CompTIA PenTest+ joins CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) at the intermediate-skills level of the cybersecurity career pathway as shown below. Depending on your course of study, PenTest+ and CySA+ can be taken in any order but typically follows the skills learned in Security+. While CySA+ focuses on defense through incident detection and response, PenTest+ focuses on offense through penetration testing and vulnerability assessment.

Although the two exams teach opposing skills, they are dependent on one another. The most qualified cybersecurity professionals have both offensive and defensive skills. Earn the PenTest+ certification to grow your career within the CompTIA recommended cybersecurity career pathway.

• Completion of Network+ or Security+, or
• 2+ years of experience in the field; or
• 1 + years of experience in the field with a College Degree
• Recommend that candidates have at least some Windows navigation experience.

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• Approved by U.S. Dept. of Defense to meet IA technical and management certification requirements
• Chosen by professional staff at Hitachi Information Systems (Japan), Prestariang Systems Sdn. Bhd. (Malaysia) and U.S. government contractors such as CSC, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman
• Updated every 3 years and part of the CompTIA Continuing Education program

• Penetration Tester
• Vulnerability Tester
• Security Analyst (II)
• Vulnerability Assessment Analyst
• Network Security Operations
• Application Security Vulnerability