Choosing the right cybersecurity certification can be the key to boosting your career in ethical hacking and penetration testing. Two of the most recognized certifications in 2025 are:

✅ OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) – A well-known but outdated certification.
✅ CPENT (Certified Penetration Testing Professional) – A modern, flexible, and advanced certification.

So, which one is the best choice for you? If you want to become a real-world pentester and Red Teamer, CPENT is the superior choice. This article will explain why.

1. OSCP vs. CPENT: A Quick Comparison

Before we dive deeper, let’s compare the main differences between these two certifications:

Verdict: CPENT is more advanced, flexible, and relevant for cybersecurity professionals.

2. Why OSCP Is Becoming Outdated in 2025

2.1 OSCP’s Outdated Exam Structure

The OSCP exam follows a Capture The Flag (CTF) style format, which does not reflect real-world pentesting.

❌ Metasploit is limited to one use.
❌ Nikto and other tools are banned, restricting learning.
❌ Limited Windows penetration testing—most environments today are Windows-based.

Real-world pentesters use all available tools. OSCP’s restrictions make no sense in today’s cybersecurity landscape.

2.2 OSCP’s 24-Hour Exam Is Unrealistic

The OSCP exam lasts 24 hours, followed by a long report submission.

This doesn’t simulate real-world pentesting, where work is done over days or weeks, not in one exhausting session.

✔️ CPENT’s 12-hour format is far more practical, split into two 6-hour sessions.
✔️ No mandatory report—your performance is assessed in real-time.

CPENT better reflects real-world engagements, making it a better choice for professionals.

3. CPENT: The Best Cybersecurity Certification in 2025

3.1 A More Realistic and Advanced Exam

Unlike OSCP, CPENT is based on real-world hacking scenarios:

✔️ Active Directory exploitation (essential for corporate pentesting)
✔️ Segmented network penetration (realistic enterprise attacks)
✔️ Advanced exploitation techniques, including post-exploitation

If you want to be job-ready, CPENT is the best certification.

3.2 No Restrictions on Hacking Tools

With CPENT, you can use any pentesting tool, just like in real penetration testing.

✅ Metasploit, Nikto, Burp Suite, PowerShell Empire
✅ Red Team tools like Cobalt Strike and BloodHound
✅ More flexibility for advanced exploitations

OSCP’s restrictions limit your skill development. CPENT allows you to practice like a real hacker.

3.3 CPENT Is More Affordable and Flexible

OSCP costs $1599, with mandatory training.
CPENT starts at $1199 and offers flexible training options.

With CPENT, you save money while getting a certification that is actually useful.

4. CPENT vs. OSCP: Which One Is Better for Your Career?

4.1 Job Opportunities with CPENT vs. OSCP

With OSCP, you can get roles like:

• Junior Pentester
• Cybersecurity Analyst

With CPENT, you qualify for:

• Senior Pentester
• Red Team Operator
• Advanced Cybersecurity Consultant

CPENT gives you better job prospects and prepares you for high-paying cybersecurity roles.

5. Best CPENT Training Courses to Pass the Exam

5.1 Official EC-Council CPENT Training

✔️ Hands-on interactive labs
✔️ Learn directly from EC-Council experts
EC-Council CPENT Training

5.2 INE CPENT Bootcamp

✔️ 50+ hours of video training
✔️ Full access to realistic exam simulations
INE CPENT Bootcamp

5.3 Udemy CPENT Course for Beginners

✔️ Budget-friendly introduction to CPENT
✔️ Great for foundational knowledge
CPENT Course on Udemy

Conclusion: Why CPENT Is the Best Choice in 2025

OSCP was once the best certification, but it is now outdated.

✅ CPENT is more practical and realistic, simulating real-world attacks.
✅ No unnecessary restrictions on tools—train like a real hacker.
✅ Shorter, more flexible, and more affordable than OSCP.
✅ Opens doors to high-paying jobs in Red Teaming and advanced pentesting.

Want to boost your career? Get CPENT certification and become a top-tier cybersecurity professional! visit CPENT SecureValley