CertLadder
Certification Roadmap

Penetration Tester

Targets penetration testing and ethical hacking roles. Security+ establishes the security foundation, CySA+ adds defensive security context, and PenTest+ validates the ability to plan and execute penetration testing engagements across multiple environments.

1218 Months$95,000–$135,000
CompTIA
01

CompTIA Security+

SY0-701associate
Study time
60100 hours
Exam cost
$392
$75,000–$105,000

Security+ establishes the security foundation required before offensive security work. Understanding defensive security concepts is essential context for effective penetration testing.

02

CompTIA CySA+

CS0-003professional
Study time
100150 hours
Exam cost
$392
$90,000–$120,000

CySA+ adds defensive security depth that makes you a better penetration tester. Understanding how defenders detect and respond to attacks directly improves offensive technique and reporting quality.

03

CompTIA PenTest+

PT0-003professional
Study time
100150 hours
Exam cost
$392
$95,000–$130,000

PenTest+ is the only penetration testing certification that covers all stages of a pentest across multiple environments. It validates planning, scoping, execution, and reporting skills for professional penetration testing engagements.

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