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.

Penetration testing training can benefit nearly all IT and cybersecurity professionals. For those looking to move into a proactive or offensive role (e.g., threat hunter, ethical hacker), pentesting training is essential. For those in defensive or administrative roles (e.g., security engineers, SOC analysts, security administrators, IT risk managers), the pentesting certification can help them understand how attackers gain access to systems, escalate privileges, exfiltrate data and attempt to cover their tracks.