Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields, and ethical hackers are in high demand. Many professionals looking to advance their careers consider certifications like CPENT (Certified Penetration Testing Professional) and OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional).
While OSCP has been a popular choice for years, CPENT is now the better certification for ethical hackers in 2025. Why? CPENT offers real-world enterprise penetration testing experience, structured training, and better job opportunities. Let’s compare CPENT vs. OSCP and see why CPENT is the smarter investment for ethical hackers.
What is CPENT?
CPENT (Certified Penetration Testing Professional) is an advanced penetration testing certification provided by EC-Council. It focuses on real-world cybersecurity challenges, making it one of the most practical certifications available.
✔ Exam Format: 24-hour hands-on hacking challenge
✔ Skills Covered:
- Network security penetration testing
- Web application security testing
- Operational Technology (OT) security
- Advanced privilege escalation techniques
✔ CPENT Certification Cost: Ranges from $1,000 to $1,500
✔ CPENT Jobs: Cybersecurity Analyst, Red Team Operator, Enterprise Penetration Tester
CPENT is ideal for ethical hackers looking for real-world skills, structured training, and high-paying jobs in cybersecurity.
What is OSCP?
OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) is a well-known penetration testing certification offered by Offensive Security. It is famous for its difficult exam and self-learning approach.
✔ Exam Format: 24-hour hacking exam
✔ Skills Covered:
- Exploitation techniques
- Buffer overflow attacks
- Privilege escalation methods
✔ OSCP Certification Cost: Starts at $1,499
✔ OSCP Jobs: Penetration Tester, Red Team Lead
Although OSCP is widely recognized, it has strict policies that can lead to candidates getting OSCP banned for policy violations. The learning path is also unstructured, making it difficult for beginners.
CPENT vs. OSCP: Key Differences
| Feature | CPENT | OSCP |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | EC-Council | Offensive Security |
| Exam Format | 24-hour enterprise penetration test | 24-hour exploit-based hacking exam |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to Hard | Very Hard |
| Focus Area | Real-world enterprise security | Exploit-based penetration testing |
| CPENT vs. OSCP Pricing | $1,000 – $1,500 | Starts at $1,499 |
| Recognition | Growing in industry | Highly recognized |
Why CPENT is better: CPENT balances difficulty with real-world cybersecurity training, while OSCP focuses mainly on exploit techniques. If you want a certification that prepares you for enterprise-level security jobs, CPENT is the best choice.
CPENT Certification Cost & ROI
The CPENT certification cost is $1,000 to $1,500, making it more affordable than OSCP. CPENT offers structured training, hands-on practice labs, and a realistic hacking environment.
Return on Investment (ROI): CPENT professionals earn an average salary of $100,000 – $150,000 per year. The certification pays for itself faster than OSCP due to its higher job demand.
OSCP Certification Cost & ROI
The OSCP certification price starts at $1,499, which is more expensive than CPENT. However, OSCP exam cost includes only one exam attempt. If you fail, you must pay extra for another attempt.
ROI: The OSCP salary ranges from $90,000 – $130,000, slightly lower than CPENT. Since OSCP is more difficult and requires extensive self-study, CPENT is a better investment.
CPENT vs. OSCP: Job Opportunities in 2025
Ethical hackers with CPENT certification are in high demand, especially in enterprise security roles. The need for corporate penetration testers is increasing, making CPENT the smarter career choice.
✔ CPENT Jobs:
- Senior Penetration Tester
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Red Team Security Consultant
- Enterprise Security Specialist
✔ OSCP Jobs:
- Junior Penetration Tester
- Exploit Developer
- Security Researcher
Why CPENT is better: CPENT jobs offer higher salaries and better job security. OSCP-certified professionals often need additional certifications to qualify for top jobs.
CPENT Training & Study Resources
CPENT offers structured training, making it easier for professionals to learn advanced penetration testing.
CPENT Training Options:
- CPENT practice range – EC-Council CPENT Labs
- CPENT book and CPENT book PDF free download
- CPENT exam questions and practice materials
CPENT provides official training courses, while OSCP requires self-study, making CPENT the better option for those who prefer guided learning.
OSCP Training & Study Resources
OSCP requires intense self-study, and many candidates struggle with OSCP certification requirements.
OSCP Study Options:
- OSCP study guide – OffSec OSCP Exam Guide
- OSCP syllabus 2024 PDF – Offensive Security
- OSCP bootcamp and training – OffSec Training
While OSCP is well-known, it lacks structured training, making CPENT a better choice for professionals who want hands-on cybersecurity experience.
Final Verdict: CPENT is the Best Certification for Ethical Hackers in 2025
✔ CPENT salary is higher than OSCP
✔ CPENT training is structured and prepares you for real-world enterprise security
✔ CPENT certification cost is lower than OSCP but offers better career growth
✔ CPENT jobs are increasing, especially in corporate penetration testing
Who Should Choose CPENT?
✔ Ethical hackers looking for enterprise-level cybersecurity jobs
✔ Professionals who want structured training with hands-on labs
✔ Candidates who want a higher salary and faster ROI
Who Should Choose OSCP?
✔ Those who enjoy exploit-based hacking challenges
✔ Experienced ethical hackers willing to self-study extensively
✔ Professionals looking for Offensive Security-specific skills
Final Recommendation:
If you want a high-paying cybersecurity job with strong career growth, CPENT is the better choice in 2025. It offers real-world penetration testing, structured learning, and more job opportunities compared to OSCP.
FAQs
1. How much does CPENT cost?
The CPENT certification cost ranges from $1,000 to $1,500, depending on the training package.
2. Is CPENT better than OSCP for salary?
Yes, CPENT salaries are higher because the certification focuses on enterprise penetration testing, which is in high demand.
3. Where can I get CPENT training?
You can access CPENT practice labs and study resources at CPENT SecureValley.
4. Is OSCP banned for any policy violations?
Yes, OSCP banned cases happen if candidates violate OffSec policies during the exam.
You can access CPENT Taining at CPENT SecureValley.
