I’m looking to get an additional information about this program.
Originally, I was advised that it has all PAs, but today I was informed that you have to take the two certifications that comes with the program at a testing center.
So please advise those to have done this program. How was it? Do you have to go to the testing center for the OAs?
Final question does anything from the undergrad of BSITM program transferred over?
Thank you.

Looking at options to get my bachelors in business checked off the list and possibly open the door for an MBA.

I'm 38 with only a high school diploma (no college whatsoever)

I have about 16 years of management experience. 11 in healthcare ops the rest in consulting, project management, and construction.

I'm looking for a low cost option that enables me to still work full time, raise kids etc but opens the door for better job opportunities.

I'd love to hear from anyone else in a similar situation and from any grads that have seen their job prospects improve.

I have over 10 years of work experience as a technical writer and marketing copywriter.

Partially completed Associates degree in communications (more than 15 years ago) and have a Certificate in Technical Writing.

Should I choose the UMPI BBA with a concentration in Marketing

or

WGU Bachelors in Communications

I also hope to do a Masters in Organizational Leadership or maybe an MBA?

I would like to get better positions as a marketing/copywriting/content strategist/digital content specialist or internal communications.

I would also like to expand my career to go into management preferably, like Marketing Communications Manager or Lead Content writer or similar positions.

Thank you!

I understand some others have good experiences;however, I cannot say the same. But perhaps after telling you my story and why my program mentor and his senior manager told me they are having retention and student attendance issues will help guide you to understand that other colleges would be better for accounting.

Stay Away From WGU: Proctor Approval Did Not Protect Me From Expulsion

I enrolled at Western Governors University because it advertised flexibility, affordability, competency-based education, and support for working adults. After my experience with WGU’s proctoring and Student Conduct processes, I cannot recommend this school.

If your program requires proctored objective assessments, understand the risk: a proctor can approve your desk, camera, room, computer, and applications, but Student Conduct can later disregard that approval, create its own narrative from details in a recording, accuse you of cheating, reverse passed courses, keep your tuition, mark your academic record, expel you, and permanently bar you from returning.

That is what happened to me.

WGU’s Proctoring Process Was Constantly Inconsistent

I experienced inconsistent and unprofessional proctoring from my first objective assessment.

Proctors left their audio on during exams. They had repeated audio and video problems. I had to restart the readiness process multiple times because of technical difficulties on their end. Some proctors checked my identification, while others did not. One proctor raised their voice at me and accused me of looking away from my laptop even though I was looking at the screen.

I reported these problems to my Program Mentor, Frank D’Angelo, and WGU technical support multiple times before any misconduct allegation was made against me. These issues were documented concerns, not excuses I created after Student Conduct contacted me.

I followed every instruction I received. When proctors told me to move my camera, change its height, adjust its angle, or show my surroundings, I did exactly what they asked. I displayed my desk and testing area. When I re-entered the proctoring environment, I offered to show my entire surrounding area again, and some proctors told me it was unnecessary.

On later assessment attempts, I opened Task Manager and offered to review my active applications with the proctor because I wanted to prevent another problem. The proctors told me my computer and testing environment were acceptable and allowed me to proceed.

That approval meant absolutely nothing once Student Conduct became involved.

Student Conduct later reviewed those approved testing environments, disregarded the proctors’ approval, and used details from the recordings against me. If WGU does not consider its own proctors’ approvals reliable, it should stop pretending the pre-exam inspection protects students.

WGU Used Software on My Work Laptop Against Me

I completed assessments on employer-issued, company-managed laptops. These devices contained standard workplace applications installed, configured, or maintained by my employer’s IT administrators and outside technology providers.

The applications included Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Microsoft Copilot, Greenshot, endpoint-management components, security software, video-conferencing tools, and remote-support applications. I work as an in IT. Applications involving collaboration, screenshots, meetings, technical support, endpoint management,l are normal on a corporate computer.

I never denied that these applications were installed. I denied using them during my exams.

Those are not the same thing:

• An application being installed does not prove it was open.
• An application being open does not prove it was connected to anyone.
• Screen-sharing capability does not prove screen sharing occurred.
• Remote-support capability does not prove someone remotely accessed an exam.
• A software listing does not prove a student received assistance.

