OSCP vs PNPT - A Review

As someone who has passed both the PNPT and the OSCP, I wanted to share my perspective on how they compare. Both are strong certifications for anyone interested in penetration testing, but they are designed differently and reward slightly different strengths.

Everything in this review reflects my own experience and opinion. Others may have different views, and that’s completely fair.

What makes them different ?

The Training

Both certifications include training material, but the learning experience is different.

When I took the PNPT, the Practical Ethical Hacking (PEH) course was video-based, with only limited written notes early on.

The OSCP/PEN-200, on the other hand, included both videos and a PDF course, which made it easier for me to study at my own pace. OffSec also provides companion videos for many modules, and those materials are part of the current PEN-200 learning experience.

Personally, I prefer reading instead of watching videos. But if you learn better from videos, the PNPT course may be a better fit because it is a soneone explaining things in a direct and conversational way. In the end, both trainings are valuable; the best one is the one that matches how you learn best.

The Exam (Get Hacking)

The biggest difference is in the exam style.

The PNPT focuses on demonstrating a realistic network penetration test, with external reconnaissance, internal exploitation, and compromise of the domain controller as the main objective. It allows five full days for the assessment, and the exam also includes a live debrief after the report. The PNPT also includes an OSINT component, which makes the exam feel more like a full attacker workflow, from initial recon through internal compromise and reporting.

The OSCP is more time constrained and structured around proving compromise through flags and report submission. OffSec’s current PEN-200/OSCP+ materials emphasize hands-on exploitation, evidence gathering, and the exam report, while the exam itself is proctored and AI use is not permitted during the proctored portion.

The Report

Both certifications require a report, but the process differs slightly.

The PNPT gives two days for report writing and includes a live debrief, which adds a communication component beyond the written document.

The OSCP also requires a formal report submitted in PDF format as part of the certification process.

That extra debrief makes the PNPT feel a bit more client-facing, while the OSCP’s reporting feels more like formal technical documentation. Both are useful skills in real pentesting enagements.

Final thoughts

I think both certifications have value, but they serve slightly different purposes. If your main goal is structured, widely recognized validation and you want a credential that many employers immediately understand, the OSCP still has the stronger market presence in my opinion.

If your goal is a lower-cost, more approachable, and very practical pentesting experience, the PNPT is an excellent choice and can be a great confidence builder.

If the goal is learning rather than certification alone, there are also strong alternatives like HTB Academy, specifically the CPTS paths, which may be a better fit depending on your goals.

For me, the best way to think about it is this: The PNPT asks whether you can operate like a pentester in a realistic engagement, while the OSCP asks whether you can perform under a more formalized, high-pressure exam format. Both are good, just in different ways.

Which one should you take? (If any of them)

If your main goal is broad employer recognition and a certification that is widely understood in the industry, the OSCP is still the safer bet. It has a strong brand recognition and tends to carry more weight on a resume, especially for roles that explicitly mention it.

If budget matters more, or if you want a more approachable and practical way to test whether penetration testing is right for you, the PNPT is an excellent option. It is more affordable, and the exam structure gives you a realistic experience without the same financial barrier.

Neither certification is inherently “better”, they are simply better suited to different goals, budgets, and learning styles.

For me, the choice comes down to where you are in your journey and what you want out of the experience.

Want the full story on each? Read the OSCP Exam Review and the PNPT Exam Review for a deeper look at each exam experience.