Exam Duration
165 minutes
Prerequisites
CompTIA Security+ and 3–4 years of hands-on information security or penetration testing experience recommended
Partner Vendor
Delivered by CompTIA
Domains Tested
Planning & Scoping, Information Gathering, Attacks & Exploits, Reporting, Tools & Code Analysis
About This Certification
Penetration testing is the frontline of cybersecurity defense — and CompTIA PenTest+ ensures you master the attacker's mindset. At CyLynk, we don't just teach theory and tools; we guide you through conducting real-world security assessments. From vulnerability discovery and exploitation to comprehensive reporting and remediation, PenTest+ equips you with the hands-on skills to identify and eliminate security gaps before malicious actors can exploit them.
This Certification is Perfect For You If You’re ...
Security Professional transitioning to offensive security
Penetration Tester junior to mid-level
Red Team Member
Vulnerability Assessment Specialist
Ethical Hacker
Security Analyst expanding skillsets
IT Professional seeking specialisation
Career Changer entering cybersecurity
Security+ Certified Professional advancing expertise
Student pursuing cybersecurity studies
Security Consultant building credentials
Master These Skills and Tools to Gain an Edge
Planning & Scoping
Rules of Engagement
Compliance
Legal Constraints
Scope Creep
Authorisation
Risk Tolerance
Testing Boundaries
Client Communication
NDA
Information Gathering
Vulnerability Identification
OSINT
Active Reconnaissance
Passive Reconnaissance
Network Scanning
Enumeration
Vulnerability Scanning
Nmap
Nikto
Nessus
Attacks & Exploits
Web App Attacks
Privilege Escalation
SQL Injection
XSS
Brute Force
Credential Dumping
Social Engineering
Wireless Attacks
Buffer Overflow
Metasploit
Tools & Code Analysis
Scripting
Bash
Python
Netcat
Impacket
Responder
Payload Crafting
Exploit Customisation
Kali Linux
Command-Line Tools
Reporting & Communication
Executive Summary
Remediation Plan
Risk Rating
Technical Report
Client Debrief
Evidence Handling
Post-Engagement Clean-Up
Findings Presentation
Your next action could create real impact. A percentage of every purchase helps fund our LynkProject. Learn More.
Exam Details
CompTIA PenTest+ is a single certification exam that tests real-world red team skills and reporting abilities.
Format: Multiple choice and performance-based
Duration: 165 minutes
Questions: Maximum of 85
Passing Score: 750 (on a scale of 100–900)
Validity: 3 years
Delivery: Pearson VUE (online or in-person)
Exam Topics
Engagement Management (13%): Master the strategic planning and professional execution of penetration testing engagements, from defining rules of engagement to delivering compelling executive reports that drive organisational security transformation.
Reconnaissance and Enumeration (21%): Develop advanced intelligence-gathering capabilities using cutting-edge tools and customised scripts to methodically map target environments and identify potential attack vectors with precision and stealth.
Vulnerability Discovery and Analysis (17%): Build expertise in comprehensive vulnerability assessment methodologies, combining automated scanning technologies with analytical skills to validate findings and eliminate false positives that could derail security initiatives.
Attacks and Exploits (35%): Cultivate sophisticated offensive security techniques across network, host, web application, cloud, and AI environments, learning to think like an adversary whilst maintaining the ethical foundations that define professional penetration testing.
Post-Exploitation and Lateral Movement (14%): Perfect the art of persistent access and strategic movement within compromised environments, whilst developing the documentation skills necessary to translate technical discoveries into actionable remediation strategies.
Why Study PenTest+ with CyLynk
Practice Exams Included
Hands-On Virtual Labs
Official Exam Voucher Included
Supportive Learning Community
Full Supporting Course Available
Coaching & Mentorship Available
Pass Guarantee (with Certify Master)
Your next action could create real impact. A percentage of every purchase helps fund our LynkProject. Learn More.
Earn a Globally Recognised Credential
Showcase your CompTIA PenTest+ certification on LinkedIn, your CV, and in performance reviews. It demonstrates your ability to proactively identify and test system vulnerabilities before attackers do.
Choose Your Certification Path
Get certified your way with the level of support that works for you — from self-paced to fully guided with expert coaching.
Certify Master
Built for professionals who want full course access with personal coaching to guarantee your pass.
Price
$1,599.99
Benefits
2 Exam Vouchers
Access to Our Ninja Discord Server
NerdKnight Livestream Access
100+ Scenario Based Labs
250+ Practice Questions
3 One-on-one Expert Exam Coaching Sessions
12 Months of Course Access
2 Practice Exams
Access to Browser Based Labs/VM
Priority Access to Our Support Team
Access to Private Study Group Channels
All Inclusive
Certify Basic
Perfect for confident professionals who just need the exam voucher and CyLynk community support.
Price
$676
Benefits
1 Exam Voucher
Access to Our Ninja Discord Server
NerdKnight Livestream Access
Certify Plus
Designed for learners wanting comprehensive course content plus expert validation before sitting the exam.
Price
$1,099.99
Benefits
1 Exam Voucher
Access to Our Ninja Discord Server
NerdKnight Livestream Access
50+ Scenario Based Labs
100+ Practice Questions
1 Expert Exam Readiness Assessment
6 Months of Course Access
Most Popular
Your next action could create real impact. A percentage of every purchase helps fund our LynkProject. Learn More.
Why Cybersecurity Certifications Matter
Boost your credibility, performance and earning potential with industry recognised credentials.
90% of Cyber Security leaders prefer to hire individuals with technology focused certifications.
