Thanks xXxKrisxXx,

I've been around for a while, but haven't really participated (often just don't have time).  I'll attempt to contribute some useful input.  Thanks again for the congrats.

Kind regards,
eternal_security

Congrats Dark_Knight!  How was the exam?  :-)

dynamik,

The course completely prepares you for the exam, as far as how you have to think and the skills you need in order to complete the tasks.  However, when you sit the exam, it looks almost completely different from what you've done throughout the course, if that makes sense.

There is a difference between giving you all the information that will be on an exam (like the old Novell courseware used to do - all the questions from the exam could be answered from between the covers of the course books), and giving you the skills and knowledge you need in order to pass an exam.  In order to pass the OSCP exam, you have to be able to think creatively and use your skills, possibly in ways you haven't previously.  However, the course does prepare you in that respect.  Taking the course teaches you to think in ways you may not already be accustomed to (unless you are already an accomplished penetration tester).

Hope that helps.

Kind regards,
eternal_security

I can say I probably had enough points to pass after 10 or 11 hours, but I don't like the idea of "just getting by."  I took the entire 24 hours (minus a 2.5 hour nap) so I could work on accomplishing all of the assigned tasks.  Since I kept my documentation pretty clean throughout, it didn't take long after the 24 hours for me to be able to submit my test documentation.

I recently took the OS101 course (now called "Pentesting with BackTrack") and passed the OSCP exam.  I have to say, this is by far the best security training I have taken, and likely the best technical training I have taken.  I have come away with much more knowledge than I started with, an understanding of concepts that were previously very obscure to me, and a feeling like the knowledge I have justifies me having the certification (I could compare it to another course I've taken and cert I hold, but I'd rather be nice).

Thanks to the Offensive Security staff for putting together an INCREDIBLE course!  I would not hesitate to recommend this course to ANYONE trying to get into technical security and penetration testing.

eternal_security

Looks like an awesome prize to me.  I'd love to be able to go!

Kind regards,
eternal_security