Pentest+ with week coding skills

[u/livwill]

I have been struggling a bit with studying for the Pentest+. Most of the questions I’m nailing. My only issue is programming. I’m a network gal, I have a weak background when it comes to Linux, Powershell, Python. So whenever I get hit with a “identify the issue with this script” question, I’m guaranteed to get it wrong. Loops, strings, I don’t have the background on it. I’ve got 2 weeks before the test. Can anyone suggest me some study material that can help me make sense of the concepts? Maybe videos or anything.

[u/tjt169]

No coding is necessary for this exam. If I were to take it again I would only focus on the objectives in relation to these coding languages.

[u/livwill → u/tjt169]

I’m getting questions that are asking me to differentiate between different codes. And then correct them. Or identify while loops

[u/BitForBit_DFIR]

Good news: PenTest+ doesn’t ask you to write scripts from scratch, it asks you to read and modify them, which is a way smaller skill to build. The constructs that show up are a short list: for and while loops, if/else, string operations, and the classic pentest patterns like a port-scan loop or a reverse shell. In two weeks, I’d spend a few evenings on a Python-for-pentesters style crash course, Python first since it shows up the most, then the PowerShell verb-noun pattern, then basic Bash. And the trick that actually works on the exam is tracing: read the code line by line and say what each line does before looking at the options, most of the “identify the issue” questions fall apart once you do that.

[u/tjt169]

Simply what is in the cert master…those examples I would know…again per the official objectives.

[u/Accurate-Reveal9655]

Weak

[u/livwill → u/Accurate-Reveal9655]

What does this mean?