CompTIA PenTest+ vs PMI-ACP
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
CompTIA
CompTIA PenTest+
PT0-003
Hands-on penetration testing certification covering planning, scoping, vulnerability scanning, and reporting.
Full guide →PMI
PMI-ACP
PMI-ACP
PMI's agile certification covering Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP, and SAFe — ideal for PMs transitioning to agile delivery.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | CompTIA PenTest+ | PMI-ACP |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$404 USD | $495 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$14,000/yr | ✓+$15,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 165 min | 180 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | CompTIA | PMI |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Intermediate |
CompTIA PenTest+ — Prerequisites
Network+, Security+, or 3-4 years hands-on experience
PMI-ACP — Prerequisites
2,000 hours general project experience + 1,500 hours agile experience + 21 hours agile education
Get CompTIA PenTest+ if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$14,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from CompTIA
Get PMI-ACP if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$15,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from PMI
Best CompTIA PenTest+ courses
Best PMI-ACP courses
Frequently asked questions
Is CompTIA PenTest+ harder than PMI-ACP?
Both CompTIA PenTest+ and PMI-ACP are rated intermediate difficulty.
Which pays more — CompTIA PenTest+ or PMI-ACP?
CompTIA PenTest+ has an average salary uplift of +$14,000/yr, while PMI-ACP has +$15,000/yr. PMI-ACP has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — CompTIA PenTest+ or PMI-ACP?
CompTIA PenTest+ is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward PMI-ACP.