Course Information
Course Name: CompTIA Pentest+ Course (PTO-003)
Certification Alignment: CompTIA Pentest+ (PT0-003)
Training Format: On-demand video-based learning
Provider Status: CompTIA Authorized Partner
The CompTIA Pentest+ Course (PTO-003) is an on-demand training program designed to equip you with the skills needed to become a certified penetration tester. This course covers essential penetration testing concepts, methodologies, tools, and reporting techniques required to begin or advance a PenTester career.
The course structure supports both certification preparation and applied cybersecurity training, making it suitable for learners who want measurable, practical outcomes rather than theory alone.
Included in This Course
29 Hours 43 Minutes of on-demand content
93 professionally produced on-demand videos
Closed captions for accessibility and clarity
6 structured learning modules
151 exam-style preparation questions
Certificate of Completion
Official training delivered by a CompTIA Authorized Partner
Full Course Outline
Module 1 – Engagement Management
1.1 Pre Engagement Activities
1.2 Collaboration and Communication Activities
1.3 Testing Frameworks and Methodologies
1.3.1 Examining MITRE ATT&CK
1.4 Engagement Management Review
Module 2 – Reconnaissance and Enumeration
2.1 Passive Reconnaissance
2.1.1 Google Hacking
2.2 Active Reconnaissance
2.2.1 Port Scanning and Fingerprinting
2.2.2 Tracing a Network Path with Traceroute
2.2.3 Intercepting Data with Wireshark
2.2.4 Web Scraping
2.3 Enumeration Techniques
2.3.1 Directory Enumeration
2.3.2 Email Enumeration
2.4 Reconnaissance and Enumeration Scripts
2.4.1 Using Scripts
2.5 Reconnaissance and Enumeration Tools
2.5.1 Perform OSINT with Recon-ng
2.5.2 Adding an API Key to Recon-ng
2.5.3 Discovering IoT with Shodan
2.5.4 Performing WHOIS Lookups
2.5.5 Performing DNS Lookups
2.5.6 Using NMAP Scripts
2.5.7 Performing OSINT with theHarvester
2.6 Reconnaissance and Enumeration Review
Module 3 – Vulnerability Discovery and Analysis
3.1 Vulnerability Discovery
3.1.1 Performing a Vulnerability Scan with OpenVAS
3.1.2 Performing Static Code Analysis
3.2 Reconnaissance, Scanning and Enumeration Output Analysis
3.3 Physical Security
3.3.1 Cloning an RFID Badge
3.3.2 Cloning NFC with Flipper Zero
3.4 Vulnerability Discovery and Analysis Review
Module 4 – Attacks and Exploits
4.1 Prioritize and Prepare Attacks
4.2 Network Attacks
4.2.1 Performing an On Path Attack
4.2.2 Executing a Network Attack with Metasploit
4.2.3 Migrating Meterpreter to Another Process
4.2.4 Creating a Malware Dropper with Msfvenom
4.2.5 Using Netcat
4.2.6 Capturing Files with Wireshark
4.3 Authentication Attacks
4.3.1 Brute Forcing with Medusa
4.3.2 Pass the Hash
4.3.3 Password Spraying with Hydra
4.3.4 Pass the Token Attack
4.3.5 Spoofing Authentication with Responder
4.3.6 Cracking Linux Passwords with John the Ripper
4.3.7 Hashcat Password Cracking
4.4 Host Based Attacks
4.4.1 Privilege Escalation with Eternal Blue
4.4.2 Log Tampering
4.4.3 Pwn a Linux Target from Start to Finish
4.5 Web Application Attacks
4.5.1 Performing Directory Traversal
4.5.2 Grabbing Passwords with SQL Injection
4.5.3 SQLi on a Live Website Part 1
4.5.4 SQLi on a Live Website Part 2
4.5.5 Command Injection
4.5.6 Injecting an iFrame with Stored XSS
4.5.7 Busting the DOM
4.5.8 IDOR Abuse with Burp Suite
4.5.9 Web Session Hijacking
4.5.10 Parameter Tampering with Burp Suite
4.6 Cloud Based Attacks
4.6.1 Hacking S3 Buckets
4.7 Wireless Attacks
4.7.1 WiFi Pumpkin Evil Twin
4.7.2 WPA2 Crack Attack
4.8 Social Engineering Attacks
4.8.1 Phishing for Credentials
4.8.2 OMG Cable Baiting
4.9 Specialized System Attacks
4.9.1 Pwn a Mobile Device
4.10 Automated Script Attacks
4.11 Attacks and Exploits Review
Module 5 – Post-exploitation and Lateral Movement
5.1 Establishing and Maintaining Persistence
5.1.1 Creating a Persistent Netcat Back Door
5.1.2 Exfiltrating Data with a Scheduled Task
5.2 Lateral Movement
5.2.1 Preparing to Pivot
5.2.2 Lateral Movement through Pivoting
5.3 Staging and Exfiltration
5.3.1 Hiding Data with Steganography
5.3.2 Automatically Exfiltrating Data
5.4 Cleanup and Restoration
5.5 Post-Exploitation and Lateral Movement Review
Module 6 – Deliverables
6.1 Penetration Test Report Components
6.2 Report Findings and Recommendations
6.2.1 Examining Pentest Reports
6.3 Deliverables Review
6.4 Course Conclusion
CompTIA Pentest+ Course (PTO-003) – Detailed Course Article
Penetration testing has become a critical component of modern cybersecurity programs as organizations increasingly rely on complex networks, web applications, cloud services, and connected devices. The CompTIA Pentest+ Course (PTO-003) addresses this need by providing structured cybersecurity training focused on real-world offensive security techniques aligned with industry standards.
