My Experience Achieving OSCP (PEN-200) Certification on the First Attempt

Preparing for the OSCP Challenge

Understanding What You’re Signing Up For

The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification is one of the most demanding and respected credentials in the field of cybersecurity. Unlike many certifications that rely heavily on theory and multiple-choice exams, the OSCP is entirely hands-on, requiring candidates to exploit vulnerabilities, escalate privileges, and gain root access on a series of machines within a 24-hour period. Along with this practical test, candidates must also submit a comprehensive report detailing their findings and methodologies.

When you sign up for OSCP, you are not just enrolling in a traditional course. You are committing to a rigorous, challenging, and immersive experience that will test your skills, patience, and perseverance. The course, known as PEN-200: Penetration Testing with Kali Linux, comes with a virtual lab environment where you can practice various penetration testing techniques on a range of machines. You are also provided with a set of materials, including a course guide and videos, designed to walk you through the theory and practical aspects of ethical hacking.

The challenge of OSCP lies not only in the technical skills you must acquire but also in the pressure of having to apply those skills in a highly time-constrained environment. The exam is designed to mimic the conditions of a real-world penetration test, where you are expected to work independently, think critically, and solve problems quickly. The 24-hour exam consists of five machines, with each one requiring you to gain root or administrative access. To pass, you need to earn at least 70 out of 100 points, with additional bonus points available for completing lab exercises and submitting a report documenting your exploits.

Given the extensive nature of the course and the exam, it’s crucial to approach the OSCP with careful planning and preparation. In this part, we’ll discuss how to lay the foundation for your success, even before you begin the official course materials. This preparation phase is vital, as it will give you the confidence and skills to dive into the course and the exam with a strong sense of readiness.

Know the Prerequisites and Learn Them

Before enrolling in OSCP, you should honestly assess your skills and knowledge to determine if you meet the prerequisites for the course. Offensive Security recommends that candidates have a solid understanding of networking, Linux systems, and scripting. While the course itself will teach you much of what you need to know, there are certain foundational concepts that you should already be familiar with to ensure you don’t get overwhelmed during the training.

The OSCP assumes that candidates have a basic understanding of key concepts in networking and systems administration. If you’re already familiar with TCP/IP, subnetting, and the basics of Windows and Linux, you’ll be well on your way. However, if these topics are unfamiliar to you, it’s important to spend time learning them before diving into the OSCP.

For networking, focus on understanding how networks are structured, how TCP/IP works, and how to troubleshoot connectivity issues. You’ll also need to know how to use tools like Nmap for network scanning and service enumeration, as well as how firewalls and network configurations can affect penetration testing activities.

For Linux, you should be comfortable working with the command line. This is where much of the OSCP’s practical work will take place. Spend time understanding file systems, file permissions, and how to manage processes. The ability to quickly navigate the terminal and perform administrative tasks is essential for exploiting vulnerabilities and escalating privileges during the exam.

Finally, scripting is an important skill for automating tasks and customizing tools. While you don’t need to be a professional programmer, having a basic understanding of scripting languages like Bash and Python will greatly benefit your workflow. Bash scripting will allow you to automate simple tasks like scanning and enumeration, while Python is useful for modifying exploits or writing custom tools.

Brushing Up on Networking

Networking is at the core of many penetration testing activities, so it’s important to have a solid understanding of how networks operate. Even if you have a background in networking, it’s a good idea to brush up on some of the key concepts that will be essential during your OSCP journey.

Start by reviewing the fundamentals of IP addressing, subnetting, and routing. Make sure you understand how to calculate subnets and how network traffic flows between devices. OSCP will challenge you to think critically about how traffic is routed and how to bypass firewalls or misconfigurations to gain access to systems. You’ll need to know how to interpret network scan results and how to identify potential vulnerabilities in services running on remote machines.

Next, familiarize yourself with common networking protocols such as TCP, UDP, ICMP, and DNS. Understanding how these protocols work will be essential when performing network reconnaissance, diagnosing issues, or exploiting vulnerabilities. You should also review common networking tools like Nmap for scanning, Netcat for creating reverse shells, and tools like Gobuster or Dirb for brute-forcing directories and files on web servers.

