HackTheBox CPTS vs OSCP

Introduction

The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) and Hack The Box Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS) certifications are both reputable credentials in the field of penetration testing and cybersecurity, but they differ significantly in terms of content, difficulty, and focus. Choosing between them depends on your career goals, your current skill level, and the specific areas within cybersecurity you wish to pursue.

Let’s break down each certification and explore their key differences to help you determine which might be the best fit for your career in cybersecurity.

OSCP Study Notes

HackTheBox Certified Penetration Testing Specialist Study Notes

Overview of OSCP and CPTS

OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)

• Provider: Offensive Security
• Focus: Hands-on penetration testing skills with a strong emphasis on methodology, persistence, and real-world attack scenarios.
• Difficulty Level: Considered one of the more challenging certifications in cybersecurity, requiring extensive preparation and hands-on practice.
• Requirements: Basic understanding of networking, Linux, and scripting is recommended before starting. OSCP is aimed at individuals who have foundational knowledge and wish to delve deeply into penetration testing.

CPTS (Certified Penetration Testing Specialist)

• Provider: Hack The Box (HTB)
• Focus: A broad range of penetration testing techniques and skills with an emphasis on practical exercises in an environment similar to Hack The Box’s Capture The Flag (CTF) labs.
• Difficulty Level: Slightly less challenging than OSCP, CPTS is generally considered suitable for those who are still building foundational skills but want a thorough introduction to penetration testing.
• Requirements: Like OSCP, CPTS also expects some familiarity with networking, Linux, and basic scripting.

2. Exam Format

OSCP Exam

Documentation Requirement: Offensive Security emphasizes report writing as part of the certification, which is essential for successfully completing the exam. A well-documented report outlining the methods and approaches used is required.

Duration: 24-hour practical exam.

Format: Candidates are required to exploit a series of machines within a time frame, each carrying different point values. A total of 70 points out of 100 is needed to pass.

Environment: Realistic virtual environments with varying levels of difficulty, emulating real-world scenarios.

CPTS Exam

• Duration: 10 days long.
• Format: Candidates are tasked with compromising multiple machines, similar to OSCP, with different point allocations for different vulnerabilities.
• Environment: HTB labs, which may be more familiar to those who use Hack The Box regularly. It includes challenges inspired by the HTB CTF environment but structured to align with penetration testing methodologies.
• Documentation Requirement: Like OSCP, a report detailing the methods, vulnerabilities exploited, and recommendations is required.

3. Course Content and Learning Path

OSCP

• Modules Covered: OSCP follows a structured path covering areas such as enumeration, exploitation, privilege escalation, web application attacks, buffer overflow, and client-side attacks.
• Training Material: The OSCP’s PWK (Penetration Testing with Kali Linux) course offers extensive lab access, a structured syllabus, and a wealth of training materials aimed at building an attacker mindset.
• Skill Emphasis: OSCP emphasizes deep technical skills in exploitation, pivoting, and persistence. The course teaches you to be comfortable with various real-world scenarios, instilling the mindset of “try harder.”

CPTS

• Modules Covered: CPTS covers similar topics to OSCP, such as reconnaissance, enumeration, privilege escalation, and exploitation, but with a broader focus that aligns closely with Hack The Box-style challenges.
• Training Material: HTB Academy provides a self-paced learning environment with access to labs designed to help learners incrementally build up their skills.
• Skill Emphasis: CPTS builds foundational skills in penetration testing but incorporates a style familiar to CTF players. The HTB labs are designed to feel more gamified, which can make learning more engaging for newcomers.

4. Practical Skills Development

OSCP

• Skills Acquired: OSCP training and exam rigorously test practical skills, including scripting, adapting to different OS environments, and tackling complex pivoting scenarios.
• Mindset: The course is intensive and encourages problem-solving resilience. OSCP is highly respected in the industry for its rigor, and completing it successfully demonstrates a strong technical acumen.

CPTS

• Skills Acquired: CPTS prepares candidates in fundamental penetration testing skills and techniques. The HTB labs are practical and immersive, providing a robust platform for learning without the same depth of complexity as OSCP.
• Mindset: CPTS is suitable for those who enjoy the CTF approach, focusing more on an engaging, problem-solving mindset rather than extensive perseverance through highly complex challenges.

5. Career Impact and Industry Recognition

OSCP

• Industry Perception: OSCP is widely recognized and respected in cybersecurity, especially for roles in penetration testing, red teaming, and security consulting. Many employers value OSCP certification as a mark of technical capability.
• Career Path: Ideal for individuals aiming to work in offensive security roles like Penetration Tester, Security Analyst, Red Team Member, or Security Consultant.

CPTS

• Industry Perception: CPTS is newer and, while well-regarded within the HTB community, is not as widely recognized as OSCP in the industry. However, HTB’s reputation is growing, and CPTS can be a solid credential, especially for entry-level positions.
• Career Path: CPTS is more suited for newcomers or intermediate learners looking to step into the cybersecurity field, making it valuable for roles such as Junior Penetration Tester, Cybersecurity Analyst, or Vulnerability Assessment Specialist.

6. Which Certification to Pursue?

Consider OSCP if:

• You aim to establish a career in penetration testing, red teaming, or any offensive security role.
• You have a strong foundation in Linux, networking, and basic scripting and are ready to commit to an intensive learning experience.
• You’re seeking a certification with a reputation for rigor and industry recognition.

Consider CPTS if:

• You’re new to penetration testing and want a structured, gamified learning path that allows for progressive skill-building.
• You’re aiming for entry-level roles in cybersecurity and prefer a less intense certification than OSCP to start with.
• You enjoy Hack The Box challenges and want a certification that aligns with HTB’s style and environment.

Conclusion

OSCP remains the gold standard for those serious about a career in offensive security, largely due to its industry reputation and rigorous skill requirements. If your goal is to specialize in penetration testing or red teaming, OSCP offers the best long-term benefits.

On the other hand, CPTS is an excellent option for those beginning their cybersecurity journey or who want a smoother transition into penetration testing. It provides robust foundational training, and the HTB Academy offers a more approachable environment for learners building their confidence.

In summary:

• For long-term career advancement and roles in offensive security, OSCP is preferred.
• Those seeking a solid starting point in penetration testing, CPTS offers an engaging and accessible certification path.

Both certifications will build practical skills, but the choice largely depends on your experience, goals, and how much challenge you’re ready to embrace.

Video Walkthrough