I submitted my employer’s written technology policies and supporting documentation concerning the company-managed laptops. I also provided information from my company’s IT Network Administrator explaining that the applications were installed and managed for legitimate business purposes and were not fully under my control.

My IT Network Administrator directly challenged the assumptions WGU made about the software. I did not install these applications for an exam. I did not choose which applications my employer placed on its devices. I did not use them to share assessment content, obtain answers, communicate with another person, or allow someone else to take an exam for me.

My written submission addressed the employer-managed software, the responsibilities of my company’s technology providers, the difference between installed and actively used applications, and my request for evidence of an active outside connection.

WGU expelled me anyway.

Stacey Russell Gave Me False Information About Computer Scanning

Student Conduct Officer Stacey Russell told me that proctors do not scan students’ computers.

Based on what repeatedly happened during my assessments, that statement was false.

Before I could enter exams, proctors reviewed my computer environment, examined Task Manager, identified applications, directed me to close or remove programs, and controlled parts of my computer during the setup process. During one session, a proctor specifically instructed me to remove Greenshot before I could proceed. My submitted documentation described that incident.

If proctors do not inspect students’ computers, how did they identify Greenshot which is an application that is used for my work as an IT Business Analyst? How did they identify other applications? Why was I instructed to close or remove programs that are not screen sharing or screenshot software before being allowed to begin?

WGU cannot have it both ways.

WGU cannot tell me that proctors do not examine students’ computers while simultaneously relying on applications identified through the proctoring process as evidence against me.

Whether Stacey Russell knowingly lied or gave me incorrect information, what she told me was false based on my direct experience. The result was that I received an inaccurate description of a process that became central to my expulsion.

That is unacceptable in a disciplinary case carrying permanent academic consequences.

Even Proctor Approval of Your Desk and Camera Means Nothing

Every current or prospective WGU student needs to understand this:

Proctor approval does not protect you at all.

The proctor can inspect your desk.

The proctor can approve your surroundings.

The proctor can approve the camera angle.

The proctor can tell you that another room scan is unnecessary.

The proctor can review Task Manager.

The proctor can inspect your computer.

The proctor can give you the green light to begin.

Student Conduct will disregard all of it.

If Student Conduct does not like something in the recording, it can isolate a detail, interpret it according to its own narrative, and use it to accuse you of cheating. You can follow every instruction and still be told afterward that your approved setup was supposedly evidence of misconduct.

My written submission explained that proctors verbally approved my camera placement and testing environment before allowing me to begin. I asked WGU to review the complete recordings, including the proctors’ instructions, inspections, and authorization to proceed.

It did not matter.

WGU Expelled Me and Permanently Barred Me From Returning

On September 1, 2026, WGU found me responsible for alleged screen sharing, unauthorized assistance involving seven proctored exams, and exposing proprietary assessment content to outside parties.

The punishment included:

• Expulsion from WGU
• A permanent bar from readmission
• A notation on my academic record
• Two course results changed to “not passed”

I categorically deny receiving outside assistance, sharing proprietary assessment content, or having another person take my exams.

I provided a detailed written response. I submitted employer technology policies. I provided information from my company’s IT Network Administrator. I explained the company-managed applications, camera placement, prior technical complaints, and my repeated compliance with proctor instructions.

I requested actual technical evidence showing that remote-control software was actively running, that another user was connected, that a screen-sharing session was active, or that I communicated with another person.

My written submission stated that I had not been provided with remote-session records, connection logs, communications, or other direct technical evidence showing outside assistance.

WGU imposed the harshest punishment anyway.

WGU Ignored Evidence That Did Not Fit Its Narrative

This is the part that pisses me off the most.

I did not submit a vague denial. I provided WGU with detailed explanations and supporting evidence.

I submitted:

• My employer’s written technology policies
• Information about applications installed by my employer
• An explanation from my company’s IT Network Administrator
• Evidence that outside technology providers managed company software
• Prior reports of proctoring and technical problems
• Details about the proctors’ camera and environment approvals
• Evidence that I invited proctors to review Task Manager
• Responses addressing the individual recordings
• A direct denial that I received assistance or shared exam content

Instead of fairly weighing the evidence that contradicted its theory, WGU accepted the interpretation that supported expulsion.