A strong understanding of how firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS) function is also important. Many penetration testing exercises involve bypassing network defenses, so knowing how to avoid detection is a crucial skill. You should be comfortable working with tools that can identify open ports, services, and vulnerabilities, as well as tools that allow you to evade detection by firewalls or IDS systems.

Learning Linux from Scratch

A significant portion of the OSCP exam will involve working with Linux-based systems, so it’s important to be comfortable using Linux. If you don’t have much experience with Linux, it can initially seem intimidating, but with the right resources, you can quickly get up to speed.

Start by mastering the basic Linux commands. These include commands for file manipulation (ls, cp, mv, rm), file permissions (chmod, chown), process management (ps, kill), and networking (ifconfig, ping, netstat). You should also become familiar with how to navigate the file system, manage users and groups, and configure services.

Once you have a basic understanding of Linux commands, move on to more advanced topics like file redirection, piping, and cron jobs. These are essential for automating tasks, scripting, and managing system processes. Understanding cron jobs is particularly important for OSCP, as many privilege escalation techniques rely on misconfigured cron jobs.

A good way to solidify your Linux skills is by participating in online wargames or challenges. Platforms like OverTheWire offer a series of challenges that can help you build your Linux proficiency in a practical and engaging way. These challenges simulate real-world penetration testing scenarios and will help you become comfortable using Linux in a penetration testing context.

Mastering Scripting (Bash and Python)

Scripting is an essential skill for OSCP. As a penetration tester, you will often need to automate tasks such as scanning, enumeration, and exploitation. You’ll also need to modify existing scripts and tools to fit your specific needs during the exam. While you don’t need to be a master programmer, a basic understanding of Bash and Python is crucial.

Start by learning the basics of Bash scripting. Bash is the shell used in Kali Linux, and it’s the primary tool for automating tasks in OSCP. Learn how to write simple scripts to automate tasks like scanning for open ports, brute-forcing passwords, or enumerating services. Practice writing scripts that take inputs, process them, and output results in a useful format.

Next, focus on Python. Python is a versatile scripting language that’s useful for a variety of penetration testing tasks, such as writing custom exploits, interacting with network services, or automating attacks. Start by learning how to write simple Python scripts that use libraries like socket, os, and subprocess to interact with systems and networks. Don’t worry about becoming an expert in Python, but focus on understanding how to use the language to perform practical tasks relevant to penetration testing.

Virtual Hacking Labs Before the Real Deal

Before diving into the OSCP course and exam, it’s a good idea to practice your skills in a simulated environment. Virtual hacking labs allow you to get hands-on experience in a safe and controlled setting, where you can practice exploiting machines and solving real-world penetration testing challenges.

There are several platforms that offer virtual labs designed to simulate OSCP-like environments. These labs provide a wide range of machines with varying levels of difficulty, giving you the opportunity to practice scanning, enumerating, exploiting, and escalating privileges. By working through these labs, you can gain valuable experience and build the skills necessary to succeed in the OSCP exam.

Start with easier machines to build your confidence and gradually work your way up to more difficult ones. Don’t be afraid to revisit machines that you couldn’t exploit at first; sometimes, learning from your mistakes is the best way to improve your skills. Keep detailed notes of each machine you work on, including the steps you took, the tools you used, and the techniques that worked. This documentation will be invaluable when you start the OSCP course, as it will help you build a repeatable process for tackling penetration tests.

Scheduling Your Course Start Date

One important aspect of preparing for OSCP is scheduling your course start date. After you purchase the course, you’ll be given the opportunity to choose a start date based on availability. It’s a good idea to plan your course start date a few weeks in advance to allow time for additional preparation. This extra time can help you refine your skills and ensure that you’re fully ready to begin the course.

Once your course starts, it’s essential to dedicate a significant amount of time to studying and practicing. OSCP is demanding, and you’ll need to commit to at least two to four hours of study per day to stay on track. Be sure to protect your study time and avoid distractions during this period to maximize your learning and retention.

