Course Description & Overview
SecureNinja’s CompTIA PenTest+ (PT0-003) certification training prepares cybersecurity professionals to plan, execute, and manage penetration testing and vulnerability assessment initiatives across diverse environments. This vendor-neutral course covers the latest skills required to identify network and system vulnerabilities, simulate real-world attacks, and provide actionable remediation strategies.
The PenTest+ certification is listed under the DoD 8140 framework and meets requirements for offensive security job roles within government and defense-related organizations. SecureNinja’s expert instructors guide students through each domain of the current PT0-003 exam with clear explanations, realistic examples, and access to a proprietary quiz engine that reinforces key concepts and helps students assess their readiness for certification.
Why Choose CompTIA PenTest+
- DoD 8140 Approved: Recognized for offensive cybersecurity roles within the U.S. government and military sectors.
- Vendor-Neutral Credential: Applicable across a wide variety of networks, tools, and platforms.
- Current, Real-World Relevance: Aligned with the latest penetration testing tools and techniques.
- Pathway to Advanced Certifications: Serves as a foundation for further offensive security certifications such as RCCE and CEH.
Topics Covered
- Planning and Scoping: Defining testing goals, legal constraints, and compliance requirements.
- Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning: OSINT, active/passive reconnaissance, and vulnerability analysis.
- Attacks and Exploits: Exploiting vulnerabilities in networks, applications, and physical environments.
- Reporting and Communication: Creating reports for different audiences and recommending remediation.
- Tools and Code Analysis: Using tools and basic scripting to automate and enhance testing.
Who is it for
- Penetration Testers: Professionals focused on red teaming and attack simulations.
- Vulnerability Assessment Analysts: Security team members performing scans and assessments.
- Cybersecurity Analysts: Those looking to expand into offensive security testing.
Who Would Benefit
- Security Engineers and Consultants: Engaged in threat modeling and proactive testing engagements.
- Network Administrators: Seeking to understand security from an attacker’s perspective.
- Government and DoD Contractors: Requiring 8140-aligned certifications for red team roles.
Prerequisites
While not mandatory, it is recommended that candidates hold Network+ and Security+ certifications and have 3–4 years of hands-on information security or related experience.
Course Outline
1. Planning and Scoping
- Define scope and rules of engagement.
- Understand legal concepts and compliance frameworks.
2. Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning
- Conduct passive and active reconnaissance.
- Analyze vulnerabilities using scanning tools and techniques.
3. Attacks and Exploits
- Exploit wireless, application, and network vulnerabilities.
- Evade defenses and escalate privileges during simulated attacks.
4. Reporting and Communication
- Create actionable and audience-appropriate reports.
- Document exploitation steps and provide risk-based recommendations.
5. Tools and Code Analysis
- Use tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, and Wireshark.
- Understand basic scripting concepts for automating testing.
Course Length
- 5 Days
- 40 Hours
Exam Details
- Exam Code: PT0-003
- Number of Questions: Maximum of 85
- Question Types: Multiple choice and performance-based
- Duration: 165 minutes
- Passing Score: 750 (on a scale of 100–900)
The CompTIA PenTest+ certification provides the practical skills needed to assess system and network vulnerabilities through penetration testing. SecureNinja’s instructor-led training ensures students are well-prepared to pass the PT0-003 exam and contribute to security assurance and offensive operations in both commercial and DoD 8140-aligned environments.
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Start Date | End Date | Location | Days | In Person | Online |
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 |
Not able to attend public scheduled classes? No problem, let us come to you to train your staff on-site on PenTest+ CompTIA Certification
FAQs
CompTIA’s PenTest+ certification certifies that IT professional has the knowledge and skills needed to plan and scope using updated techniques emphasizing governance, risk, and compliance. Perform vulnerability scanning and passive/active reconnaissance, vulnerability management. They will also have extensive approaches to expanded attack surfaces, researching social engineering techniques, perform network and wireless attacks. They will be able to report and communicate in an increased regulatory environment during the pen testing process by analyzing findings and recommending appropriate remediation within a report.
No, the PenTest+ is an intermediate level course.
No, The PenTest+ is an intermediate level course.
The PenTest+ covers all aspects of vulnerability management and has the most current penetration testing techniques against expanded attack surfaces.
Yes, the PenTest+ is the only certification with the latest penetration testing techniques and meets both ISO and DoD requirements.