CompTIA PenTest+ (Penetration Testing) Training Boot Camp

CompTIA PenTest+ is the most comprehensive exam covering all penetration testing stages. Unlike other penetration testing exams that only cover a portion of stages with essay 
questions and hands-on, PenTest+ uses both performance-based and knowledge-based questions to ensure all stages are addressed.

PenTest+ is the only exam on the market to include all aspects of vulnerability management. It not only covers hands-on vulnerability assessment, scanning, and analysis, but also includes planning, scoping, and managing weaknesses, not just exploiting them. 

PenTest+ is the most current penetration testing exam covering the latest techniques against expanded attack surfaces. It is a unique exam that requires a candidate to demonstrate the 
most relevant pen testing skills for the cloud, hybrid environments, web applications, customized systems (IoT), and traditional on-premises.

It is highly suggested that students obtain either a Network+ or Security+ certification or have equivalent knowledge.

People who have their pentesting certification work as a  

• Penetration Tester
• Security Consultant
• Cloud Penetration Tester
• Web App Penetration Tester
• Cloud Security Specialist
• Network & Security Specialist
• Information Security Engineer
• Security Analyst

The CompTIA PenTest+ performance-based questions come in various formats and require students to perform a specific task or solve a problem in a simulated environment.

These questions are more involved than standard multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank or drag-and-drop questions and are used to gauge a student’s skillset in replicated scenarios that they may face during the course of their work.

First, there may be questions in which there is more than one way to arrive at a correct answer. In these instances, the test taker will receive full points if the correct solution is achieved.

Second, on all CompTIA exams, there is a timer; however, with PBQs, this timer is not visible to the test taker.

Third, partial credit on answers is occasionally offered but is not guaranteed.

The PenTest+ fulfills the requirements for Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 8140/8570, which is mandatory if you are looking to get a government job that is involved with any aspect of information security.

Although having a degree in cybersecurity or a related field is helpful, you do not need a degree to work as a penetration tester. Experience in IT is the most essential prerequisite for working as a pentester. Certifications also help to start a career in pentesting; many professionals start with a more general option like the CompTIA Security+ before progressing to more specific programs like the CompTIA penetration testing certification.

A penetration test has seven phases:

Pre-engagement: During the pre-engagement phase, the pen-testers must first define the goals and scope of the penetration test. The involved parties also create rules of engagement to authorize what the testers are allowed to do.

Reconnaissance: Testers gather as much information as possible about a target system, such as the network topology, operating systems, applications, user accounts, and anything else that they can use to exploit the system.

Discovery: Pentesters search for entry points, typically using Nmap to scan and complete asset analysis.

Vulnerability analysis: During the vulnerability analysis phase, testers identify vulnerabilities from the gathered data.

Exploitation: Now, the tester will attempt to exploit the target system by simulating a real-world cyberattack.

Reporting: The penetration tester prepares a detailed document reporting the findings during each pentest stage.

Remediation: Lastly, using the findings from the pentest, the organization implements the necessary changes to fix its vulnerabilities.