CCT-ITS7527 - CompTIA Security+ and PenTest+

Course Description

Accelerate your cybersecurity career with this comprehensive training program, combining the foundational skills of CompTIA Security+ with the advanced penetration testing expertise of CompTIA PenTest+. Designed for aspiring and early-career cybersecurity professionals, this course equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills to secure enterprise environments, detect and mitigate threats, and perform advanced penetration testing across modern IT infrastructures. 

Through hands-on labs, real-world scenarios, and performance-based learning, students will master critical concepts, from core security functions to advanced penetration testing techniques. By the end of this course, participants will be prepared to earn two globally recognized certifications and enter or advance in the dynamic field of cybersecurity. 

Course Outline

CompTIA Security+  

• General Security Concepts: 
  • Security controls, cryptographic solutions, and change management. 
• Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigation: 
  • Threat actors, attack surfaces, and mitigation strategies. 
• Security Architecture: 
  • Enterprise infrastructure protection, data security, and recovery strategies. 
• Security Operations: 
  • Vulnerability management, monitoring, and incident response. 
• Governance, Risk, and Compliance: 
  • Risk management, audits, and compliance frameworks. 

CompTIA PenTest+  

• Engagement Management: 
  • Planning, scoping, and legal considerations. 
• Reconnaissance and Enumeration: 
  • Network mapping and identifying attack vectors. 
• Vulnerability Discovery and Analysis: 
  • Tools and methods for vulnerability scanning and prioritization. 
• Exploits and Attacks: 
  • Web-based, enterprise, and specialized attacks. 
• Post-Exploitation and Reporting: 
  • Data exfiltration, lateral movement, and stakeholder reporting. 

Learner Outcomes

By completing this course, participants will: 

1. Assess and improve the security posture of hybrid environments, including cloud, IoT, and on-premises networks. 
2. Identify, analyze, and respond to cybersecurity incidents with compliance and governance in mind. 
3. Execute all phases of penetration testing, including reconnaissance, vulnerability discovery, exploitation, and reporting. 
4. Demonstrate competency in key cybersecurity and penetration testing tools, techniques, and strategies. 
5. Prepare for and successfully pass the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) and CompTIA PenTest+ (PT0-003) certification exams. 

Notes

Target Audience 

This class is recommended for: 

• IT professionals seeking entry- or intermediate-level cybersecurity certifications. 
• Individuals aiming to begin or advance careers as security specialists, penetration testers, or vulnerability analysts. 
• Professionals preparing for globally recognized certifications in cybersecurity. 

Occupational Outlook 

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing industries, with a 35% projected growth in information security analyst roles from 2021 to 2031 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Over 13% of cybersecurity job openings require Security+, and penetration testing roles offer median annual salaries of $131,970. 

Upon completing this course, learners will be well-prepared to pursue roles such as: 

• Security Specialist ($80,000 median salary for Security+ certified roles) 
• Penetration Tester ($91,520–$174,980, depending on experience) 
• Security Analyst, Vulnerability Analyst, and related positions 

With CompTIA Security+ and PenTest+ certifications, participants gain the credentials and confidence to excel in a competitive and rewarding field. 

Industry Certification:

With a CompTIA Security+ or PenTest+ certification, you will be prepared for roles such as Security Analyst, Penetration Tester, Ethical Hacker, Cybersecurity Specialist, Security Consultant, Incident Response Analyst, and Network Security Engineer. Vouchers can be purchased at a discounted price after successful completion of the class. 

Information Technology Continuing Education Certificate:    

A Certificate of Completion will be awarded to participants who successfully meet the following criteria:   

• Achieve a minimum of 80% overall attendance, with the understanding that documented, meaningful progress in CompTIA CertMaster may be considered as an equivalent substitute for limited absences, at the instructor’s discretion.   
• Actively participate in class discussions, group work, and problem-solving activities.   
• Complete all required hands-on labs, practice exercises, and course projects to an acceptable standard.   
• Demonstrate consistent progress in CompTIA CertMaster to support skill development and course mastery.   

Method of Instruction:    

This course follows a blended learning model, combining instructor-led lectures, demonstrations, interactive discussions, hands-on exercises, and collaborative problem-solving. To support a wide range of learning needs, the course integrates CompTIA CertMaster tools, which provide adaptive, self-paced learning paths designed to help you catch up, accelerate progress, and prepare for relevant industry certifications.   

To maximize success, you are strongly encouraged to dedicate a minimum of 6 hours per week to self-guided study and practice using the online learning platform, in addition to scheduled class time.   

Evaluation:   

Your progress and performance will be evaluated through a combination of:   

• Active participation in class discussions, group activities, and problem-solving exercises.   
• Completion of hands-on skill practices during class sessions and as independent work.   
• Engagement with CompTIA CertMaster training modules, with regular checkpoints to monitor progress.   
• Periodic assessments or quizzes to reinforce learning objectives and measure competency. 

Recommendations

IMPORTANT: Please make sure to have your network login, Microsoft authenticator, and student email before the first day of class. 

Accrediting Associations

• Computing Technology Industry Association