Unlike entry-level security courses that focus primarily on theory, this penetration testing course emphasizes applied skills. Learners are guided through each phase of a penetration test, beginning with engagement management and concluding with professional reporting and remediation guidance. This end-to-end approach mirrors the workflow used by professional ethical hackers and security consultants.
Engagement management forms the foundation of effective penetration testing. The course explains how to define scope, manage legal and ethical considerations, and establish communication channels with stakeholders. Understanding frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK helps penetration testers map adversary behaviors and techniques to real-world threats, ensuring assessments remain relevant and defensible.
Reconnaissance and enumeration represent the intelligence-gathering stage of a penetration test. The CompTIA Pentest+ PT0-003 course covers both passive and active reconnaissance methods, including open-source intelligence gathering, DNS and WHOIS analysis, port scanning, and network fingerprinting. These skills are essential for identifying attack surfaces across networks, web servers, and cloud-based systems. Techniques such as Google hacking, web scraping, and script-based enumeration reinforce automation skills that improve efficiency in professional environments.
Vulnerability discovery and analysis focus on identifying weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers. The course introduces vulnerability scanning with tools like OpenVAS and static code analysis techniques commonly used in secure development and web application security reviews. This section is particularly relevant for professionals who also work with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript-based applications, as it strengthens the ability to identify insecure coding practices and misconfigurations.
The attacks and exploits module represents the most technically intensive portion of the penetration testing course. Learners explore network attacks, authentication attacks, host-based exploits, web application vulnerabilities, cloud misconfigurations, wireless attacks, and social engineering techniques. Tools such as Metasploit, Wireshark, Burp Suite, Netcat, John the Ripper, and Hashcat are demonstrated in practical scenarios. Web application attacks, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting, IDOR vulnerabilities, and session hijacking, reinforce skills that are directly applicable to modern JavaScript-driven web platforms.
Post-exploitation and lateral movement are critical for understanding the true impact of a successful attack. The course explains how attackers maintain persistence, pivot across networks, exfiltrate data, and cover tracks. These techniques help penetration testers accurately assess business risk rather than stopping at initial compromise. Knowledge of staging, exfiltration, and cleanup also improves defensive awareness for blue team and hybrid security roles.
Deliverables and reporting complete the penetration testing lifecycle. The CompTIA Pentest+ Course (PTO-003) emphasizes professional report writing, risk prioritization, and actionable recommendations. Clear communication is essential for translating technical findings into business decisions, and this module ensures learners can present results effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
From a career perspective, the Pentest+ certification validates intermediate-level penetration testing skills and is recognized globally. It complements other cybersecurity certifications and supports roles such as penetration tester, security analyst, vulnerability assessment specialist, and ethical hacker. The inclusion of structured exam preparation questions further strengthens readiness for the PT0-003 exam.
For learners with experience in web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, this course adds significant value by connecting development knowledge with offensive security testing. Understanding how front-end and back-end components interact enables more effective identification of logic flaws, insecure APIs, and client-side vulnerabilities.
Overall, the CompTIA Pentest+ Course (PTO-003) provides practical cybersecurity training aligned with modern threat landscapes. The combination of structured modules, hands-on demonstrations, and professional reporting guidance ensures learners gain applicable skills that extend beyond certification preparation and into real-world security engagements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the CompTIA Pentest+ PT0-003 certification?
The CompTIA Pentest+ certification validates skills in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, exploitation techniques, and professional reporting. It focuses on hands-on, performance-based cybersecurity skills.
Who should take the CompTIA Pentest+ Course (PTO-003)?
This course is suitable for aspiring penetration testers, ethical hackers, security analysts, and IT professionals seeking to specialize in offensive security or prepare for the Pentest+ certification exam.
Are there prerequisites for this penetration testing course?
There are no mandatory prerequisites, but basic knowledge of networking, operating systems, and web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is recommended.
Does this course include hands-on tool demonstrations?
Yes, the course includes demonstrations using industry-standard tools such as Metasploit, Wireshark, NMAP, Burp Suite, OpenVAS, and password-cracking utilities.
How long is the CompTIA Pentest+ certification valid?
The CompTIA Pentest+ certification is valid for three years from the date of passing the exam. Renewal requires continuing education credits or recertification activities.
Is this course suitable for exam preparation?
The course aligns with the PT0-003 exam objectives and includes 151 preparation questions to support certification readiness.
Does the course provide a certificate?
Yes, learners receive a Certificate of Completion after finishing the CompTIA Pentest+ Course (PTO-003).
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