All about CPENT and OSCP | Why is CPENT Better Than OSCP ?

Explore the differences between CPENT and OSCP, two prominent advanced cybersecurity certifications. Learn about the curriculum, practicality, industry recognition, and career opportunities associated with CPENT and OSCP. Discover which certification aligns better with your goals and aspirations in the field of penetration testing and ethical hacking.

Security Jun 11, 2023 2114 Add to Reading List

All about CPENT and OSCP | Why is CPENT Better Than OSCP ?

CPENT Overview :

CPENT stands for Certified Penetration Testing Professional. It is a professional certification offered by the EC-Council, a globally recognized organization in the field of cybersecurity. CPENT is designed to validate and enhance the skills of cybersecurity professionals in the area of penetration testing.

Penetration testing, often referred to as ethical hacking, is a process of assessing the security of computer systems, networks, and applications by simulating real-world cyberattacks. The objective of penetration testing is to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in an organization's digital infrastructure before malicious hackers can exploit them.

CPENT focuses on providing individuals with advanced knowledge and practical skills necessary to conduct penetration tests effectively. The certification covers various domains, including advanced penetration testing techniques, web application attacks, wireless and network attacks, post-exploitation, and advanced persistence techniques.

To obtain the CPENT certification, individuals must undergo rigorous training and pass a comprehensive exam that tests their understanding of the concepts and their ability to apply them in practical scenarios. The exam typically includes hands-on challenges and real-world simulations to assess the candidate's penetration testing skills.

CPENT certification offers professionals several advantages, such as a broader skill set, hands-on experience in real-world scenarios, industry recognition, and access to continued professional development programs. These benefits make CPENT an attractive choice for cybersecurity professionals looking to enhance their expertise in penetration testing and pursue rewarding career opportunities in the field.

OSCP Overview :

OSCP stands for Offensive Security Certified Professional. It is a renowned certification offered by Offensive Security, a leading provider of cybersecurity training and certification programs. OSCP is highly regarded in the industry and is considered a benchmark for penetration testing and ethical hacking skills.

The OSCP certification focuses on practical, hands-on learning and assessment, emphasizing real-world scenarios and the application of knowledge in conducting successful penetration tests. It is designed to validate the skills and abilities of cybersecurity professionals in offensive security techniques.

To obtain the OSCP certification, individuals must complete the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) course, also known as the "Penetration Testing with Kali Linux" (PWK) course. This course provides comprehensive training in various aspects of penetration testing, including reconnaissance, network scanning, vulnerability identification, exploitation, and post-exploitation techniques.

During the PWK course, participants are required to perform a series of challenging exercises and engage in a 24-hour hands-on practical exam known as the "Offensive Security Certified Professional Exam" (OSCP Exam). The exam assesses the candidate's ability to apply their knowledge and skills to identify vulnerabilities, exploit them, and document their findings effectively.

OSCP is highly respected within the cybersecurity community due to its rigorous training approach and practical nature. The certification demonstrates the holder's ability to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in systems and networks, making them valuable assets in organizations' cybersecurity defenses.

Professionals who achieve the OSCP certification gain a competitive edge in the job market, as it is recognized and sought after by employers worldwide. It signifies a high level of technical proficiency and practical experience in penetration testing, opening up opportunities for roles such as penetration testers, ethical hackers, and security consultants.

CPENT vs OSCP

	CPENT	OSCP
Course Level	Advanced	Foundational
Government Approvals/Standards Mapping	National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE), CREST	NA
Cloud-based Labs	iLabs Cloud-based Cyber Range	VPN-based Virtual Lab Environment
Introduction to Penetration Testing and Methodologies	Yes	Yes (Partial)
Penetration Testing Scoping and Engagement	Yes	No
Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)	Yes	Yes (Partial)
Social Engineering Penetration Testing	Yes	No
Network Penetration Testing - External	Yes	Yes (Partial)
Network Penetration Testing - Internal	Yes	Yes (Partial)
Network Penetration Testing - Perimeter Devices	Yes	Yes (Partial)
Web Application Penetration Testing	Yes	Yes (Partial)
Wireless Penetration Testing	Yes	No
IoT Penetration Testing	Yes	No
OT and SCADA Penetration Testing	Yes	No
Cloud Penetration Testing	Yes	No
Binary Analysis and Exploitation	Yes	No
Report Writing and Post Testing Actions	Yes	Yes (Partial)
Appendix A: Penetration Testing Essential Concepts	Yes	No
Appendix B: Fuzzing	Yes	No
Appendix C: Mastering Metasploit Framework	Yes	Yes (Partial)
Appendix D: PowerShell Scripting	Yes	Yes (Partial)
Appendix E: BASH Environment and Scripting	Yes	Yes (Partial)
Appendix F: Python Environment and Scripting	Yes	No
Appendix G: Perl Environment and Scripting	Yes	No
Appendix H: Ruby Environment and Scripting	Yes	No
Appendix I: Active Directory Penetration Testing	Yes	Yes (Partial)
Appendix J: Database Penetration Testing	Yes	No
Appendix K: Mobile Device Penetration Testing	Yes	No

