TLDR
- The OSCP+ (Offensive Security Certified Professional Plus) certification evaluates a professional’s hands-on expertise in penetration testing.
- The OSCP+ is the updated version of the older OSCP certification, both of which are offered by Offensive Security (Offsec). One of the main changes in OSCP+ is its validity period. The new version requires renewal every three years, whereas the original OSCP was valid for life.
- Earning the OSCP+ (Offensive Security Certified Professional Plus) certification can be achieved through two main paths.
- The PEN-200 course is designed for beginners with no prior experience, providing a strong foundation in penetration testing and offensive security operations.
- The cost of obtaining the OSCP+ certification varies depending on whether you choose the standalone exam or the PEN-200 training course.
- ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for an OSCP+ certified expert is around $120,200, with reported earnings ranging from $22,500 to $168,000, depending on experience, location, and industry.
- Meanwhile, PayScale reports that the base salary for an OSCP+ professional is approximately $103,000 per year in the U.S.
Preparing for the OSCP+ certification can feel like stepping into a world where every locked door hides a new challenge, and every challenge sharpens you into a stronger security professional. If you’re aiming to master penetration testing, sharpen your ethical hacking skills, or dive into real-world red teaming scenarios, this OSCP+ certification guide is your roadmap.
In this blog, we are going to explore the OSCP+ certification guide and the salary this professional credential can lead to.
What Is OSCP+ Certification?
The OSCP+ (Offensive Security Certified Professional Plus) certification evaluates a professional’s hands-on expertise in penetration testing. Earning this certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to identify and exploit security vulnerabilities in an organization’s networks and systems, thereby demonstrating practical skills in real-world cybersecurity scenarios.
How Does OCP Differ From OSCP+?
The OSCP+ is the updated version of the older OSCP certification, both of which are offered by Offensive Security (Offsec). One of the main changes in OSCP+ is its validity period. The new version requires renewal every three years, whereas the original OSCP was valid for life.
Additionally, the exam structure has been updated: bonus points are no longer included, and the Active Directory (AD) section has been significantly improved to reflect modern penetration testing scenarios. These updates make OSCP+ a more current and practical measure of a candidate’s offensive security skills.
Delve into the details of: OSCP VS CEH- Which Gives More Success?
How To Achieve The OSCP+ Certification?
Earning the OSCP+ (Offensive Security Certified Professional Plus) certification can be achieved through two main paths. Candidates can either take the OSCP+ standalone exam, designed for individuals with prior knowledge and hands-on skills, or enroll in the PEN-200: Penetration Testing with Kali Linux course, which offers a structured path for beginners to build foundational cybersecurity skills.
Understanding the OSCP+ Standalone Exam
The OSCP+ standalone exam does not require formal prerequisites. However, it is recommended that candidates possess a good understanding of TCP/IP networking, basic scripting skills, and familiarity with both Linux and Windows environments. The exam emphasizes practical, hands-on skills. Participants are given access to virtual labs to practice penetration testing techniques, and upon completion, they must submit a comprehensive penetration testing report detailing their findings and methodology.
The exam is organized into three main sections:
- Requirements
- Exam Information
- Submission Instructions
The practical structure of the exam includes:
- Three standalone machines (worth 60 points in total)
- One Active Directory (AD) environment with three machines (worth 40 points in total)
Overview of PEN-200: Penetration Testing With Kali Linux
The PEN-200 course is designed for beginners with no prior experience, providing a strong foundation in penetration testing and offensive security operations. Through this certification, learners acquire hands-on experience in simulating attacks, identifying vulnerabilities, and understanding system defenses.
The course is divided into 20 modules, some featuring instructional videos and others offering practical labs. This combination of theory and hands-on practice ensures candidates develop the skills needed to approach real-world cybersecurity challenges confidently. The 20 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
Get deeper insights on: PNPT VS OSCP: Which one to pursue in 2026?
Investment Needed for the OSCP+ Certification
The cost of obtaining the OSCP+ certification varies depending on whether you choose the standalone exam or the PEN-200 training course. Here is a clear breakdown of both options.
