A career in cybersecurity has been in high demand worldwide. Considering the OSCP certification for advancing your career as an ethical hacker is the right choice for you. Initially, when deciding which certification to pursue, you might have a thought regarding the investment required for taking the exam.
In this blog, we will provide a deeper analysis of the OSCP Certification cost, from exam fees to training expenses. This blog will help you make a wise decision about becoming a certified ethical hacker.
What Is The Difference Between OSCP & OSCP+
The OSCP is the older version, and the latest version is OSCP+, offered by Offsec. One significant difference between the OSCP+ (new version) and the OSCP (old version) is that the latest version has a 3-year renewal period, whereas the OCSP certification was valid for life. In addition, the exam no longer includes bonus points, and new updates have been made to the Active Directory section.
What Is OSCP Plus Certification?
The Offensive Security Certified Professional Plus certification tests an individual’s skills within penetration testing. Obtaining this certification will validate the knowledge and skills required to exploit vulnerabilities within an organization’s networks and systems.
To know more deeply about the OSCP+ certification, dig into: A Complete OSCP Certification Guide: Your Path to Mastery in Cyber Defense Techniques in 2026
What Does It Take To Obtain The OSCP+ Certification?
To obtain the OSCP+ certification, candidates can either take the OSCP+ standalone exam, intended for individuals with prior knowledge and skills gained through other means, or take the PEN-200 course. This comprehensive training program provides a structured learning path for candidates with no prior experience.
Key Takeaways Of The OSCP Standalone Exam
- The OSCP+ standalone exam does not require any formal prerequisites. In addition, they recommend that you have a strong knowledge of TCP/IP networking, basic scripting skills, and familiarity with Linux and Windows.
- After completing the exam, the candidates are advised to submit a comprehensive penetration testing report.
- The standalone exam is practical. Candidates will be given access to labs.
- The OSCP+ exam consists of three sections:
- Section 1– Requirements
- Section 2— Exam Information
- Section 3 — Submission Instructions.
- The OSCP+ Standalone exam structure includes:
- 3 stand-alone machines (60 points in total)
- 1 Active Directory (AD) set containing three machines (40 points in total)
Key Takeaways of The PEN-200: Penetration Testing with Kali Linux
- The PEN-200 exam is intended for beginners with no prior experience. This course will provide individuals with the core skills needed to simulate offensive information security operations.
- This course comprises 20 modules, some of which include companion videos, while others include practical labs for better practice. The modules are as follows;
- Introduction to Cybersecurity
- Report Writing for Penetration Testers
- Information Gathering
- Vulnerability Scanning
- Introduction to Web Applications
- Common Web Application Attacks
- SQL Injection Attacks
- Client-Side Attacks
- Locating Public Exploits
- Fixing Exploits
- Antivirus Evasion
- Password Attacks
- Windows Privilege Escalation
- Linux Privilege Escalation
- Advanced Tunneling
- The Metasploit Framework
- Active Directory: Introduction and Enumeration
- Attacking Active Directory Authentication
- Lateral Movement in Active Directory
Delve into the details of: OSCP VS CEH- Which Gives More Success?
What Is The Investment Required For Taking The OSCP+ Certification Exam?
The OSCP Certification cost depends on whether an individual takes the standalone exam or the PEN-200 course. However, a detailed breakdown of both options is as follows;
OSCP+ Standalone Exam Cost
Candidates who prefer to take the OSCP+ Standalone exam will pay $1,699 once. This will include two exam attempts within 90 days, with no course material provided.
PEN-200 Course Cost
The PEN-200 course costs start at $1,749 (depending on the bundles an individual chooses). The bundles that are currently being offered by the Offsec are as follows;
- Course + Cert Bundle
- Costs $1,749 one time.
- This bundle includes 90 days of access to a 200 or 300-level course, practical labs with one exam attempt.
- Learn Unlimited
- Costs $6,099 per year.
- This bundle includes 100-300 level courses with unlimited exam attempts.
- It provides 365 days of access, Bonus KLCP and OSWP courses + exams, all learning oaths, and 200+ providing gorunda practice labs.
Get deeper insights on: PNPT VS OSCP: Which one to pursue in 2026?
