The OSCP has always been a marathon of privilege-escalation puzzles, but Offensive Security’s November 2024 overhaul (the format every 2025 candidate will face) is the biggest shake-up since the move to a proctored CAT. Below is a concise, exam-day-focused breakdown of what changed, why it matters, and how to adjust your prep.
1. Why OffSec Changed the OSCP
-
More realistic Active Directory (AD). You now start inside a domain as a low-privilege user, simulating an “assumed compromise,” and must pivot to full Domain Admin.
-
Fairer scoring. The long-standing 10 bonus points for course exercises are gone; only exam performance counts.
-
Introduction of
OSCP+. Pass once and you earn two badges: OSCP (lifetime) and OSCP+ (3-year expiry, renewable via CPEs or another OffSec cert).
2. Exam at a Glance (2025 Format)
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 23 h 45 m proctored VPN lab + 24 h to submit the report. |
| Targets | 1 × AD set (3 machines) + 3 × stand-alone machines. |
| Scoring | 100 pts total, 70 pts to pass. No bonus. |
| Point map | • AD set = 40 pts (10 + 10 + 20). • Each stand-alone = 20 pts (10 initial access / 10 privesc). |
| Partial credit | Yes — both in stand-alones and inside the AD set. |
| Report | Same strict documentation rules; screenshots must show flag + IP. |
3. What Feels Different in the Lab
a. Active Directory First
Instead of external foothold-to-internal pivot, you begin with working creds. Expect enumeration, Kerberoasting, ACL abuse, and “living off the land” privilege escalation.
b. Partial Points Save You
Can’t root the entire AD chain? Capturing one of the member servers still nets 10 or 20 points — a welcome buffer.
c. Stand-Alone Machines Still Matter
Ignore them and you risk finishing short of 70 pts. An efficient order is AD user → enumerate → quick wins on stand-alones → return for domain escalation.
4. Old vs. New — Quick Comparison
| Pre-Nov 2024 | 2025 Exam | |
|---|---|---|
| Bonus points | Up to 10 for labs/report | Removed |
| AD weighting | 40 pts, full chain required | 40 pts, partial credit allowed |
| Exam cert | OSCP (lifetime) | OSCP + OSCP+ (3 yr) |
| Question format | Same hands-on lab | Same (new AD scenario) |
5. Time-Management Math
| Task | Target mins |
|---|---|
| Recon & triage all IPs | 120 |
| Stand-alone #1 (20 pts) | 90 |
| Stand-alone #2 (20 pts) | 90 |
| Stand-alone #3 (20 pts) | 90 |
| AD enumeration & user→root | 180 |
| Breaks / buffer | 45 |
Aim to lock in at least 50 pts by hour 12, then pivot to any stubborn boxes.
6. Prep Checklist for the 2025 Blueprint
-
Master AD loopholes: BloodHound, Powerview, Impacket’s
secretsdump, GMSA & ACL abuse. -
Automate recon: AutoRecon / PwnCat to shave minutes on stand-alones.
-
Privilege-Escalation flash cards: WinPEAS, LinPEAS, bespoke scripts.
-
Write reports as you hack: Saves post-exam fatigue and ensures flag screenshots aren’t missed.
-
Simulate 24-hour runs: Practice with HackTheBox Pro Labs or AD-themed VulnHub sets under a timer.
7. What About Those OSCP+ Renewals?
-
Every 3 years you can:
-
Pass an OSCP recert (discounted)
-
Earn another OffSec cert (OSEP, OSWA, OSED, OSEE)
-
Complete OffSec’s CPE program
-
-
Let it lapse and you still keep the base OSCP for life.
8. Final Thoughts
The 2025 OSCP is shorter, fairer, and more AD-heavy. If you understand the new point map and train for partial credit, the legendary exam becomes less intimidating.
Need structured prep? Cert Fast Pass offers an updated OSCP+/OSCP practice bank, AD-centric labs, and one-on-one mentorship — all backed by a Pay-After-You-Pass guarantee. Contact us to learn more.
Good luck, and remember: “Try Harder” now means plan smarter.
Leave a Reply