OSCP Exam FAQ

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In this article, you can find answers to the questions listed below:

Exam tour

Watch this video for a quick overview of the exam process, from scheduling to submitting your exam report.

This video was current as of October 2022. As we continue to improve the Learning Library, slight modifications in the interface or functionality may appear.

Have more questions? Check the frequently asked questions below.

Is there an exam report template?

Below are the example exam templates we have created to demonstrate how to report on the exam machines.

How many bonus points can we obtain for the OSCP Exam?

Ten (10) Bonus points may be earned toward your OSCP exam.

Please visit the Bonus Points section in the OSCP Exam Guide.

Note: Bonus points apply to OSCP exams taken until October 31 2024 only. For more information about this can be found here: OSCP Exam Changes

How can I practice Active Directory?

  • Read the corresponding Modules
    • Active Directory Introduction and Enumeration
    • Attacking Active Directory Authentication
    • Lateral Movement in Active Directory
  • Read the final Module of the PEN-200 Course Material - Assembling the Pieces
  • Begin enumerating the PEN-200 Challenges. Locate and attack all Active Directory sets within the challenges.

Is there any pivoting required for the Active Directory machines on the exam?

There may be pivoting required. Anything in the course material is subject to be on the exam.

What are the exam restrictions?

More information can be found in the OSCP Exam Guide and the exam restrictions video below.

Can I use KAI or any other chatbots during the OSCP exam?

Use of KAI or any other chatbots is not allowed during the exam and the exam reporting phase.

For more information about KAI, please visit the following URL: OffSec KAI FAQ

When 3 boxes are part of an Active Directory network on the exam, how does that affect Metasploit usage? 

You may only use Metasploit on one target machine. Metasploit cannot be used for pivoting, because it would thereby be used on more than one target.

Is PSSession going to count as a shell?

Yes, PowerShell Core counts as an interactive shell and is allowed on the exam.

What are the possible scenarios to pass the exam?

  • 40 pt AD + 3 local.txt flags
  • 40 pt AD + 2 local.txt flags + 1 proof.txt flag
  • 40 pt AD + 2 local.txt flags + bonus points
  • 40 pt AD + 1 proof.txt + 1 local.txt + bonus points
  • 3 fully completed non-AD machines + bonus points

Please make sure to read the SECTION 1: EXAM REQUIREMENTS in the OSCP Exam Guide.

Note: These scenarios apply only to OSCP exams taken until October 31, 2024. For more details, please refer to the OSCP Exam Changes.

Which tools are allowed for the OSCP exam?

All tools that do not perform any restricted actions are allowed during the exam. The following tools are allowed, but the list is not limited to these:

  • BloodHound (Legacy and Community Edition only)
  • SharpHound
  • PowerShell Empire
  • Covenant 
  • Powerview
  • Rubeus
  • evil-winrm
  • Responder (Poisoning and Spoofing is not allowed in the challenges or on the exam)
  • Crackmapexec
  • Mimikatz
  • Impacket
  • PrintSpoofer

More information regarding the allowed and restricted tools for the OSCP exam can be found in the Exam Restrictions section in the OSCP Exam Guide 

How Do I Know If I'm Ready To Take The Exam?

This is, of course, a very difficult question to answer. In general, we suggest at minimum completing the course labs and exploiting the challenge labs. This will give you the bare skills needed to pass the exam. Of course, we cannot guarantee this estimate.

How Do I Schedule My Certification Exam?

You can schedule your OSCP exam directly from the Learning Library control panel. For more information on how to schedule an exam please view the Important information about exam scheduling in the Learning Library article.

Can I use Discord during the exam?

While you may use Discord as a resource for searching for information during the exam, under no circumstances are you permitted to seek or receive assistance from others on the platform. This includes but is not limited to, asking for help, sharing exam-related information, or discussing any aspect of the exam with others.

How Can I Find Out My Exam Score?

Your exam score will be provided in the exam certification results email should you submit your exam report and have insufficient points to pass the exam. Additionally, you can use the point assignment outlined in the exam control panel to approximate your score. Partial points can also be awarded for systems where full root access is not achieved.

Will I be provided with the feedback for my exam?

You will be provided with the exam feedback after you receive your exam result. Note that only learners who submit the exam report and have insufficient points to pass the exam are going to receive feedback from us.

Can I appeal my exam result?

Learners who wish to address any concerns or seek clarification regarding their results can initiate an appeal through our Challenges Department. To initiate an appeal, please contact us via email at "challenges AT offsec DOT com"

Upon receiving your appeal, our team will promptly review your results. We aim to provide an update within ten (10) business days.

What Is The Exam Retake Policy?

All exams have a cooling-off period in between attempts. You can view additional details on the cooling-off period here.

How Many OSCPs Are There? What Is The Pass/Fail Rate?

We do not release the number of people who hold our certifications or the success rate of completing them. The exam-taking experience and perceived difficulty are different for everyone and we don't want to needlessly discourage or encourage learners with numbers based on success or failure.

Additional Resources

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

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