Cost of the OSCP+ Standalone Exam
Candidates taking the standalone OSCP+ exam pay a one-time fee of $1,699. This package includes:
- Two exam attempts within 90 days
- No course materials provided
Cost of the PEN-200 Training Course
The PEN-200 course offers multiple bundles based on access level and exam flexibility:
- Course + Certification Bundle
- Price
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- $1,749 (one-time)
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- Features include:
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- 90 days of access to 200 or 300-level course materials
- Hands-on practical labs
- One exam attempt
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- Learn Unlimited Bundle
- Price
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- $6,099 per year
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Features Include
- Access to all 100–300 level courses
- Unlimited exam attempts
- Full 365-day access to labs and course content
- Bonus courses (KLCP, OSWP) with exams
- 200+ practical labs for advanced practice
✮ Hacks To Score Better In OSCP+ Exam
i. Start With The Official OSCP+ Resources
Before diving into unofficial guides or third-party materials, it’s crucial to start with official resources from Offensive Security. These include the OSCP+ course syllabus, exam blueprint, and lab documentation, which outline the core topics, practical skills, and objectives required for the certification. Using the official resources ensures your preparation aligns with what will actually be tested.
ii. Create a Personalized Study Plan
Developing a custom study plan can make your preparation more structured and efficient. By analyzing the exam domains and their weightage, you can prioritize the topics that matter most and identify areas where you need more practice. A tailored plan helps you track progress, manage your time effectively, and focus on your weak points before exam day.
iii. Engage With Online Communities
Learning alongside others can provide valuable insights. Joining online forums, Discord groups, or study communities allows you to interact with fellow OSCP+ aspirants worldwide. Sharing experiences, asking questions, and discussing challenging lab scenarios can broaden your understanding and expose you to new problem-solving approaches.
iv. Utilize Practical Labs and Practice Resources
Hands-on practice is essential for success on the OSCP+. Take advantage of practice labs, virtual environments, and other practical exercises to apply your skills in real-world scenarios. While some online resources, such as lab walkthroughs or sample exercises, can be helpful, always focus on learning the concepts rather than just memorizing solutions. Practical experience is what the exam truly tests.
v. Take Notes and Document Your Learning
Creating your own handwritten or digital notes can significantly enhance retention. Documenting commands, techniques, and lab findings helps reinforce your understanding and serves as a quick reference during revisions. Writing down the information also aids memory retention better than passive reading alone, making your study sessions more effective.
vi. Prioritize Your Mental and Physical Well-Being
Exam preparation can be intense, so maintaining a healthy mind and body is just as important as studying. Get enough sleep, eat well, take breaks during long lab sessions, and manage stress effectively. A focused and energized mind absorbs information faster and performs better under exam conditions.
What Its Like To Earn OSCP+ Certification In 2026?
↪ Validates Real-World Expertise
OSCP+ is a practical, hands-on certification that requires candidates to perform penetration tests, exploit vulnerabilities, and create detailed reports. This demonstrates to employers that you have applied skills, not just theoretical knowledge.
↪ Unlocking The Diverse Career Paths
Holding an OSCP+ certification opens doors to roles like Penetration Tester, Red-Team Specialist, Security Consultant, or Vulnerability Analyst. The certification enhances your resume and positions you for advanced responsibilities.
↪ Globally Recognized Credential
The OSCP+ certification is respected across industries and borders, from tech companies to government agencies. This recognition allows certified professionals to work internationally, remotely, or across multiple sectors.
How Much Does an OCSP+ Certified Earn In 2026?
In 2026, professionals holding the OSCP+ (Offensive Security Certified Professional Plus) certification can expect competitive compensation in the United States. According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for an OSCP+ certified expert is around $120,200, with reported earnings ranging from $22,500 to $168,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Meanwhile, PayScale reports that the base salary for an OSCP+ professional is approximately $103,000 per year in the U.S., highlighting the strong earning potential associated with hands-on penetration testing and offensive security skills.
To have an in-depth OSCP+ Salary analysis, explore: The Lucrative Career Path: Unlocking the OSCP Salary Potential.
Wrapping It Up
The OSCP+ certification is a powerful way to showcase your practical cybersecurity skills and mastery in penetration testing. From validating your penetration testing skills to opening doors for high-demand roles and boosting earning potential, OSCP+ equips professionals with the tools and confidence to excel in a competitive cybersecurity landscape.
For anyone serious about building a lasting career in offensive security, OSCP+ serves as both a launchpad and a benchmark, helping you stay relevant in an ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
The significant difference between these two versions is that the OSCP was a lifetime certification and did not require renewal. In contrast, the OSCP+ has a renewal period and requires recertification every three years.
The OCSP+ certification cost depends on an individual’s choice of taking the exam. The standalone exam costs $1,740, while the PEN-200 course costs $6,099 annually.
Payscale states that the OSCP+ professional earns $103,000 per year in the United States.
Article Sources
- 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.