Student Conduct selected the details it could use against me and treated them as part of a cheating narrative. Meanwhile, the proctors’ approvals, employer documentation, IT explanation, and lack of an identified outside person did not receive the weight they deserved.

I did everything WGU asked, and WGU still screwed me.

Financial, Retention, and Refund Concerns

My Program Mentor and a senior manager in program mentoring told me that WGU was dealing with problems involving student attendance or continued enrollment. That is what WGU employees personally told me.

I do not have access to WGU’s internal financial statements or verified institution-wide retention figures, so I am not claiming specific numbers. However, those conversations raised serious concerns for me about WGU’s ability to retain and support students.

What I can state about my own case is that WGU expelled me, damaged my academic progress, changed passed course results, and did not provide me with a refund in connection with the outcome.

Students should not assume WGU will return their tuition if the conduct process removes them from the university. Read every tuition, withdrawal, conduct, appeal, and refund policy before enrolling. Do not rely on WGU’s marketing claims about support.

When my situation became serious, I did not receive the support WGU advertises.

Stay away from WGU.

Final Verdict

WGU sells flexibility and support to working adults. My experience showed me what happens when the institution decides its security narrative matters more than a student’s evidence.

I followed proctor instructions.

I showed my desk and surroundings.

I adjusted my camera.

I opened Task Manager.

I allowed proctors to inspect my computer.

I reported technical problems before the allegation.

I submitted company policies.

I provided an explanation from my IT Network Administrator.

I explained the applications on the work laptop.

I denied receiving outside assistance.

I requested proof of an active outside connection.

WGU expelled me anyway.

Stacey Russell told me proctors do not scan students’ computers, even though my direct experience showed that proctors inspected my computer, identified applications, told me to remove programs, and would not allow the assessment to proceed until setup requirements were satisfied. What she told me was false.

My experience is that WGU can approve your testing environment in real time, then later disregard that approval and use its own interpretation of minor details to destroy your academic standing.

The flexibility is not worth that risk.

The tuition is not worth that risk.

The promises of support are not worth that risk.

WGU took my cooperation, evidence, academic progress, and explanations and treated them like they meant nothing.

If anyone who reads this would like to review what I sent as evidence please DM me.

Stay away from WGU.i

I’m not one of those weird scammers pretending to be a legitimate company. I’m genuinely sharing what you can do to optimize your earnings with your degree. This is for people who are desperate and can’t find a job willing to teach! For a better-paying job, there are programs in many states where you can have a bachelor’s degree in yes Any field and still have a pathway into teaching. Some of the roles I came across were offering around $70K, and some were even around $85K. Charter schools especially tend to offer positions like this.
If you have a bachelor’s degree, a clean record, and you don’t mind working in the school system, I would honestly recommend reaching out directly. Find the email for someone at the school and let them know you have a bachelor’s degree and you’re interested in teaching and ask what pathway they have available for you.
There’s a teacher shortage, but there’s also a money shortage 😭 so schools are looking for people. Teaching definitely isn’t for everybody, but some of you might actually enjoy it, and it could be a way to use the degree you already have to get into a better-paying position.

For other people that may have other resources please share for others who may have issues finding a job as well.

I don’t start until 10/1 but have everything complete and even financial aid settled. It is not letting me access my @wgu.edu email even after resetting the password a few times. Do I not have access to it until I start?

Performance Assessments, anytime I have submitted a paper it has never came back with a score for AI Content. Is this normal? I don’t use Grammarly on a normal basis to go over my papers. However, anytime I have it shows a high AI score, I tend to ignore it since it’s my work and haven’t had an issue with any of my task.

Does anyone have any pointers on studying the theories of learning I fell short on that part of my exam. Also did anyone else go through hell just to log on and take the exam?

Kinda frustrated. I spoke with my mentor about changing degrees back in April, they said they would take care of it and was told everything would be changed on the start of the new term, well today is September 1, new term has started and my stuff is still on my old degree with the classes related to that. I already paid my tuition and finished and passed all my classes for the last term. I don't want to accept my new classes cus they are not related to what I want to do now. I emailed the mentor, haven't heard back and just feeling upset about all of this now. Is changing degrees really this hard at WGU?

