GPEN Practice Questions: Penetration Test Planning Domain

Published: September 12, 2025 | 20 min read

Test your GPEN knowledge with 10 practice questions from the Penetration Test Planning domain. Includes detailed explanations and answers.

GPEN Practice Questions

Master the Penetration Test Planning Domain

Test your knowledge in the Penetration Test Planning domain with these 10 practice questions. Each question is designed to help you prepare for the GPEN certification exam with detailed explanations to reinforce your learning.

Question 1

During the planning phase of a penetration test, which document should define the acceptable hours for testing activities?

A) Rules of Engagement (ROE)

B) Project Charter

C) Service Level Agreement (SLA)

D) Test Plan

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: The Rules of Engagement (ROE) document outlines the acceptable hours for testing to ensure alignment with client operations and minimize disruptions. The Project Charter and Test Plan do not typically specify testing hours, while the SLA focuses on service commitments, not testing schedules.

Question 2

When planning a penetration test, why is it important to consider legal constraints?

A) To ensure a comprehensive vulnerability assessment

B) To avoid unauthorized access and potential legal action

C) To enhance the effectiveness of social engineering tests

D) To reduce the cost of the engagement

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Considering legal constraints is crucial to avoid unauthorized access, which could lead to legal action against the tester or organization. Legal considerations do not directly affect the comprehensiveness of vulnerability assessments, social engineering effectiveness, or engagement costs.

Question 3

During the planning phase, which factor is crucial for prioritizing targets within the scope of a penetration test?

A) The client's industry sector

B) The client's budget

C) The criticality of assets

D) The tester's expertise

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The criticality of assets is crucial for prioritizing targets, as it helps identify which systems are most important to the client's operations and could cause the most harm if compromised. While the other factors may influence planning, they are not as directly relevant to target prioritization.

Question 4

When planning a penetration test, which document outlines the legal boundaries and scope of the engagement?

A) Project Management Plan

B) Rules of Engagement

C) Vulnerability Assessment Report

D) Security Policy

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The Rules of Engagement (ROE) document specifies the legal boundaries, scope, and limitations of a penetration test. It ensures that both the client and the tester are aligned on what is permissible during the engagement. The other options do not serve this purpose.

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of using the PTES framework in penetration testing?

A) To identify zero-day vulnerabilities

B) To provide a detailed checklist of exploits

C) To ensure a comprehensive testing process

D) To guarantee compliance with legal standards

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The PTES (Penetration Testing Execution Standard) framework provides a structured approach to ensure a comprehensive and consistent penetration testing process. It does not focus on specific exploits or legal compliance, but rather on the overall methodology and thoroughness of the test.

Question 6

When preparing a penetration test, what is the primary purpose of aligning with frameworks like PTES or OWASP?

A) To ensure legal compliance

B) To standardize testing procedures

C) To guarantee client satisfaction

D) To reduce testing costs

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Aligning with frameworks like PTES or OWASP helps standardize testing procedures, providing a structured approach to penetration testing. Legal compliance, client satisfaction, and cost reduction are important but not the primary purpose of these frameworks.

Question 7

Which framework is primarily used to ensure a structured approach in penetration testing engagements?

A) OWASP Top Ten

B) OSSTMM

C) ISO 27001

D) NIST SP 800-53

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The OSSTMM (Open Source Security Testing Methodology Manual) provides a structured methodology for conducting penetration tests. It ensures comprehensive and repeatable testing processes. OWASP Top Ten is focused on web application vulnerabilities, while ISO 27001 and NIST SP 800-53 are broader security standards.

Question 8

During the planning phase of a penetration test, which document is crucial for defining the boundaries and limitations of the test?

A) Scope of Work

B) Test Plan

C) Risk Assessment

D) Incident Response Plan

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: The Scope of Work (SOW) document outlines the boundaries and limitations, ensuring the test adheres to agreed-upon parameters. The Test Plan details the methodology, the Risk Assessment identifies potential risks, and the Incident Response Plan is for handling incidents.

Question 9

What is the primary purpose of defining the scope in a penetration test engagement?

A) To identify vulnerabilities in the network

B) To determine the testing budget

C) To establish clear boundaries and objectives

D) To select appropriate testing tools

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Defining the scope establishes clear boundaries and objectives for the penetration test, ensuring both the client and tester understand what assets are to be tested and the goals of the engagement. Identifying vulnerabilities, determining budgets, and tool selection are subsequent steps influenced by the scope.

Question 10

Which framework provides a comprehensive methodology for conducting penetration tests, including planning and scoping?

A) OWASP

B) PTES

C) NIST

D) ISO 27001

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES) provides a comprehensive methodology for penetration testing, including planning and scoping phases. OWASP focuses on web application security, NIST provides broader cybersecurity guidelines, and ISO 27001 is an information security management standard.

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About GPEN Certification

The GPEN certification validates your expertise in penetration test planning and other critical domains. Our comprehensive practice questions are carefully crafted to mirror the actual exam experience and help you identify knowledge gaps before test day.