- A
External black-box test.
Black-box testing means the tester has no inside knowledge; external means testing from outside the network perimeter. This matches the scenario of simulating an external threat actor.
- B
Internal white-box test.
Why wrong: White-box tests assume full knowledge of the environment, and internal tests are performed from within the network. This does not simulate an external attacker.
- C
Gray-box test.
Why wrong: Gray-box testing provides partial knowledge (e.g., credentials or architecture). The scenario states 'no prior access', which is black-box, not gray.
- D
Red team exercise.
Why wrong: A red team exercise is a goal-oriented, adversarial simulation that may combine multiple techniques, but it often includes elements of stealth and evasion. The scenario is a straightforward penetration test with clear scope, not a full red team engagement.
Quick Answer
The answer is an external black-box test. This is correct because the client provides only public IP ranges and domain names, simulating an external threat actor with no prior access, meaning the tester has zero internal knowledge or credentials—the defining characteristic of a black-box approach—and the scope is limited solely to external-facing assets. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish test types based on the information given and the attacker’s starting position; a common trap is confusing this with a gray-box test, where some internal credentials or network diagrams are shared. Remember the key: if the tester starts with nothing but public information, it is an external black-box test. A useful memory tip is “no keys, no inside—black-box outside.”
PT0-002 Planning and Scoping Practice Question
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of planning and scoping. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 wants a penetration test that simulates an external threat actor with no prior access. The client provides a list of public IP ranges and domain names. Which type of 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
External black-box test.
This is an external black-box test because the client provides only public IP ranges and domain names, simulating an external threat actor with no prior access. The tester has no internal knowledge or credentials, which defines a black-box approach, and the scope is limited to external-facing assets, making it external.
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.
- ✓
External black-box test.
Why this is correct
Black-box testing means the tester has no inside knowledge; external means testing from outside the network perimeter. This matches the scenario of simulating an external threat actor.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Internal white-box test.
Why it's wrong here
White-box tests assume full knowledge of the environment, and internal tests are performed from within the network. This does not simulate an external attacker.
- ✗
Gray-box test.
Why it's wrong here
Gray-box testing provides partial knowledge (e.g., credentials or architecture). The scenario states 'no prior access', which is black-box, not gray.
- ✗
Red team exercise.
Why it's wrong here
A red team exercise is a goal-oriented, adversarial simulation that may combine multiple techniques, but it often includes elements of stealth and evasion. The scenario is a straightforward penetration test with clear scope, not a full red team engagement.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is confusing 'external' with 'black-box'—candidates may think a gray-box test is appropriate because the client provides some information, but the key is that no internal access or credentials are given, which strictly defines a black-box test.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
Gray-box testing provides partial knowledge (e.g., credentials or architecture). The scenario states 'no prior access', which is black-box, not gray.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In a black-box external test, the tester starts with only publicly available information (e.g., DNS records, WHOIS data) and uses techniques like port scanning (nmap), service enumeration, and vulnerability scanning against the provided IP ranges. This simulates a real-world attacker who has no internal foothold, relying on external reconnaissance to identify entry points such as exposed web services or misconfigured firewalls.
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
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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: External black-box test. — This is an external black-box test because the client provides only public IP ranges and domain names, simulating an external threat actor with no prior access. The tester has no internal knowledge or credentials, which defines a black-box approach, and the scope is limited to external-facing assets, making it external.
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.
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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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