Yet Another OSCP Preparation Guide for 75 Days
Embarking on the journey to become an Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) demands a well-structured and dedicated approach. This guide is a reflection of the approach I took to successfully earn my Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification from OffSec on my first attempt, achieving a perfect score of 100/100. Remarkably, I managed to compromise all exam machines within a swift 5 hours, opting not to rely on Metasploit or its modules. Completing the exam with full reporting requirements, I wrapped up the intense 24-hour session in just 12 hours. This achievement not only validates the effectiveness of the approach outlined in this guide but also emphasizes the significance of a thorough and strategic preparation for the OSCP certification.
Before delving into the specifics of the OSCP exam, it's crucial to build a solid foundation. Consider taking prerequisite courses such as CEH, eJPT, or the Practical Ethical Hacker course by Heath Adams' TCM Security. Additionally, enhance your understanding of privilege escalation complete TCM Security's Linux and Windows Privilege Escalation courses.
Once you have laid down the foundational knowledge, investing in the OSCP labs for a 90-day period becomes pivotal. This extended timeframe allows for a comprehensive learning experience, providing ample time to navigate through the course content, engage in practical exercises, and tackle challenges in the lab environment. Additionally, during the course completion phase, consider testing your skills by practicing Hack The Box (HTB) and TryHackMe (THM). Follow the recommended list by tjnull, but be cautious not to spend money on a pro subscription, as it may not be worth it for this exam. Instead, focus on content comprehension and immerse yourself in hands-on practice within the lab environment. This approach ensures a well-rounded preparation, enabling you to not only pass the OSCP exam but also hone your practical skills for real-world scenarios.
Efficiently navigating through the OSCP course content within a 30-day timeframe necessitates a methodical and structured approach. Start by immersing yourself in the comprehensive course text, and absorbing the theoretical foundations of offensive security. Following this, reinforce and deepen your understanding by delving into the accompanying video lectures. This multimedia approach not only caters to diverse learning styles but also ensures a holistic comprehension of the material. As you progress, engage in practical exercises that serve as hands-on applications of the acquired knowledge. Take the time to meticulously practice and refine your skills in a controlled environment, actively reinforcing your understanding of the tools and techniques introduced in the course. Throughout this learning journey, maintain a dedicated practice of taking detailed notes. These notes serve as invaluable references, aiding in the retention of critical information and providing quick access to key concepts during subsequent phases of your OSCP preparation.
As you transition to the lab challenges, start with OSCP A and treat it like a real exam, dedicating 24 hours to assess your readiness. If unsuccessful, return to the course content and exercises before retrying the lab. Once OSCP A is conquered, progress to Challenge A, OSCP B and Challenge B. Allocate the last 20-15 days for the more challenging OSCP C, representing real-world pentesting. Attempt to compromise as many machines as possible during Challenge C and, 7-5 days before the exam, revisit OSCP C to boost confidence.
In the face of challenges during lab exercises, leverage community support on platforms like Discord. Seek hints and spoilers to learn additional techniques. Acknowledge that all OSCP machines are compromisable, and the challenge environment includes machines that may not be directly vulnerable but are post-exploitationable.
In conclusion, the OSCP certification journey, as outlined in this guide, underscores the immense value of a hands-on learning experience. The strategic 75-day roadmap, incorporating foundational courses, practical exercises, and targeted challenges, not only prepares you for the exam but also equips you with practical skills crucial for a career in ethical hacking. The OSCP exam, with its intense 24-hour duration, challenges you to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of penetration testing techniques.
Your feedback is invaluable, and I invite you to share your thoughts on this blog. If you find that you need more details on specific aspects, such as note-taking strategies or a more in-depth exploration of how I cleared the exam, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your insights and questions contribute to a collaborative learning environment, and I am eager to provide additional information to enhance your OSCP preparation journey. Feel free to share your thoughts and best of luck on your path to becoming an Offensive Security Certified Professional!
