Just passed PenTest on my second attempt with a 765! As someone with no pentesting background, I found the exam to be challenging. It’s a solid, inexpensive first step for someone looking to break into penetration testing. Here are a few takeaways from my exam prep:

1) In the past, I have solely relied on Jason Dion’s Udemy courses practice exams to pass CompTIA certification exams. This time, it wasn’t enough. For anyone else who takes the same approach, I suggest supplementing Dion training with the PocketPrep app.

2) Download Nmap and run at least 20 - 30 scans to familiarize yourself with the tool and its commands. To echo an old post on here, if you aren’t comfortable with Nmap, you are doomed.

3) Make sure you feel comfortable reading basic code.

This is the beginning of a new professional chapter for me, and am planning on continuing to build a pentest skillset through SANS (probably GPEN).