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CPENT vs OSCP: Which certification is the most practical for cybersecurity professions?
In the field of cybersecurity, certifications play a key role in validate its skills and to stand out in the labour market. Two certifications dominate the field of slopesting:
✅ CPENT (Certified Penetration Testing Professional) – Advanced and flexible certificationEC-Council, designed to reflect actual missions slopesters and red teams.
✅ OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) – Technical certificationOffensive Security, famous for his 24 hour exam but criticized for his restrictions on the use of tools and sound lack of realism.
But which certification is most useful to get a job in cybersecurity ?
In this article we will see why the CPENT is the best option for professionals who want practical and cost-effective certification.
1. Understand CPENT and OSCP certifications
1.1 What is CPENT?
The CPENT is a certification practical and advanced assessing slopester skills in a dynamic, interactive and realistic environment. It allows candidates to work on scenarios similar to those encountered in company.
💡 Main features of the CPENT:
✔️ 12-hour review, structured in practical missions
✔️ Use of authorised advanced tools (Burp Suite, Metasploit, Nikto...)
✔️ A realistic and post-operational approach
✔️ Perfect for slopesters, Red Teamers and cybersecurity consultants
📘 Read more about CPENT:
🔗 CPENT Official Certification
🔗 CPENT Training and Preparation
1.2 What is OSCP?
LOSCP, proposed by Offensive Security, is a certification that tests the skills of slopesting in a forced environment. It is mostly popular with companies, but its examination format and restrictions on tools limit its usefulness in real conditions.
💡 Main features of the OSCP:
❌ 24-hour review, demanding and stressful
❌ Severe restrictions on tools (Nikto banned, Metasploit limited)
❌ Theoretical approach with little realism on business missions
❌ Mainly useful for obtaining a first job in slopesting
📘 More about OSCP:
🔗 OffSec OSCP Certification
🔗 OSCP Exam Guide
2. CPENT vs OSCP: Which certification best prepares cybersecurity professions?
2.1 CPENT vs OSCP: Competency Comparison Assessed
| Jurisdiction | CPENT | OSCP |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced intrusion test | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Post-operation and pivot | ✅ Yes | ❌ Very limited |
| Web attacks (XSS, SQLi, SSRF...) | ✅ Covered | ⚠️ Limited |
| Red Teaming and Advanced Slope | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Use of automated tools | ✅ Yes (Burp Suite, Metasploit, etc.) | ❌ Strict restrictions |
| Adapted to corporate missions | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Partially |
💡 Conclusion: The CPENT is more comprehensive and realistic for cybersecurity professions, while OSCP is too rigid and limited in its scenarios.
2.2 What is the impact on employment?
In the world of work, certification must prove your practical skills. If you are looking for a job in the Red Team, slopesting or offensive cybersecurity, CPENT prepares you better for the challenges of the field.
| Criteria | CPENT | OSCP |
|---|---|---|
| Recognition by employers | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Utility for a Red Team position | ✅ Excellent | ❌ Low |
| Realistic simulated missions | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Adapted to sloping in company | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Partially |
🔗 CPENT Jobs and Opportunities
🔗 OSCP Jobs on Reddit
💡 Verdict: CPENT offers more comprehensive and directly applicable training for cybersecurity professions.
3. CPENT vs OSCP: Which certification is more cost-effective?
3.1 Cost Comparison
| Certification | Prices | Average preparation time |
|---|---|---|
| CPENT | ~1199 $ | 2 to 4 months |
| OSCP | ~1599 $ | 3-6 months |
💡 Why is CPENT more profitable?
- ✅ Cheaper that the OSCP
- ✅ Shorter examination (12h vs 24h)
- ✅ Best return on business investment
4. Why choose CPENT for a career in cybersecurity?
The CPENT is the ideal certification for those who want to excel in slopesting, Red Teaming and offensive cybersecurity. Unlike the OSCP, it actually prepares In-house missions and allows to use all necessary tools.
💡 Why is CPENT superior?
✔️ More realistic and adapted to cybersecurity occupations
✔️ Cheaper and faster to get
✔️ No restrictions on the tools used
✔️ Better recognized by companies in Red Teaming
📘 Resources for Success CPENT:
🔗 CPENT Official Training
🔗 CPENT Study Guide
Conclusion: CPENT is the most practical certification for cybersecurity trades
If you want a really useful certification to get a job in cybersecurity, CPENT is the best choice. It is more practical, more flexible and more profitable the OSCP.
👉 My advice: Do not waste time with the OSCP, pass the CPENT directly!
📘 Useful links:
🔗 Take the CPENT exam
🔗 CPENT vs OSCP : Detailed comparison
