LibraryOSCP Exam Structure and Objectives

OSCP Exam Structure and Objectives

Learn about OSCP Exam Structure and Objectives as part of OSCP Certification - Offensive Security Certified Professional

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:

ObjectiveDescription
Information Gathering & ReconnaissanceDiscovering network services, identifying vulnerabilities, and mapping the attack surface.
Vulnerability AnalysisAnalyzing identified vulnerabilities to determine exploitability.
ExploitationGaining unauthorized access to target systems using various exploits and techniques.
Post-ExploitationMaintaining access, escalating privileges, and pivoting to other systems within the network.
ReportingDocumenting 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.

What is the duration of the OSCP practical exam?

24 hours

What is the primary goal of the OSCP exam?

To demonstrate practical penetration testing skills in a simulated environment.

What is the typical passing score for the OSCP exam?

70 points

Learning Resources

Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) - Offensive Security(documentation)

The official page for the OSCP certification, outlining its objectives, exam details, and prerequisites directly from the source.

OSCP Exam Guide - Offensive Security(documentation)

A comprehensive guide from Offensive Security detailing the exam structure, scoring, and what to expect during the assessment.

What is the OSCP Exam Like? - TCM Security(blog)

A blog post offering insights into the OSCP exam experience, including tips and advice from those who have taken it.

My OSCP Journey: Tips and Tricks for Success - StationX(blog)

A personal account of the OSCP journey, providing practical tips and strategies for preparing for and passing the exam.

OSCP Exam Walkthrough (No Spoilers!) - John Hammond(video)

A spoiler-free video discussing the general structure and feel of the OSCP exam, offering a high-level overview.

How to Prepare for the OSCP Exam - Pentester Academy(blog)

Guidance on effective preparation strategies for the OSCP exam, focusing on study methods and lab practice.

OSCP Exam Report Structure - Hackers-Arise(blog)

Details on how to structure and write a winning OSCP exam report, a crucial component for passing.

The OSCP Certification: A Deep Dive - Cybrary(blog)

An in-depth look at the OSCP certification, its value, and what it entails for aspiring penetration testers.

OSCP Exam - What to Expect - IppSec(video)

A video discussing the expectations and challenges of the OSCP exam, offering practical advice from an experienced pentester.

Penetration Testing with Kali Linux (PWK) Course - Offensive Security(documentation)

The official course material for the Penetration Testing with Kali Linux (PWK) course, which is the primary preparation for the OSCP exam.