OSCP Course Complete Guide 2026 – Cost, Syllabus, Exam Format, Salary & Career Scope
The demand for cyber security professionals is growing rapidly, and ethical hacking has become one of the most respected career paths today. If you want to build a serious career in penetration testing or red teaming, this OSCP Course Complete Guide will walk you through everything you need to know — including course content, fee structure, syllabus, exam format, preparation roadmap, and future career prospects.
This guide is written to give you a full roadmap from zero to OSCP, even if you’re just starting in cyber security.
🔐 What is OSCP Certification? (OSCP Course Complete Guide)
OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) is a globally recognized hands-on penetration testing certification offered by Offensive Security. Unlike theoretical exams such as CEH, OSCP focuses on real-world exploitation skills, privilege escalation, buffer overflow and post-exploitation methodologies.
What makes OSCP unique?
You don’t answer multiple-choice questions —
You hack machines in a live exam.
This is why OSCP is regarded as a skill-proof certification worldwide.
⭐ Why Choose OSCP? (Key Benefits in this OSCP Course Complete Guide)
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Recognized & trusted by cybersecurity companies worldwide
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100% practical — learn by hacking real systems
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Builds strong offensive security fundamentals
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Boosts credibility in interviews & job roles
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Preferred certification for penetration testers
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Helps you secure high-paying cyber security roles
If you want to prove your real hacking skills, OSCP is the certification you target.
📚 OSCP Course Complete Guide – Detailed Syllabus & Skills
The OSCP course is based on PEN-200 / PWK (Penetration Testing with Kali Linux). Below is the complete syllabus structured for students and working professionals.
🔸 OSCP Course Modules
| Module | Key Learning Areas |
|---|---|
| Information Gathering | Scanning, Enumeration, Recon |
| Vulnerability Analysis | CVEs, Exploit Analysis |
| Exploitation | Network, Web & System Exploits |
| Buffer Overflow | Stack BO, Custom Exploits |
| Privilege Escalation | Linux/Windows Escalation Paths |
| Post Exploitation | Lateral Movement & Persistence |
| Active Directory | Pivoting, Kerberoasting, Attacks |
| Reporting | Professional Pentest Docs |
This OSCP Course Complete Guide focuses heavily on real exploitation rather than theory.
🏆 OSCP Exam Format Explained (Important Part of OSCP Course Complete Guide)
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Duration: 24 hours
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Task: Hack multiple machines with real vulnerabilities
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Passing Score Requirement: 70/100
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No MCQs — pure hands-on hacking
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You must submit a detailed penetration testing report to pass
This is why preparation should include practical labs + reporting practice.
💰 OSCP Course Complete Guide – Certification Cost in 2026
| Plan | Approx Cost |
|---|---|
| PWK + 90 Days Lab + 1 Exam Attempt | ~$1,749 |
| PWK + 365 Days Lab + 2 Exam Attempts | ~$2,749 |
| Exam Retake | ~$150–349 |
Fees vary based on lab duration & attempt package.
🎯 Who Should Enroll? (OSCP Course Complete Guide Profile Fit)
Recommended for:
✔ Ethical Hackers
✔ Security Analysts
✔ Penetration Testers
✔ Red Team Aspirants
✔ Bug Bounty Hunters
✔ IT Admins wanting to move into cyber security
Prerequisites
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Linux & Windows basics
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Networking fundamentals
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Basic scripting (Python/Bash)
Beginners can learn fundamentals from CEH, Security+, Linux basics or TryHackMe/HackTheBox beginner paths first.
📈 Career Scope After OSCP (Part of OSCP Course Complete Guide)
| Job Role | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Penetration Tester | $90K – $150K |
| Red Team Specialist | $100K – $160K |
| Security Engineer | $95K+ |
| Bug Bounty Hunter | Unlimited potential |
| SOC Analyst → Red Team Transition | High Growth |
OSCP certification is highly valued and increases your hiring probability.
🔥 OSCP Course Complete Guide – Preparation Roadmap (Infographic Ready Structure)
Phase 1: Foundations (2–6 Weeks)
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Linux + Networking + Scripting
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Tools: Nmap, Netcat, Wireshark
Phase 2: Skill Building (4–8 Weeks)
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Learn enumeration & exploit strategies
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Platforms: TryHackMe, HackTheBox
Phase 3: Deep Dive Practical (6–12 Weeks)
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Priv-Esc + AD Attacks + Buffer Overflow
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Tools: BurpSuite, Metasploit, Hydra
Phase 4: OSCP Labs (8–16 Weeks)
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Solve 30–60 lab machines
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Create your own scripts
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Document everything
Phase 5: Exam Practice (2–6 Weeks)
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Mock exams & report writing
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Focus on time management
OSCP vs CEH vs CPENT – Quick Comparison
OSCP wins if you want real offensive security skills.
Final Verdict – OSCP Course Complete Guide Summary
If your goal is to become a pen tester, red teamer, or cyber security professional, the OSCP certification is one of the most rewarding and respected certifications you can pursue.
It is challenging — but that’s why it holds value.
FAQ (OSCP Course Complete Guide FAQ Section)
Q1: How long is OSCP preparation time?
3–6 months of consistent labs & practice.
Q2: Does OSCP expire?
No — lifetime valid.
Q3: Can beginners start OSCP directly?
Recommended after foundational cybersecurity knowledge.
Q4: What makes OSCP difficult?
Live hacking exam + report requirement.
If you want OSCP training support, lab mentoring, or guided preparation:
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