PenTest+ Certification

Program Description

Those with a CompTIA® PenTest+ certification can pursue a career as a Penetration Tester. Penetration Testers evaluate network system security by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using adversary tools and techniques. They attempt to breach and exploit critical systems and gain access to sensitive information to assess system security. This career requires continued training and education.

This program prepares students to take the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) PenTest+ certification exam.  Learn how to use various tools to exploit network-based and host-based system vulnerabilities for given scenarios after conducting a vulnerability analysis. Students complete post-exploit tasks and then analyze and report penetration test results for given scenarios. Students develop mitigation strategies for vulnerabilities that are discovered based on best practices.

Successful candidates must be self-motivated, independent learners, detail-oriented, have strong analytical skills, the ability to take direction, and the ability to work both independently and as a team member.​​

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, overall employment of penetration testers is projected to grow 14% from 2020 to 2030 in Maryland.  Projected annual job openings in Maryland are 1,640. Additional career information may be found in Career Coach: https://ccbcmd.lightcastcc.com/.​

Program Objectives

Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:​

1. ​describe the importance of planning and scoping penetration testing process;
2. discuss common hacking methodologies to conduct passive and active reconnaissance to carry out a penetration test;
3. perform various scenario-based network and host attacks using penetration tools;
4. construct mitigation strategies for various types of attacks;
5. prepare incident response reports;
6. analyze penetration test reports based on best practices;
7. explain the importance of communication during the penetration testing process;
8. analyze how penetration testing and ethical hacking fit into a comprehensive enterprise information security program; and
9. describe ethical behavior appropriate to security-related technologies. ​​

CCBC Pathway

Technology and Engineering Pathway - Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs.  Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study.  You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals.

Program Credentials

CCBC Credential: Students will be awarded a Continuing Education Workforce Certificate and have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).

External Credential: Students will be prepared to take the CompTIA® Pentest+ certification exam.

Certifying Organization: Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA®), www.comptia.org

Financial Aid and Payment Options

We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education courses and programs. Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition, the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development.

Some CE Workforce Development Certificate Programs are eligible for early high school funding through Maryland Blueprint for qualifying BCPS high school students.  Please check with your School Counseling Office to determine your eligibility for the BCPS Tuition Benefit Program. 

Program Length

1 semester (14 - 16 weeks) - not including prerequisites. 

Course schedules vary each semester and may be offered face-to-face, online, or blended (a combination of the two).

Program Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED;
• strong computer skills; 
• strong analytical skills; 
• access to the Internet to complete assignments; and
• CompTIA Security+ certification.

Prior Learning Assessment

This program has potential options for waving select courses based on previous coursework or articulated coursework from an approved curriculum, and demonstrated portfolio and/or prior occupational learning.  A maximum of 87.5 program hours may be earned from prior learning.

Application Process

To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate program application.  An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.

Open Entry – No screening or documentation required.

Program Course Sequence

Prerequisites

Course Series

Additional Information

Additional Expenses:

CompTIA PenTest+ Certification exams - $404

Additional Courses:
Students pursuing certification in PenTest+ often enroll in the following computer network/security related classes: A+ Certification; Security+ Certification; Windows Server Certification; Linux+ Certification; and VMware Certification.​

Career Coach

Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more.  View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA.  Explore career and training opportunities at https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.

Contact Information

Coordinator: Steve Ricketts | sricketts@ccbcmd.edu  | 443-840-4442| C.BESS | 100 L

Administrative Assistant: TBA