CPENT vs OSCP: Which Penetration Testing Certification is Harder?
CPENT vs OSCP:
Penetration testing is a highly demanding field in cybersecurity, and certifications like CPENT (Certified Penetration Testing Professional) and OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) are among the most respected. If you are an ethical hacker or cybersecurity professional looking to validate your skills, you might wonder: CPENT vs OSCP – which certification is harder? Let’s break down their exam structure, difficulty level, hands-on experience, and career impact to help you decide.
What is CPENT?
The Certified Penetration Testing Professional (CPENT) certification, offered by EC-Council, is designed to test real-world penetration testing skills. It focuses on advanced network penetration testing in enterprise environments, covering both perimeter and internal security threats.
CPENT Exam Overview:
- Duration: 24-hour practical exam (can be taken as two 12-hour segments or one continuous session)
- Exam Format: Hands-on penetration testing in a live, simulated environment
- Passing Criteria: 70% score to earn CPENT, 90% to earn LPT (Licensed Penetration Tester) Master
- Skill Focus: Network penetration, IoT security, SCADA systems, web application security, and buffer overflows
What is OSCP?
Offensive Security’s OSCP certification is a highly regarded credential in the penetration testing field. Its reputation stems from its rigorous practical exam and focus on hands-on exploitation techniques.
OSCP Exam Overview:
- Duration: 24-hour practical exam + 24 hours for report submission
- Exam Format: Hands-on penetration testing in a controlled lab with multiple machines
- Passing Criteria: 70 out of 100 points, achieved by compromising target systems and submitting a detailed report
- Skill Focus: Manual exploitation, privilege escalation, pivoting, and Active Directory attacks
CPENT vs OSCP: Key Differences
Feature | CPENT | OSCP |
---|---|---|
Exam Duration | 24 hours (split or continuous) | 24 hours + 24 hours for reporting |
Exam Format | Real-world network penetration testing | Multiple machines in a lab setup |
Skill Focus | Enterprise networks, IoT, SCADA, web security | Manual exploitation, AD, privilege escalation |
Difficulty Level | Requires in-depth corporate penetration testing knowledge | Heavy focus on manual exploitation, harder for beginners |
Report Requirement | Optional for CPENT certification | Mandatory, detailed report required |
Which Certification is Harder?
Difficulty Based on Hands-on Testing
Both CPENT and OSCP require practical penetration testing skills, but OSCP is heavily focused on manual techniques, which makes it harder for beginners. CPENT, on the other hand, requires knowledge of corporate environments and advanced attack strategies.
Exam Time Constraints
OSCP gives you 24 hours to complete the lab and an additional 24 hours to submit a report. CPENT offers two 12-hour sessions or a 24-hour continuous exam, making time management crucial.
Learning Curve and Preparation
- OSCP requires extensive practice in a dedicated lab environment, with a steep learning curve.
- CPENT demands expertise in modern attack scenarios, such as IoT and SCADA penetration.
Which Certification Should You Choose?
- Choose OSCP if you want a hands-on, highly technical exam that focuses on manual exploitation.
- Choose CPENT if you prefer real-world enterprise security challenges, including IoT and SCADA security.
- If you aim to work in corporate penetration testing, CPENT may be more beneficial.
- If you want a certification widely respected by red teamers, OSCP is the better option.
Frequently Asked Questions (CPENT vs OSCP)
1. Is CPENT harder than OSCP?
It depends on your expertise. OSCP is harder for those unfamiliar with manual exploitation, while CPENT is difficult for those who lack enterprise security knowledge.
2. Which certification is better for career growth?
Both are valuable. OSCP is highly regarded for hands-on ethical hacking roles, while CPENT is great for enterprise security professionals.
3. How long does it take to prepare for CPENT or OSCP?
It varies. OSCP may require 3-6 months of dedicated practice, while CPENT might take 2-4 months depending on experience.
4. Do CPENT and OSCP require coding skills?
Basic scripting skills (Python, Bash, PowerShell) are useful for both, but OSCP demands more manual exploitation techniques.
5. Can I take both CPENT and OSCP?
Yes! Many professionals take both to strengthen their penetration testing credentials and expand their expertise.
Final Verdict

Both CPENT and OSCP are challenging and respected penetration testing certifications. If you prefer enterprise network penetration testing, CPENT is a better choice. If you want deep hands-on exploitation skills, OSCP is the way to go.
Whichever you choose, Axximum Infosolutions can help you prepare with the right training and resources. Start your penetration testing journey today!