What is the difference between OSCP, CEH, and PNPT certifications in ethical hacking, and which one should I choose in 2025?

Table of Contents

• What is OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)?
• What is CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)?
• What is PNPT (Practical Network Penetration Tester)?
• OSCP vs CEH vs PNPT: Detailed Comparison Table
• Which Certification is Right for You in 2025?
• Real-World Industry Insights
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In today’s cybersecurity world, ethical hacking certifications have become a gateway to high-paying and in-demand jobs. But with so many options, it’s easy to get confused. Among the most talked about certifications are OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional), CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), and PNPT (Practical Network Penetration Tester).

If you're planning a career in ethical hacking in 2025, this guide will help you understand the differences, career scope, difficulty level, cost, and practical value of each certification—so you can choose the right one.

What is OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)?

OSCP is a hands-on, advanced penetration testing certification offered by Offensive Security. It is known for being tough, but it's also one of the most respected certifications in the cybersecurity field.

• You must hack into real-world systems in a 24-hour practical exam.

• Focuses on real techniques used by red teamers.

• Requires in-depth knowledge of Linux, networking, scripting, and offensive tools.

Who Should Choose OSCP?

• People who want to work as penetration testers, red teamers, or offensive security professionals.

• Those with basic Linux and networking experience who want to go deep into hacking.

  
  

What is CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)?

CEH is a popular certification offered by EC-Council that gives an overview of ethical hacking concepts.

• Focuses more on theory than practical work.

• Multiple-choice exam with questions from various domains of cybersecurity.

• Covers a wide range of tools and attack techniques.

Who Should Choose CEH?

• Beginners in cybersecurity looking to build foundational knowledge.

• IT professionals moving into security roles like security analyst, SOC analyst, or ethical hacker.

What is PNPT (Practical Network Penetration Tester)?

PNPT is a real-world focused certification created by TCM Security, and it has gained a lot of popularity due to its affordable price and realistic testing model.

• You’re given access to a live environment and must perform a full penetration test.

• You then create a professional report and present your findings in a mock client meeting.

• Emphasizes real-world communication and reporting.

Who Should Choose PNPT?

• Anyone looking for practical, real-world pentesting skills.

• Beginners or intermediates who want to skip memorizing theory and jump into real testing.

OSCP vs CEH vs PNPT: Detailed Comparison Table

Which Certification is Right for You in 2025?

Here’s a quick guide based on your goals:

• Choose OSCP if you're serious about a career in penetration testing or red teaming and are ready to face a difficult hands-on exam.

• Choose CEH if you're just starting out and need broad theoretical knowledge that’s also recognized by recruiters and HR teams.

• Choose PNPT if you want to prove practical skills in a real-world setting and value client communication/reporting as part of your job.

Real-World Industry Insights

• Many companies now value practical skills over multiple-choice exams, making OSCP and PNPT more appealing for technical roles.

• CEH remains a useful entry-level cert, especially in government and compliance-driven organizations.

• Recruiters often look for OSCP when hiring penetration testers, while CEH is preferred for cybersecurity analyst roles.

• PNPT is gaining traction in the freelance, consulting, and startup spaces for its cost-effectiveness and real-world testing.

Conclusion

In 2025, ethical hacking is not just about knowing tools—it’s about applying them in the real world. Whether you choose OSCP, CEH, or PNPT, make sure your choice matches your career goals, learning style, and budget.

• OSCP is for technical depth and hardcore pentesting.

• CEH is for building a foundation and getting recognized by HR.

• PNPT is for real-world experience and communication-focused roles.

No matter which one you choose, every step brings you closer to becoming a skilled ethical hacker in a world that urgently needs more cybersecurity professionals.

FAQs

What is OSCP and who should take it?

OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) is a hands-on ethical hacking certification focusing on penetration testing. It is ideal for individuals seeking deep practical skills in real-world hacking environments.