By following these preparatory steps, you’ll build a strong foundation for success in OSCP. In the next section, we’ll dive into the specifics of navigating the PEN-200 courseware, how to approach the labs, and strategies to stay organized and motivated during the course.

Navigating the PEN-200 Course and Labs

Your First Week: Getting Comfortable with Kali and the VPN

When you first gain access to the PEN-200 course, you’ll receive a welcome email containing instructions for setting up your virtual machine (VM) and your VPN connection to access the lab environment. One of the most important steps at the start is to make sure you’re fully comfortable with Kali Linux, the primary tool you’ll be using during your penetration testing practice. Kali is a powerful distribution with a wide range of pre-installed tools designed for penetration testing, and you’ll be using it extensively throughout the course and exam.

Start by customizing the Kali VM layout to match your personal workflow. This means organizing your tools, scripts, and notes in a way that allows for easy access during your studies and the exam. This step will save you a lot of time later when you’re deeply immersed in the lab exercises.

It’s also important to thoroughly test your VPN connection in the first week. The VPN is your gateway to the labs, and a stable connection is crucial for uninterrupted progress. You’ll be connecting to remote machines to scan, exploit, and escalate privileges, so ensure the VPN is stable. If you encounter any issues with your VPN setup, take the time to troubleshoot them early, as connectivity issues during the exam can lead to significant setbacks.

In addition to setting up your environment, take this first week to review some of the fundamental tools in Kali Linux. Familiarize yourself with tools like Nmap for port scanning and service enumeration, Netcat for creating reverse shells, and Gobuster for directory brute-forcing. These tools will be your go-to for most of the penetration testing tasks you’ll encounter. This initial period is the time to learn how to configure and use these tools effectively, which will make your work in the labs much smoother.

Working Through the Courseware: Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast

The PEN-200 courseware consists of over 800 pages of content, including detailed explanations of techniques, theory, and hands-on exercises. The material is dense, and the course moves from basic concepts to complex topics like buffer overflows, web application attacks, privilege escalation, and Active Directory exploitation. At first glance, the sheer amount of material can be overwhelming, but the key to success is approaching it methodically.

Treat the course like a college class. Divide the material into manageable chunks and assign deadlines to each section. For example, you could aim to complete the section on Linux buffer overflows by the end of the week, and devote an entire weekend to mastering web application attacks with Burp Suite. Time-boxing each topic will not only keep you on track but also prevent burnout. You’ll want to balance the theoretical material with practical lab work, so you don’t get stuck in the weeds of theory without applying it.

While the course does include videos, many candidates find that the written material in the course guide is more detailed and comprehensive. Instead of relying heavily on the videos, I found it more effective to focus on reading and experimenting with the material. As you go through the course, ensure that you document your work and findings in a structured way. Keep track of your progress, note any challenges you face, and create summaries of key concepts for future reference. This will not only help you retain the material but also serve as a valuable resource when you’re preparing for the exam.

Should You Do the Exercises and Bonus Lab Report?

One question that often arises in the OSCP community is whether it’s worth completing all the exercises and submitting the bonus lab report. While the exercises are optional, they are an essential part of reinforcing the course material and developing a deeper understanding of the concepts.

The exercises are designed to help you practice the techniques covered in the course. Some exercises may be straightforward, while others will challenge you to think critically and solve problems on your own. Completing them allows you to get hands-on experience and apply what you’ve learned, which is vital for retention and success in the labs.

In addition to helping you master the course content, completing the bonus lab report is highly recommended. This report is a chance to document your penetration testing process for a series of lab machines. You’ll need to root at least 10 machines and provide clear, organized documentation of your methods, exploits, and results. Not only does this help you practice writing reports—a critical skill for the OSCP exam—but it also serves as a valuable reference for your exam report later.

Writing a lab report forces you to take detailed notes and practice clear, concise documentation. You’ll need to include a summary of the exploitation process, commands used, and evidence such as screenshots. This will ensure you are well-prepared when it’s time to submit your exam report. Additionally, completing the lab report for bonus points can give you a small buffer during the exam, should you need it, though it’s not a guarantee for passing.

