Welcome to the Essentials Learning Paths! This quick start guide provides valuable information to help you begin your cybersecurity learning journey. The guide here is built with Learn Fundamentals subscription in mind, however, the same information applies if you are studying the Essential/Introductory content through a Learn One and/or Learn Unlimited subscription.
| Quick Introduction to Essentials | Access your training materials | Access your Lab | Complete the assessments |
Supplemental Guide available at the end of this article:
Quick Introduction to Essentials
Here is a short video to get you familiarized with the Essential/Introductory content inside the Offsec Learning Library:
This video was current as of March 2023. As we continue to improve the Offsec Learning Platform, slight modifications in the interface or functionality may appear.
Training Materials
Once your subscription has started, you can access the online training materials and labs via your Learning Library control panel.
To access the essentials content:
Step 1: Go to the 'Explore button' located at the top left of the page and select "Learning Paths" menu
Step 2: Click the essential contents,( e.g., Network Penetration Testing Essentials - PEN-100) and you will land on the Training Materials page presenting you the learning modules. You can also click on the “View All” button to see all the essential contents.
Step 3: Select the module you wish to read and you can now start and enjoy your learning journey
Have any issues accessing your training materials? Contact support here.
Learning Module Labs
Applying what you have learned into practice and getting immediate feedback on your work is key to building knowledge.
For even more information, check our Module Labs FAQ.
Lab Information
When taking our courses - and for the most streamlined OffSec lab experience - we strongly recommend that all learners use a Kali VMware image. For information on how to download, install and use the Kali VMware image, please view the Kali Linux VM article.
This said, we offer two ways of connecting to the OffSec labs:
Connecting through VPN
To download your VPN connectivity package, click the VPN button located at the left menu to start your download. The Universal VPN can be used to access any Learning Path module labs.
Connecting through in-browser Kali
If you are eager to start right away and wish to save the time of downloading and installing the Kali VMware image and/or the VPN connectivity package, you can use the in-browser Kali option for any of the Essentials content. Here is a quick intro to using your in-browser Kali instance:
This video was current as of September 2022. As we continue to improve the OffSec Learning Platform, slight modifications in the interface or functionality may appear.
You can complete most of the introductory content by using the in-browser Kali instance. For more information on in-browser Kali check our Understanding in-browser Kali FAQ.
Assessments
Some of the essential learning paths allow you to gain a badge by going through the learning content and completing an assessment. Once you have completed at least 80% of the labs for every module, scroll through the topics/learning modules of a learning path to find the assessment.*
To schedule an assessment attempt, please follow the steps here.
To take the assessment:
Step 1: Click the Create new assessment button at the top right of your screen and an assessment attempt will be created. Make sure to read the assessment instructions carefully!
Step 2: Once you are ready to begin the assessment, click the Start assessment button at the bottom of the screen. The timer will now begin counting down, and you can start working through the labs.
*You may attempt an assessment at any point during your studies, however, you will not be able to receive a badge until both criteria (passing the assessment and completing minimum 80% of the labs for every module) are met.
You may visit our Certification and Badges FAQ for a detailed list on what certification or badge can be achieved for the OffSec training.
Supplemental Guidelines
Other resources
- OffSec Learning Path FAQ
- Learn Fundamentals FAQ
- Assessments FAQ
- Understanding the OffSec Learning Library Content Designation System
- Upgrade FAQ
Contact Support
Try asking OSCAR - The OffSec Support Chatbot Assistance Resource, a.k.a. OSCAR, is an AI-powered chatbot here to provide you with quick and efficient support for your general inquiries related to OffSec services and offerings.
Here are the different ways you can connect with our team of support experts:
Discord - Join our vibrant OffSec Community Chat Platform, where you can connect, collaborate, and grow with like-minded learners and industry professionals. To learn more and join the conversation, simply visit the OffSec Community Chat User Guide.
Forum - You may also interact with OffSec Students via our OffSec Forums. If you have not received or forgot your Forum Credentials, please contact help@offensive-security.com for assistance.
Live Chat - Encountering technical difficulties connecting to the proctors during the exam? Live Support are available to help you.
Email - If you have any general support related questions, you can send us an email by submitting a request here.
For efficient support, kindly provide your OSID number when reaching out to our team.