Back to Frameworks

PTES

Self-Assess
International (community standard)
vPenetration Testing Execution Standard v1.0 (pentest-standard.org, 2014); no version 2.0 published
5 domains
18 controls

The Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES) modelled for the organisation buying or auditing a penetration test: define and authorise the scope in writing, agree the goals and how risk will be scored, obtain permission to test and any third-party and legal consent, set the rules of engagement (including for disruptive testing and social engineering), keep clear lines of communication and incident handling, make sure intelligence gathering, threat modelling, vulnerability analysis and exploitation stay within what was authorised and are recorded, protect and then destroy the engagement data, document and reverse every change, and require reporting that ties findings to business risk with credentials and sensitive content protected.

Verified

PTES is a compliance framework from International (community standard) with 5 domains and 18 controls that map to 129 other frameworks. The largest domains are Conduct of the test: what the commissioning organisation must ensure is governed – PTES (5 controls), Pre-engagement: scope, authorisation and rules of engagement – PTES (4 controls), Communication and incident handling during the test – PTES (3 controls). Every control below carries what it requires and what an assessor expects to see.

Maintained by Gerard BlokdykVerified against the published standard Control text last updated Published standard

Get the official standard. This page is a source-grounded companion to the published text, not a replacement for it.

Visit pentest-standard.org

Framework summaries on this platform are interpretations grounded in the published source, for educational and compliance planning purposes. They do not reproduce or replace the official standards. Refer to the authoritative source for the definitive text. Framework names and trademarks belong to their respective organisations.

Framework Domains (5)

Communication and incident handling during the test – PTES

3 controls
Controls in the Communication and incident handling during the test – PTES domain of PTES: 3 controls
CodeTitle
ptes::PTES-2.1Establish lines of communication and an emergency contact list
ptes::PTES-2.2Agree incident handling and the interaction with the organisation's response team
ptes::PTES-2.3Encrypt sensitive communications and the final report in transit

Conduct of the test: what the commissioning organisation must ensure is governed – PTES

5 controls
Controls in the Conduct of the test: what the commissioning organisation must ensure is governed – PTES domain of PTES: 5 controls
CodeTitle
ptes::PTES-3.1Keep intelligence gathering within scope and the rules of engagement
ptes::PTES-3.2Require a consistent, repeatable threat model tied to the organisation's assets
ptes::PTES-3.3Scope vulnerability analysis to the agreed depth and breadth
ptes::PTES-3.4Ensure exploitation and confirmation stay authorised, planned and least-disruptive
ptes::PTES-3.5Benchmark detection and response only as agreed, and record what was detected

Evidence, data protection and post-test cleanup – PTES

3 controls
Controls in the Evidence, data protection and post-test cleanup – PTES domain of PTES: 3 controls
CodeTitle
ptes::PTES-4.1Protect and, where required, avoid holding the organisation's sensitive data
ptes::PTES-4.2Encrypt, control and destroy engagement data and evidence
ptes::PTES-4.3Document every change and require a controlled cleanup and restoration

Pre-engagement: scope, authorisation and rules of engagement – PTES

4 controls
Controls in the Pre-engagement: scope, authorisation and rules of engagement – PTES domain of PTES: 4 controls
CodeTitle
ptes::PTES-1.1Define and record the scope in writing before testing
ptes::PTES-1.2Record the goals and the metrics used to grade risk
ptes::PTES-1.3Obtain written permission to test and address legal and third-party consent
ptes::PTES-1.4Agree the rules of engagement: how, when and where testing occurs

Reporting – PTES

3 controls
Controls in the Reporting – PTES domain of PTES: 3 controls
CodeTitle
ptes::PTES-5.1Require an executive summary that ties findings to business risk
ptes::PTES-5.2Require a technical report with evidence, impact and remediation
ptes::PTES-5.3Protect credentials and sensitive content in the report

Your Compliance Coverage

If you comply with PTES, you already cover:

NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

30%

14 controls mapped

Compare →

ISO 27002:2022

26%

12 controls mapped

Compare →

NIST SP 800-115 (Technical Guide to Information Security Testing and Assessment)

23%

11 controls mapped

Compare →

+ 126 more: PCI DSS 4.0 (11%), NIST SP 800-124 Revision 2 - Guidelines for Managing the Security of Mobile Devices (9%)

