OSCP vs CISSP | Top Cybersecurity Certifications Compared

In the world of advanced cyber security practices, if there is anything that retains the utmost significance in the industry, it is the various certifications that cyber security professionals acquire over time. There are a total of 8 certifications that are offered for advanced cyber security practices by (ISC)². It is the world's largest non-profit organization that aims to strengthen the best practices of cyber security, and gears toward building the largest global community of people working in the field of cyber certifications. Today, we will draw a detailed comparison between two out of the eight certifications. We will discuss the OSCP certification and the CISSP certification along with the main point of difference between them. So, without further ado, let's jump directly into the CISSP vs OSCP comparison.

While talking about the differences between OSCP and CISSP, don't forget to check out the article on CASP vs CISSP.

What is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)?

CISSP stands for certified information systems security professional. It is one of the (ICS)2 certifications are issued to people after completing the CISSP training and clearance of the CISSP exam. It is a certification that validates the ability and knowledge of a cyber security professional to design, implement and manage advanced cyber security systems and devices. It focuses on strengthening components like managing security risk, identifying system security vulnerabilities, assessing security systems, and forming and maintaining an advanced security system. It is a certification that testifies your knowledge and ability to be a top tier cyber security professional in the industry. If you are interested in the CISSP certification, the best time to channel your interest is now, you can enrol in CISSP certification online courses by clicking here.

What is OSCP?

The OSCP full form is offensive security certified professional. OSCP is a certification issued by Offensive security also known as OffSec, it is related to the field of advanced cyber security and information security. The OSCP exam focuses on validating and providing the necessary knowledge for being a penetration tester. During the OSCP certification training, aspirants learn to establish penetration testing skills along with cyber defence practices. OSCP is one of the most respected multi-dimensional certifications in the field of advanced cyber security and InfoSec.

A professional who possesses an OSCP certification has practical knowledge of security vulnerabilities, configuration mistakes, infrastructures, and security systems and devices. Cyber security professionals, who bear an OSCP certification, learn and hold knowledge of penetration testing methodologies using tools inherent in the Kali Linux distribution. Kali is an open-source Linux distribution that enables IT and security professionals to evaluate the security of their systems. Cyber security is an integral part of the OSCP certification, it is the base of the concepts taught during OSCP training. If you are looking to strengthen your basics for OSCP certification training, you should try out.

Cyber Security training courses by knowledgeHut, click on the link below for more information. 

OSCP vs CISSP Table of Difference

Let's see the OSCP vs CISSP analysis in terms of a table. 

Parameters	OSCP	CISSP
Credential	Offensive Security Certified Professional offered by OffSec	Certified Information Systems Security Professional offered by ISC2
Target Audience	Penetration Testers, Ethical Hackers	Security professionals, Managers, Auditors
Scope	Offensive Security, Penetration Testing	Comprehensive Information Security
Exam Format	24-hour hands-on practical exam	250 multiple-choice questions, adaptive format
Industry Recognition	Highly regarded in penetration testing	Widely recognized in the information security industry
Job Duties	Hands-on penetration testing, ethical hacking	Security policy development, risk management, secure architecture
Salary	$70k to $130k	$103k to $170k

Main Differences Between OSCP vs CISSP

We now have a decent idea about both the certifications and observe that both of them hold some similarities, both OSCP and the CISSP certifications are related to the advanced cyber security field. And both of the certifications focus on strengthening advanced cyber security practices. But let us now draw a detailed comparison between the two certifications and discuss various aspects of studying OSCP vs CISSP.  

1. OSCP vs CISSP - Exam Details

CISSP 

The CISSP examination has questions based on the 10 domains it consists of. The exam is taken in a multiple-choice question format. There are a total of 250 multiple choice questions which are to be finished in a time duration of 6 hours by any candidate. Out of the 250 multiple choice questions, 25 are the pretest questions. The important topics of the CISSP examination include telecommunications and network security, access control, information security governance and risk management, software development security, cryptography, operations security, business continuity and disaster recovery planning legal, investigations and compliance, and physical security. A candidate needs to score 700 out of 1000 to pass the examination. And the CISSP examination cost is $599.  

OSCP 

The OSCP certification examination is nothing like the normal examinations that we have attempted or heard of. This examination pattern maintains the stature of the certification in the industry. The OSCP examination is supposed to be completed within 24 hours, and the documentation it requires needs to be submitted in the next 24 hours of the examination. All OSCP exams are digitally proctored. During the examination, each candidate is given 3 independent targets, and one active directory set, that consists of two clients and one domain controller. Detailed instructions for each task in the examination are provided in the exam control panel but they are available only when the OSCP examination starts. The documentation requirements of the OSCP examination are intense. The documentation requirements of the OSCP examination are very strict, and the failure to provide sufficient documents results in zero points or failure. The important topics of the examination are passive information gathering, active information gathering, vulnerability scanning, buffer overflows, bypassing antivirus software, password attacks, file transfers, client-side attacks, the Metasploit framework and penetration test breakdown. And the OSCP certification cost $800.  

2. OSCP versus CISSP - Certification Levels

CISSP  

The CISSP certification has two certification level requirements. The first is to maintain a mandatory membership with (ISC)². The membership fee is $125. The second is to earn and maintain a score of 120 CPE. 

OSCP 

Just like the CISSP certification, the OSCP certification has two certification levels as well. The first is the academic exam level, in which the candidate gets 3 independent targets and 1 active directory set and they have to work on it for 24 hours. The next is the documentation exam, the documentation needs to be submitted within the next 24 hours, after the academic exam. It is noteworthy that in the OSCP examination, documents play a critical role. Failure in producing the documents results in failing the examination.  

