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The exam network is internal. You will likely start with a foothold on one machine and have to to attack others.
Many professionals now choose both, using CPTS to deepen their technical skills after obtaining the OSCP, or as a more affordable, equally rigorous alternative. Tips for Passing the CPTS Exam
Advanced passive and active footprinting, sub-domain enumeration, and open-source intelligence (OSINT). cpts exam
The CPTS is particularly valuable in the following scenarios:
If you get stuck, go back to your initial scans. Look for low-hanging fruit or overlooked ports.
If you are looking to start your journey, would you like tips on the best HTB Academy modules to start with, or a study plan for mastering Active Directory? This public link is valid for 7 days
: Don't rush through the text. Build an organized personal knowledge base using tools like Obsidian or Notion.
| Feature | CPTS (HTB) | OSCP (OffSec) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 10 Days (1 exam + 6 report writing) | 24 Hours (Exam + Report) | | Cost | ~$400 USD (Academy Subscription) | ~$1,599 USD (Exam + 90 days Lab) | | Difficulty | Very High (Expert level) | High (Intermediate/Advanced) | | AD Focus | Extremely Heavy (Hard-level AD chains) | Moderate (Medium-level AD) | | Report Weight | High (Must be professional-grade) | High | | Retake Policy | Cheaper retakes via new voucher | Expensive retakes (~$450+) |
Be prepared for questions that go off-track. The exam often simulates difficult audience members to see how you maintain control. Exam Format and Logistics The CPTS exam is usually a two-part process: Can’t copy the link right now
You will be provided with a complex lab environment, usually involving Active Directory (AD). Candidates must demonstrate the ability to: Perform enumeration and network scanning. Find vulnerabilities and exploit them. Pivoting through different networks. Gain Domain Administrator access. 2. The 10-Day Structure
In 2026, the debate between the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) and CPTS is a hot topic.
The CPTS is aimed at cybersecurity professionals who want to move beyond theoretical knowledge and develop genuine, demonstrable offensive security skills. The primary target audience includes:
No. Completing the Penetration Tester job-role path (the 28+ modules) is a mandatory prerequisite for accessing the exam portal.
It is designed to simulate a real-world internal penetration test. Candidates are given access to a corporate network (via a VPN connection) and must enumerate, exploit, and pivot through several machines to reach a final objective (often referred to as the "Domain Controller" or "flags").