Offensive Security shook up its catalogue by adding OSCP⁺ (2024) and repositioning the OSEP as its “next‑level” red‑team credential. If you’re an ethical hacker or penetration tester trying to decide which badge will unlock the bigger raise this year, read on. We’ll break down salary data, exam scope, and learning curve—plus show how Cert Fast Pass guarantees a first‑attempt pass, risk‑free.
1 | Salary & Market Demand
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OSCP⁺: Recruiters list it in ~45 % of entry‑to‑mid red‑team roles. U.S. averages hover at $160 K; UAE packages reach AED 600 K for cleared consultants.
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OSEP: Appears in fewer job ads, but when it does, it’s usually for senior positions—U.S. comp tops $180 K. Biggest demand is in MDR providers and boutique red‑team shops.
TL;DR: OSCP⁺ gets more calls, OSEP pulls a higher ceiling—assuming you already have an OSCP‑level badge.
2 | Exam Scope & Difficulty
| Feature | OSCP⁺ (PEN‑200 2025) | OSEP (EXP‑301) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 23‑h lab + 24‑h report | 47‑h lab + 24‑h report |
| Focus | AD chain + 3 stand‑alones | AV/EDR evasion, C2, lateral movement |
| Pass Mark | 70 / 100 pts | 100 / 200 pts (partial credit) |
| Prereq | None (assumes basic exploit skill) | OSCP / equivalent strongly advised |
OSCP⁺ tests core exploitation + Windows AD pivoting. OSEP layers bypasses, custom C2 implants, and tradecraft to evade modern defenses.
3 | Which Badge First?
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Early‑career pentester? OSCP⁺ first.
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Already OSCP‑level? Jump to OSEP for senior‐level credibility.
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Consultant selling services? Stack both—OSCP⁺ for RFP checkboxes, OSEP for advanced briefs.
4 | Time & Cost to Prep
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OSCP⁺ lab (90 days): $1,599
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OSEP lab (90 days): $1,499
Study hours: ~300 for OSCP⁺ if new to AD; ~250 for OSEP if you’ve scripted custom payloads before.
5 | First‑Attempt Pass—Powered by Cert Fast Pass
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2025‑aligned dumps & timed mocks—mirror OffSec’s VPN timer and scoring.
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One‑to‑one mentor coaching for exploit chains, AV bypass, and report polish.
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24 × 7 WhatsApp war‑room—get help at 02:00 on Mimikatz or SharpHound.
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Pay‑After‑You‑Pass guarantee—zero payment until OffSec emails “PASS.”
Need structured‑standard chops, too? Check our guide ISO 27001 Lead Implementer—2025 Annex A Control Changes Demystified to pair red‑team skills with governance mastery.
Ready to Level‑Up Your Red‑Team Résumé?
📲 Book a free 15‑minute roadmap call or grab a 30‑question OSCP⁺ / OSEP sampler: https://certfastpass.net/contact/
Upskill smarter. Pass faster. Negotiate higher—with Cert Fast Pass.
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