CompTIA PenTest+ Practice Questions: Reporting and Communication Domain

Published: July 31, 2025 | 20 min read

Test your CompTIA PenTest+ knowledge with 10 practice questions from the Reporting and Communication domain. Includes detailed explanations and answers.

CompTIA PenTest+ Practice Questions

Master the Reporting and Communication Domain

Test your knowledge in the Reporting and Communication domain with these 10 practice questions. Each question is designed to help you prepare for the CompTIA PenTest+ certification exam with detailed explanations to reinforce your learning.

Question 1

Which of the following best describes a risk rating matrix in a penetration test report?

A) A tool to categorize vulnerabilities based on severity and likelihood

B) A list of all vulnerabilities discovered during the test

C) A detailed description of each vulnerability's technical details

D) A summary of the testing methodology used

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: A risk rating matrix is used to categorize vulnerabilities based on their severity and likelihood of exploitation. This helps prioritize remediation efforts. It is not simply a list of vulnerabilities, nor does it provide detailed technical descriptions or a summary of the methodology.

Question 2

When presenting a penetration test report to a technical audience, what is an effective strategy?

A) Focus solely on the business impact of findings

B) Include detailed technical analysis and evidence

C) Simplify all technical terms to layman’s language

D) Exclude any remediation recommendations

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: For a technical audience, including detailed technical analysis and evidence is effective, as they are likely to understand and appreciate the technical depth. While business impact is important, technical audiences also need the technical details. Simplifying all terms might not be necessary, and excluding remediation recommendations would be a significant oversight.

Question 3

Which of the following is the most effective way to communicate technical findings to a non-technical audience?

A) Use detailed technical jargon to ensure accuracy.

B) Focus on the business impact and use analogies.

C) Provide raw data and let the audience interpret it.

D) Use complex diagrams to illustrate the findings.

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The most effective way to communicate technical findings to a non-technical audience is to focus on the business impact and use analogies (Option B). This approach helps bridge the gap between technical details and business concerns, making the information more accessible. Using technical jargon (Option A) or raw data (Option C) can confuse the audience. Complex diagrams (Option D) may not be easily understood without proper context.

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of an executive summary in a penetration test report?

A) To provide a detailed technical analysis of vulnerabilities

B) To offer a high-level overview of findings for non-technical stakeholders

C) To include raw data and logs from the penetration test

D) To outline the step-by-step methodology used in the test

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The executive summary is designed to give non-technical stakeholders a high-level overview of the findings, including key vulnerabilities and their potential impact. This helps executives understand the risks without needing technical expertise. Option A is incorrect because detailed technical analysis is not the focus of the executive summary. Option C is incorrect as raw data and logs are typically included in appendices. Option D is incorrect because the methodology is usually detailed in a separate section of the report.

Question 5

Which of the following is a key consideration when communicating findings from a penetration test to technical staff?

A) Use technical jargon to ensure precision.

B) Focus only on high-level risks.

C) Provide detailed remediation steps for identified vulnerabilities.

D) Limit communication to a single briefing session.

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Providing detailed remediation steps (Option C) is crucial for technical staff to effectively address vulnerabilities. Using technical jargon (Option A) can lead to misunderstandings if not appropriately explained. Focusing only on high-level risks (Option B) might overlook important technical details. Limiting communication to a single session (Option D) can hinder ongoing dialogue and clarification.

Question 6

How should sensitive data discovered during a penetration test be handled in the report?

A) Include it in full to maintain report completeness

B) Summarize it and provide full details only in a secure appendix

C) Exclude it entirely to protect confidentiality

D) Anonymize it and include it in the main report

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Sensitive data should be summarized in the main report with full details provided in a secure appendix, ensuring confidentiality while maintaining report completeness. Option A is incorrect as including sensitive data in full can breach confidentiality. Option C is incorrect because excluding it entirely may reduce the report's usefulness. Option D is incorrect because anonymizing may not always be sufficient to protect sensitive information.

Question 7

When delivering a penetration test report, what is a key factor in ensuring that the client understands the implications of the findings?

A) Using complex technical language to convey seriousness.

B) Providing a presentation to discuss the report findings.

C) Sending the report without further explanation to maintain objectivity.

D) Including only the technical staff in the report discussion.

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Providing a presentation (Option B) allows the tester to explain the findings in detail, answer questions, and ensure the client understands the implications. Complex language (Option A) can confuse stakeholders. Sending the report without explanation (Option C) risks misinterpretation. Including only technical staff (Option D) ignores the input of non-technical stakeholders who may be involved in decision-making.

Question 8

In a penetration test report, what is the role of the 'Appendices' section?

A) To summarize the key findings and recommendations

B) To provide raw data and detailed logs for reference

C) To describe the testing methodology in detail

D) To outline the business impact of identified vulnerabilities

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The 'Appendices' section is used to provide raw data and detailed logs for reference, supporting the findings and analysis presented in the main body of the report. It does not summarize key findings, describe the methodology, or outline business impacts, which are covered in other sections of the report.

Question 9

A penetration tester needs to communicate findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. What is the best approach to ensure effective communication?

A) Use a single, detailed report for all stakeholders.

B) Create separate reports for technical and non-technical stakeholders.

C) Focus solely on technical details in the report.

D) Use visuals and summaries to enhance understanding for all stakeholders.

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: The correct answer is D. Using visuals and summaries helps enhance understanding for all stakeholders, bridging the gap between technical and non-technical audiences. Option A is incorrect because a single detailed report may not be suitable for all audiences. Option B is incorrect because separate reports can lead to inconsistencies and increased workload. Option C is incorrect because focusing solely on technical details can alienate non-technical stakeholders.

Question 10

Which section of a penetration test report is most likely to include a risk matrix?

A) Executive Summary

B) Methodology

C) Findings and Recommendations

D) Appendix

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: A risk matrix is typically included in the Findings and Recommendations section to visually represent the severity and likelihood of identified vulnerabilities, aiding in prioritization. Option A is incorrect because the executive summary is more high-level and does not usually include detailed matrices. Option B is incorrect as the methodology section focuses on the approaches and tools used. Option D is incorrect as the appendix usually contains supporting material, not core report content.

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About CompTIA PenTest+ Certification

The CompTIA PenTest+ certification validates your expertise in reporting and communication 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.