OSCP Certification Cost 2026: Full Breakdown and How to Save
OSCP starts at $1,749 for the Essentials bundle. Here is every pricing option OffSec offers, what you actually get, whether a standalone exam voucher exists, and the cheapest realistic path to passing.
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Cyber VK Certification Desk
Certification and voucher research
The Cyber VK team that tracks exam pricing, voucher terms and certification requirements across vendors.
Technically reviewed by Cyber VK Store Operations
Published Updated
Key takeaways
- OSCP is bundled with OffSec training — there is no widely available standalone exam-only voucher from OffSec itself.
- The cheapest OffSec option in 2026 is the Learn Essentials bundle at $1,749, which includes 90 days of lab access and one exam attempt.
- The subscription path (Learn One at $2,749/year) is better value if you plan to sit multiple OffSec exams.
- The cheapest credentialed entry point on the offensive security track is the eJPT at $195 via authorised resellers.
OSCP — Offensive Security Certified Professional — is the gold standard for penetration testing certifications. It is the one certificate that consistently appears in senior red team job descriptions, and the one most respected by practitioners who have actually worked in offensive security. The cost, however, stops a significant number of candidates in their tracks. This article breaks down every pricing option OffSec offers in 2026 and the realistic cheapest paths to getting there.
Official OSCP pricing in 2026
OffSec sells OSCP exclusively as part of a course-and-exam bundle. There is no option to buy the exam attempt alone from OffSec directly. Every purchase includes access to the Penetration Testing with Kali Linux (PEN-200) course material and a set number of lab days. The three main purchasing routes are:
| Option | Price | Lab days | Exam attempts | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Learn Essentials | $1,749 | 90 days | 1 | Cheapest single exam path |
| Learn One (annual) | $2,749/year | Unlimited | Unlimited OffSec exams | Best if taking 2+ OffSec certs |
| Retake voucher | $249 | — | 1 | Additional attempt after a fail |
| Extended lab access | $359 | +30 days | — | No additional exam attempt |
The hidden costs people forget
The $1,749 entry price does not include everything a typical candidate spends. Pre-exam preparation — TryHackMe Pro ($14/month), HackTheBox VIP ($14/month), or dedicated OSCP practice boxes — adds to the total. Many candidates spend 3 to 6 months preparing before buying the OffSec package, meaning they have already spent $100 to $200 on supplementary practice. There is also the time cost: the industry average preparation time from zero experience is 6 to 9 months.
The cheapest realistic path to OSCP
For candidates who cannot afford to walk straight into a $1,749 purchase and need a credentialed stepping stone while building skills, the recognised pathway is: eJPT → eCPPTv2 → OSCP. The eJPT and eCPPT are both INE certifications that cover progressively harder hands-on material. Taking them in order does three things: builds the practical skills OSCP requires, produces verifiable credentials to show employers, and splits the total cost into manageable steps.
| Certification | CyberVK price | Study time | What it proves |
|---|---|---|---|
| eJPT (entry point) | $195 | 4–8 weeks | Basic enumeration, exploitation, web vulns |
| eCPPTv2 | $195 | 8–16 weeks | Advanced pivoting, buffer overflows, AD basics |
| OSCP | $1,749+ | 3–6 months prep | Real-world offensive engagements |
CyberVK sells eJPT vouchers at $195 — the same official INE code, delivered to your email within minutes of payment. It is the fastest way to start building credentials on the OSCP track.
Start with eJPT — $195How to get OSCP for free
There is no legitimate route to OSCP for free. OffSec does not offer scholarship programmes or free exam attempts to the general public. Some employers sponsor OSCP certification for employees in security roles — this is the most common route candidates take without paying out-of-pocket. Government training grants in some regions (GI Bill in the US, apprenticeship levy in the UK) can be applied to OffSec courses through approved providers. If employer sponsorship is an option, it is worth asking before paying personally.
Is OSCP still worth it in 2026?
OSCP remains the most widely recognised offensive security certification among practitioners and hiring teams in the US. The exam format — 24 hours of live exploitation followed by a 24-hour report — is the closest any certification comes to a real penetration testing engagement. Its main competitors are PNPT from TCM Security (cheaper at $399, with a real client report component), and CPTS from HackTheBox ($210 exam, harder technically). OSCP still carries the most brand recognition in job postings. For a career in offensive security, it is worth the cost at the right time in your development.
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