See all 129 mapped frameworks ↓

Maps to 129 other frameworks

47 total controls
NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
14 source controls mapped|27 target controls covered
30%
ISO 27002:2022
12 source controls mapped|11 target controls covered
26%
NIST SP 800-115 (Technical Guide to Information Security Testing and Assessment)
11 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
23%
PCI DSS 4.0
5 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
11%
NIST SP 800-124 Revision 2 - Guidelines for Managing the Security of Mobile Devices
4 source controls mapped|10 target controls covered
9%
PSD2 SCA
4 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
9%
BSI IT-Grundschutz
4 source controls mapped|11 target controls covered
9%
AWWA Cybersecurity Guidance for the Water Sector (American Water Works Association)
4 source controls mapped|11 target controls covered
9%
NIST SP 800-190
4 source controls mapped|10 target controls covered
9%
South Korea ISMS-P
4 source controls mapped|9 target controls covered
9%
ISO/IEC 27043:2015
4 source controls mapped|18 target controls covered
9%
ISO/IEC 27019:2024
4 source controls mapped|9 target controls covered
9%
ISO/SAE 21434
4 source controls mapped|17 target controls covered
9%
NIST SP 1800-32
4 source controls mapped|9 target controls covered
9%
ISO/IEC 27010:2015
4 source controls mapped|7 target controls covered
9%
API 1164
4 source controls mapped|9 target controls covered
9%
CISA Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals (CPG) 2.0
4 source controls mapped|12 target controls covered
9%
Singapore Government Instruction Manual on ICT&SS Management (IM8)
4 source controls mapped|7 target controls covered
9%
IEC 62443
4 source controls mapped|9 target controls covered
9%
ISO/IEC 27011:2024
4 source controls mapped|10 target controls covered
9%
PCI SSF
4 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
9%
PCI P2PE
4 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
9%
PCI PIN Security
4 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
9%
FFIEC IT Examination Handbook
4 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
9%
OWASP SAMM
4 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
9%
FTC GLBA Safeguards Rule (16 CFR Part 314)
4 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
9%
ASD Strategies to Mitigate Cyber Security Incidents
3 source controls mapped|12 target controls covered
6%
FFIEC Cybersecurity Assessment Tool (CAT)
3 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
6%
NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0
3 source controls mapped|7 target controls covered
6%
ISO/IEC 29115:2013 - Entity Authentication Assurance Framework
3 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
6%
Annex 11 to EU GMP - Computerised Systems
3 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
6%
DAMA-DMBOK2 - Data Management Body of Knowledge (2nd Edition)
3 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
6%
IEC 62351 - Power Systems Communication Security
3 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
6%
ISO 28001:2007 Supply Chain Security Management
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
6%
ISO/IEC 27400:2022
3 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
6%
UK Open Banking Standard
3 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
6%
ISO/IEC 23837:2023
3 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
6%
Switzerland New Federal Act on Data Protection (nFADP/nDSG, 2023)
3 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
6%
FedRAMP Rev 5
3 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
6%
NATO STANAG 4774 (Confidentiality Metadata Labels) and STANAG 4778 (Metadata Binding)
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
6%
Vietnam PDPD
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
4%
USMCA Chapter 19 - Digital Trade (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement)
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
4%
US EPA Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) - Cybersecurity Requirements
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
4%
Turkey KVKK
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
4%
TEFCA - Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
4%
SWIFT CSCF
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
4%
Regulation on the European Health Data Space (EHDS)
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
4%
Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) Release 2026
2 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
4%
ISO 19650 - Organisation and Digitisation of Information about Buildings and Civil Engineering Works (BIM)
2 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
4%
ISO 15189:2022 - Medical Laboratories Requirements for Quality and Competence
2 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
4%
ISO 27799:2025
2 source controls mapped|7 target controls covered
4%
Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA)
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
4%
US Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) and USCG Cybersecurity Requirements
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
4%
Bahrain PDPL
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
4%
APPI
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
4%
US Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSC) Manufacturer and Importer Duties
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
4%
Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data (UAE PDPL)
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
4%
Florida Digital Bill of Rights (FDBR)
2 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
4%
FBI CJIS Security Policy
2 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
4%
Qatar DPL
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
4%
FIDO2 / WebAuthn
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
4%
SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology
2 source controls mapped|6 target controls covered
4%
ISO/IEC 27031:2011
2 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
4%
ASIS SPC.1-2009 - Organizational Resilience Standard
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
4%
ISO 22320:2018
2 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
4%
UK Defence Standard 05-138 - Cyber Security for Defence Suppliers
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
4%
ISO/IEC 25012:2008 - Data Quality Model
2 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
4%
Kuwait National Cybersecurity Framework
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
4%
ISO/IEC 29147:2018
2 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
4%
ISO/IEC 29134:2023
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
4%
AICPA Privacy Management Framework (PMF)
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
4%
ISO/IEC 30111:2019
2 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
4%
Vermont Data Privacy and Online Surveillance Act
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
Russia Federal Law on Personal Data (152-FZ)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
US Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) - CBP Trade Data Requirements
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programmes - Global Standards
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
ITIL 4
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
Canada ITSG-33 - IT Security Risk Management
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
Armenia Law on Protection of Personal Data (2015)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
AML/CTF Act 2006 (Australia)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
Bank Secrecy Act / Anti-Money Laundering (BSA/AML)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) Standards Manual
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
ICAO Annex 17 - Aviation Security (AVSEC)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
ITU-T X.805 - Security Architecture for End-to-End Communications
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
2%
ISO 22316
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
2%
ISO/TS 22317:2021
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
2%
NFPA 1600 - Standard on Continuity, Emergency, and Crisis Management
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
2%
ISO/TS 22318:2021
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
2%
W3C Verifiable Credentials (VC) Data Model 2.0
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
Vietnam Law on Cybersecurity (No. 116/2025/QH15)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
ISO 14064 - Greenhouse Gas Accounting and Verification (Parts 1-3)
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
2%
21 CFR Part 211 - Current Good Manufacturing Practice
1 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
2%
IEC 60601-1 - Medical Electrical Equipment Safety
1 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
2%
FDA Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
Azerbaijan Law on Personal Data (2010)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
ISO/IEC 27007:2020
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) - Net-Zero Standard
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
2%
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 - General Requirements for Testing and Calibration
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
2%
IEC 62304:2015 Medical Device Software Lifecycle Processes
1 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
2%
US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
Automotive SPICE (ASPICE) v4.1 - Process Assessment Model
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
2%
COBIT 2019
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
Connecticut Data Privacy Act (CTDPA)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
Austria Data Protection Act (Datenschutzgesetz, DSG, amended 2018)
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
2%
ISO/IEC 23894:2023
1 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
2%
ISO 41001:2018 - Facility Management Systems
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
2%
ISO/IEC 27014:2020
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
2%
ISO 8000 - Data Quality
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
2%
ISO/IEC 27003:2017
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
Barbados Data Protection Act 2019
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
FedRAMP High
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
FedRAMP Moderate
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
DFARS 252.204-7012 - Safeguarding Covered Defense Information
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
ISO/IEC 27557:2022 - Organisational Privacy Risk Management
1 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
2%
ISO 26262:2018 - Functional Safety for Road Vehicles
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
ISO/IEC 29100:2024
1 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
2%
ISO 56002
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
2%
ISO 20400:2017 - Sustainable Procurement
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
2%
Nebraska Data Privacy Act
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
2%
Albania Law No. 124/2024 on Personal Data Protection
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
2%
ISO/IEC 27004:2016
1 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
2%
IAIS Insurance Core Principles (ICPs)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
Philippines Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
ICH Q10 - Pharmaceutical Quality System
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
2%
French Sapin II Law (Law No. 2016-1691)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
ISO/IEC 27050-1:2019
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
US Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) - Higher Education Safeguards Rule
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
Compare PTES with NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