My fellow HIM degree peers/classmates. This is my first year pursuing this degree. I was wondering, what entry positions or internships should I be looking into before I finish my degree that would help me get a job after graduation?

Hello all,

I am a transfer student from a different university and luckily I do not have to take D420 or D421 (cybersecurity degree), but just started my second term and am going to start on D422. I have seen a few posts mentioning the class, but was wondering if I am going to have a harder time because I did not have to take the other two classes?

Any advice on how to pass the class quickly is greatly appreciated!

Starting oct 1 with my MBA HA program
Single mom of 3 looking for any advice on getting as many scholarships as possible

My mentor said i have to finish the pentest+ first !
Can i finish the capstone first then ask for a term extension for the Pentest+ ?

Hello, I am looking to attend WGU for BS in Cybersecurity soon but wanted to take some Sophia classes to get ahead. I looked at their transfer pathways and saw that for Composition: Successful Self-Expression has 4 classes listed. Do I need to take all 4 classes at Sophia to earn the 3 credits for WGU? Or do I only need to take one like ENG1001 (SOPH-0015) to earn the credit?

There are a few other courses that have multiple classes listed like Applied Algebra and Natural Science Lab.

Title. How fast can you get your associate’s degree? 3-6 months through WGU?

I work full time and have 3 years of experience in my field. I am connected to all my managers and have connections.

All I need is a degree so I can apply internally and double my current pay.

Hi everyone, I’m hoping someone here has been in a similar situation and can offer some advice.

D435 – HR Technology and People Analyticsis my final course, and today (August 31) is the end of my term. Unfortunately, I didn’t pass the Objective Assessment on my latest attempt. Since this is my final course, WGU has given me an extension, but I’m running out of options and getting pretty frustrated.

Has anyone been in this same situation and been able to get approval to have the Objective Assessment changed to a Paper Assessment (or another alternative) so they could finish their final course?

I’ve been studying incredibly hard and have genuinely done everything I can. I’m really worried that I won’t be able to finish in time. The thought of having to pay for another full term when I only have this one final course left is honestly overwhelming, and I don’t think I can afford another term at full price.

If anyone has gone through something similar with D435—or knows whether an exception, alternative assessment, or special approval is possible—I would really appreciate hearing how you handled it and who you contacted.

Thank you in advance. I’m really hoping there’s still an option I haven’t considered. 🙏

So many things went wrong. My internet went down, had to restart my computer 3 times, couldn’t find my ID then i couldn’t find my web cam. But I passed. I never actually saw my proctor so maybe they thought it was too. But cheers to the end of the term

Been waiting on this one. Going from BSSWE to BSCNE My last mentor helped me start thinking more about the options i had and the future i wanted with going through school again. Im 28 so ill admit ive had to train myself out of thinking its over for me and its no point in trying to go back to school but im glad ive reached this point. So we lit 🔥

It may have taken 3 attempts but I fucking did it. Keep going. You got this.

Now to the capstone ❤️

To anybody out there who may need it, I started back in May, I failed my 1st OA, felt completely discouraged with all that you have to do just to try again, and basically dropped out, Today I got an email regarding my status seen I was able to continue classes, I will finish what I started and I hope that if you thinking about quitting PLEASE DON’T, take a couple days recoup and get back focused, EVERYTHING will work out in the end!!!! See you at the finish line 🫶🫶🫶

I recently took the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-003 exam, and geez... that really was a difficult test to pass. I actually had to take it twice, and on my second attempt, I barely passed.

This is the first Reddit post I've ever written, but I felt like I needed to make it because I was extremely grateful for all the Reddit posts that helped me while I was studying.

Whenever I'm preparing for a certification, I search Reddit and other sites for people who have taken the exam recently. I want to know what they studied, what resources they used, what they wish they had studied more, and generally what their experience was like.

So, I figured I'd return the favor.

First: This Exam Is VERY Hands-On

If there's one thing I would tell someone preparing for PT0-003, it's this:

Get comfortable looking at scripts and commands.

Don't just memorize definitions.

