It happened. After a 20-year win streak, I failed my first exam. I just failed the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-001 exam. I take full responsibility for this, as I underestimated the exam’s breadth and didn’t fully prepare as much as I should have.
Since I failed, I can no longer use this exam to update my current CE cycle for all other certifications. I won’t have time to retake it before the new cycle, so I will retake it after PT0-002 has been released.
Table of Contents
About CompTIA PenTest+
The PenTest+ certification aims to provide a vital piece to the overall cybersecurity strategy. While the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) tests defensive skills and knowledge, the CompTIA PenTest+ tests attack skills and knowledge. Security pros use both methodologies to defend against attacks and successfully cover vulnerabilities.
Study Materials Used
TryHackMe CompTIA Pentest+ Path
This quality walkthrough was great. Unfortunately, I ran out of time and didn’t finish the path. They also updated the modules within the path. I plan to run back through it when I’m ready to take the exam again.
CompTIA PenTest+ by Jason Dion
This course was pretty good except for the list of tools part, which was, well, a list of tools. Jason will re-record the lectures to match the updated exam objectives when the new exam version is released. I’m looking forward to the next release.
Lessons Learned
There are probably a couple of reasons why I failed, but the main two are that I ran out of time and didn’t adequately prepare for the exam.
When it comes time to re-take the PenTest+, I will give it a little more than a month and dedicate more quality learning time. Furthermore, I will finish all study materials, including practice exams.
Then, I will approach the new exam version with fresh eyes within the next 2 years.
Renewing CompTIA CEs
So you’re probably wondering, “If you didn’t pass the exam and were at the end of your 3 year CE cycle, how did you renew your other certifications?”
Great question. First, I had to pay the renewal fee (my first time). Then, I entered proof that I passed the CISSP exam to cover my CEUs. Now, I’m taken care of for the next 3 years.
The Negatives of Failing
It’s kind of funny. The last two exams I passed were the CISSP and the CompTIA CySA+. These exams were much harder than the CompTIA PenTest+, but I passed them on the first try without issue.
This means I’ll revisit the PenTest+ at a future date.
So, what did I actually lose here? I lost some time, $370 for the exam voucher, and roughly $200 in study materials. Does it sting a little? Yes. Does it set me back at all? No. I still renewed my other CompTIA certifications and learned what I need to shore up for the next time around.
I WILL PASS THE PENTEST+.
If you are in the same boat, try not to dwell on it. Surely, you have wasted time and lost a little money before along your life path. If you passed the PenTest+ or failed, let me know how you feel in the comments below.
