What Is OSCP Certification and Why Is It Important for Cybersecurity Professionals in 2025?

The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification is one of the most respected credentials in the cybersecurity industry. Focused on hands-on penetration testing skills, it challenges candidates to demonstrate real-world abilities in ethical hacking and vulnerability exploitation.

If you are looking to excel in penetration testing, the OSCP certification is a game-changer. You’ll learn how to tackle complex security issues, and this will help you to advance your career in this high-demand field.

In this blog, you'll learn about why the OSCP is crucial for cybersecurity professionals in 2025. It’ll also help you to know how OSCP certification can boost your career prospects in the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.

What is OSCP Certification Full Form? Requirements and Prerequisites

OSCP is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and respected credentials in the field of cybersecurity. It is known for its emphasis on practical, hands-on experience. 

The focus of the OSCP certification is on testing and exploiting vulnerabilities within various systems. You must demonstrate your ability to breach systems in a controlled environment, exploit weaknesses, and successfully gain control over them. 

Let’s now take a look at training modules and prerequisites for OSCP certification.

Which Organization Offers OSCP Certification?

Offensive Security, a leading organization in the cybersecurity training and certification space, offers the OSCP certification. What Is OSCP Certification? Offensive Security is known for its focus on practical, hands-on learning. Its certifications are designed to push candidates to develop real-world skills in ethical hacking and penetration testing.

Offensive Security provides a variety of training services for aspiring penetration testers, including:

• Penetration Testing with Kali Linux (PWK): The official training course that prepares candidates for the OSCP exam.
• Offensive Security Exam and Labs: The exam consists of a 24-hour practical penetration test, followed by a report submission, and is accompanied by a 30-day lab access period.
• Learning Pathway: Detailed guidance, lab exercises, and hands-on practice that simulate real-life penetration testing scenarios.

Also Read: Top 7 Cybersecurity Courses & Certifications [For Working Professionals]

Next, let’s take a look at the requirements for OSCP certification.

What are the Requirements for OSCP Certification?

To pursue the OSCP certification, candidates should have a strong foundation in several key areas of cybersecurity. While Offensive Security does not have strict formal prerequisites, possessing a solid understanding of the following concepts will greatly enhance the chances of success:

• Basic Networking Knowledge: Understanding TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP, and other networking protocols is essential.
• Operating Systems: Proficiency in using both Windows and Linux systems, as these are common targets in penetration testing.
• Scripting Languages: Familiarity with scripting languages like Bash or Python helps automate tasks during penetration testing.
• Ethical Hacking Fundamentals: A basic understanding of ethical hacking principles, vulnerability scanning, and exploit methodologies.

Also Read: Top 20 Cybersecurity Interview Questions & Answers [For Freshers & Experienced]

What are the Prerequisites for OSCP Certification?

While there are no formal prerequisites to learning about what is OSCP Certification, the following skills and knowledge are crucial to ensure a smooth learning experience and a higher probability of success:

• Networking Concepts: A good grasp of networking protocols, firewalls, and how networks are structured will help in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities.
• Penetration Testing Tools: Proficiency in using common penetration testing tools such as Nmap, Metasploit, Netcat, and others is essential for effective exploitation and enumeration.
• Operating Systems: A basic understanding of both Windows and Linux systems is necessary since penetration testing typically involves exploiting vulnerabilities on these platforms.

What are the Benefits of OSCP Certification?

Earning the OSCP certification offers numerous career advantages, particularly for professionals looking to specialize in penetration testing and ethical hacking. Here are some key benefits of what is OSCP Certification:

• Enhanced Career Opportunities: OSCP is recognized globally, and many employers look for it when hiring penetration testers or ethical hackers.
• Increased Earning Potential: Certified professionals often have higher earning potential due to the expertise and hands-on skills that OSCP demonstrates.
• Practical Skills Development: The certification validates your ability to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges, making you more competitive in the field.
• Industry Recognition: OSCP is widely respected within the cybersecurity industry, enhancing your professional reputation and credibility.
• Career Growth: Successful completion of OSCP can open doors to advanced cybersecurity roles such as security analyst, penetration tester, and security consultant.

In the next section, you'll learn about the various steps you need to follow to obtain OSCP certification. 

