Cert matchup
OSCP vs CPTS
The two practical offensive benchmarks. OSCP still wins on recognition; CPTS is closer to modern engagement reality.
Offensive Security
OSCP
£45k–£68k entry · £1,400+ · 6–12 months
Offensive Security Certified Professional. A 24-hour practical exam that remains the industry's most respected entry-to-mid penetration testing credential.
Full OSCP pageCybersecurity
CPTS
entry · Varies · Varies
HTB's modern offensive benchmark, respected by practitioners, still building HR recognition.
Full CPTS pageThe numbers, side by side
5/5
Industry recognition
3/5
5/5
Hiring signal
3/5
5/5
Practical depth
5/5
5/5
Hands-on requirement
5/5
5/5
Real-world usefulness
5/5
5/5
Difficulty
5/5
1/5
Beginner friendly
1/5
2/5
Renewal burden
2/5
Who each one is actually for
OSCP
Right fit if
- · Aspiring pentesters
- · Sysadmins pivoting offensive
- · Consulting firms
Wrong fit if
- · Defensive-only roles
- · Pure cloud security
Common misconception
OSCP makes you a senior pentester, it's a competent-junior benchmark.
CPTS
Right fit if
- · You already grind HTB Academy
- · You want depth in modern web + AD
Wrong fit if
- · You need the most universally-recognised brand on a resume
Common misconception
It helps with pentest interviews at modern shops. It does not unlock government roles that still list oscp by name.
Reality check: Scores reflect generalised market signal. The actual weight a cert carries depends on geography, employer tier, and what you've shipped alongside it.