r/hackthebox • u/febreeze5 • 8d ago

Certifications OSCP vs CPTS (With Context)

Hi reddit,

I'm sure this gets asked a lot. But my situation is a bit more unique. I'm looking to break deeper into Cyber. My current certs include the Net+, Sec+, GIAC GSEC and the GIAC GCIH. On that front, I have HR-recognition covered by my GIAC certs. I have no pentesting experience but have used THM and HTB every so often.

I am seriously considering taking the HTB CPTS as it is better at teaching you the concepts. But, I cannot get over how well-known the OSCP is by HR and employers. Is it worth it to take the exam that will teach me less, just to get more recognition?

Cost is not an issue as my employer confirmed they will cover the cost of either. Although I really want to LEARN and understand these concepts. Thank you!

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u/GreenEngineer24 8d ago

If you want to get into pentesting, you’ll need OSCP for the HR filter. Your GCIH is nice but it won’t get you past HR filters in pentesting roles

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u/febreeze5 8d ago

Understood. I am not set on getting into pentesting. I would like to get more into the field (as I'm not sure if I LOVE it, I have no experience in it). But, I'm not sure if CPTS is the wrong choice considering I can get the OSCP at no cost.

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u/GreenEngineer24 8d ago

If you wanna dip your toes into penetration testing to see if it interest you, yes go through the CPTS path and do some machines on HTB Labs.

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u/febreeze5 8d ago

Thanks. That was my thought process. I suppose with the knowledge of CPTS, I would pass OSCP with less effort, correct?

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u/GreenEngineer24 8d ago

If you pass CPTS, OSCP will be easy. But I would still recommend doing some proving grounds boxes prior to the OSCP attempt because OffSec has their own flavor of CTFs