Curriculum: CPENT offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of cybersecurity domains, including advanced penetration testing techniques, web application attacks, wireless and network attacks, post-exploitation, and advanced persistence techniques. OSCP focuses primarily on network penetration testing.
Real-world Scenarios: CPENT places significant emphasis on real-world scenarios, providing hands-on experience in simulated environments. This practical approach equips professionals with the skills to tackle complex security challenges encountered in actual settings. OSCP also includes practical exercises but with a narrower focus on specific network-centric scenarios.
Industry Recognition: CPENT, offered by EC-Council, is gaining recognition within the cybersecurity industry. Its practical approach and comprehensive curriculum make it attractive to employers seeking professionals with practical expertise. OSCP, on the other hand, has long been recognized as a reputable certification in the industry.
Continued Professional Development: CPENT offers a structured Continued Professional Development (CPD) program, enabling professionals to stay updated with emerging trends and techniques in the field. This commitment to ongoing learning ensures CPENT-certified professionals remain at the forefront of cybersecurity. OSCP does not have a formal CPD program.
Certification Requirements: To obtain the CPENT certification, individuals must undergo rigorous training and pass a comprehensive exam that tests their practical skills. OSCP requires individuals to complete the Penetration Testing with Kali Linux (PWK) course and pass a practical exam known as the OSCP Exam.
Hands-on Experience: CPENT provides extensive hands-on experience through practical exercises and simulations, allowing professionals to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. OSCP also focuses on hands-on learning, with participants required to perform challenging exercises and a practical exam.
Scope of Coverage: CPENT covers a broader range of topics, including advanced persistence techniques and web application attacks, giving professionals a more holistic understanding of cybersecurity. OSCP primarily focuses on network penetration testing.
Time Limit: CPENT has a 72-hour exam, allowing individuals more time to demonstrate their skills and complete the required tasks. OSCP has a 24-hour exam, which can be a more intense and time-constrained experience.
Certification Reputation: OSCP has established itself as a well-respected certification with a history of producing skilled penetration testers. CPENT, while relatively new, is gaining recognition and credibility in the industry.
Vulnerability Analysis: CPENT covers advanced vulnerability analysis techniques, enabling professionals to thoroughly assess systems and networks for potential weaknesses. OSCP also includes vulnerability analysis but with a focus on network-centric vulnerabilities.
Post-Exploitation Skills: CPENT offers in-depth training in post-exploitation techniques, teaching professionals how to maintain access and control of compromised systems. OSCP also covers post-exploitation but to a lesser extent.
Web Application Attacks: CPENT dedicates specific modules to web application attacks, equipping professionals with the skills to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in web-based systems. OSCP covers web application attacks but with less emphasis.
Advanced Persistence Techniques: CPENT explores advanced persistence techniques that enable professionals to maintain long-term access to compromised systems. OSCP does not delve as deeply into advanced persistence techniques.
Network Attacks: CPENT covers a wide range of network attacks, including wireless attacks, network sniffing, and protocol-level attacks. OSCP focuses more on network-centric attacks.
Exploitation Techniques: CPENT provides comprehensive training in various exploitation techniques, ensuring professionals are proficient in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities. OSCP also covers exploitation techniques but may have a narrower focus on network-centric exploits.
Post-Exam Report: CPENT requires professionals to submit a detailed post-exam report documenting their findings, methodologies, and recommendations. OSCP also requires a similar report but with a different
Support and Community: Both CPENT and OSCP have active communities and forums where professionals can seek support, share knowledge, and engage with like-minded individuals. These communities provide valuable resources and networking opportunities.
Practical Approach: Both certifications emphasize practical skills and hands-on learning, ensuring that professionals can apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. This practical approach enhances the effectiveness and relevance of the certifications.
Time Commitment: CPENT and OSCP both require a significant time commitment for training and preparation. Professionals must dedicate ample time and effort to study, practice, and complete the required exercises and exams.

Career Opportunities: Holding either CPENT or OSCP certification significantly enhances career opportunities in the cybersecurity field. Employers value these certifications and often seek certified professionals for roles such as penetration testers, ethical hackers, security consultants, and more.