You should be able to look at a script or command and at least understand what it's trying to accomplish. You should also be able to look at a scenario and determine what type of tool, attack, command, or technique would make sense.

Python and Bash are especially important. I would also be comfortable with PowerShell and the general structure of automation scripts.

You don't necessarily need to become a professional programmer, but you shouldn't panic when the exam puts a block of code in front of you.

Scripts & Programming

Python was something I spent a lot of time trying to understand.

Know the basic structure of a Python script and things like arguments, variables, loops, conditions, functions, and modules. Understand what things such as sys.argv and argparse are doing.

The important thing for me wasn't memorizing every possible piece of syntax. It was getting to the point where I could read a script and say:

"Okay, I may not know every line here, but I understand what this script is trying to accomplish."

I'd approach Bash and PowerShell the same way.

If you're using the CompTIA CertMaster labs, pay attention to the scripts they give you. Don't just copy/paste the commands to finish the lab. Look at the structure and try to understand WHY the commands work.

Know Your Tools

There are a ridiculous number of tools associated with PenTest+, and trying to memorize every command for every tool will probably drive you insane.

Instead, I would focus on understanding what each major tool is for and recognizing common syntax.

Some of the tools I spent time studying included:

• Nmap — scanning, service/version detection, ports, scripts, and recognizing common flags
• Netcat — connections, listeners, shells, and basic network interaction
• Burp Suite — intercepting and modifying web requests and understanding how a proxy fits into web application testing
• Gobuster / DirBuster — directory and content discovery
• Impacket — understand that it's a collection of Python tools/scripts used for interacting with Windows/network protocols and common penetration-testing activities
• Evil-WinRM — interacting with Windows systems through WinRM
• BloodHound — Active Directory relationships and attack paths
• Seatbelt — Windows host enumeration
• Aircrack-ng — wireless assessment
• Wireshark / Snort — traffic analysis and recognizing what network activity is telling you

Again, I wouldn't try to memorize the entire manual for every one of these. Know what problem the tool solves, when you would use it, and what its commands generally look like.

Nmap — Spend Some Time Here

I would absolutely make sure you're comfortable with Nmap.

You should understand the difference between discovering hosts, scanning ports, identifying services/versions, and using scripts.

Don't just memorize a bunch of flags independently. Try to understand what the completed command is asking Nmap to do.

That mindset helped me much more than trying to memorize a giant Nmap cheat sheet.

Active Directory / Windows

I would also spend some time understanding the Windows and Active Directory side of penetration testing.

Things like BloodHound, Seatbelt, Evil-WinRM, Kerberos, Windows services, permissions, and common Windows misconfigurations are worth understanding.

For example, know WHY a misconfigured Windows service could potentially be useful to an attacker rather than just memorizing the name of the vulnerability.

Same thing with Kerberos. You don't need to become an Active Directory wizard overnight, but understand the general concepts behind common Kerberos attacks and what tools such as Impacket are being used to accomplish.

Web Attacks

Definitely know your web vulnerabilities.

Understand concepts like:

• LFI vs. RFI
• SQL injection
• XSS
• Command injection
• Directory traversal
• File inclusion
• Authentication/session attacks
• Web proxies and request manipulation

Burp Suite is worth spending time with here.

Again, think in terms of scenarios. If you're given a vulnerable application and some information about what's happening, can you recognize the likely vulnerability and what you would use to investigate or exploit it?

Wireless Attacks

Don't neglect wireless.

Know the general concepts behind Wi-Fi attacks, Bluetooth attacks, rogue access points, evil twins, deauthentication, credential capture, and the wireless tools listed in the objectives.

WiFi-Pumpkin and Aircrack-ng were two tools I made sure I understood.

You should be able to recognize a wireless attack from a scenario and understand both what is happening and what could be done to mitigate it.

OSINT, DNS & Enumeration

This is another area where I think understanding the PURPOSE of a command is more valuable than blindly memorizing syntax.

Know the different ways information can be gathered before and during a penetration test.

Understand DNS enumeration, subdomains, public information gathering, directory enumeration, service enumeration, and the difference between passive and active reconnaissance.

Ask yourself:

"What information am I trying to obtain, and which tool or technique would give me that information?"

That question helped me organize a lot of the tools in my head.

