So you don't think there is 'hands-on' in Offsec's training???  I can assure you, there's plenty.  That's what the lab packages are for, and the 24-hour long practical, hands-on exam, at the end.  I'm starting Offsec's OSCP v3 this Sunday.  I'll let you know more of my thoughts, thereafter, but others have already spoken to the validity of their training.

And I believe there are labs with eLearnSec's stuff, too...

<edit> no offense intended, just wondering why you'd think as you did, that's all...

<grin>    There you go, I think you worded your thoughts better, now.  And I certainly understand that thinking.  Unless you're really involved, specifically, in penetration testing, etc, you don't often hear about OSCP and other similar certifications and classes.

This is something you DO have to consider, when applying to a potential or new employer.  However, most employers 'hopefully' aren't looking at the certifications, alone (unless you're moving into management, then I see it happen that way, a lot ! <EVIL GRIN>)  Generally, you'll have technical interviews and such, where you'll need to prove what you know, and show your value. 

On my resume, for example, I not only list the certification name, but I also give a little detail on what each one is (not a lot, as most initial reviewers could care less, but enough that the next person to see it might look more closely.)  You should also list your experience and such, in a way that can grab their attention, and really help them to focus on your value, as a candidate for their position / opening.  Then, as you move forward, and talk with them, more, you can explain the similarities and contrasts between what certs you hold, and others that they might be more familiar with. 

Finally, if an employer flat out insists on you holding one of the other certs, then it really doesn't matter what certs you have, and you just have to either talk them through it, and explain that you WILL get their required certs, or move on to the next openings out there.

HTH, and is a little more clearly tailored to what you were asking.

<grin> Oh the joys of being a hands-on learner... But seriously, wise words there, Ketchup. I definitely want to be a pen-tester over a network admin etc. so I'm banking on the more specialized technical training may give me a leg up. Now just need a *nix laptop and tuition fees, lol

Hello Artholm3,

I'd have to say it depends :-)

These (OSCP, eLearning, GPEN) courses are targeted at teaching specific skills, thus specific, specialised roles in a company. Having these skills/certs is great but they have to fit in with an employer’s need for them to be required, thus having HR identify what they  are in the first place.

If you're looking at working in normal company with no or minimal security skills, planning or direction, the only qualification the HR staff will recognize is the CISSP or CISM/CISA, as Ketchup mentioned. These have no hands on components but are seen as industry “standards” for security. They may even just look for OS skill sets with the word security tacked on the end or a certain vendor (Cisco/Juniper/etc) certs.

The security specific company should know, or at least check, what different security certs are. The certs with solid hands on experience proves a certain level of understand and ability.  I’ve seen CV’s with certs I’ve never heard of, but after a quick check I know whether to say “Wow!” or “hmmm”. As new courses/certs appear, they either become adopted in to the industry after a while or disappear.

If you’re looking for the right training to get your dream job, hit the job web site and find similar roles. They be asking for certain skills, training and knowledge, so flip that to a course and you’ll be one step closer to get that job!