The Lab: Where the Real Learning Happens

The OSCP lab environment is where the magic happens. It’s your virtual playground where you can apply everything you’ve learned in the courseware to real machines. The labs consist of several networks, each containing multiple machines, each with varying difficulty levels. The challenge is to scan, enumerate, exploit, and escalate privileges on these machines—without hand-holding or walkthroughs.

What makes the OSCP labs unique is their approach to learning: you’re expected to think critically and solve problems independently. There are no hints or step-by-step guides. Instead, you’ll have to rely on your own knowledge and creativity to discover vulnerabilities and find ways to exploit them. This simulates the real-world experience of a penetration tester, where you often encounter systems that are poorly documented, misconfigured, or difficult to understand.

In the beginning, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of machines and different types of exploits. The key to success is taking things step by step. Don’t try to tackle everything at once. Start with the machines you can access easily, and use those experiences to build confidence. Each time you successfully root a machine, you’ll gain new insights, refine your technique, and learn how to approach the more difficult machines.

Throughout the labs, it’s crucial to document every step of your process. Keep track of the tools you use, the vulnerabilities you exploit, and the commands you run. By documenting your work, you’ll build a custom playbook of techniques that you can refer back to during the exam. This also ensures that you don’t repeat mistakes, and it makes the process of writing your final exam report much easier.

Lab Strategy: Build Momentum Early

One of the keys to succeeding in the OSCP labs is building momentum. Early on, try to tackle the easier machines to gain confidence and practice your enumeration and exploitation techniques. As you gain more experience, start working on more difficult machines. This gradual progression will help you refine your problem-solving skills and develop a methodical approach to penetration testing.

It’s also important to avoid getting stuck on a single machine for too long. If you find yourself hitting a wall, move on to another machine and come back later with a fresh perspective. Sometimes, a missed vulnerability or misconfiguration can be difficult to spot when you’re fatigued or overly focused on one box. If you need a break, step away for a while, and then return with renewed focus.

Remember, the OSCP exam is a marathon, not a sprint. The more you work through the labs, the more you’ll learn. By the time you finish the course, you’ll have a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience that will help you during the exam.

Managing Burnout and Staying Consistent

The OSCP journey is demanding, and it’s easy to burn out if you’re not careful. It’s important to pace yourself and maintain a sustainable study schedule. The course is designed to be self-paced, but that doesn’t mean you should rush through it. Ideally, you should be studying consistently each day, dedicating at least two to four hours to working through the course material and labs.

However, it’s equally important to take regular breaks and avoid overworking yourself. I made sure to take Sundays off to relax and recharge. This helped me stay focused throughout the week and prevented burnout. Don’t be afraid to take a day off if you feel like you’re getting frustrated or mentally fatigued. Your energy and focus are valuable, so protecting them is crucial to long-term success.

Staying consistent is key to avoiding burnout. I made sure to study every weekday, and I often split my study sessions into two blocks: one in the morning and another during work breaks. By studying consistently and avoiding marathon sessions late into the night, I was able to maintain my energy and keep progressing at a steady pace.

The Final Push: Preparing for the Exam

By the time you finish the PEN-200 course and have completed most of the lab exercises, you should have a solid understanding of penetration testing concepts, tools, and techniques. The next step is to prepare for the OSCP exam itself.

In the final month leading up to the exam, I focused on refining my techniques, revisiting machines that I had difficulty with, and ensuring that I was comfortable with the tools and scripts I would need. I also continued to document everything in a structured format, which made it much easier to write my final exam report.

The key to a successful exam is confidence in your abilities and your process. As you approach the exam, practice the techniques you’ve learned in the labs, and keep working on refining your documentation. When you finally sit down for the exam, you’ll be ready to tackle the challenges head-on, knowing that you’ve put in the work to prepare.

In the next part, we’ll discuss how to navigate the OSCP exam itself, including strategies for time management, documentation, and how to stay calm under pressure.

