The general recommendation is to read the material, then watch the videos. It also works well for me, coz I watch the videos late in the evening, once I am at home.

I will try that way, for my certifications I was watching first and read later but I loosed interest when I am reading after the videos

I agree with hayabusa. For both OSCP and OSCE I relied on the videos more than the guide. They're such high quality and so easy to follow, I found it the most important supplement to the course. The lab guide also came in very handy but for me it was only when I needed further clarification or detail on a subject.

ahahahhaahah
Damn, the old brain totally read something different than what you actually wrote. I better go home now.

Yeah, that happens, and I have plenty of those days, myself... <evil grin>

Either way, some folks learn differently than others.  Admittedly, there ARE times when watching videos makes some study faster, and I'll default to those.  But for MOST of my security- and pentesting-related stuff, I prefer to read and really understand the underlying stuff, first, then watch and put it into action.

Edit:  And you're correct cd1zz, in that the Offensive Security videos are done so well, you could easily get away with using them, primarily, too...

Understandably, but I also highly respect you for that.  

Makes a big difference to know that a person really understands the concepts, versus knowing enough to emulate a video, without truly knowing what they're doing.  As many of our previous threads on EH have discussed, knowing how and what a tool is REALLY doing can make a difference, in performance, in stealth, in NOT taking down someone's system while testing, etc.  I've seen my fair share of script kiddies and the like, who watch a video and throw a test against a production system, only to get hammered for causing major disruptions and problems.  While, in some cases, such as sil noted in some threads a while back, these are still 'valid' tests, in that, truthfully, you ARE showing a weakness and a possible end result, there are too many times when covertness and uptime are more important, and your scope and agreements won't allow you to crash systems, etc.

Good luck, and keep studying!

Don't get me wrong.  I'm not arguing that point, either.  I'm assuming nothing, as I did OSCP, too.  I fully agree that outside research is very prudent, and totally necessary, to pass ANY of Offensive's courses.  Again, different people learn in different ways.

Would I discount someone who worked primarily from the videos, in an interview?  No... As long as they could show me they DO understand the concepts.  You passed OSCP and OSCE, so you're proof positive that it's completely possible to learn it, with emphasis on the videos, and references to the guide.  I'm sure you understand the concepts, too, as lack of understanding, in the courses wouldn't bode well for passing.  In fact, muts is one heck of a speaker, so again, their videos ARE easily followable, and learned from.

But for me, especially in this field, I also know of folks who slid by on video knowledge, and in THEIR (not your) case, I'd be scared as hell to rely on them in a true pentest.

Again, different learning methods for different people.  In the end, it's do what works for you.  Videos / bootcamps / books are only as good as their instructors, and are only as useful as a given student makes them.

Totally agree (and this time I re-read your post:) What I have come to learn is that even after OSCP and OSCE I realized I am still an infant in the industry. Like it has been said so many other times in other posts, some of best people who do this have no certs and no college degree. However, there is tremendous value in these courses from offsec for regular people like us! I think offsec, similar to college, teaches you how to think more than even teaching you skills to use. I kind of realize what is possible now which in turn drives further accomplishments and learning...

The true understanding about concepts that you're talking about is multifaceted....errr...ok I'm going to stop here. I love good convo like this!