CompTIA Pentest+ PT0-002 Exam Questions 2025

Why CompTIA PT0-002 PenTest+ is Essential in Cybersecurity

Cyber threats are everywhere, and companies are under constant attack from hackers trying to breach their systems. This means businesses need professionals who can think like attackers and find security gaps before criminals do. That’s exactly what the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 certification proves that you can perform real-world penetration testing, find system weaknesses, and provide solutions before threats turn into costly breaches.

This certification isn’t just about breaking into networks legally. It’s about having a structured, ethical approach to testing security defenses. Unlike other cybersecurity certifications that focus mainly on theory, PenTest+ is hands-on, ensuring professionals can execute practical security assessments in real environments.

Who Should Get This Certification?

This cert isn’t just for people who already work in security. If you want to build a career in cybersecurity or upgrade your technical skills, it’s worth considering.

• Security analysts looking to expand their expertise into penetration testing.
• IT professionals wanting to move into ethical hacking or cybersecurity roles.
• Red team specialists who need to simulate attacks to test company defenses.
• Network administrators and system engineers wanting to understand how hackers break into systems.
• Career changers who want to enter cybersecurity with a strong, practical certification.

Why Employers Take PenTest+ Seriously

Cybersecurity roles are in high demand, and companies need professionals who can assess, test, and strengthen security. PenTest+ is valuable because it proves:

• You understand how real cyberattacks happen and how to prevent them.
• You can use penetration testing tools effectively.
• You know how to create security reports that businesses rely on.
• You can identify and fix vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them.

It’s one thing to know how to set up firewalls or run security scans, but being able to break into systems legally and then fix them is what sets penetration testers apart from regular IT professionals.

How the CompTIA PT0-002 Exam Works

Exam Format and Key Details

• Number of Questions: About 85
• Question Types: Multiple-choice and performance-based
• Time Limit: 165 minutes
• Passing Score: 750 out of 900
• Testing Options: Online proctored or at an approved testing center

The exam isn’t just a set of theory questions it also includes hands-on simulations that test how well you can perform real penetration testing tasks. You’ll be asked to analyze security flaws, run scans, and exploit vulnerabilities in controlled environments.

What Topics Are Covered in the PT0-002 Exam?

Understanding the Planning and Scoping Phase

Before any penetration test begins, professionals must follow strict rules of engagement. This includes:

• Legal and compliance requirements (to ensure testing is ethical and follows laws).
• Defining test boundaries (which systems can be tested and which can’t).
• Gathering intelligence using OSINT (Open Source Intelligence).
• Understanding business risks and compliance needs.

A penetration test isn’t just about hacking into systems it’s about knowing what you’re allowed to do and how to avoid breaking security laws.

Identifying and Scanning for Vulnerabilities

Finding security flaws before an attacker does is a key part of the exam. Testers must know how to:

• Scan networks with tools like Nmap, Nessus, and OpenVAS.
• Identify misconfigurations in cloud and on-prem environments.
• Use automated scanners to detect application vulnerabilities.

Network misconfigurations, weak encryption, and outdated software are common entry points for hackers, and PenTest+ ensures you understand how to find them.

Exploiting Systems and Gaining Access

This is where penetration testers go from identifying to actively attacking systems (in a legal, controlled way). Candidates must know how to:

• Use Metasploit to exploit network services.
• Crack passwords with Hydra, John the Ripper, and Hashcat.
• Bypass authentication and escalate privileges.
• Move laterally within a network to gain deeper access.

Testers must prove they can break into systems ethically, document what they did, and suggest fixes to improve security.

Common Tools Every Penetration Tester Should Know

The exam covers a variety of industry-standard tools, including:

• Wireshark – Network packet analysis.
• Burp Suite – Web application security testing.
• SQLmap – SQL injection testing.
• Aircrack-ng – Wireless security assessment.

A certified penetration tester must know how and when to use each tool to simulate real-world attacks effectively.

Reporting and Communication

Being a great penetration tester isn’t just about hacking into systems it’s about clearly explaining what you found and how to fix it. The exam tests your ability to:

• Write detailed security reports that outline risks and solutions.
• Communicate findings to technical and non-technical teams.
• Prioritize risks based on business impact.

This part of the test ensures that candidates don’t just find problems, but also provide solutions in a way that executives and security teams can act on.

How to Prepare for the CompTIA PT0-002 Exam

Use CompTIA’s Official Learning Materials

CompTIA provides official books, study guides, and training courses that cover every topic on the exam. These are a good starting point, but they should be paired with hands-on practice.

Set Up a Penetration Testing Lab

Since the exam focuses on real-world hacking techniques, candidates should practice using:

• Kali Linux – The go-to operating system for penetration testers.
• Virtual Machines – Set up vulnerable systems to test exploits.
• Online labs – Platforms like Hack The Box and TryHackMe offer hands-on training.

Learn from Industry Books and Online Courses

Some of the best books for penetration testers include:

• “The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook” – Covers website security testing.
• “Hacking: The Art of Exploitation” – Provides deep insights into hacking techniques.

Online courses from Udemy, Cybrary, and INE also provide structured training for PenTest+.

Practice Time Management for the Exam

Since the test includes multiple-choice and hands-on questions, time management is crucial. Practice solving questions under timed conditions to ensure you can complete the test within 165 minutes.

Career Growth After Getting Certified

What Jobs Can You Get with PenTest+?

Once certified, you can apply for roles such as:

• Penetration Tester – Conduct security tests on networks and systems.
• Ethical Hacker – Simulate cyberattacks to help businesses improve security.
• Security Analyst – Monitor threats and assist in incident response.
• Red Team Operator – Attack an organization’s defenses to test their strength.

Expected Salary for PenTest+ Certified Professionals

PenTest+ holders can expect solid salaries based on their experience level:

• Entry-level: $85,000 – $100,000
• Mid-level: $100,000 – $120,000
• Senior positions: $120,000+

Companies like IBM, Cisco, Accenture, and government agencies actively seek PenTest+ certified professionals.