OffSec · Professional Certification · Professional
OffSec Certified Professional (OSCP)
Crydd Score 83
Demand High
Career Value High
Recognition High
OSCP at a glance
- Provider
- OffSec
- Credential type
- Professional Certification
- Exam required
- Yes
- Category
- Security
- Level
- Professional
- Cost
- About $1,650 with course bundle
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Time to earn
- 6–12 months
- Validity
- Does not expire
- Format
- 24-hour hands-on practical exam plus a written report
- Prerequisites
- None required; solid networking, Linux and scripting assumed
What is OSCP?
The offensive-security benchmark: a 24-hour practical exam in which you compromise live machines and then write the report a client would actually receive. It is famously difficult and almost impossible to fake.
Skills it covers
- Penetration testing
- Exploitation
- Privilege escalation
- Active Directory attacks
- Reporting
Is OSCP worth it? The Crydd Verdict
CS 83Choose it if
You want to be a penetration tester. This is the credential that hiring managers in offensive security treat as the real filter.
Consider alternatives if
You are new to security fundamentals — Security+ first, then PenTest+; OSCP will otherwise consume months and the fee for nothing.
Why we say so
A hands-on, un-cheatable exam plus the strongest reputation in offensive security gives it exceptional signal despite the cost.
Market demand
Offensive-security job listings name OSCP more often than any other credential, and frequently as the only one. Its difficulty is precisely why employers trust it.
Where OSCP takes you
- Penetration Tester
- Security Engineer
- Red Team Operator
Career roadmaps show where this certification fits in each path. See the roadmaps.
Related certifications
Curated connections from the catalog — each labelled with how it relates to OSCP, so you know why it’s here.
Careers OSCP leads to
The professional paths this certification genuinely serves — browse every relevant credential for each.
A sensible order
Where OSCP sits on the path — build up, then step on.
Build the foundation first
Earlier steps on the same path