The OSCP Exam: Strategy, Mindset, and Execution

What the OSCP Exam Really Looks Like

The OSCP exam is not just another cybersecurity test; it is an intense, real-world simulation of a penetration test, designed to challenge both your technical skills and your ability to think critically under pressure. The exam consists of five machines that you must exploit, escalate privileges, and root within 24 hours. These machines are assigned point values based on their difficulty, and your goal is to score at least 70 out of 100 points to pass. Additionally, there are five bonus points available for completing the course exercises and submitting a well-documented lab report.

It’s essential to understand the structure of the exam so you can approach it strategically. The five machines vary in difficulty, but they are all designed to test a wide range of penetration testing skills. The machines are typically divided into categories such as buffer overflow exploitation, initial foothold and privilege escalation, medium-difficulty boxes, and a challenging final machine that tests your ability to think outside the box and use a combination of techniques.

Each machine must be fully exploited, which means gaining root or administrator access. However, partial credit is given for gaining a foothold or user-level access, so it’s important to get as far as you can on each machine, even if you don’t fully root it.

In addition to hacking the machines, you’ll need to document your work and submit a report within 24 hours after completing the 24-hour exam. This documentation is an essential part of the exam process, as it demonstrates your ability to communicate clearly and professionally. A well-documented report can make the difference between passing and failing, even if you manage to root all the machines.

Strategy for Tackling the Exam

The 24-hour exam can feel overwhelming, but with proper strategy and time management, you can navigate it effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the steps you should take when tackling the OSCP exam.

Time Management is Everything

Time management is the key to succeeding in the OSCP exam. You have 24 hours to exploit the five machines and an additional 24 hours to submit your report. Many candidates find the exam to be a mental marathon, and it’s easy to get bogged down in a single machine or a tricky exploit. The key is to break down the exam into manageable chunks and stick to a plan.

A commonly recommended breakdown of your time is as follows:

• First 10-12 hours: Focus on the three easiest machines first (usually the buffer overflow machine and two lower-point machines). Try to root these machines early to build confidence and secure points quickly. This is also a great opportunity to practice basic enumeration and exploitation techniques.

• Next 6-8 hours: Work on the two remaining, more difficult machines. These may involve more complex vulnerabilities, multi-step exploitation, or require deeper analysis of the machine. If you’re stuck on a machine, move on to the next one to ensure you’re still making progress.

• Final hours: Use the last few hours to revisit any machines where you only gained partial access. This is the time to clean up your notes, check for any missing screenshots, and finalize your documentation. Make sure you have captured all the necessary flags and evidence for your report.

Know When to Move On

One of the hardest things about the OSCP exam is knowing when to move on from a machine that you’re stuck on. It’s tempting to keep pushing through, hoping you’ll eventually solve the puzzle, but sometimes persistence can lead to wasted time and frustration.

If you find yourself stuck on a machine for more than an hour or two, it’s often better to move on and come back later. Use your time to exploit other machines that might be more straightforward or where you can make faster progress. Once you’ve rooted a few machines, you’ll have more time to come back to the ones that caused you trouble.

This strategy prevents you from getting trapped in a “rabbit hole,” where you spend all your time on one machine but gain no progress. Instead, aim for incremental wins by tackling machines that are easier or involve simpler exploits. This will help you build momentum and increase your chances of success.

Take Breaks and Manage Stress

The OSCP exam can be mentally exhausting, and it’s easy to burn out if you don’t take regular breaks. Even though the clock is ticking, it’s essential to step away from the computer every few hours to recharge. I recommend taking short 10-15 minute breaks every 3 hours. These breaks give you a chance to stretch, eat, and reset your mind.

Stress management is also crucial during the exam. The pressure of the ticking clock can cause anxiety, but remember that you’ve prepared for this moment. Take deep breaths, stay calm, and focus on solving one problem at a time. If you feel frustrated, step away from the machine and give yourself a moment to think. Many candidates find that they solve problems more efficiently after a short break.

Keep Notes and Document Everything

During the exam, you need to document every action you take. Detailed notes are not only important for writing your final report but also for tracking your progress. Every command you run, every vulnerability you find, and every exploit you attempt should be written down. This documentation will save you time when it’s time to submit your report.

I recommend using a Markdown-based note-taking system to keep things organized. Each machine should have its own file with the following sections:

• High-level summary: A brief description of the machine, including the services running, and the overall exploitation strategy.

