Penetration Tester Program. Learn to break in so you can lock it down.
Expert-led instruction
Why this path
Offense starts with knowing defense
Security+ teaches how controls work. PenTest+ teaches how to plan and run a test against them and write it up. CEH is the ethical hacking cert many employers and government contracts name.
Security baseline
Security+ is the starting cert for DoD cyber work and the first filter on many security job posts.
Hands on testing
PenTest+ covers scoping, recon, attacks on networks, apps and cloud, and the report the client actually reads.
Name recognition
CEH is EC-Council's ethical hacking cert, built around attacker tools and techniques.
Sources: CompTIA and EC-Council certification pages, checked October 2026. Accumentum is a CompTIA Authorized Partner.
Pathway map
Your three steps to Penetration Tester / Ethical Hacker
Take the full program or start at the step that fits what you already know. Each course also stands on its own.
Step 1: Learn how attacks and defenses work
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701)
You understand threats, vulnerabilities and the controls that stop them. Identity and access, secure architecture, incident response basics and risk.
Roles it opensJunior security analyst, security administrator, IT security specialist
The examUp to 90 questions, 90 minutes
Passing score750 of 900
Step 2: Plan and run a pen test
CompTIA PenTest+ (PT0-003)
You can scope an engagement, find and exploit weaknesses in networks, apps and cloud, and report what you found with fixes the client can use.
Roles it opensPenetration tester, vulnerability analyst, security tester
The examUp to 90 questions, 165 minutes
Passing score750 of 900
Step 3: Think like an attacker
EC-Council CEH (312-50)
You know the attacker playbook. Recon, scanning, system hacking, malware, social engineering, web apps, wireless, cloud and IoT, and how to defend against each.
Roles it opensEthical hacker, red team member, security consultant
The exam125 questions, 240 minutes
Passing score60% to 85%, set per exam form
Exam facts
The three exams at a glance
| Cert | Exam code | Questions | Time | Passing score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Security+ | SY0-701 | Up to 90 | 90 minutes | 750 of 900 |
| PenTest+ | PT0-003 | Up to 90 | 165 minutes | 750 of 900 |
| CEH | 312-50 | 125 | 240 minutes | 60% to 85%, set per exam form |
Figures from CompTIA and EC-Council exam pages, October 2026. Security+ V8 (SY0-801) is expected around November 17, 2026. CompTIA lists PT0-003 retirement as estimated 2027. EC-Council sets the CEH cut score per exam form. Confirm details before you schedule.
DoD 8140
Work roles this pathway supports
These certs are listed for the assessment work role below under DoDM 8140.03.
Vulnerability Assessment Analyst (541)
Security+, PenTest+ and CEH
Sources: CompTIA work role alignment, EC-Council and the DoD 8140 Foundational Qualification Matrix V2.1, checked October 2026. Proficiency levels vary by cert, so ask us about your billet.
Funding
Using military education benefits?
Accumentum is an Army CA and Air Force COOL Approved Vendor. Tell us your branch and we'll show you what applies to each step.
Tell us where you are and we'll map out your pathway
Where to start, how long it should take you and whether funding applies. You'll hear back from a real person, usually within one business day. Prefer email? info@accumentum.net
Thanks, it's in.
We'll reach out shortly with your Penetration Tester / Ethical Hacker plan. Want to skip ahead? You can register now.
Go to RegistrationFAQ
Questions people ask before they start
Do I need security experience before I start?
Networking basics help a lot. Security+ is the first step because testing makes little sense until you know the controls you're testing. If networking is new to you, ask us about Network+ first.
Can I skip Security+?
Yes, if you already hold it or work in security. You can start at PenTest+. Each course also stands on its own.
Why take both PenTest+ and CEH?
They overlap but aren't the same. PenTest+ leans on planning, testing and reporting. CEH covers a wide set of attacker tools and techniques, and some employers and contracts ask for it by name.
Which Security+ exam should I take?
CompTIA expects Security+ V8 (SY0-801) around November 17, 2026, and the English SY0-701 retires June 11, 2027. We'll help you pick based on your test date.
Can I use military education benefits?
Yes. Accumentum is an Army CA and Air Force COOL Approved Vendor. Tell us your branch and we'll walk you through what applies to each course in the pathway.
How long does the whole pathway take?
Most students finish Security+ in 4 to 8 weeks part-time. PenTest+ and CEH go deeper. An advisor will map a schedule to your test dates.
Ready to test like an attacker?
Tell us where you're starting and we'll build the schedule with you.
CompTIA, Security+ and PenTest+ are trademarks of CompTIA, Inc. CEH is a trademark of EC-Council.