- A
Proceed with testing the API endpoint as requested by the client
Why wrong: Without vendor authorization, testing could constitute unauthorized access, violating computer fraud laws and the tester's ethics.
- B
Exclude the API endpoint from scope until the client obtains written permission from the vendor
This is the only safe path. Once the vendor provides written consent, the endpoint can be added to the scope legally.
- C
Test the API endpoint using only non-intrusive methods
Why wrong: Even non-intrusive testing (e.g., passive analysis) may be considered unauthorized access and could violate terms of service or laws.
- D
Include a disclaimer in the report that the tester is not liable for any damages
Why wrong: A disclaimer does not provide legal protection against unauthorized access. Permission is required regardless of disclaimers.
PT0-002 Planning and Scoping Practice Question
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of planning and scoping. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A client requests a penetration test that includes an API endpoint hosted by a third-party vendor. The client does not have a signed agreement with the vendor for testing. What is the most appropriate action for the tester?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Exclude the API endpoint from scope until the client obtains written permission from the vendor
The tester must exclude the API endpoint from scope until the client obtains written permission from the vendor because testing a third-party API without explicit authorization violates legal boundaries and could constitute unauthorized access under laws like the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA). Even though the client requests the test, the tester has no contractual or legal relationship with the vendor, making any testing activity potentially illegal. This aligns with the PT0-002 objective of ensuring proper scoping and authorization before any testing begins.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Proceed with testing the API endpoint as requested by the client
Why it's wrong here
Without vendor authorization, testing could constitute unauthorized access, violating computer fraud laws and the tester's ethics.
- ✓
Exclude the API endpoint from scope until the client obtains written permission from the vendor
Why this is correct
This is the only safe path. Once the vendor provides written consent, the endpoint can be added to the scope legally.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Test the API endpoint using only non-intrusive methods
Why it's wrong here
Even non-intrusive testing (e.g., passive analysis) may be considered unauthorized access and could violate terms of service or laws.
- ✗
Include a disclaimer in the report that the tester is not liable for any damages
Why it's wrong here
A disclaimer does not provide legal protection against unauthorized access. Permission is required regardless of disclaimers.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume the client's request overrides legal boundaries, or that non-intrusive testing is a safe middle ground, when in fact any unauthorized interaction with a third-party system is prohibited without explicit written permission.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Third-party API endpoints are typically protected by rate limiting, authentication tokens, and WAF rules that log all incoming requests. Even a simple GET request to an undocumented endpoint can trigger vendor alerts and result in IP blacklisting or legal action. In real-world engagements, testers must obtain a separate authorization letter or include the vendor in the scope agreement, often via a third-party testing addendum, to avoid violating the vendor's terms of service.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Planning and Scoping — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Planning and Scoping practice questions
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PT0-002 practice test guide
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PT0-002 question test?
Planning and Scoping — This question tests Planning and Scoping — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Exclude the API endpoint from scope until the client obtains written permission from the vendor — The tester must exclude the API endpoint from scope until the client obtains written permission from the vendor because testing a third-party API without explicit authorization violates legal boundaries and could constitute unauthorized access under laws like the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA). Even though the client requests the test, the tester has no contractual or legal relationship with the vendor, making any testing activity potentially illegal. This aligns with the PT0-002 objective of ensuring proper scoping and authorization before any testing begins.
What should I do if I get this PT0-002 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This PT0-002 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PT0-002 exam.
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