (5 Days)	Register	Register