What is CEH and how is it different from OSCP?

CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) is more theory-oriented, covering hacking techniques and tools conceptually. Unlike OSCP, it doesn't involve an intensive hands-on exam.

What is PNPT and why is it becoming popular?

PNPT (Practical Network Penetration Tester) offers real-world simulation of a corporate environment and includes a professional report-writing section. It’s valued for its realistic testing format.

Is OSCP harder than CEH or PNPT?

Yes, OSCP is considered more difficult due to its 24-hour practical exam and in-depth lab training.

Which is better for beginners: CEH, OSCP, or PNPT?

CEH is generally more beginner-friendly. OSCP and PNPT are better suited for those with prior knowledge or hands-on experience.

Can I get a job with just CEH in 2025?

While CEH is recognized, most employers prefer candidates with practical skills. Combining CEH with hands-on labs or a PNPT/OSCP can improve your chances.

Does PNPT include Active Directory exploitation?

Yes, PNPT includes AD exploitation and mimics realistic enterprise attack scenarios.

How long does it take to prepare for OSCP?

Preparation can take 3–6 months or more, depending on your background and daily practice time.

What tools are covered in PNPT?

PNPT covers tools like Nmap, BloodHound, CrackMapExec, and more used in red teaming and network assessments.

Is CEH still relevant in 2025?

Yes, CEH is still relevant for foundational knowledge and meeting job role requirements, especially in compliance-focused roles.

Which certification is best for red teaming?

PNPT is focused on red teaming and practical engagements, making it ideal for such roles.

How much does the OSCP certification cost in 2025?

The OSCP exam plus lab access package typically starts around $1599 USD and can vary based on the duration of lab time chosen.

How much does PNPT cost?

The PNPT certification costs approximately $299–$399 depending on promotions and bundles.

Is the CEH exam open book?

No, CEH is a closed-book exam and follows strict proctoring rules.

What kind of report writing is required in PNPT?

Candidates must submit a professional penetration test report, simulating real-world client deliverables.

Are there prerequisites for OSCP?

While not mandatory, having a strong grasp of Linux, TCP/IP, and scripting helps significantly.

Is PNPT accepted globally?

Yes, PNPT is gaining global recognition due to its real-world testing methods and industry support.

Can I take CEH without any experience?

Yes, CEH is open to all but best understood with some basic IT and networking knowledge.

Does OSCP include buffer overflow?

Yes, OSCP includes buffer overflow exploitation as a core part of its curriculum.

Do recruiters value PNPT?

Yes, especially among employers looking for practical, report-ready penetration testers.

Is OSCP enough to become a penetration tester?

OSCP is a strong credential for becoming a penetration tester but continuous learning is essential.

How is the OSCP exam structured?

It’s a 24-hour hands-on exam with multiple machines, requiring root/system access and a detailed report.

Is there any recertification for PNPT?

As of now, PNPT does not require mandatory recertification.

Can I take all three certifications?

Yes, many professionals choose to take CEH for theory, OSCP for hardcore practice, and PNPT for real-world simulation.

Which certification helps in getting a government cybersecurity job?

CEH is DoD 8570 compliant and often required for U.S. government roles.

Is there any age limit to attempt OSCP or CEH?

No age limit applies as long as candidates meet the exam provider’s registration requirements.

Can I get OSCP without formal education?

Yes, many self-learners and career switchers have successfully earned OSCP without a formal degree.

Which certification is best for cloud security?

While these are primarily focused on ethical hacking, combining them with cloud-specific training like AWS or Azure security is advisable.

Are labs provided with PNPT?

Yes, the PNPT package includes labs and practical walkthroughs to help prepare for the exam.

Does CEH have version updates?

Yes, EC-Council releases updated versions regularly, like CEH v12 or newer in 2025.

Where can I practice for OSCP?

Platforms like Hack The Box, TryHackMe, and Offensive Security’s own labs are highly recommended.