Exam Overview

The PT0-003 PenTest+ exam is the current exam for the CompTIA PenTest+ credential and follows CompTIA’s published objectives for PT0-003.

• Exam Code: PT0-003
• Level: Professional CompTIA certification exam
• Duration: 165 minutes. Available languages: English.
• Passing Score: 750 on a scale of 100–900.
• Unscored Content: CompTIA may include unscored questions for research purposes; the number is not officially disclosed by the certification provider.

Exam Structure

The PT0-003 PenTest+ exam contains a maximum of 90 questions and measures the weighted domains in the official PenTest+ syllabus.

• Question Types: Multiple-choice and performance-based questions.
• Number of Questions: Maximum of 90.
• Hands-On Questions: Performance-based questions are included when specified in the official exam details; the exact number is not officially disclosed by the certification provider.

Exam Policies

Before completing PenTest+ exam registration, review the CompTIA Candidate Agreement, testing policies, identification rules, Pearson VUE requirements, and appointment confirmation.

• Rescheduling: Change the appointment through the Pearson VUE account at least 24 hours before the scheduled time. A late change can forfeit the exam fee.
• Cancellation: Cancel through Pearson VUE at least 24 hours before the appointment. Missing the deadline or appointment normally forfeits the voucher or payment.
• Retake Policy: There is no waiting period between the first and second attempts. After a second or later failure, wait at least 14 calendar days before another attempt.
• Retake Fee: Each retake requires a new voucher or payment of the current PenTest+ exam fee unless the original purchase explicitly includes retake protection.

Certification Validity and Renewal Options

Passing the PT0-003 PenTest+ exam earns the CompTIA PenTest+ credential.

• Validity: The PenTest+ certification is valid for three years.
• Renewal Options: Renew by earning 60 CEUs, passing the current exam, or completing another approved CompTIA Continuing Education path.

Exam Fee

• Base PenTest+ exam fee: CompTIA uses regional pricing. The current PenTest+ exam fee is displayed in the CompTIA Marketplace and during registration. This is the main component of the PenTest+ certification cost.
• Taxes: VAT, GST, or other local taxes may apply and can change the final PenTest+ certification cost.
• Example (India): Review the INR price and applicable tax shown during PenTest+ exam registration because CompTIA does not publish one universal tax-inclusive amount.

Prerequisites

Formal Prerequisites: CompTIA does not require another certification before candidates can schedule this exam.

• CompTIA recommends Network+ and Security+ knowledge plus three to four years in a penetration tester role or equivalent hands-on security experience.
• Preparation should combine the current official PenTest+ syllabus, approved learning resources, and hands-on practice appropriate to the target role.
• Verify the exam code before studying or purchasing a voucher because older versions can contain different objectives, weightings, and technologies.

Exam Topics

The official PenTest+ syllabus contains the following weighted domains and preparation focus:

• Engagement Management – 13%: scope, rules of engagement, legal considerations, communication, documentation, and reporting.
• Reconnaissance and Enumeration – 21%: passive and active discovery, target profiling, enumeration, and attack-surface mapping.
• Vulnerability Discovery and Analysis – 17%: scanning, validation, prioritization, research, and vulnerability interpretation.
• Attacks and Exploits – 35%: network, identity, cloud, web, wireless, social, physical, and application attack techniques.
• Post-Exploitation and Lateral Movement – 14%: persistence, privilege escalation, pivoting, cleanup, evidence, and remediation support.
• Current Blueprint Focus – Review every task statement, acronym, and technology list in the official PenTest+ syllabus before scheduling.

Intended Audience

The PT0-003 PenTest+ exam is intended for professionals and learners whose work or goals align with its current objectives, including:

• Penetration Testers
• Red-Team Analysts
• Vulnerability Analysts
• Security Consultants
• Application Security Testers
• Cloud Security Testers
• Offensive Security Professionals

Career Opportunities

Knowledge represented by the PT0-003 PenTest+ exam supports development toward roles such as:

• Penetration Tester
• Red-Team Operator
• Vulnerability Assessment Analyst
• Offensive Security Consultant
• Application Security Tester
• Ethical Hacker

Average Salary (Approximate)

CompTIA does not publish salary ranges for PenTest+ holders. The following reputable employment-market estimates use closely related roles. Salaries vary by experience, employer, location, job role, and industry.

• United States: Approximately USD 100,000–160,000 per year for Penetration Testers (Glassdoor and Indeed, July 2026).
• India: Approximately INR 700,000–2,000,000 per year for Penetration Testers (Glassdoor and Indeed, July 2026).
• United Kingdom: Approximately GBP 45,000–85,000 per year for Penetration Testers (Glassdoor and Indeed, July 2026).
• UAE: Approximately AED 120,000–300,000 per year for Penetration Testers (Glassdoor and Indeed, July 2026).

Exam Delivery Options

During PenTest+ exam registration, candidates can select an available Pearson VUE testing center or an online-proctored appointment when offered for the exam and location.

• Pearson VUE Test Center – Take the exam in person at an authorized testing center, subject to local appointment availability.
• Online Proctored Exam (OnVUE) – Take the exam remotely under live supervision when CompTIA and Pearson VUE make that option available.
• Online Exam Rules: Run the system test, use a private testing area and supported computer, present accepted identification, remove prohibited materials, and follow the proctor’s instructions.
• Test Center Rules: Arrive as directed, present accepted identification, store prohibited items, complete admission procedures, and follow the candidate agreement and center rules.

Exam Registration

Follow these steps to complete PenTest+ exam registration:

• Visit the official Pearson VUE CompTIA portal and sign in with the CompTIA account used for certification records.
• Select the PT0-003 PenTest+ exam, then choose an available test-center or online-proctored delivery option.
• Choose the language, location, date, and time, then verify the legal name, identification rules, and appointment policies.
• Pay the displayed PenTest+ exam fee or apply an eligible voucher, confirm the booking, and retain the confirmation email.

After Passing the Exam

After passing the PT0-003 PenTest+ exam, retain the score report and review the certification record in the CompTIA account.

• Passing the PT0-003 PenTest+ exam earns the CompTIA PenTest+ credential.
• Use the CompTIA certification account to review credential status, expiration information, digital badges, transcripts, and Continuing Education requirements.
• Follow the current renewal rules for the credential and keep professional contact details current so important certification notices are received.

Why the PT0-003 PenTest+ exam Is Worth It

• Validates skills against the current CompTIA-published objectives
• Demonstrates vendor-neutral technical capability
• Uses role-relevant, scenario-based assessment methods
• Creates a recognized foundation for career growth and continuing development