OSCP vs HTB CPTS
OSCP and HTB CPTS are both practical penetration testing certifications that require a written report. The OSCP+ exam runs for just under 24 hours with another 24 hours for the report, while HTB CPTS gives candidates 10 days for the lab work and report.
Side by Side
| OSCP | HTB CPTS | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | OffSec Certified Professional | HTB Certified Penetration Testing Specialist |
| Issuer | OffSec | Hack The Box |
| Level | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Exam type | Hands-on practical | Hands-on practical |
| Questions | Not published | Not published |
| Duration | 23 hours 45 minutes, plus 24 hours to submit the report | 10 days (lab access and report submission) |
| Passing score | 70 out of 100 points for exams taken through 2026-11-30; equated scaled scoring from 2026-12-01 | Minimum point threshold from submitted flags plus a report that meets quality requirements; HTB gives at least 70 of 100 points on intermediate paths as an example. |
| Exam fee | $1,699 | $210 |
| Prerequisites | None. OffSec awards the credential to candidates who pass the exam. It recommends TCP/IP networking, Windows and Linux administration experience, and basic Bash or Python scripting. | 100% completion of the Penetration Tester job-role path and an exam voucher. HTB recommends intermediate knowledge of web and infrastructure penetration testing. |
| Validity | Does not expire | Does not expire |
| Renewal | OSCP does not expire. The OSCP+ designation expires three years after issue. It is renewed by earning 120 CPE credits in the cycle, passing the recertification exam, or passing a qualifying higher-level OffSec exam (OSWA, OSEP, OSWE, OSED, OSMR, OSEE or OSAI+), together with annual AMP ($299 per year) or AMF ($145 per year) coverage where the program rules require it. | Does not expire. |
| Exam domains | Standalone machines (three machines, initial access and privilege escalation); Active Directory set (three machines, assumed-breach scenario) | Penetration testing processes and methodologies; Information gathering & reconnaissance techniques; Attacking Windows & Linux targets; Active Directory penetration testing; Web application penetration testing; Manual & automated exploitation; Vulnerability assessment; Pivoting & Lateral Movement; Post-exploitation enumeration; Windows & Linux Privilege escalation; Vulnerability/Risk communication and reporting |
Main Differences
- +Exam window: OSCP runs for 23 hours 45 minutes with 24 more hours for the report. HTB CPTS allows 10 days from the start of the exam for lab work and report submission.
- +Delivery and grading: every OSCP+ exam is proctored, and points depend on proof files and the report. HTB CPTS runs in an isolated lab network reached by VPN or Pwnbox, and HTB reviews the submitted report within up to 20 business days.
- +Eligibility: OSCP has no formal prerequisites. HTB CPTS requires 100% completion of the Penetration Tester job-role path.
- +Cost and validity: OffSec lists the standalone OSCP+ exam at $1,699. OSCP+ expires after three years and OSCP does not. The HTB CPTS voucher costs $210 ($249.90 including VAT) and allows a second attempt if the first fails with a report submitted. HTB certifications do not expire.
Certification Details
Frequently Asked Questions
Do OSCP and HTB CPTS both cover Active Directory?→
Yes. The OSCP+ exam includes an Active Directory set of three machines, and HTB lists Active Directory penetration testing among the CPTS knowledge domains.
Which exam gives more time, OSCP or HTB CPTS?→
HTB CPTS. Candidates get 10 days for the lab and report, compared with 23 hours 45 minutes plus 24 hours for the report on OSCP.
Sources
- OffSec: PEN-200 and OSCP
- OffSec: OSCP+ Exam Guide
- HTB Academy: HTB Certified Penetration Testing Specialist
- Hack The Box Help Center: Academy certifications
- Hack The Box Help Center: Academy subscriptions
- Hack The Box: Certificate validation
- OffSec blog: OSCP+ scoring update
- OffSec Help Center: AI Usage Policy in OffSec Exams
- OffSec Help Center: CPE Program and Annual Maintenance Handbook
- OffSec Help Center: Recertification Exam FAQ
- OffSec Help Center: Certification Exam FAQ
- OffSec Help Center: Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) FAQ
- Hack The Box: Pricing changes on HTB Academy
- Hack The Box Help Center: CPE Allocation, HTB Academy
Exam details come from official issuer pages and are listed in the sources above. Fees and exam versions change; confirm with the issuer before registering.