My Favorite Resource — Hank Hackerson

I have to give a shout-out to Hank Hackerson's YouTube channel.

His PenTest+ material was extremely helpful.

For me, Module 6 was PARAMOUNT, and Module 7 was pretty great as well.

If you have time, I would go through all of his PenTest+ material. I didn't have enough time to watch everything, but after taking the actual exam, I can say that Modules 6 and 7 were definitely on the money in terms of the knowledge I needed.

Jason Dion's Udemy Practice Tests

I also had access to Jason Dion's six PenTest+ practice tests on Udemy, and I thought they were pretty great.

I didn't make it through all six because this was my second attempt and I had a deadline to meet. If I'd had more time, I absolutely would have completed all of them.

One thing I would recommend with ANY practice test:

Don't just memorize the correct answer.

If you get something wrong, figure out:

1. Why your answer was wrong.
2. Why the correct answer was right.
3. What the other answer choices actually mean.

That turns one missed question into four things you've learned.

CertMaster & Labs

The CertMaster material was decent, but personally, it wasn't my favorite resource.

The labs, however, were useful.

Actually typing commands and working through scenarios helped me much more than simply reading about them.

If you have access to the CompTIA labs, I would try to complete as many as possible. More importantly, pay attention to the baseline scripts and commands you're using.

Don't just:

Copy → Paste → Lab Complete → Next

Stop and ask yourself what the command actually did.

That tactile/hands-on learning made a difference for me.

How I Would Study If I Had to Do It Again

If I were starting over, I would probably structure my studying something like this:

1. Learn the concepts first.
Go through the course material and make sure you understand the major attacks, penetration-testing methodology, vulnerabilities, and terminology.

2. Learn what the major tools actually do.
Instead of immediately memorizing syntax, learn which problem each tool solves.

3. Get hands-on.
Do the labs. Type the commands yourself. Break things. Get commands wrong. Figure out why they didn't work.

4. Learn to read scripts.
Practice Python, Bash, and PowerShell enough that code doesn't look like hieroglyphics when it's put in front of you.

5. Practice recognizing commands.
Nmap, Netcat, Aircrack-ng, Impacket, and the other major tools should start looking familiar.

6. Take practice exams.
Then study EVERY answer you got wrong.

7. Go back to your weak areas.
Don't spend five hours reviewing something you already know because it feels good to get the questions right. Spend that time on the stuff you hate seeing on a practice test.

There Really Isn't a Shortcut

Usually, I'm the guy trying to figure out the fastest and most efficient way to get through something.

For PenTest+, I really don't think there's a way around putting in the work.

Study. Do the labs. Take a practice test. Fail. Figure out why. Study again. Take another one. Repeat.

It can be a headache.

This was easily the hardest certification exam I've taken so far.

For context, I have certifications including A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+, Project+, SSCP, Cloud+, and a few others, and I am a HORRIBLE test taker. I've barely passed more certification exams than I'd like to admit 😂.

So take everything I'm saying with a grain of salt. I'm definitely not claiming to be some PenTest+ guru.

I'm just a guy who failed it, studied some more, went back, and managed to pass it.

Final Advice

If you're preparing for PT0-003, these would be my biggest takeaways:

Know your attacks.

Know your tools.

Get comfortable with Nmap.

Get comfortable reading scripts and commands.

Understand Python, Bash, and PowerShell at a basic level.

Understand what tools like Impacket, Burp Suite, BloodHound, Netcat, Aircrack-ng, etc. are actually used for.

Do hands-on labs.

Don't ignore wireless, Active Directory, web attacks, OSINT, or enumeration.

And most importantly, don't get discouraged if you fail.

I failed my first attempt. I barely passed my second.

A pass is a pass.

If you're a terrible test taker like me, don't let your practice scores or even a failed first attempt convince you that you can't do it. Figure out where you're weak, hammer those areas, and go back at it.

Hank Hackerson was legit. Jason Dion's practice tests were on point. The CertMaster labs were useful for getting hands-on experience.

And Reddit helped me tremendously, which is why I'm writing this ridiculously long first post in the first place.

Hopefully this helps at least one person preparing for PenTest+ PT0-003.

Good luck. You got this. 🤙