• Enumeration results: Include output from Nmap, Gobuster, or any other tool you use for reconnaissance. This will serve as a reference for later exploitation.

• Exploitation steps: List the commands and techniques you used to exploit the machine, including screenshots of the flags.

• Privilege escalation: Document how you escalated privileges, including any tools or scripts you used (like LinPEAS, WinPEAS, etc.).

• Timeline: Track how much time you spent on each phase of the exploitation process. This can help you manage your time and provide a useful overview for your report.

Remember, your documentation doesn’t have to be perfect at the start. As long as you have the key steps and enough information to reference later, you can fill in the gaps once the exam is over.

Handling the Machines: The Core of the Exam

The OSCP exam consists of five machines with varying levels of difficulty. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and how to handle each type of machine.

1. The Buffer Overflow Box (25 points)

The buffer overflow machine is often considered the “warm-up” for the exam, though it’s anything but easy. For many candidates, this is the box they prepare for the most since it’s the most predictable in terms of the attack vector.

The goal is to identify a vulnerability in a custom application, craft an exploit to take control of the target, and then use a shellcode to gain a remote shell. Tools like Immunity Debugger or GDB, along with Mona.py, are commonly used to identify the right exploit and bypass protections.

To succeed, make sure you’re familiar with buffer overflows, structured exception handling (SEH), and bad character avoidance. Having a good grasp of these concepts will make it easier to exploit the vulnerability and gain access to the target machine.

2. Initial Foothold + Privilege Escalation (20 points)

This machine typically requires you to enumerate a vulnerable service (often a misconfigured web application or service) to gain user-level access. Once you’ve gained access, you’ll need to escalate your privileges to root or SYSTEM.

Privilege escalation is where many candidates lose points. It’s not just about getting a shell; it’s about finding a way to escalate your access to full control. Tools like LinPEAS or WinPEAS are invaluable for this task, as they scan the system for common privilege escalation vectors.

When working on these machines, focus on thorough enumeration. Look for weaknesses in the system such as insecure file permissions, SUID binaries, cron jobs, or unpatched kernel vulnerabilities. If you’re stuck, refer to your notes and previous experience in the labs.

3. Two Medium-Difficulty Boxes (20 and 10 points)

The remaining machines tend to be more complex and require you to chain multiple exploits together. These might involve issues such as local file inclusion (LFI), web application vulnerabilities, or outdated software versions. The difficulty of these machines lies in the multiple steps needed to fully exploit them.

When facing these challenges, be patient and methodical. Pay close attention to the details during enumeration, and don’t overlook small hints that could lead to the next vulnerability.

4. The Hard Box (25 points)

The final machine is often the most difficult, combining multiple layers of complexity. It might involve a multi-user environment, require lateral movement, or include a confusing rabbit hole. It’s designed to test your entire skill set, from reconnaissance to exploitation and post-exploitation.

This box may take several hours to complete, and it will likely push you to your limits. At this stage, you should be comfortable with pivoting, tunneling, and identifying complex exploitation chains. If you get stuck, it’s okay to take a step back and refocus.

Final Steps: Writing Your Report and Submitting

Once you’ve completed the exploitation of the machines, your final task is to write a professional penetration test report. This report will detail every step of your process, including how you enumerated services, exploited vulnerabilities, escalated privileges, and captured flags. Clear, concise, and well-organized documentation is crucial here.

Take your time to ensure your report is thorough and complete. Your report should include the following:

• Methodology: Outline your approach to the exam, including reconnaissance, exploitation, and post-exploitation steps.

• Detailed steps for each machine: For each machine, include a description of how you found and exploited the vulnerability, the tools and commands you used, and any flags you captured.

• Screenshots: Include screenshots of important steps such as gaining shell access and escalating privileges. These prove your success and support your report.

• Remediation: Though not required, it’s a good practice to include recommendations for securing the system, as this shows a deeper understanding of penetration testing.

Once your report is complete, make sure to double-check everything before submitting it. The accuracy of your report is just as important as the exploitation itself.

