🏆 OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)
The gold standard for penetration testing certification - Practical, hands-on offensive security
Expert LevelOverview
The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) is the most respected and practical penetration testing certification in the industry. Unlike theoretical certifications, OSCP requires you to actually exploit vulnerable systems in a controlled environment, making it highly valued by employers.
Why OSCP Matters
- Industry Recognition: Widely recognized as the benchmark for practical penetration testing skills
- Hands-on Approach: 24-hour practical exam requiring real exploitation techniques
- Career Impact: Often required or preferred for senior penetration testing roles
- Skill Validation: Proves you can actually perform penetration testing, not just understand theory
🎯 Prerequisites
Technical Foundation
Essential technical skills before starting OSCP preparation:
- Strong Linux command line proficiency
- Networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, OSI model)
- Basic scripting (Python, Bash, PowerShell)
- Understanding of common web technologies
Recommended Prior Experience
Experience that will significantly help with OSCP:
- Completed eJPT or similar entry-level certification
- 100+ hours on TryHackMe or HackTheBox
- Basic understanding of buffer overflows
- Familiarity with common penetration testing tools
📚 Exam Structure
Practical Exam
24-hour hands-on penetration test:
- Duration: 24 hours (plus 24 hours for report)
- Format: Remote lab environment
- Targets: 3-5 machines of varying difficulty
- Passing Score: 70 points (out of 100)
Lab Environment
Optional but highly recommended lab access:
- PWK Course: 90 days of lab access included
- Lab Machines: 50+ vulnerable machines
- Difficulty Levels: Beginner to advanced
- Extension Options: Additional lab time available
🛠️ Key Skills Tested
Reconnaissance & Enumeration
Information gathering and service enumeration:
- Network scanning with Nmap
- Service enumeration and version detection
- Directory and file enumeration
- OSINT and social engineering techniques
Vulnerability Assessment
Identifying and exploiting security weaknesses:
- Manual vulnerability discovery
- Exploit research and modification
- Buffer overflow exploitation
- Web application vulnerabilities
Post-Exploitation
Maintaining access and lateral movement:
- Privilege escalation techniques
- Persistence mechanisms
- Lateral movement strategies
- Data exfiltration methods
📖 Study Path
Phase 1: Foundation (1-2 months)
Build the technical foundation:
- Complete TryHackMe learning paths
- Practice Linux command line daily
- Learn networking fundamentals
- Basic scripting practice
Phase 2: Hands-on Practice (2-3 months)
Intensive practical training:
- 100+ machines on HackTheBox
- VulnHub vulnerable machines
- Buffer overflow practice
- Web application security testing
Phase 3: OSCP Preparation (2-4 months)
Focused OSCP training:
- PWK course materials and labs
- OSCP-specific methodologies
- Report writing practice
- Time management strategies
🎯 Roadmap Alignment
Essential Roadmap Modules for OSCP
These roadmap modules are crucial for OSCP success:
- ✅ Foundation Level - Technical fundamentals
- ✅ Reconnaissance & Enumeration - Information gathering
- ✅ Web Application Security - Web exploitation
- ✅ System Exploitation - Buffer overflows and exploits
- ✅ Active Directory Security - Windows exploitation
💡 Study Tips
Lab Strategy
Maximize your lab time effectiveness:
- Start with easier machines to build confidence
- Take detailed notes on every technique
- Practice the methodology, not just exploits
- Time yourself to simulate exam conditions
Exam Preparation
Final preparation for the exam:
- Create a comprehensive methodology checklist
- Practice report writing with time constraints
- Set up your testing environment beforehand
- Get adequate rest before the exam
📋 Recommended Resources
- Official PWK Course - Offensive Security's official training
- TryHackMe - Structured learning paths for beginners [Supports Project]
- HackTheBox - Advanced practical challenges [Supports Project]
- VulnHub - Free vulnerable VMs for practice
- PayloadsAllTheThings - Comprehensive payload collection
🏆 Career Impact
Roles Requiring/Preferring OSCP
- Senior Penetration Tester - $80,000 - $150,000+
- Red Team Operator - $90,000 - $160,000+
- Security Consultant - $85,000 - $140,000+
- Vulnerability Researcher - $100,000 - $180,000+
- Security Architect - $110,000 - $200,000+
Note: Salary ranges vary by location, experience, and company size.
📈 OSCP Preparation Progress
Track your OSCP preparation journey:
Complete the preparation phases above to track your progress