Also Read: Top 7 Cybersecurity Threats & Vulnerabilities

How to Obtain OSCP Certification? Step-By-Step Guide

Obtaining the OSCP certification requires focused preparation and hands-on experience. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the what is OSCP Certification process:

1. Register for the Course
   • Sign up for the Penetration Testing with Kali Linux (PWK) course offered by Offensive Security.
   • Choose a training plan that suits your schedule—either self-paced or instructor-led options are available.
2. Complete the PWK Training
   • Study the course materials, including videos, manuals, and exercises.
   • Gain hands-on experience by working through the labs, which simulate real-world penetration testing environments.
3. Take the OSCP Exam
   • After completing the training, schedule the 24-hour OSCP exam.
   • During the exam, you will need to exploit vulnerabilities in several machines within a restricted timeframe and submit a report with your findings.
4. Obtain the OSCP Certification
   • If you successfully compromise the required machines and submit your report, you will receive the OSCP certification.
   • The result will typically be available within a few days of the exam, and if successful, you'll be officially recognized as an Offensive Security Certified Professional.

Also Read: What is the Scope of Cybersecurity as a Career Option?

How Much Time Will It Take to Get OSCP Certification?

The time it takes to obtain what is OSCP certification depends on your prior experience and the time you devote to studying and practicing. On average, the process can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on the following factors:

• Prior Experience: If you're already familiar with networking, operating systems, and basic ethical hacking techniques, you may need less time to master what is OSCP Certification. 
• Study Time: If you're learning full-time, you might complete the training in about 3 months. For part-time learners, it could take closer to 6 months.
• Lab Time: The 30 days of lab access included with the PWK course are crucial for hands-on practice. This will impact your readiness for the exam.

Next, let's have a look at the structure and syllabus of what is OSCP Certification Exam. You can also learn about the fundamental aspects of cybersecurity practices by signing up for the Fundamentals of Cybersecurity course.

OSCP Certification Exam: Structure and Syllabus

The OSCP exam is a rigorous 24-hour practical test that evaluates your penetration testing skills on multiple machines within a controlled environment. It is designed to evaluate both your technical and problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. What is OSCP Certification exam consists of two main parts, each testing a different aspect of penetration testing.

Part 1: Traditional Penetration Testing

This part of the what is OSCP Certification exam focuses on multiple targets and challenges candidates to exploit various systems. You will be required to:

• Perform reconnaissance, vulnerability analysis, and exploitation on different machines.
• Use tools like Nmap, Metasploit, and manual exploits to gain access.
• Maintain access and elevate privileges where needed, testing different techniques for system compromise.
• Solve challenges that mimic real-world penetration testing scenarios, covering a broad range of systems and environments.

Part 2: Active Directory Testing

This section targets Windows Active Directory environments, focusing on exploiting and defending network-based environments. You will be asked to:

• Identify misconfigurations in Active Directory.
• Exploit vulnerabilities within the Active Directory setup.
• Perform lateral movement across the network, escalating privileges and extracting sensitive information.

Exam Structure Overview

• Time Limit: 24 hours to complete the exam.
• Marks Distribution: The what is OSCP Certification exam is typically scored based on the number of machines you successfully exploit and the quality of your report.
  • The total score is out of 100 points.
  • You need at least 70 points to pass the exam.
  • There is a requirement to compromise a minimum number of machines.
• Types of Questions:
  • Practical: Exploit vulnerabilities, access systems, and complete tasks under time pressure.
  • Theory-based: Report writing and explaining techniques and methodologies used in the exam.

Also Read: Top 7 Powerful Cybersecurity Tools

OSCP Certification Syllabus

The OSCP certification syllabus covers a wide range of topics related to ethical hacking and penetration testing. Below are the key topics in the OSCP Certification syllabus:

• Penetration Testing Basics:
  • Ethical hacking methodologies.
  • Introduction to penetration testing tools and techniques.
• Information Gathering:
  • Reconnaissance techniques (OSINT, DNS enumeration, and port scanning).
  • Network sniffing and traffic analysis.
• Vulnerability Exploitation:
  • Manual and automated exploitation techniques.
  • Use of Metasploit for exploiting vulnerabilities.
• Privilege Escalation:
  • Methods for escalating privileges on Linux and Windows systems.
  • Identifying local vulnerabilities and misconfigurations.
• Web Application Attacks:
  • SQL injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), and other common vulnerabilities.
• Wireless Network Exploitation:
  • Attacking wireless networks (WPA, WPA2, WEP).
• Buffer Overflows:
  • Identifying and exploiting buffer overflow vulnerabilities.
• Active Directory and Windows Exploitation:
  • Active Directory enumeration and exploitation techniques.
  • Lateral movement and privilege escalation in Windows environments.
• Reporting and Documentation:
  • Writing detailed reports with proof of exploitation and suggested mitigations.
  • Documenting all findings for clients and stakeholders.

