OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) Pass Rate 2026
Complete analysis of OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) exam difficulty, pass rates, and strategies to pass on your first attempt.
Pass Rate
Difficulty Verdict
Very Difficult
Recommended Study Time
12-20+ weeks
Typical Attempts
2-3 attempts common
OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) has one of the toughest pass rates at ~25%. This is a very hard-difficulty exam from Offensive Security that requires deep, practical knowledge — not just memorization. Most successful candidates invest months of dedicated study and often have years of hands-on experience. At $1,599-$2,499 per attempt, failing is costly. The certification is valid for No expiration, so investing in solid prep pays off long-term.
Top Reasons Candidates Fail OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional):
Do This for OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)
- 24-hour hands-on practical exam
- Practice extensively on Hack The Box
- Master enumeration and privilege escalation
- Document everything in your notes
Avoid This
- Memorizing tool commands without understanding security principles
- Ignoring risk management and governance domains
- Using only one study source instead of cross-referencing
- Skipping the adaptive practice tests that mirror real exam format
Ready to Beat the Odds?
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