- A
Ask the client to obtain a written authorization from the third-party vendor before testing the API.
This is the proper ethical and legal step to ensure the tester has permission to test the vendor's system.
- B
Proceed with testing the API using anonymous techniques to avoid detection.
Why wrong: Testing without permission is unethical and may be illegal; anonymity does not justify lack of authorization.
- C
Test only the client's application logic but not the actual API endpoint.
Why wrong: This does not meet the client's scope request and may miss vulnerabilities in the integration.
- D
Include the API in the test because the client owns the integration.
Why wrong: Ownership of the integration does not grant permission to test a third-party's infrastructure without their consent.
PT0-002 Planning and Scoping Practice Question
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of planning and scoping. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 penetration tester is hired to assess a web application that integrates with a third-party payment API. The client wants the API included in the test but does not have a signed agreement with the vendor. 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
Ask the client to obtain a written authorization from the third-party vendor before testing the API.
Option A is correct because testing a third-party API without explicit written authorization from the vendor violates legal and contractual boundaries, potentially constituting unauthorized access under laws like the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA). The penetration tester must obtain signed authorization to ensure the test is legally defensible and within scope, as the client cannot grant permission for assets they do not own.
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.
- ✓
Ask the client to obtain a written authorization from the third-party vendor before testing the API.
Why this is correct
This is the proper ethical and legal step to ensure the tester has permission to test the vendor's system.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Proceed with testing the API using anonymous techniques to avoid detection.
Why it's wrong here
Testing without permission is unethical and may be illegal; anonymity does not justify lack of authorization.
- ✗
Test only the client's application logic but not the actual API endpoint.
Why it's wrong here
This does not meet the client's scope request and may miss vulnerabilities in the integration.
- ✗
Include the API in the test because the client owns the integration.
Why it's wrong here
Ownership of the integration does not grant permission to test a third-party's infrastructure without their consent.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may assume 'anonymous techniques' or 'testing only the application logic' are safe workarounds, failing to recognize that legal authorization is a non-negotiable prerequisite for any testing activity, regardless of technique or scope limitation.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, third-party APIs are governed by service-level agreements (SLAs) and terms of service that explicitly prohibit unauthorized testing; even passive reconnaissance like DNS enumeration or banner grabbing could violate these terms. In a real-world scenario, a tester who proceeds without authorization might trigger the vendor's intrusion detection systems (IDS), leading to IP blacklisting, legal action, or breach of contract between the client and vendor. The proper process involves the client requesting a penetration testing addendum or mutual NDA with the vendor, often requiring coordination of test windows and API keys.
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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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: Ask the client to obtain a written authorization from the third-party vendor before testing the API. — Option A is correct because testing a third-party API without explicit written authorization from the vendor violates legal and contractual boundaries, potentially constituting unauthorized access under laws like the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA). The penetration tester must obtain signed authorization to ensure the test is legally defensible and within scope, as the client cannot grant permission for assets they do not own.
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
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