In the next section, you'll come to know about the pricing structure and overall cost of the what is OSCP Certification.

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What is the OSCP Certification Cost?

The what is OSCP certification pricing structure depends on the duration of training and lab access you choose. Offensive Security offers flexible packages with varying costs, and the overall OSCP certification cost includes access to the Penetration Testing with Kali Linux (PWK) course, labs, and the exam fee.

Below is a breakdown of the pricing based on different training durations:

What is the OSCP Certification Cost in India?

OSCP Certification Cost in India varies depending on the duration of the training you select. Offensive Security offers 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day training packages with different costs and benefits:

30 Days: Cost of Exam and Training for One-Month Duration

• Training + Labs: ₹1,20,000 to ₹1,50,000 (approx.)
• What's Included:
  • One-month access to the PWK course and labs
  • 30 days of exam preparation
  • Exam fee for the OSCP test
  • Access to course materials (videos, manuals, and guides)

60 Days: Cost for Two Months of Training

• Training + Labs: ₹1,50,000 to ₹1,80,000 (approx.)
• What's Included:
  • Two-month access to PWK course and labs
  • Extra time to practice and gain more hands-on experience in the labs
  • Exam fee and the opportunity to take the exam within two months
  • Additional training resources and support

90 Days: Cost for Full Three-Month Training

• Training + Labs: ₹1,80,000 to ₹2,10,000 (approx.)
• What's Included:
  • Full three-month access to PWK course and labs
  • Three months to fully prepare for the exam
  • Exam fee, allowing enough time for retakes if necessary within the 90 days
  • All training materials and access to additional learning resources

What's Included in the Cost?

The cost of the what is OSCP certification includes the following:

• Training Access: Full access to the Penetration Testing with Kali Linux course materials, including video tutorials, manuals, and labs.
• Lab Access: Hands-on virtual labs for practice, which simulate real-world penetration testing environments.
• Exam Fee: The cost of sitting for the OSCP exam at the end of the training period.
• Certification: Upon passing the exam, you receive the OSCP certification and are recognized as a certified professional in penetration testing.

This next section offers a comparative look between what is OSCP Certification and other cybersecurity certifications. 

OSCP Certification vs Other Cybersecurity Certifications

When choosing the right cybersecurity certification, it's essential to compare various options available in the industry. OSCP, CISSP, CEH, and PNPT are all popular certifications, but each serves a different purpose and caters to varying levels of expertise. 

Understanding the differences between what is OSCP Certification and other cybersecurity certifications can help you decide which certification aligns best with your career goals.

OSCP vs CISSP vs CEH vs PNPT

Below is a table that offers a comparative view of the different types of cybersecurity certifications you should know about.

Let's now take a look at some career paths you can explore after OSCP Certification.

What Are the Career Paths After OSCP Certification?

Earning the OSCP certification opens up numerous career opportunities in the cybersecurity industry. OSCP-certified professionals possess the skills to excel in roles that require advanced penetration testing, vulnerability analysis, and ethical hacking expertise. 

Below are some of the key career paths available after obtaining the OSCP certification:

Source: Glassdoor

What Is the Expected Salary for OSCP Certification Holders in India?

The salary for OSCP-certified professionals in India can vary depending on the job profile, level of experience, and industry. Generally, OSCP holders can expect competitive salaries due to the advanced technical skills they bring to cybersecurity roles. 

Below is an overview of the expected salary range for OSCP-certified professionals across various job profiles.

Getting a cybersecurity degree can be a good way to advance your career. So, let’s see how upGrad can help you with that. 

Also Read: How to Become a Successful Cybersecurity Engineer?

How Can upGrad Help You Build a Career?

Taking cybersecurity courses from top-tier educators is an excellent way to boost your career prospects. upGrad provides a wide range of cybersecurity courses that can equip you with the skills you need to protect systems and networks from advanced malware and other threats. 

Here are some of the most notable cybersecurity courses you’ll find with upGrad. 

• Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
• Learn Basic Python Programming
• Python Programming Bootcamp
• Advanced SQL: Functions and Formulas

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References 
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salary/OSCP-Salaries-E548397.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/offensive-security-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,27.htm 
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/penetration-tester-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm