CompTIA PenTest+

Penetration testing is all about thinking like a hacker to stop real world cyber threats. Whether you’re new to cyber security or looking to specialise, our CompTIA PenTest+ course will teach you everything from ethical hacking fundamentals to advanced security assessments. Designed for all abilities, it will help you build the skills employers are looking for so you can launch a high-demand career in cyber security.

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Course Details:

24 weeks, part-time

100% online learning

Career-boosting cyber security skills

360 hours

Level 4, Netcom Certificate of Completion, CompTIA PenTest+

Adult Skills Fund

Hack your future

Cyber threats are evolving and businesses need ethical hackers who can stay ahead. Ready to be one of them? Our CompTIA PenTest+ course is your gateway to the world of cyber security. This penetration testing course is designed to equip you with the skills to identify vulnerabilities, test security systems and stop cyberattacks before they happen.

With 100% online learning, this is the perfect penetration testing course for beginners looking to break into the industry. Plus, you can access this penetration testing course online, meaning you can get the skills without the cost. You’ll also receive a CompTIA PT0-003 exam voucher to get fully certified once you’ve completed the course. Some networking experience is helpful, but don’t worry if you’re new, we’ll guide you through every step.

Cyber threats aren’t slowing down, so why should you? The Netcom PenTest+ course gives you the skills, certification and experience to land a cyber security role and make an impact from day one.

Ready to turn this into a career? Netcom helps connect learners with top employers looking for cyber security talent. Training with us means job-ready skills, employability support and direct introductions to hiring partners.

Apply now

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The curriculum

By the end of this course, you won’t just understand cyber security, you’ll have real experience doing it. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a penetration testing course or an IT pro ready to level up, this is your chance to get certified and job ready.

View the full course overview

Planning and scoping

Includes updated techniques emphasising governance, risk and compliance concepts, scoping and organisational/customer requirements, and demonstrating an ethical hacking mindset.

Information gathering and vulnerability scanning

Includes updated skills on performing vulnerability scanning and passive/active reconnaissance, vulnerability management, as well as analysing the results of the reconnaissance exercise.

Attacks and exploits

Includes updated approaches to expanded attack surfaces, researching social engineering techniques, performing network attacks, wireless attacks, application-based attacks and attacks on cloud technologies, and performing post-exploitation techniques.

Reporting and communication

Expanded to focus on the importance of reporting and communication in an increased regulatory environment during the pen testing process through analysing findings and recommending appropriate remediation within a report.

Tools and code analysis

Includes updated concepts of identifying scripts in various software deployments, analysing a script or code sample, and explaining use cases of various tools used during the phases of a penetration test–scripting or coding is not required.

Meet your mentors

Our expert instructors are here to guide you through the course, answer your questions and help develop your career goals. Once you’ve completed a Netcom course, our dedicated careers coaches will be on hand to help you take the next steps.

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West Midlands

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Where could the Netcom PenTest course take you?

Our PenTest+ training course is your ticket to some seriously exciting career opportunities in cyber security. With the rise of cyber threats, businesses need skilled professionals who can think like hackers, but act like good guys.

Penetration Tester – £25,000-£35,000

As a Penetration Tester, you’ll be the one simulating cyber attacks to uncover security flaws before hackers do. Your day-to-day will involve ethical hacking, vulnerability assessments and security testing to keep businesses secure. You’ll work with security teams to strengthen networks, applications and cloud systems, making sure nothing slips through the cracks.

Network Security Operations – £20,000-£30,000

In Network Security Operations, you’ll be the first line of defense against cyber threats. You’ll monitor network traffic for suspicious activity, respond to security incidents and ensure firewalls and security protocols are up to scratch. This role is ideal if you love problem-solving, real-time analysis and keeping digital infrastructures safe.

Threat Intelligence Analyst – £25,000-£35,000

As a Threat Intelligence Analyst, your job is to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. You’ll research the latest cyber threats, analyse attack patterns and provide businesses with insights to prevent future security breaches. If you’re naturally inquisitive and love investigating digital threats, this role is for you.

Vulnerability Analyst – £25,000-£35,000

Vulnerabilities are weaknesses in digital systems, and as a Vulnerability Analyst it’s your job to find and fix them before attackers do. You’ll use scanning tools, penetration testing techniques and security audits to keep systems locked down. If you enjoy digging deep into security flaws and improving defenses, this role is a great fit.

Do you qualify for a fully funded place?

You could train for free if you meet our eligibility criteria:

  • You live in the West Midlands
  • You’re aged 19 or over 
  • You earn below the gross annual wage cap of £34,194
  • You’re not currently undertaking any other government-funded training 
  • You’re not in the UK on a student, graduate, postgraduate or sponsorship visa, or as a dependent of someone who is

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Hear from the Netcom Training Alumni

"I really enjoyed my course, my tutor was very clear in the lessons and his pace when teaching was just right for me. I have learned things that interest me and feel a little more confident moving forward on my journey into cyber security "

E howe
05 March 2026

"The lessons were really helpful and engaging, I worked as part of a great group who persevered through from start to finish. Lots of engaging activities that got us thinking and improved on already existing skills and gave confidence for new ones like remembering what we learnt in previous lessons. This was all thanks to Shaun, a friendly, professional and extremely patient tutor who guided us through the workbooks and inspired us to elevate our understanding of Cyber Security; I regained an interest in the industry through this course and it has helped me to understand better, the type of role I wish to pursue and what I must do to reach my goals. Committing to a night school on top of working full time is far from easy and I questioned if I would see it through, given how much time I would have to sacrifice but I'm glad I completed it. Another achievement and qualification to go on the CV and hopefully a future involving IT security. "

Thomas Davies
05 March 2026

"My experience with NetCom was very good overall. I completed the Cyber Security Level 3 course, and the trainer, Shaun, was very nice, helpful, and excellent at explaining the material in a way that was easy to understand. The course material was very well made and clearly presented, which made it much easier to understand the topics covered throughout the course. The resources provided were also very good and helpful for learning and revising the content. They were easy to access and well organised, making it simple to find the information needed when studying or completing tasks. Netcom also does a great job supporting career progression."

Aafia Hussain
05 March 2026

"The style of teaching was Great, course work and materials were spot on and easy to access. Great Teacher/instructor."

papanaff
05 March 2026

"Learnt a lot from my cybersecurity course and enjoyed my time throughout. My tutor Shaun and my employability coaches were very helpful teaching me about cybersecurity and what to do next. "

Kamarl Grant
05 March 2026

"Had an excellent experience being taught by Shaun Bradley on the cybersecurity course. The classes were thorough and great, had a brilliant experience and would recommend this to anyone looking to get their foot in the door to learning some new technical skills."

Donovan Beckles-Hastie
05 March 2026

"shaun bradley was a great mentor enjoyed lessons and with the team."

shuborna
05 March 2026

"It went well for me as I learned a lot of things during the course. The modules are useful and really helpful. Special mention for Shaun as he was very professional and helped me whenever I needed him."

Justice
05 March 2026

"i enjoyed the cybersecurity course delivered by Netcom the tutor Antwan cant sing his praise high enough an awesome tutor with a passionate style of teaching makes it easy to engage helps you to feel comfortable and gently takes you out of your comfort zone. 10/10 "

L B
23 January 2026

"The course was informative and tutor Atwan Atkins made the experience fun. Feel more confident in cyber security now and looking forward to the next steps. If you want to learn something new or improve your skills, go to Netcom, you won't regret it."

William Brittain
23 January 2026

"The course was great and intuitive. The tutor was a great guy who offered as much support as possible. Loads of resources to help you out. I just wish the course was a bit longer and allowed for a bit more breathing room for submitting workbooks."

Eden Hobbs
23 January 2026

"Five stars for Netcom! The social media and web design course gave me the skills and confidence to launch my own business. Our tutor, Gary, was the best business mentor and teacher I could have asked for. Plus, the ongoing 1-2-1 support for CVs and job hunting shows they are truly invested in your future. Highly recommended for anyone looking to level up."

Petya Spencer
20 January 2026

"I joined the Web Design and Social Media Marketing training with little real hope, but that soon evaporated as Gary Murrain-Meade provided an inclusive training experience on how to prompt and drive AI accurately to create a business plan, website, and social posts within weeks. Gary was considerate of all our training needs and was by my side throughout the training/ up-skilling. Gary, thank you for giving me the confidence to pursue marketing within an AI environment. "

jeeten Taank
19 January 2026

"I have just completed social media marketing and web design course and what an experience. I can't believe how much I learnt in 6 weeks. I have never done an online course like this, where you have to be on a camera for so many ours, our trainer Gary was fantastic, the way he keeps the class dynamic and teaches from personal experience was exceptional. I highly recommend Netcom to anyone interested in any of the subjects they teach."

AC
17 January 2026

"Can’t believe this has ended. The become course with Gary has been exceptional, I’ve been inspired and have learned so much in these weeks. I will definitely recommend this course for anyone that wants to be self-employed. Worth every minute! "

Zoe Owusu
16 January 2026

"Course tutor 100/10 Netcom team 10/10 Course knowledge 10/10 I am grateful and happy I had the chance the do this course . Highly recommended. "

Abrar Mohammed
16 January 2026

"Taken the Social media and web design course and absolutely loved it. Our tutor Gary was an amazing teacher, calm with us and understanding of each others individuality towards learning. Had a blast, met some great people. Would do it all over again if i could. Recommend 100%"

David Bond
16 January 2026

"My head is still spinning from the amount of knowledge and practical skills I have gained over the past few weeks. Our tutor, Gary, was outstanding in the way he delivered highly detailed sessions while remaining energetic, engaging, and supportive throughout. I have gained a wealth of valuable information and also had the pleasure of connecting with a wonderful group of people. I am now excited to put these new skills into practice — watch this space!"

Lisa
16 January 2026

"Absolutely amazing training. Now that i have completed it, i cant believe what i have learned in such a short space of time. The education gained is better that i have experienced anywhere else. And now, i feel fully equipped and ready to start my own business in the AI web developer space. Thank you Netcom and a special thanks to our trainer Gary Murrain-Meade. Great teacher and his style was fantastic. Really kept the whole class engaged throughout the whole process. Many thanks "

Mr Haroon Qammar
16 January 2026

"I entered the program with a lower head and just wanted to get busy with something. Thanks to my instructor and the team, they helped my confidence, and I just received transferable skills I can always use in my projects. The classes are fun with a lot of banter. I can't believe I learnt a lot in 6 weeks."

Sulaimon Adams
16 January 2026

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