PenTest+ exam-day guide
PenTest+ · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID with signature
Bring your primary ID exactly as registered on the appointment (name spelling must match). A second form of ID is commonly required at test centres - confirm the accepted ID list and any secondary-ID requirement with the provider before test day.
Confirm your booked exam code and version
PenTest+ has had more than one version (PT0-002 and PT0-003). Check your appointment confirmation so you study and prepare for the objectives of the version you actually booked.
Appointment confirmation / scheduling email
Have the confirmation number and appointment time available on paper or on your phone before you enter the testing area (phones are stored during the exam).
Arrival plan for a test centre
Plan to arrive well before your slot; check-in includes ID verification and a rules briefing. Confirm the exact arrival window and late-arrival policy with the provider - arriving late can forfeit your seat and fee.
System test for online proctoring
If testing remotely, run the provider's system/pre-check on the same computer, webcam, microphone, and network you will use on exam day, and repeat it the day before. needs_review: exact supported OS/browser and check-in steps vary - confirm with the provider.
Private, quiet, well-lit room (remote testing)
Clear the desk of everything except permitted items, remove papers/notes from view, tell household members not to enter, and keep the door closed. Proctors commonly require a 360-degree room scan.
Scratch paper / whiteboard expectations
Test centres typically supply a whiteboard or laminated sheet and marker; remote sessions typically use an on-screen whiteboard or an erasable sheet shown to the proctor. needs_review: which is permitted varies - confirm the current rule with the provider and do not bring your own.
Know the exam format and passing score
PenTest+ is a maximum of 85 questions in 165 minutes with a passing scaled score of 750 on a 100–900 scale, and includes performance-based questions. Verify these numbers on the current official exam page for your version.
One-page personal cheat sheet to review beforehand (not to bring in)
Ports/protocols, common tool flags (nmap, Metasploit, Burp, sqlmap, Responder), engagement/assessment phases, report elements, and CVSS/risk basics. Review it before check-in, then store it away.
Timing plan for PBQs vs. multiple choice
165 minutes for up to 85 questions averages under 2 minutes each. Decide in advance that you will flag long performance-based items, bank the quicker questions, and return - never leave a question blank.
Logistics backup
Have a second route to the centre (or a backup internet/hotspot plan for remote testing) and a phone number for the testing provider in case of a problem.
Rest and fuel plan
Protect sleep for the two nights before, eat a normal meal beforehand, and limit caffeine to your usual amount so you are not distracted mid-exam.
Plan the day
Re-read the official exam objectives for your version and list your three weakest domains; spend remaining study time only there. Stop learning brand-new topics.
Do one timed practice set under exam conditions (no notes, single sitting) and review every wrong answer for the concept, not the answer letter.
Verify your appointment time, location or remote-testing link, ID validity (not expired, name matches), and re-run the system test if testing online.
Practise the mechanics you may be asked to perform: reading nmap/Nessus output, choosing flags for a scan type, interpreting a scope/authorisation document, and identifying report sections.
Light review only: ports table, tool-to-purpose mapping, methodology phases, and legal/scope concepts. No new material, no late-night cramming.
Pack ID, confirmation, and travel essentials; confirm the route and transit time; lay out clothes. Confirm the provider's late-arrival and reschedule rules so a surprise does not cost you the fee.
Aim for a full night's sleep; set two alarms. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals late in the evening.
Eat a normal meal, hydrate, and do a 10–15 minute warm-up on ports, scan types, and the penetration-testing phases rather than opening a new practice exam.
Arrive at the centre (or log in for remote proctoring) with buffer time; complete ID verification, the candidate agreement/NDA, and any room scan calmly.
Complete the candidate agreement, then if scratch materials are provided, jot down ports and your timing landmarks. Work through questions at a steady pace and flag anything taking too long.
Performance-based items often appear early. If one stalls you, flag it and move on; bank the faster multiple-choice items first, then return with the time you saved.
With roughly 15–20 minutes left, confirm every question has an answer (there is no penalty for a guess), revisit flagged items, and re-read any question containing 'BEST', 'FIRST', or 'MOST likely'.
Pass/fail is shown at the end of the session and a score report with section-level results is issued; keep a copy. If you did not pass, review the section breakdown before rebooking, respecting any waiting period.
Rules to check
Bring valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID; the name must match your registration exactly. Confirm the full accepted-ID and secondary-ID requirements with the provider before test day, since mismatches can bar entry and forfeit the fee.
Leave notes, books, phones, smartwatches, and any other devices outside the testing room or in the provided locker. Unauthorised materials or devices during the exam are treated as misconduct.
Remote proctoring rules typically require you to stay in camera view, avoid reading questions aloud, keep the door closed, and have no one else in the room. Confirm the specific prohibited-behaviour list with the provider.
CompTIA exams generally have no scheduled breaks and the clock runs continuously. If you leave the room, expect the timer to keep running and re-entry to require re-verification - confirm the break and re-entry policy with the provider.
You accept a candidate agreement/NDA at the start of the session; do not disclose, discuss, or reproduce exam content afterwards, including in study groups or online forums.
Scoring is pass/fail against a scaled score (750 on a 100–900 scale for PenTest+); results are reported by domain so you can target remediation. Verify current passing standards on the official exam page for your version.
If you do not pass, there is a waiting period before you may retake the same exam and you must pay again. CompTIA's published wait has been 14 calendar days - confirm the current retake terms and fee with CompTIA before rebooking.
Request any testing accommodations (extra time, separate room, assistive technology) well in advance; they generally cannot be granted on exam day.