Top CompTIA Pentest+ PT0-003 Exam Questions

What is CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-003?

The CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-003 is a globally recognized certification exam that validates the knowledge and hands-on skills required for penetration testing and vulnerability assessment. Unlike theoretical security certifications, PenTest+ measures a candidate’s ability to plan, conduct, analyze, and report on penetration tests, simulating real-world offensive security engagements. It is vendor-neutral, covering multiple environments such as traditional IT networks, cloud, hybrid, web applications, wireless, and IoT systems.

In short, this exam proves you can not only identify security weaknesses but also exploit them ethically and recommend remediation.

Who Should Take This Exam?

The PenTest+ is designed for cybersecurity professionals working in offensive security roles or those aspiring to move into penetration testing.

Typical candidates include:

• Penetration Testers – professionals who simulate real-world cyberattacks.
• Vulnerability Assessment Analysts – those who scan, identify, and prioritize security flaws.
• Red Team Members – experts who perform adversarial simulation to test organizational defenses.
• Network Security Analysts – individuals responsible for defending networks who want deeper offensive knowledge.
• Security Consultants & Auditors – professionals performing compliance checks and ethical hacking assessments.

Experience level: Intermediate. Candidates usually have 3–4 years of hands-on information security experience, especially in vulnerability management, ethical hacking, or incident response.

Prerequisites and Recommendations

Official Prerequisites

CompTIA does not mandate prerequisites, but it recommends:

• CompTIA Security+ (or equivalent knowledge).
• Minimum 3–4 years of information security experience.

Practical Recommendations

To increase your chances of success, you should have:

• Familiarity with Linux, Windows, and scripting basics.
• Understanding of TCP/IP networking, protocols, and firewalls.
• Prior certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CySA+.
• Hands-on practice in labs such as TryHackMe, Hack The Box, or Offensive Security labs.
• Exposure to tools like Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nessus, Wireshark, and John the Ripper.

Exam Objectives and Domains

The PT0-003 exam covers five key domains:

1. Planning and Scoping – 14%
2. Information Gathering and Vulnerability Identification – 22%
3. Attacks and Exploits – 30%
4. Reporting and Communication – 18%
5. Tools and Code Analysis – 16%

Objective Details by Domain

1. Planning and Scoping

• Define penetration test requirements.
• Understand rules of engagement (ROE).
• Consider legal and compliance implications.
• Determine scope limitations and exclusions.
• Establish communication channels with stakeholders.

2. Information Gathering and Vulnerability Identification

• Perform passive and active reconnaissance.
• Identify target systems, networks, and applications.
• Conduct vulnerability scans.
• Map attack surface.
• Validate findings against common vulnerabilities (e.g., OWASP, CVEs).

3. Attacks and Exploits

• Exploit network-based vulnerabilities.
• Attack web applications (SQLi, XSS, CSRF).
• Perform privilege escalation.
• Exploit wireless and IoT environments.
• Conduct post-exploitation tasks (pivoting, maintaining access).
• Simulate social engineering attacks.

4. Reporting and Communication

• Write professional penetration test reports.
• Document findings, risk ratings, and remediation steps.
• Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Handle sensitive data securely.

5. Tools and Code Analysis

• Use common penetration testing tools.
• Analyze scripts and snippets (Python, PowerShell, Bash).
• Automate repetitive testing tasks.
• Interpret code to identify security weaknesses.

What Changed in This Version (PT0-003 vs PT0-002)

• Cloud and Hybrid Environments: Expanded coverage for modern infrastructures.
• Web Applications and APIs: More emphasis on API testing, JWTs, and web vulnerabilities.
• Cloud Security Posture: Stronger focus on multi-cloud and containerized environments.
• Weight Adjustments: Attacks & Exploits now carries more weight (30%).
• Emerging Technologies: IoT, SCADA, and mobile exploitation receive more focus.
• Removed or reduced: Outdated technologies and legacy attacks (like deprecated SSL issues).

Registration and Scheduling

• Register via Pearson VUE testing centers or online (OnVUE).
• Choose online proctored or in-person exam delivery.
• Flexible scheduling with multiple time zones supported.

Pricing and Vouchers

• Standard exam fee: $404 USD (as of 2025).
• Regional pricing may differ (e.g., lower in some countries).
• Discounts available for:
  • Students (through CompTIA Academic Store).
  • Military personnel (via DoD 8570 program or vouchers).
  • Bulk corporate vouchers.

Policies You Should Know

• Retake policy: No waiting period for first retake; 14 days required afterward.
• ID requirements: Government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license).
• Reschedule/cancellation: Up to 24 hours before the exam.
• Exam security: Strict monitoring during online proctoring.

Scoring and Results

• Scale: 100–900.
• Passing score: 750.
• Partial credit: Yes, for performance-based questions (PBQs).
• Delivery: Results available immediately after exam.
• Score report: Includes domain-level performance insights.

Exam Day and Test Experience

• On-site proctoring: Taken at Pearson VUE centers with strict security checks.
• Online proctoring: Webcam, mic, and clean environment required.
• Check-in: Present ID, room scan, and readiness verification.
• Allowed items: None (scratchpad provided digitally).
• Time management: 165 minutes, ~85 questions. Balance between PBQs and multiple-choice.
• Tip: Tackle easier questions first, flag PBQs for later.

Study Plan and Resources

For Beginners (12–14 weeks)

• Weeks 1–2: Review networking, Linux basics, and Security+ fundamentals.
• Weeks 3–4: Study planning/scoping and legal considerations.
• Weeks 5–6: Learn reconnaissance techniques, tools like Nmap & Nessus.
• Weeks 7–8: Practice exploitation (Metasploit, Burp Suite, SQLi labs).
• Weeks 9–10: Practice reporting with sample templates.
• Weeks 11–12: Mock exams and time management drills.
• Weeks 13–14: Final review and lab practice.

For Experienced Professionals (6–8 weeks)

• Weeks 1–2: Refresh domains and focus on updated PT0-003 changes.
• Weeks 3–4: Deep dive into tools/code analysis and cloud environments.
• Weeks 5–6: Take practice exams, focus on weak areas.
• Weeks 7–8: Polish reporting and exam strategy.

With Cert Empire’s PT0-003 exam dumps, you get accurate, updated, and reliable practice questions that mirror the real exam environment. 

Certification Validity and Renewal

• Valid for 3 years.
• Renew by:
  • Earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs) (60 CEUs required).
  • Completing higher-level certifications (e.g., CASP+ or Offensive Security exams).
  • Taking approved training or activities.

Career Outcomes

Job Titles:

• Penetration Tester
• Security Analyst
• Vulnerability Assessment Specialist
• Red Team Operator
• Security Consultant

Related or Next-Step Certifications

• CompTIA CySA+ – for defensive security analysts.
• CompTIA CASP+ – for advanced enterprise security professionals.
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) – industry-standard for penetration testing
• GIAC GPEN – focused on professional penetration testing methodology.

How This Exam Compares to Similar Certifications

• CompTIA PenTest+ vs OSCP: PenTest+ is broader and entry-to-mid-level; OSCP is highly hands-on and advanced.
• PenTest+ vs CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker): PenTest+ is performance-based and vendor-neutral; CEH is multiple-choice heavy but widely recognized.