Introduction
This article offers an in-depth comparison of three prominent offensive security certifications: TryHackMe’s Junior Penetration Tester (PT1), Hack The Box’s Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS), and Offensive Security’s Certified Professional (OSCP). The analysis covers target audience, cost, exam structure, preparation, and industry recognition.
Comparitive Analysis
TryHackMe PT1
- Target: Individuals new to red teaming or penetration testing.
- Level: Entry-level, no specific prerequisites.
- Focus: Simulates real-world job tasks, including full engagement scenarios (vulnerability exploitation, lateral movement, professional report writing). Emphasizes practical, job-ready skills.
Hack The Box CPTS
- Target: Junior penetration testers, security analysts, and vulnerability analysts seeking deeper knowledge.
- Level: More in-depth and difficult than PT1; not for absolute beginners.
- Focus: Strong emphasis on real-world skills, especially Active Directory attacks, and potentially more advanced exploitation techniques.
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
- Target: Those with at least junior-level knowledge and practical experience in offensive security.
- Level: Similar to CPTS in content difficulty, significantly more challenging than PT1. Not for newcomers.
Which one to Choose?
- New to Offensive Security? The video recommends PT1 as the ideal starting point.
- Job Hunting or Corporate Ladder? OSCP currently boasts wider industry recognition, often being a key requirement for passing HR screenings, though CPTS is gaining ground.
Structure & Cost Breakdown
Each certification presents a unique challenge and financial commitment:
| Feature | TryHackMe PT1 | Hack The Box CPTS | Offensive Security OSCP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Web, Network, AD Exploitation | Active Directory Exploitation | Broad Machine Compromise |
| Exam Style | Simulated Real-World Engagement | Black-Box AD Pen Test | Practical Machine Rooting (5 Machines) |
| Duration | 48 hours (incl. report) | ~10 days | 24 hours (+24 for report) |
| Report | Yes, Professional Report Required | Yes, Detailed Report & Mitigations | Yes, Detailed Report Required |
| Cost (approx.) | $297 (incl. 1 retake, THM Premium) | $490 | $1,749 (incl. course/labs) |
Industry Recognition
How do employers view these certifications?
- OSCP: The Gold Standard (Currently)
- Globally recognized and often a prerequisite for offensive security roles.
- We used ChatGPT data showing OSCP in over 20,000 global job postings (884 in the US).
- Hack The Box CPTS: The Rising Contender
- Rapidly gaining popularity and respect within the industry.
- Mentioned in 184 US job postings (though some may be for other certs with similar acronyms). Its presence is expected to grow.
- TryHackMe PT1: The Newcomer
- As a more recent certification, it’s still building its reputation and is not yet a common sight in job descriptions. It requires more time to achieve widespread recognition.
Key Cost Considerations:
- PT1 is noted as being budget-friendly, similar to TCM’s PNPT or eJPT.
- CPTS is moderately priced.
- OSCP represents a significant financial investment, especially if additional lab time is needed.
Conclusion
There’s no single “best” certification; the optimal choice depends heavily on an individual’s current experience level, career objectives, and budget.
- For beginners aiming to build a solid foundation and gain practical experience in a simulated real-world context, TryHackMe’s PT1 offers an accessible and valuable starting point.
- For those with some experience looking to specialize, particularly in Active Directory, and tackle a more challenging, in-depth exam, Hack The Box’s CPTS is a strong option.
- For individuals needing the most recognized industry benchmark to open doors, and who possess existing junior-level skills, the OSCP remains a primary target, despite its cost and pressure.
Ultimately, understanding the distinct characteristics of each – from target audience and exam rigor to cost and current industry standing – as detailed in the article, empowers you to select the certification that will best propel your offensive security career forward.