After the OSCP Exam — Career, Confidence, and Continuing the Journey

The Immediate Aftermath: Let It Sink In

After completing the OSCP exam and submitting your report, the first feeling you’ll likely experience is a mixture of exhaustion, relief, and possibly even disbelief. It’s a monumental challenge, and finishing the exam is no small feat. At this stage, you’ve pushed yourself mentally and physically, and it’s important to allow yourself time to unwind. Don’t rush into planning your next move or checking your email for results immediately. Instead, take a moment to reflect on your journey and the skills you’ve gained.

During this initial post-exam period, it’s essential to recharge. The intensity of the 24-hour exam, followed by the stress of writing and submitting your report, can leave you mentally fatigued. Take some time away from your computer, relax, and celebrate the fact that you’ve completed one of the toughest certification exams in the cybersecurity industry. This is your moment to breathe before diving into the next phase.

While it might be tempting to obsess over the results, remember that the hardest part is behind you. Whether or not you pass, the experience itself will have been invaluable in sharpening your skills and expanding your cybersecurity knowledge. The journey toward OSCP is one of continuous learning, and regardless of the outcome, you’ve already gained a wealth of experience that will serve you well in the future.

Updating Your Résumé and LinkedIn

Once the initial celebration and rest have settled, it’s time to update your résumé and LinkedIn profile. One of the immediate benefits of passing the OSCP is the recognition it brings. In the competitive world of cybersecurity, the OSCP is highly respected by employers, as it demonstrates not only your technical skills but also your ability to work under pressure and solve real-world problems.

Start by adding the OSCP certification to your résumé and LinkedIn profile. If you passed on your first attempt, be sure to highlight that, as it shows you were able to navigate the course and exam successfully without requiring additional attempts. This speaks to your preparation, discipline, and ability to tackle complex challenges.

In addition to listing the certification itself, take the time to update your skills section. Include specific penetration testing techniques you’ve mastered, such as buffer overflows, privilege escalation, exploitation of web applications, and networking vulnerabilities. It’s also useful to list the tools you’ve become proficient in, such as Nmap, Gobuster, Netcat, Burp Suite, LinPEAS, and others you used throughout the course and exam.

Your OSCP experience also provides a valuable talking point for interviews and networking with peers. It gives you credibility as a penetration tester and shows employers that you can think like an attacker and solve problems in real-world environments. When applying for jobs, make sure to mention how the OSCP helped you develop critical skills, such as enumeration, vulnerability exploitation, and post-exploitation techniques.

Career Impact: What Changed?

One of the most immediate career benefits after completing OSCP is an increase in job opportunities. Many cybersecurity roles—especially in penetration testing, ethical hacking, and red teaming—view the OSCP as a standard requirement. With the certification on your résumé, you’re likely to receive more interview opportunities, and these interviews will often delve deeper into your experience and skills.

In the months following my OSCP completion, I received multiple job offers from companies looking for penetration testers and security analysts. The OSCP demonstrated that I had the practical experience and problem-solving abilities required for these roles. Interviewers often asked about the challenges I faced during the exam, what tools I relied on the most, and how I handled roadblocks during exploitation. These questions gave me a chance to show that I not only had technical expertise but also the ability to work independently and think critically under pressure.

Aside from the job offers, the OSCP also opened doors within my current organization. I found myself being given more responsibility, such as reviewing vulnerability reports, taking the lead on security assessments, and participating in more advanced red team engagements. The certification gave me the confidence to take on these more challenging tasks and led to an increase in respect and trust from my colleagues.

If you’re looking to switch roles or move into a more technical position, the OSCP certification is a powerful asset. Many employers in the cybersecurity industry place a high value on candidates who have completed the OSCP because it shows they can perform penetration testing tasks in real-world environments, rather than just understand theoretical concepts.

Was It Worth the Cost?

The question of whether the OSCP is worth the investment in terms of time and money is one that many potential candidates ask. The cost of the course itself can be significant, especially when factoring in lab access, study materials, and supplementary resources. However, the return on investment is often substantial. Not only does the OSCP open up more job opportunities, but it also often leads to higher-paying roles and increased career growth.

For example, after passing the OSCP, I was able to negotiate a higher salary in my next role. The increase was significant—far more than the cost of the course. This kind of career momentum is common among OSCP graduates, as the certification proves to employers that you possess not only technical skills but also the resilience and problem-solving abilities needed to excel in cybersecurity.

Beyond the monetary benefits, the OSCP also provides a deeper level of satisfaction and personal growth. Completing the course and passing the exam offers a sense of accomplishment that comes from mastering complex, hands-on skills. The knowledge and experience you gain during the process will continue to be valuable long after the exam is over.

Continuing the Journey: Don’t Stop at OSCP

Passing OSCP isn’t the end of the road; rather, it’s just the beginning of your journey in the world of cybersecurity. Once you have the certification under your belt, you’ll likely feel a renewed sense of motivation to continue learning and advancing your skills.

For many, the next logical step after OSCP is to pursue more advanced certifications offered by Offensive Security. The OSWE (Offensive Security Web Expert) and OSEP (Offensive Security Evasion Expert) certifications are excellent choices for those who want to deepen their expertise in web application exploitation or advanced penetration testing techniques. The skills and knowledge gained during the OSCP course lay a strong foundation for these more advanced certifications.

Another great way to continue learning is by engaging in ongoing practical exercises. Platforms like Hack The Box and TryHackMe provide a wide range of virtual environments where you can practice your skills in a realistic setting. The more hands-on experience you gain, the better you’ll become at recognizing vulnerabilities, exploiting weaknesses, and solving problems.

Contributing to the community is another valuable way to continue your journey after OSCP. Sharing knowledge with others through blogs, creating walkthroughs of penetration testing challenges, or answering questions in forums and Discord channels can deepen your understanding while helping others. Teaching is a powerful way to reinforce your own knowledge, and the OSCP community is always eager to help new learners.

Lessons I’ll Carry With Me

The OSCP exam and course taught me far more than just how to hack. Here are some of the lessons I’ll carry with me throughout my career:

• Persistence Over Perfection: No penetration tester is perfect. You will hit roadblocks, fail, and struggle, but the key to success is persistence. It’s about continuing to push forward, even when things don’t go as planned.

• Documentation is Key: Whether it’s during the exam or in your day-to-day work, keeping clear and thorough documentation is crucial. Proper notes make your work easier to track, help you recall critical information, and ensure your findings are presented professionally.

• Time Management: OSCP taught me to manage my time effectively, balancing deep technical work with necessary breaks and review. This skill translates into both professional environments and personal projects.

• The Importance of a Structured Approach: The exam reinforced how important it is to have a repeatable, structured approach to penetration testing. Whether it’s enumeration, exploitation, or post-exploitation, having a set process allows you to work efficiently and effectively, even under pressure.

• The Power of Community: The cybersecurity community is incredibly supportive. Sharing knowledge, seeking advice, and learning from others’ experiences has been essential for my growth. The OSCP journey is tough, but the support of the community made it a lot easier.

Is OSCP Right for You?

Ultimately, deciding whether the OSCP is right for you depends on your career goals, learning style, and willingness to push yourself to your limits. If you enjoy problem-solving, want to work in penetration testing or red teaming, and are ready for a challenge, OSCP will provide a rewarding experience and open doors to many opportunities.

Before starting the OSCP, ask yourself:

• Do I enjoy hands-on challenges and solving real-world problems?

• Am I willing to commit significant time and energy to learning and practicing?

• Am I ready to tackle a tough, 24-hour exam under pressure?

If you answered yes, then the OSCP could be the perfect next step in your career.

Final Thoughts

When I started my OSCP journey, I was intimidated. The challenges, the time commitment, and the unknowns were daunting. But by the time I passed the exam, I was a changed person. I approached problems with a more structured and methodical mindset, I gained confidence in my ability to exploit and secure systems, and I knew I had earned my place in the world of cybersecurity.

If you’re considering OSCP, don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back. The road may be tough, but the rewards—both personal and professional—are worth it. Keep pushing forward, stay consistent, and remember that the skills you gain from OSCP will last a lifetime. Good luck on your journey, and know that you can do it.