CompTIA PenTest+
Hands-on penetration testing certification covering planning, scoping, vulnerability scanning, and reporting.
Full guide →Professional Scrum Master I
Validates knowledge of the Scrum framework and ability to apply it in real-world agile environments as a Scrum Master.
Full guide →CompTIA PenTest+ vs Professional Scrum Master I
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | CompTIA PenTest+ | Professional Scrum Master I |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $404 USD | ✓$200 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$14,000/yr | +$9,000/yr |
| Passing score | 750/1000 | 85/1000 |
| Exam duration | 165 min | 60 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | CompTIA | Scrum.org |
| Difficulty |
CompTIA PenTest+
Network+, Security+, or 3-4 years hands-on experience
Professional Scrum Master I
None required
- You have 2–4 years in security and want to specialise your role
- You want a potential +$14,000/yr salary uplift
- You're drawn to offensive security, ethical hacking, or red-team work
- You're new to project management or switching careers from another field
- You want a potential +$9,000/yr salary uplift
- You work in agile teams and want to formalise Scrum Master skills
CompTIA PenTest+ and Professional Scrum Master I lead to entirely different careers — cybersecurity vs project management. The right choice depends on which field aligns with your current job or target role. If you want both eventually, start with Professional Scrum Master I — it's the quicker win at the beginner level.
Best CompTIA PenTest+ courses
Best Professional Scrum Master I courses
Is CompTIA PenTest+ harder than Professional Scrum Master I?
CompTIA PenTest+ is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — CompTIA PenTest+ or Professional Scrum Master I?
CompTIA PenTest+ has an average salary uplift of +$14,000/yr, while Professional Scrum Master I has +$9,000/yr. CompTIA PenTest+ has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — CompTIA PenTest+ or Professional Scrum Master I?
Professional Scrum Master I is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CompTIA PenTest+.
Can I get both CompTIA PenTest+ and Professional Scrum Master I?
Yes — many professionals hold both. CompTIA PenTest+ and Professional Scrum Master I complement each other, covering cybersecurity and project management respectively. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — CompTIA PenTest+ or Professional Scrum Master I?
Both are worth it in 2026. CompTIA PenTest+ offers a +$14,000/yr average salary uplift; Professional Scrum Master I offers +$9,000/yr. CompTIA PenTest+ has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.