OSCP Exam: Structure and Objectives
The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification is a highly respected hands-on penetration testing certification. The exam is designed to test your practical skills in a simulated real-world environment. Understanding its structure and objectives is crucial for success.
Exam Structure
The OSCP exam is a 24-hour practical assessment. You will be given access to a virtual network containing several target machines. Your objective is to compromise as many machines as possible, escalating privileges and gaining administrative access.
Exam Objectives
The primary objective of the OSCP exam is to demonstrate proficiency in penetration testing methodologies. This includes, but is not limited to, the following key areas:
Objective | Description |
---|---|
Information Gathering & Reconnaissance | Discovering network services, identifying vulnerabilities, and mapping the attack surface. |
Vulnerability Analysis | Analyzing identified vulnerabilities to determine exploitability. |
Exploitation | Gaining unauthorized access to target systems using various exploits and techniques. |
Post-Exploitation | Maintaining access, escalating privileges, and pivoting to other systems within the network. |
Reporting | Documenting findings, including the steps taken to compromise systems and recommendations for remediation. |
The OSCP exam is pass/fail. To pass, you must achieve a minimum score, typically by compromising a certain number of machines and submitting a comprehensive report.
The Reporting Component
Beyond the 24-hour practical exam, you are also required to submit a detailed report within 24 hours of completing the practical session. This report is critical for your overall score and demonstrates your ability to communicate technical findings effectively.
Scoring and Passing Criteria
The exam is scored out of 100 points. A passing score is typically 70 points. Points are awarded for successfully compromising machines and for the quality of your report. The exact weighting can vary, but generally, compromising more machines and providing a thorough report leads to a higher score.
24 hours
To demonstrate practical penetration testing skills in a simulated environment.
70 points
Learning Resources
The official page for the OSCP certification, outlining its objectives, exam details, and prerequisites directly from the source.
A comprehensive guide from Offensive Security detailing the exam structure, scoring, and what to expect during the assessment.
A blog post offering insights into the OSCP exam experience, including tips and advice from those who have taken it.
A personal account of the OSCP journey, providing practical tips and strategies for preparing for and passing the exam.
A spoiler-free video discussing the general structure and feel of the OSCP exam, offering a high-level overview.
Guidance on effective preparation strategies for the OSCP exam, focusing on study methods and lab practice.
Details on how to structure and write a winning OSCP exam report, a crucial component for passing.
An in-depth look at the OSCP certification, its value, and what it entails for aspiring penetration testers.
A video discussing the expectations and challenges of the OSCP exam, offering practical advice from an experienced pentester.
The official course material for the Penetration Testing with Kali Linux (PWK) course, which is the primary preparation for the OSCP exam.