CYBERSECURITY JOB HUNTING GUIDE
Offensive Security
Author: Stefan Waldvogel
https://www.offensive-security.com/
Overview:
HR relevant: YES, as a pen-tester, you need OSCP in many countries.
Advantages: Well-known, well respected in the industry, it is the golden standard, the pricing is okay, it is hard to cheat, they record and try to protect their exams.
Disadvantages: OSCP is a CTF exam and therefore not 100% useful for a pen-tester. The exam is gambling. If you are lucky, you study 500 hours, get 5 “easy” machines, and in 12 hours, you are done. If you are unlucky, you learn over 1000 hours, do each HTB machine in under 4 hours, and cannot pass the exam. Sometimes, you get two or more machines with multiple databases and multiple web pages… with one way in. This fact is the reason why people think so differently about the level.
Another disadvantage is the price if you need more attempts. It can get costly.
Recertification costs: None, unlimited valid.
Bonus hint: If you want OSCP, study as much as you can with free materials before starting the course. PWK 365 is available but costly ($2148).
Overview:
HR relevant: YES, as a pen-tester, you need OSCP in many countries.
Advantages: Well-known, well respected in the industry, it is the golden standard, the pricing is okay, it is hard to cheat, they record and try to protect their exams.
Disadvantages: OSCP is a CTF exam and therefore not 100% useful for a pen-tester. The exam is gambling. If you are lucky, you study 500 hours, get 5 “easy” machines, and in 12 hours, you are done. If you are unlucky, you learn over 1000 hours, do each HTB machine in under 4 hours, and cannot pass the exam. Sometimes, you get two or more machines with multiple databases and multiple web pages… with one way in. This fact is the reason why people think so differently about the level.
Another disadvantage is the price if you need more attempts. It can get costly.
Recertification costs: None, unlimited valid.
Bonus hint: If you want OSCP, study as much as you can with free materials before starting the course. PWK 365 is available but costly ($2148).
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