Coverage is not the same as your position

This page shows what PTES overlaps with in general. Where your organisation actually stands, against the standard you are going for and the certifications you already hold, is a different question. Same graph and the same recorded refutations, scoped to you rather than to a pair.

The Compliance Position Diagnostic, $5,000 fixed, ten business days

What is PTES and who does it apply to?

PTES is a compliance framework from International (community standard) with 5 domains and 18 controls. The Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES) modelled for the organisation buying or auditing a penetration test: define and authorise the scope in writing, agree the goals and how risk will be scored, obtain permission to test and any third-party and legal consent, set the rules of engagement (including for disruptive testing and social engineering), keep clear lines of communication and incident handling, make sure intelligence gathering, threat modelling, vulnerability analysis and exploitation stay within what was authorised and are recorded, protect and then destroy the engagement data, document and reverse every change, and require reporting that ties findings to business risk with credentials and sensitive content protected. It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

What does PTES actually require?

PTES has 18 controls organised across 5 domains. The largest domains are Conduct of the test: what the commissioning organisation must ensure is governed – PTES (5 controls), Pre-engagement: scope, authorisation and rules of engagement – PTES (4 controls), Communication and incident handling during the test – PTES (3 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.

If I already comply with another framework, how much of PTES do I already cover?

PTES maps to 129 other compliance frameworks. The top mapping partners are NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 (30% coverage), ISO 27002:2022 (26% coverage), NIST SP 800-115 (Technical Guide to Information Security Testing and Assessment) (23% coverage). Use our comparison tool to explore control-level mappings between frameworks.

How do I implement PTES?

Start your PTES compliance journey by running a self-assessment on our platform to identify your current compliance posture. Our AI advisory can answer specific questions about PTES requirements, and cross-framework mapping helps you leverage existing controls from other frameworks you may already comply with. Create a free account to access all 18 controls and track your progress.

Start Your Compliance Journey

Create a free account to run self-assessments, get AI advisory, and track your compliance progress across 1,120 frameworks.

Get Started Free →

Free forever, no credit card required