3. OSCP vs. CISSP - Domains

CISSP 

All the domains of the CISSP examination are equally important and are taught during the certification training. There are eight domains in the CISSP examination, that are: -

• Security and risk management
• Asset security
• Security and architecture engineering
• Communication and network security
• Identity and access management
• Security assessment and testing
• Security operations
• Software development security

OSCP 

There are two domains in the OSCP examination. Both the domains need to be completed in 24 hours. The domains are: -  

• 3 independent targets
• 2 clients and 1 domain control

4. OSCP vs. CISSP - Salary Prospects

CISSP  

The CISSP certification is one of the most valued certifications in the arena of cyber security. Various companies are actively looking for professionals who possess the certification, which has created a demand for people with the CISSP certification worldwide. This demand has resulted in an upsurge in the salaries of the professionals possessing the CISSP certification. A cyber security professional that has a CISSP certification earns about $156,659 annually.

OSCP 

OSCP is one of the most valued and intense certifications in the field of cyber security. It is among a few top tier exams which focus on practical knowledge extensively. Due to its extensive focus on practical knowledge, recruiters are actively looking for people with the OSCP certification, which has resulted in a hike in the demand for OSCP certification holders, which has shown a visible impact on the salaries of the OSCP certification holders. On average, an OSCP certification holder earns $96,000 annually.

5. OSCP vs CISSP - Job Opportunities

CISSP 

CISSP Job Duties: 

• Security Manager: CISSP professionals are like the leaders of cybersecurity. They're in charge of making sure everything is secure in the organization. 
• Policy Creator: They create the rules. CISSP folks develop and enforce security policies and procedures for the organization. 
• Risk Manager: They balance the risks. CISSP profession oscp vs cissp  
• als figure out how much security is needed without slowing down the business. 
• Access Controller: They control who gets in. CISSP holders decide who should have access to what in the computer systems. 
• Architect of Security: They design the security. CISSP professionals help build strong, secure structures for computer systems, networks, and applications. 

OSCP 

OSCP Job Duties: 

• Cybersecurity Ninja: OSCP holders are like cybersecurity ninjas. Their main job is to actively break into computer systems, networks, and applications to find and fix security issues. 
• Ethical Hacking: They take on the role of a nice guy hacker. They simulate cyber-attacks to uncover vulnerabilities and make sure the bad guys can't exploit them. 
• Incident Responder: If something bad happens, OSCP professionals are the ones who help investigate and recover. They're like the cyber detectives. 
• Security Report Writer: They write detailed reports on what they find - like a security health report for a computer system. 
• Tool Expert: OSCP folks are really good at using all kinds of cool cybersecurity tools to get the job done. 

OSCP vs CISSP: Industry Recognition 

OSCP: In the information security industry, the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) credential is highly acknowledged and recognised on a global scale. One of the top providers of practical, real-world cybersecurity training and certification is Offensive Security, which offers the OSCP certification. Numerous firms actively seek out applicants with the OSCP certification because they understand its significance, which includes both govt. and private organisations. 

Furthermore, Offensive Security has qualified specialists in more than 140 countries globally and is an internationally recognised organisation. The OSCP certification is relevant and well-respected across national boundaries and industry sectors thanks to its widespread reach and recognition. 

CISSP: CISSP is a globally accepted, vendor-neutral standard, that attests to an IT security professional's technical proficiency and practical expertise designing, implementing, and overseeing security programs.  

IT, healthcare, banking, government, and the military are just a few of the industries where CISSP specialists work in information security roles. The CISSP has authorization from the American National Standards Institute. Furthermore, the UK National Academic Recognition Information has assessed it, and the US Department of Defence has authorised it. 

OSCP or CISSP - Which is Better?

We have talked in detail about both the certifications individually and have also discussed the points of differences between them. After this, we observe that both the certifications are issued by the same organization and in the same field, i.e., cyber security. Both fields have their strengths.

Choosing between OSCP and CISSP depends on your career goals and interests:

1) If you love hands-on hacking and want to specialize in offensive security: What to choose between OSCP vs CISSP

Choose OSCP. It's like becoming a cybersecurity ninja, actively breaking into systems, and fixing vulnerabilities.

2) If you aim for managerial roles and want to lead an organization's security strategy: What to choose between CISSP vs OSCP

Choose CISSP. It's the key to becoming a security manager or even a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), overseeing the big picture of security.

3) If you enjoy technical challenges and want to work as a penetration tester or ethical hacker:

Go for OSCP. It's about becoming an expert in finding and exploiting security weaknesses.

4) If you're interested in creating and implementing security policies at an organizational level:

Opt for CISSP. It's more about being the architect of an organization's overall security.

5) If you want versatility and recognition across various security domains:

CISSP is broader, offering a comprehensive understanding of security principles.

In essence, OSCP is for hands-on technical specialists, while CISSP is for those aiming at managerial and strategic leadership roles in information security. Consider your passion and career path to make the right choice when choosing CISSP or OSCP.

You can also pursue knowledgeHut’s CISSP certification online courses to strengthen your concepts.

Conclusion

A comparison of the CISSP and OSCP certifications shows that the cybersecurity sector values both of these credentials highly. In contrast to OSCP, which focuses practical skills and knowledge through its hands-on approach and specialist certifications, CISSP offers a more thorough grasp of multiple cybersecurity subjects. Which certification between OSCP vs CISSP is best depends on personal interests, professional goals, and the specific demands of the job market. 

But when choosing the best path to advance one's cybersecurity profession, it is imperative to get the guidance and expertise of a reputable training facility. The KnowledgeHut best online Cyber Security certificate programs are such courses that will undoubtedly be helpful.