PT0-002 Engagement Management Practice Question
A client requests a penetration test that includes testing of both internal network devices and a public-facing web application. The tester is provided with a VPN account for internal access but no credentials for the web application. Which type of penetration test is this?
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
✓
Grey box
Grey box testing involves partial knowledge; the tester has internal network access but not web app credentials.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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White box
Why it's wrong here
White box testing provides the tester with full knowledge of the target environment, including network diagrams, source code, and administrative credentials for all systems. In this scenario, only VPN access is provided, which is far less than complete internal documentation or privileged access, so white box does not match the engagement parameters.
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Red team
Why it's wrong here
Red team is not a knowledge level but a full-scope engagement methodology that simulates real-world adversaries, often using stealth, evasion, and multiple attack vectors. While a red team engagement might incorporate grey box aspects, the question specifically asks about the classification of knowledge provided, not the type of engagement, making red team an incorrect choice.
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Grey box
Why this is correct
Grey box testing grants the tester partial knowledge of the target, such as standard user credentials, VPN access, or basic network visibility, without exposing full architecture or privileged credentials. This directly matches the client's request, where VPN access gives a realistic internal foothold while still requiring the tester to discover vulnerabilities, escalate privileges, and move laterally, making grey box the correct answer.
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Black box
Why it's wrong here
Black box testing provides the tester with no prior knowledge, credentials, or insider information, fully simulating an external attacker with no advantage. Because the client explicitly provides VPN access, this engagement does not fit the black box classification, as testers already have some level of authenticated access to the internal network.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This PT0-003 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 PT0-003 exam.