What Does The OSCP+ Certification Costs Globally?
| Countires | OSCP+ Standalone Exam | PEN-200 Course |
| United States | $1,699 | $1,749 |
| United Kingdom | 1,296 GBP | 1,334 GBP |
| India | 151,433 INR | 155,889 INR |
| United Arab Emirates | 6,239 AED | 6,423 AED |
| Australlia | 2,632 AUD | 2,709 AUD |
| Canada | 2,396 CAD | 2,467 CAD |
| Germany | 1471 EUR | 1,514 EUR |
| China | 12,072 CNY | 12,427 CNY |
| Japan | 266,423 JPY | 274,269 JPY |
What Are The Factors That Can Affect The OSCP+ Cost?
Type Of OSCP+ Exam
The investment required to take the OSCP+ can vary depending on the exam an individual chooses to take. For example, the OSCP+ standalone costs differ from the PEN-200 course fee.
Premium Location Factor
Where you choose to sit for the OSCP+ exam can be a significant factor in its cost. For example, candidates testing in the United States often face higher charges due to the strong market demand, whereas exam costs in India tend to be more affordable.
Travelling Cost
If taking the eam requires you to visit another city or country, your travel budget will naturally raise the total amount you spend. Transportation, accommodation, and related expenses all contribute to the final cost of pursuing the certification.
Available Payment Methods
When planning your budget, it’s essential to understand the accepted payment methods for the exam. Offsec supports several payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal only, so organizing your payment ahead of time helps you secure your exam slot without delays.
Self-Study vs. Instructor-Led Training
Your preparation path also affects what you spend. Independent study materials are generally more economical, while classroom-based or instructor-guided programs are more expensive. Choosing between these options will influence your total preparation cost.
How Can I Reduce The OSCP+ Certification Expenses?
Look For The Official OffSec Discounts
OffSec usually runs promotions a few times a year, especially during events like Black Friday or New Year’s. These offers often reduce the overall cost of the course or exam. Keeping an eye on their announcements can save you a significant amount without compromising the legitimacy of your certification.
Choose The Most Cost-Effective Training Plan
OffSec offers multiple packages with different lab durations and extras. If you are on a budget, the shortest lab time with the required exam attempt is usually enough if you plan your practice well. The key is matching your experience level with the package, so you don’t pay for features you won’t use.
Try Using The Community Resources Before Utilizing the Other Resources
The OSCP+ ecosystem includes forums, blogs, walkthroughs, and YouTube channels that explain concepts such as buffer overflows and privilege escalation. Using these free resources reduces your need to buy additional training modules, saving you money while still giving you solid preparation.
Try Preparing In A Group
While preparing in a group can help you manage your expenses, since you can share notes and other practice resources. While OffSec does not allow sharing course content, you can legally share general notes, create joint study schedules, or practice together on public labs. This helps you avoid paying for extra guidance or tutoring because you learn from each other’s strengths and mistakes.
Avoid Retakes
One of the most significant unexpected expenses is the cost of a retake. You can avoid this by creating a realistic study plan, practicing past-style challenges, and testing your speed in mock environments. Entering the exam confident and well-prepared prevents extra fees and reduces your total cost.
How Much Does The OSCP+ Certified Earn In 2026?
- According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual income of an OSCP-certified professional in the United States is $120,200, with a range of $22,500 to $168,000.
- PayScale states that an Offensive Security Certified Professional earns a base salary of $103 per year in the United States.
To have an in-depth OSCP+ Salary analysis, explore: The Lucrative Career Path: Unlocking the OSCP Salary Potential.
Conclusion
The cost of investing in the OSCP certification ultimately comes down to recognizing the long-term value it brings to your cybersecurity career. While the price tag may seem significant at first glance, the hands-on skills, industry respect, and career opportunities it unlocks make it a worthwhile commitment for anyone serious about penetration testing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can beginners pursue the OSCP?
Of course! Beginners can take the OSCP, but it’s an excellent choice for those with prior knowledge of Linux, networking, and related topics.
What is the exam fee for the OSCP+ Standalone exam?
The exam fee for the Standalone exam is $1,699 and includes only two exam attempts.
Where can I find OSCP+ certification dumps?
The OSCP+ certification exam dumps are available on Dumpsgate. This website provides the most authentic and reliable dumps.
What is the exam format for the OSCP+ exam?
The OSCP+ exam is based on three sections that are as follows;
- Section 1– Requirements
- Section 2— Exam Information
- Section 3 — Submission Instructions.
Article Resources
- ZipRecruiter. “OSCP Salary, https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Oscp-Salary.” Accessed in November 2025.
- Payscale. “Salary for Certification: Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Certification=Offensive_Security_Certified_Professional_(OSCP)/Salary” Accessed in November 2025.
