Introduction
The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification is a prestigious and highly sought-after credential for anyone aspiring to become a skilled penetration tester or ethical hacker. Achieving this certification can be a daunting task, but with determination and the right resources, it's definitely within reach. In this blog post, I will share my personal experience preparing for and passing the OSCP exam, including some valuable tips and insights.
Preparation: LearnOne Subscription and Materials
I began my OSCP journey by purchasing the LearnOne Subscription during a "Black Friday" offer for $2000. This subscription is your ticket to the vast array of training materials provided by Offensive Security. It includes the course, the lab access, and the exam attempt. A great value for aspiring ethical hackers!
I decided to make the most of my subscription and studied both the old 2020 course material and the updated 2023 content. The combination of these resources provided a comprehensive understanding of the exam objectives, ensuring I was well-prepared.
Lab Environment and Exercises
The OSCP labs are where the real learning takes place. To maximize my chances of success, I dedicated time to complete all the exercises and earn the additional 10 bonus points. This meant not only learning how to exploit vulnerabilities but also understanding the concepts and techniques behind each attack.
In total, I tackled 30 machines from the older lab environment and an impressive 5 out of 6 new labs. Each of these machines presented unique challenges and opportunities to hone my skills. My advice here is to take your time with the labs. They are a goldmine of practical knowledge.
Note-Taking with Obsidian
One of the most valuable tools in my preparation arsenal was my note-taking application, Obsidian. It helped me organize and consolidate the vast amount of information I was learning. Having a structured collection of notes to reference during the exam was a game-changer. Obsidian's interlinked notes feature allowed me to cross-reference information effortlessly.
Proving Ground and TJ Null's List
In addition to the OSCP labs, I found value in practicing on the Proving Ground (PG) and following TJ Null's list of vulnerable machines. The PG is an excellent resource for practicing, and TJ Null's list offers a diverse range of challenges to further solidify your skills.
Exam Day
After months of intense preparation, I scheduled my OSCP exam for June 1, 2023. It's important to plan your exam date carefully to ensure you have enough time to review your notes and feel confident in your abilities.
During the exam, if I ever found myself stuck on a machine for more than an hour without making any progress, I quickly moved on to another one. Time management is crucial. Taking a 10-minute break every hour helped keep my mind fresh and focused. Remember, this is a grueling 24-hour exam, and maintaining your stamina is key.
Preparation and Tips
Five months of preparation might seem like a long time, but it's essential to be thorough in your studies. I had previously obtained the eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (eJPT) certification in April 2022, which provided a strong foundation for my OSCP journey. Any prior knowledge or experience in cybersecurity is incredibly valuable.
OffSec Discord proved to be an invaluable resource. The OSCP community is active and supportive, making it a fantastic place to seek advice and share your experiences. Don't hesitate to ask questions; everyone has been through the same journey!
Lastly, I want to emphasize that it's perfectly okay to read walkthroughs when you're stuck. The OSCP exam is about learning and demonstrating your skills, not simply about brute-forcing your way through. You'll gain valuable insights from reading walkthroughs, which can be applied to future challenges.
Conclusion
The OSCP certification is a challenging but rewarding achievement for any aspiring ethical hacker. With determination, thorough preparation, and the right resources, you can succeed. My journey to OSCP success was a long and intense one, but the sense of accomplishment upon passing the exam with 100 points in just 9 hours was worth every moment. Remember, the key to success is a structured approach to learning, patience, and resilience. Good luck on your OSCP journey, and may you soon join the ranks of OffSec Certified Professionals!