This guide helps you resolve problems submitting your exam report. Most upload issues fall into one of two categories: the file itself doesn't meet your certification's requirements, or something in your browser/network environment is interrupting the upload — the steps below cover both.
Before you troubleshoot: check your Exam Guide's submission requirements
Your certification's Exam Guide lists the exact file format, naming convention, and size limit required for your exam report. These requirements vary by certification.
An upload may fail if the file does not meet the required specifications, such as using the wrong archive format, adding password protection when it is not allowed, using an incorrect filename, or exceeding the file-size limit.
Before trying the troubleshooting steps below, compare your report against the requirements in your Exam Guide and correct any differences.
Submission through the OffSec Learning Platform
Some exams allow you to submit your exam files directly through the OffSec Learning Platform.
When your exam ends, either because you selected End Exam or because the exam time expired, you should be presented with the option to Submit Exam Files.
If you do not see the submission option:
- Confirm that your exam has ended.
- Refresh the OffSec Learning Platform.
- Sign out of your account, then sign back in.
- Return to the exam and confirm that you are viewing the correct exam attempt.
Submission through the OffSec exam report upload page
Some certification exams use the separate OffSec exam report upload page.
If your Exam Guide instructs you to use this method:
- Open the exam report upload page provided in your Exam Guide.
- Select your completed exam archive.
- Wait for the file upload to finish.
- Follow the instructions displayed on the page.
- Verify the displayed file information when prompted.
- Select Submit File to complete the submission.
Uploading the file alone does not complete the report submission. Make sure you complete the final Submit File step.
After successfully submitting your report, check your email for confirmation that your exam files were received. If you do not see the email, check your spam or junk folder.
If your file will not upload
If the report submission page is available but your file does not upload successfully, check the following.
Confirm the file requirements
Make sure your report follows the requirements in your certification's Exam Guide, including:
- file type;
- archive format;
- filename;
- archive contents;
- password-protection requirements; and
- file-size limits.
If your file exceeds the permitted size, reduce the file size according to the instructions in your Exam Guide before trying again.
Recreate the archive if necessary
If you receive an error indicating that your file is invalid or is not in the proper format, recreate the archive and try again.
Make sure you use the archive format specified in your Exam Guide.
Do not password-protect the archive unless your Exam Guide specifically instructs you to do so.
Check your internet connection
A slow or unstable internet connection may interrupt the upload.
Before trying again:
- Confirm that your internet connection is stable.
- Avoid switching networks while the file is uploading.
- Allow the upload to finish before closing or refreshing the page.
Try a different browser
If the submission page does not load correctly or the upload stops unexpectedly:
- Refresh the page and try again.
- Open the page in a private or incognito browser window.
- Disable browser extensions that may interfere with forms or file uploads.
- Try another supported browser.
Windows 11: "File is not a proper format" error
Some learners using Windows 11 may encounter a file is not a proper format error when submitting files through the exam report upload page.
If you receive this error, review the Exam Guide for your certification for the recommended workaround.
Depending on your exam, you may be instructed to use a Kali Linux virtual machine to create or upload your exam archive.
If the upload finishes but you are unsure whether your report was submitted
For exams using the separate exam report upload page, confirm that you completed the final Submit File step.
Uploading the file without selecting Submit File does not complete the submission.
You should also check your email for confirmation that your report was successfully received.
If you did not receive confirmation and cannot verify whether your submission completed successfully, contact OffSec Support as soon as possible.
If the submission page is missing or unavailable
If you cannot access the expected submission option or page:
- Confirm that you are following the submission method specified in your Exam Guide.
- Confirm that your exam has ended.
- Refresh the page.
- Sign out and sign back in if you are using the OffSec Learning Platform.
- Try another supported browser.
- Confirm that you are accessing the correct exam attempt.
Contacting Support
If you are still unable to submit your exam report, submit a support request as soon as possible and, whenever possible, before your report submission deadline.
Include the following information:
- your OSID;
- the certification exam you completed;
- your exam completion date and time;
- the submission method you are using;
- the exact error message you received;
- a screenshot of the issue;
- the name and file type of the file you are attempting to submit;
- the browser and operating system you are using; and
- the troubleshooting steps you have already completed.
Do not attach or send your exam report unless OffSec Support specifically asks you to provide it.
Contacting Support does not automatically extend the report submission deadline. Please reach out as soon as you experience an issue.
Relevant resources
Exam submission requirements vary by certification. Review the Exam Guide for the certification you are taking to confirm the correct submission method, file requirements, naming convention, file-size limits, and any additional exam-specific instructions.