While studying for the PenTest+ exam, I discovered a couple helpful resources that could benefit others preparing for the same test.  When I study for CompTIA exams I always find myself researching what to expect on the exam, Wasting time worrying about how difficult the test may be instead of studying for the exam like I originally intended to.   My first piece of advice for preparing for the Pentest+, or any certification exam is to relax.  You can’t effectively study for the exam if you are constantly worried about failing.  Failing is part of any meaningful journey, and this is no different.   Don’t be so afraid of failure that you don’t try at all.  Go ahead and schedule that exam, Don’t procrastinate!  Having a deadline will help you stay focused on your goal. (most of the time anyway). Here are some resources that really helped me while I was preparing for the PenTest+ exam.

The first resource, which is invaluable when studying for any CompTIA exam, is the exam objectives provided directly by CompTIA. This document breaks down exactly what to expect on the exam, including the percentage weight of each domain, so you’ll know where to focus your efforts. It also serves as an excellent study checklist to gauge your readiness. I always go through the exam objectives item by item to identify any areas where I might need a stronger understanding. You can access these exam objectives for free from CompTIA by providing your email here.

The next resource I found extremely helpful is TryHackMe.  TryHackMe has a plethora of free capture the flag challenges.  I have learned so much from this website.  I find the challenges to be enjoyable while not being so difficult that I get frustrated.  The guides and challenges are very well written, and provide a great free resource to learn the beginning steps of ethical hacking and penetration testing.  The content is beginner friendly and great starting place to learn.  This website does not directly address the Pentest+ exam objectives, but I find it does help get hands on experience with many of the tools you will have to learn for the exam.

My final free resource is Youtube.  You will find many free courses for the Pentest+ exam,  However, the quality of these videos vary greatly.  The one I used as my main resource is a video by HowToNetwork.  I found this video to be a great resource.  The video is around 11 hours long, I recommend watching the video at 2x speed.   The host does a great job covering all the exam objectives in depth.  He shows and outlines the tools and how to use them, His explanation of NMAP and all of its parameters is great!   He also has a section explaining how to interpret vulnerability reports planning an engagement.  I found this resource to be a valuable resource while preparing,  and a plus is that it will not put you to sleep!

These were all of the resources I found helpful for the exam, and the best part is that all of these resources are FREE.  You don’t have to pay for expensive study materials to pass these exams.  If you stay focused and make studying a priority, you will be able to pass the exam without paying for premium study materials.  Some of the paid resources are great, I found Boson software to be a great resource when preparing for Network+, But these costly materials are not required.  I spent around 10 days of dedicated effort to pass this exam on the first attempt.  Although if you have taken any CompTIA exam, you will know that the exam does not make you feel confident taking it.  Most of the time during the exams I feel like I am failing the entire time.  Don’t worry if you do not pass on the first attempt, many people have trouble passing these exams.  Keep your head up during your studies.  Some days you will feel like you know nothing, while other days you will feel you are ready to take the test immediately.  Just know if you are diligent and truly curious and trying to learn you will do great.   Pentest+ is an entry level certification when it comes to Ethical hacking and  penetration testing, There is so much more to Penetration testing and I am looking forward to learning as much as I can!  Good luck!