OSCP vs PNPT
Offensive Security Certified Professional and Practical Network Penetration Tester compared with live job-market data: demand, salary, difficulty, and cost — updated weekly.
The short answer
PNPT leads on market demand (49 vs 32 US job postings), while OSCPleads on average salary ($125,000). PNPT is the more accessible starting point at 4/5 difficulty versus 5/5 for OSCP.
Side-by-Side Data
| OSCP | PNPT | |
|---|---|---|
| Job Postings | 32 | 49leads |
| Market Share | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Demand Trend | Declining | Stable |
| Avg Salary | $125,000leads | $95,000 |
| Difficulty (1-5) | 5 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
| Exam Cost | $1,749 | $399 |
| Study Time | 200-400 hours | 100-150 hours |
Job counts and market share from live US job postings, updated weekly. Want a different matchup? Use theinteractive comparison tool.
OSCP
Offensive Security Certified Professional
Highly respected hands-on penetration testing certification. The grueling 24-hour exam requires exploiting live machines and writing a professional report. Includes PEN-200 course with 90 days lab access. Requires 70/100 points to pass.
PNPT
Practical Network Penetration Tester
A comprehensive penetration testing certification that simulates a real-world professional engagement. Requires a full 5-day penetration test, a professional report, and a live technical presentation to earn the credential.
OSCP vs PNPT: FAQ
Which pays more, OSCP or PNPT?+
OSCP is associated with the higher average salary: about $125,000 vs $95,000 for PNPT, based on current US job market data.
Which is more in demand, OSCP or PNPT?+
PNPT currently appears in 49 US job postings versus 32 for OSCP — roughly 1.5× the demand. Data updates weekly from live job listings.
Is OSCP harder than PNPT?+
Generally yes: we rate OSCP 5/5 difficulty versus 4/5 for PNPT, reflecting exam depth and experience requirements.
Should I get both OSCP and PNPT?+
Many professionals eventually hold both, but sequencing matters. A common path is starting with PNPT (4/5 difficulty) and progressing to OSCP. Compare requirements on each certification's detail page before committing.