10 Tips to Ace the PEN-200 OSCP and OSCP+ Certification Exam in 1st Attempt [Complete 2025 Guide]

1. Introduction to PEN-200 and OSCP

The PEN-200 is the official training course that prepares candidates for the OSCP certification. Updated for 2025, the course includes in-depth modules on penetration testing techniques, enumeration, exploitation, privilege escalation, and Active Directory attacks. The OSCP exam tests your ability to apply these techniques under pressure in a 24-hour real-world simulation.

Offensive Security also introduced the OSCP+, which includes an additional focus on defensive evasion and harder targets. Regardless of the version, both exams are meant to filter out the “book-smart” and elevate the hands-on hacker.

This article will provide not only technical insights but also time-tested tactics from real OSCP holders and instructors.

2. Understanding the OSCP & OSCP+ Exam Structure

The OSCP exam is a 24-hour, hands-on practical exam. You're given access to a private network with 5 machines and tasked to exploit them to gain specific root/system or user-level access. Your goal is to score at least 70 out of 100 points to pass.

Breakdown (2025 Format):

• 1 x Active Directory Set (40 Points)
• 3 Standalone Machines (10, 20, 25 points)
• OSCP+ requires evasion and stealthy approaches (AV/EDR bypass)

You must submit a well-written exam report within 24 hours after the practical test. This report counts toward your final grade. Understanding the format in-depth ensures no surprises on D-day.

3. Master Time Management for Exam Day

Time management is often the biggest hurdle in the OSCP exam. You have only 24 hours to root multiple machines — and every minute counts. Here are key strategies:

• Plan your attack strategy in advance based on machine points
• Start with the AD set if you’re more confident in privilege escalation
• Set timers: 90 mins per machine before you pivot
• Take small breaks every 3-4 hours to avoid burnout

Most candidates fail because they get stuck on one box for too long. Don't let ego cost you time — pivot and return later with fresh eyes.

4. Build a Strong Foundation in Networking & Linux

The OSCP isn’t about using tools blindly — it’s about understanding how systems communicate and how you can manipulate those protocols. Before diving into exploits, get comfortable with:

• TCP/IP, Subnetting, ARP, DNS, HTTP
• Linux command-line tools: grep, awk, netcat, nmap, find, etc.
• Privilege escalation on both Linux and Windows

Try challenges on TryHackMe, HackTheBox, and VulnHub to sharpen your fundamentals.

5. Prioritize Hands-On Practice Over Theory

Reading won't get you through the OSCP — it’s all about muscle memory and practice. Spend 70% of your prep time doing practical labs.

• Complete every lab machine in the PEN-200 course
• Redo the labs in different ways: different exploits, different tools
• Simulate the exam by setting up 24-hour challenges

Practice under pressure to simulate the real environment. This will boost your confidence and speed.

6. Master the Offensive Security Toolset

Here are tools that you should be fluent in before your exam:

• Enumeration: Nmap, Gobuster, Enum4linux, ldapsearch
• Exploitation: Metasploit (limited use), Python, Bash, Manual techniques
• Privesc: LinPEAS, WinPEAS, Linux Exploit Suggester
• Post-Exploitation: Netcat, PowerShell, SSH Tunneling, RDP

Don’t just install these tools — understand what each line does.

7. Maximize Your Lab Time Effectively

The Offensive Security Labs are your practice ground. Don’t just jump from box to box — plan your lab journey.

• Start with easy boxes to build momentum
• Document every exploit chain you use
• Try to exploit the same box in multiple ways
• Form study groups to share methodologies

The more lab boxes you root, the better prepared you’ll be. Aim for at least 30-40 rooted machines before taking your exam.

8. Document Everything: Notes & Reporting

OSCP requires you to submit a detailed exam report. Your ability to document your process is just as important as hacking the box. Use:

• CherryTree or Obsidian for note-taking
• Templates for privilege escalation paths
• Screenshot tools with timestamps (e.g., Flameshot)

Make it a habit to write your own walkthrough after each box. This will reduce stress when writing the final report.

9. Adopt the Right Mindset: Try Harder Ethos

The OSCP isn’t just a test of skill — it’s a test of mindset. You will feel stuck. You will feel like quitting. That’s exactly what the exam wants to test.

Take breaks. Come back. Think creatively. Most importantly, don’t give up. The “Try Harder” motto isn’t just branding — it’s your survival mantra for the 24-hour marathon.

Believe in your process, your preparation, and your problem-solving ability. If you’re stuck, pivot to another machine. Sometimes, sleeping on it and coming back fresh is all you need.

10. Review, Revise, and Simulate the Exam

In your last 2 weeks, focus only on review:

• Redo all key lab machines
• Memorize your privilege escalation methods
• Write practice reports for at least 2 mock exams
• Time yourself during mock simulations

Use your final week to rest, revise notes, and focus on health. You want to enter the exam with a fresh mind and sharp focus.

The PEN-200 OSCP and OSCP+ exams are not impossible. With the right mindset, effective preparation, hands-on practice, and guidance, you can absolutely pass on your first attempt.

Use this guide as your personal blueprint. Bookmark it, return to it, and follow it step by step. Your OSCP journey starts now — and success is closer than you think.