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When it comes to ethical hacking and penetration testing certifications, two names often come up: CPENT (Certified Penetration Testing Professional) and OSCP. Both certifications are designed to test the skills of cybersecurity professionals, but they have different approaches, difficulty levels, and industry recognition.
With cyber threats growing daily, companies are constantly looking for professionals who can defend their systems. Getting the right certification can help you stand out in this competitive field. But which one is more practical for cybersecurity jobs—CPENT or OSCP? Let’s dive in and compare them.
What Is CPENT?
CPENT, or Certified Penetration Testing Professional, is an advanced penetration testing certification offered by EC-Council. It is designed for professionals who want to enhance their offensive security skills.
CPENT Certification Overview
- Focuses on real-world penetration testing scenarios.
- Includes live cyber ranges for practical experience.
- Tests multi-layered attack strategies.
Who Should Take CPENT?
CPENT is suitable for:
- Ethical hackers and penetration testers
- Security analysts
- Cybersecurity consultants
- Red team professionals
If you’re looking for a hands-on certification that covers various attack methodologies, CPENT could be a great choice.
What Is OSCP?
OSCP, or Offensive Security Certified Professional, is one of the most respected penetration testing certifications. It is offered by Offensive Security (OffSec) and is known for its high difficulty level.
OSCP Certification Overview
- Focuses on attack scenarios.
- Requires practical.
CPENT vs. OSCP: Key Differences
🎯 Why Choose CPENT Over OSCP?
In the world of cybersecurity, two of the most respected penetration testing certifications stand out: CPENT by EC-Council and OSCP by Offensive Security. Both are challenging, hands-on, and deeply rooted in real-world scenarios—but CPENT offers unique advantages that make it a compelling choice for aspiring elite pen testers.
| Feature | CPENT | OSCP |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | EC-Council | Offensive Security |
| Exam Type | Practical & hands-on | Practical |
| Difficulty | 🔥 Very High | 🔥 High |
| Duration | 24 hours (divided 2 x 12 hr sessions) | 24 hours continuous |
| Focus | Real-world penetration testing | Penetration testing |
| Recognition | 🌍 Well-recognized globally | 💼 Highly respected in cybersecurity |
💥 Why CPENT Might Be Your Best Move:
- ✅ Simulates advanced enterprise-level network environments.
- ✅ Tests abilities like pivoting, exploit development, binary exploitation, Active Directory attacks, and more.
- ✅ Includes multiple OS targets (Windows, Linux).
- ✅ Exam can be taken from home with flexible split sessions (2 x 12h).
- ✅ Includes automatic LPT Master certification if you score 90%+.
5. CPENT Course and Exam Details
CPENT Course Content
The CPENT course includes:
- Advanced network penetration testing
- Web application exploitation
- IoT and cloud penetration testing
- Post-exploitation strategies
CPENT Exam Format
- Duration: 24 hours
- Challenges: Real-world cybersecurity scenarios
- Passing Criteria: Different skill-based objectives
CPENT Practice Range
SecureValley provides a dedicated practice range, helping candidates gain real-world hacking experience.
CPENT vs. OSCP: Pricing and Cost
| Certification | Course Fees | Exam Price |
|---|---|---|
| CPENT | Starts at $959 | Included in course package |
| OSCP | Starts at $1,599 | Included in package |
8. CPENT vs. OSCP: Job Opportunities and Salary
| Certification | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| CPENT | $100,000 – $140,000 |
| OSCP | $90,000 – $120,000 |
- CPENT is good for professionals looking for structured training.
9. CPENT vs. OSCP: Which Is More Practical?
- CPENT provides structured, guided training.
- If you want a challenging, industry-leading certification, go for CPENT .
