CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 vs PT0-003: What’s New?
Quick Answer: CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-003 replaces PT0-002 with a stronger focus on cloud security, modern attack techniques, scripting, and real-world penetration testing workflows aligned with today’s threat landscape.
CompTIA recently updated the PenTest+ certification from PT0-002 to PT0-003. This is a testament to how much the offensive security world has changed in just the last few years. Cloud adoption, automation, modern web applications, and Zero Trust architectures are now the norm. With that said, penetration testers are expected to understand and probe them responsibly.
In this article, we'll break down what exactly changed between PT0-002 and PT0-003. Next, we’ll explore why these changes are important. Lastly, we’ll also discuss how to adjust your study strategy based on your certification journey stage.
Whether you're an IT professional, ethical hacker, or security analyst preparing for PenTest+, this comparison will help you decide which exam to take and what skills to focus on.
What is CompTIA PenTest+ Certification?
CompTIA PenTest+ is a penetration testing certification designed to validate hands-on, practical offensive security skills. Rather than focusing solely on theory, it emphasizes:
Vulnerability identification and assessment
Exploitation techniques
Post-exploitation activities
Reporting and communication of findings
PenTest+ bridges the gap between entry-level security knowledge and real-world penetration testing responsibilities.
Why is PenTest+ Important?
PenTest+ has gained traction because it aligns well with how penetration testing actually works in professional environments. PenTest+ is:
Recognized by both government and private-sector employers
Maps well to DoD 8570/8140 requirements
More practical than some theory-heavy alternatives
Compared to certifications like CEH, PenTest+ places greater emphasis on hands-on skills and realistic scenarios.
Who Should Get Certified?
PenTest+ is a strong fit for:
Penetration testers and ethical hackers
Security analysts transitioning into offensive roles
Security consultants
IT professionals looking to break into cybersecurity
Remember: You don’t need years of red-team experience. With that said, familiarity with networking, Linux, and basic security concepts is essential.
Key Differences: PT0-002 vs. PT0-003
PT0-003 isn’t a minor refresh. I'd argue it's a meaningful update that aligns the exam with modern penetration testing workflows.
Exam Focus
PT0-002: Traditional penetration testing and on-prem security assessments
PT0-003: Modern threats, hybrid environments, and cloud-centric attacks
Cloud Security
PT0-002: Limited cloud coverage
PT0-003: Expanded focus on AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud attack techniques
Tactics and Techniques
PT0-002: Older MITRE ATT&CK mappings
PT0-003: Updated ATT&CK tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)
Tools & Scripting
PT0-002: Basic scripting awareness
PT0-003: Greater emphasis on Python, PowerShell, and Bash automation
Zero Trust Security
PT0-002: Not emphasized
PT0-003: Introduces Zero Trust principles from an attacker’s perspective
Physical Security Testing
PT0-002: Basic physical security concepts
PT0-003: Expanded coverage of physical and social engineering assessments
Web Application Testing
PT0-002: OWASP Top 10 fundamentals
PT0-003: Deeper web application and API security testing
What Domains Have Been Expanded or Added in PT0-003?
The main reason for the shift to PT0-003 is that the exam has changed—and pretty significantly. Here are several areas that have shifted:
Expanded Coverage of Cloud Penetration Testing
Cloud environments are now a primary attack surface, and PT0-003 reflects that reality.
You’re expected to understand:
Common cloud misconfigurations
Identity and access management weaknesses
Insecure storage and overly permissive roles
This includes practical knowledge of how attackers abuse cloud services. So, it included knowledge from both sides, not just how defenders configure them.
Advanced Scripting for Security Automation
Modern penetration testers automate aggressively, and PT0-003 reflects that shift.
Expect more focus on:
Python for exploit development and automation
PowerShell for Windows-based attacks
Bash for Linux reconnaissance and chaining tools
One good thing is that you will not need to write huge scripts from scratch. Instead, the emphasis is on understanding, modifying, and using scripts effectively.
Modern Attack Vectors & MITRE ATTACK Updates
PT0-003 aligns more closely with how real attackers operate today.
Key areas include:
Living-off-the-land (LotL) techniques
Defense evasion tactics
Credential abuse and lateral movement
Understanding why attackers choose certain techniques is just as important as knowing how they work.
Enhanced API & Web Application Security
Web apps have evolved—and so have their vulnerabilities.
PT0-003 expands coverage to include:
Updated OWASP Top 10 risks
REST and GraphQL API testing
Authentication and authorization flaws
This reflects the growing reliance on APIs in modern application architectures.
Introduction to Zero Trust and Physical Security Testing
Zero Trust isn’t just a defensive model—it changes how attackers think.
PT0-003 introduces:
Zero Trust concepts from a penetration tester’s perspective
Physical security assessments
Social engineering considerations
This reinforces the idea that security testing isn’t limited to keyboards and code.
Should You Take PT0-002 or PT0-003?
The answer depends on whether you've already started studying and when you think you'll be ready.
If you’re deep into PT0-002 prep, check CompTIA’s exam retirement date.
If the retirement date is close and you’re nearly ready, it may make sense to take it
If you’re early in your studies, switching to PT0-003 is usually the better move
If you're starting fresh, however, PT0-003 is the clear choice. It’s more aligned with:
Cloud-first environments
Automation-driven testing
Real-world penetration testing expectations
Employers care less about the exam code and more about the skills it represents.
How to Prepare for the PenTest+ Certification
Earning the CompTIA PenTest+ certification is less about memorizing tools and more about learning how to think like a penetration tester from start to finish. Start by making sure you understand the exam structure and format:
Up to 85 questions
Multiple-choice and performance-based questions
165-minute time limit
Passing score: 750 (on a scale of 100–900)
Then, develop a realistic study plan. Review the official PT0-003 exam objectives and consider where your weaknesses lie. Then look for PenTest+ training that addresses those areas. Before taking the exam, use practice exams to identify topics you need to focus on and practice time management for test day.
Keep in mind, most candidates spend 2–4 months preparing, depending on prior experience and lab access.
Key Study Resources for PT0-003
A strong PT0-003 study plan should include:
Hands-on labs from platforms like TryHackMe and Hack The Box
The exam rewards candidates who can apply knowledge, not just recall it.
Conclusion
CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-003 represents a meaningful step forward. It’s more cloud-aware, automation-focused, and aligned with how penetration testing works in modern environments.
If you’re pursuing PenTest+ today, PT0-003 is the version to prepare for. Pair your studies with hands-on labs, scripting practice, and Kali Linux workflows to build skills that translate directly to real-world penetration testing.
Certification gets your foot in the door, but practical skills are what keep it open. Start learning with cybersecurity expert Bob Salmans today: CompTIA PenTest+ (PT0-003) Online Training.
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