Source: Fortinet - 2023 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Global Research Report
81% of certification holders report increased quality and value of work contributions.
Source: GIAC - The Transformative Power of Cybersecurity Certifications: A Win-Win for Employees and Employers
Cybersecurity certifications can boost income by up to 30% and increase job opportunities by showcasing competence and credibility to employers.
Source: Nucamp - How do certifications influence career growth in cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity certifications can boost income by up to 30% and increase job opportunities by showcasing competence and credibility to employers.
Source: Nucamp - How do certifications influence career growth in cybersecurity?
90% of Cyber Security leaders prefer to hire individuals with technology focused certifications.
Source: Fortinet - 2023 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Global Research Report
81% of certification holders report increased quality and value of work contributions.
Source: GIAC - The Transformative Power of Cybersecurity Certifications: A Win-Win for Employees and Employers
Coaching + Mentorship: The Winning Combo!
Boost your credibility, performance, and earning potential with industry-recognized credentials.
Mentorship
Get guidance, encouragement, and insider insight from seasoned cybersecurity professionals.
Coaching
Go beyond advice with targeted, task-focused sessions that keep you on track. Our coaches work with you to set goals, tackle challenges, review progress, and stay accountable.
This dual approach means you’re supported personally and practically—so you don’t just learn; you achieve. No other program offers this level of personalised, job-ready support, ensuring you stay focused, motivated, and on the fastest path to launch or turbo-boost your cybersecurity career.
learn more about unique coaching and mentorship approach!
Your next action could create real impact. A percentage of every purchase helps fund our LynkProject. Learn More.
Meet David Dowling,
One of Our Highly Educated LynkCoach!
LynkCoach Bio
David Dowling is a Melbourne-based cybersecurity professional specialising in security architecture, penetration testing, and cloud security. Veracode Certified Advisor and AWS Technical Professional, David mentors the cybersecurity community through practical expertise and multilingual capabilities.
Domains of Expertise
Defensive Security, Cloud Security, GRC Security
Certifications
CISSP, SABSA,
Skills & Capability Matrix
Network Security
Incident Response
Threat Intelligence
Security Operations
Vulnerability Management
Technical Presales
Security Architecture
Cloud Security
David Dowling LinkedIn Profile
David Dowling LinkedIn Profile
Your next action could create real impact. A percentage of every purchase helps fund our LynkProject. Learn More.
Salary Projection
See Where Cybersecurity Can Take You
Hear From Those Who’ve Transformed Their Careers
We’re proud to have trained many successful cybersecurity professionals through personalised mentorship and coaching, industry-led curriculum, and practical hands-on experience.
"A Team That Truly Cares" CyLynk isn't just a platform – it's a team dedicated to your success. They proactively check in, offer weekly Q&As, and assign actionable tasks through mentorships. The Discord community fosters connection, learning, and even laughter with memes and dad jokes. Saturday NerdKnight sessions create a fun, collaborative learning space for CTFs and cyber news. If you're feeling lost in your cyber journey, try a mentorship session or join a NerdKnight – no strings attached. – Alexander Vyrodov.
Alexander Vyrodov
"Structure, Encouragement & Confidence" CyLynk gave structure to what used to feel like scattered learning. Mentors check in consistently, providing guidance without pressure. Even in tough moments, the team offers encouragement that keeps you going. Sammy’s warm, professional vibe made me feel welcome from day one. I’ve grown in both confidence and skills – CyLynk truly transformed my journey. – Andrei Albu.
Andrei Albu
"Learning That Actually Gets You Hired" CyLynk is a passionate, outcomes-focused community, not a bootcamp. The hands-on learning and personal mentorships keep us accountable and progressing. You’re treated as an individual with real support, not a number. Even from remote Australia, I feel connected to a cyber-savvy community. NerdKnights make learning engaging, practical, and fun every week. – Shae Haseldine.
Shae Haseldine
Our Industry Partners and Alumni Employers
We partner with leading organisations and industry innovators to deliver cutting-edge training and real career opportunities. Together, we're shaping the future of cybersecurity talent.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your question isn’t covered below, feel free to get in touch with our team — we’re always here to help.
What is the CompTIA PenTest+ certification?
PenTest+ is a cybersecurity certification that validates your ability to conduct penetration tests and simulate attacks across modern IT environments.
What’s included when I study with CyLynk?
Depending on your chosen path, you’ll get access to a full supporting course, hands-on virtual labs, practice exams, coaching or mentorship options, and your official exam voucher — all in one place.
Do I need any prior experience to take PenTest+?
CompTIA recommends having Security+ or equivalent knowledge and 3–4 years of hands-on experience in information security, preferably with exposure to penetration testing tools and methodologies.
How is the exam structured?
The PenTest+ exam (PT0-002) includes multiple-choice and performance-based questions, with up to 85 questions over 165 minutes. The passing score is 750 on a scale of 100–900.
How long does the certification last?
PenTest+ is valid for 3 years from the date of your exam. You can renew it through CompTIA’s CE program by earning CEUs, retaking the exam, or earning a higher-level certification.
How do I schedule the exam?
Once you’re ready, you’ll receive a voucher and can book your exam through Pearson VUE — either online with remote proctoring or at a local test centre.
What happens if I don’t pass the exam on first try?
You’ll receive feedback on which domains need improvement, and we’ll work with you through coaching or review sessions if you’re in a supported plan. Certify Master includes a pass guarantee with support until you succeed.
Will this help me get a job in offensive security or red teaming?
Yes. PenTest+ is a strong credential for roles like Penetration Tester, Ethical Hacker, or Red Team Specialist, especially when paired with practical experience and other cybersecurity certifications.
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