Exam format

PT0-003

What the PenTest+ exam looks like

PT0-003 has a maximum of 90 questions in 165 minutes, multiple choice and performance-based. Every figure on this page is read from the official exam page and linked to it.

How many questions, and how long

CompTIA states a maximum of 90 questions for PT0-003, with a time limit of 165 minutes. That is about 1.8 minutes a question, including the time it takes to read the stem and the options.

"Maximum" is the vendor's word. The exam can serve fewer, and unscored items may be mixed in, so the count on the day is not something to plan around.

What the questions look like

Multiple choice, multiple response, and performance-based questions. The performance-based items drop you into a simulated console, network diagram, or configuration screen and score what you actually do.

CompTIA, PenTest+ exam details ↗

What the hands-on items involve, and how to practice them

What passes

The passing score for PT0-003 is 750 on a scale of 100 to 900.

What that score means, and how it is calculated

If you do not pass

A retake costs another $425.

CompTIA, exam voucher pricing ↗

How long it stays valid

PenTest+ is valid for 3 years from the day you pass. 60 CEUs over the 3-year cycle, or pass the newest PenTest+ exam. CompTIA certifications last three years. Renewal is either 60 CEUs plus the CompTIA continuing education fee across the cycle, or passing the current version of the exam again at full price.

CompTIA, exam voucher pricing ↗

What this means for practice

Our PenTest+ practice exams are assembled to the published domain weightings and sat against a 165-minute clock, in exam conditions or in study mode. Every answer shows the official page it was checked against.

Keep reading

Cheat sheets

Printable reference tables, free.

Compared with

Side by side on cost, difficulty, and which one to take first.

Every guide and cost breakdown, by vendor

Practice PenTest+ for free while you decide

Original questions written from the published objectives, with the concept, the reasoning, and a note on every wrong option. No account needed to start.

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