CompTIA PenTest+ (PT0-002)

A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. This course is designed to equip you with the expertise to perform advanced penetration testing, identify and exploit vulnerabilities, and strengthen the security of networks, applications, and cloud systems. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to conduct detailed security assessments, simulate real-world attacks, and implement effective countermeasures. The journey begins with an exploration of common exploit resources and denial-of-service attacks, setting the stage for more intricate techniques like ARP/DNS poisoning, VLAN hopping, and password cracking. You’ll dive into wireless network exploitation, web app vulnerabilities like SQL injection, and explore emerging attack vectors such as SSRF and API hacking. Advanced topics include IoT and cloud vulnerabilities, ICS/SCADA threats, and post-exploitation strategies. Learn persistence techniques, privilege escalation, and detection avoidance to round out your penetration testing arsenal. Real-world scenarios and industry-standard tools like Mimikatz and Bloodhound will sharpen your practical skills. This course is ideal for intermediate to advanced IT professionals, penetration testers, and cybersecurity enthusiasts aiming to expand their skillset. A strong foundation in networking and security fundamentals is recommended.

Updated in May 2025. This course now features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. Embark on a comprehensive journey into penetration testing with this course. You’ll develop critical skills in identifying vulnerabilities and assessing network resiliency against attacks. Gain an in-depth understanding of reconnaissance techniques and learn how to gather vital information to secure networks effectively. The course begins with foundational concepts of penetration testing, covering essential legal, regulatory, and compliance considerations like GDPR and PCI-DSS. You’ll explore standards and methodologies such as NIST and MITRE ATT&CK, ensuring a strong grounding in industry best practices. Learn the importance of professionalism and integrity while preparing for engagements by defining clear scopes and adhering to ethical guidelines. In the second phase, dive deep into reconnaissance and scanning techniques. Master tools like DNS recon, host discovery, and vulnerability scanning to identify weak spots in both traditional and cloud environments. You’ll also explore advanced concepts like defense detection and evasion, learning how to bypass security measures effectively. The course culminates with a detailed look at using Nmap, the trusted tool for probing and analyzing network vulnerabilities. This course is ideal for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, IT auditors, or anyone aiming to strengthen their understanding of penetration testing. It’s designed for learners with basic networking knowledge and offers a structured progression from foundational to advanced topics.