Cpts Exam ((exclusive)) May 2026

It is designed to simulate a real-world internal penetration test. Candidates are given access to a corporate network (via a VPN connection) and must enumerate, exploit, and pivot through several machines to reach a final objective (often referred to as the "Domain Controller" or "flags").

| Feature | CPTS (HTB) | OSCP (OffSec) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 10 Days (1 exam + 6 report writing) | 24 Hours (Exam + Report) | | Cost | ~$400 USD (Academy Subscription) | ~$1,599 USD (Exam + 90 days Lab) | | Difficulty | Very High (Expert level) | High (Intermediate/Advanced) | | AD Focus | Extremely Heavy (Hard-level AD chains) | Moderate (Medium-level AD) | | Report Weight | High (Must be professional-grade) | High | | Retake Policy | Cheaper retakes via new voucher | Expensive retakes (~$450+) |

If you are browsing the keyword “CPTS exam,” you are likely standing at a crossroads. You want a certification that forces you to hack real machines, pivot through networks, and bypass modern security controls—without the hand-holding. cpts exam

In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, certifications are the currency of credibility. For years, the industry has been dominated by the CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) and the OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional). However, a new gold standard has emerged for those who want to prove they don’t just know theory but can actually execute under pressure: The CPTS Exam , offered by Hack The Box (HTB).

This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about the CPTS exam, including the cost, difficulty, syllabus, study strategies, and how it compares to the OSCP. The Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS) is an advanced, fully practical certification exam created by Hack The Box (HTB). Unlike multiple-choice tests that measure rote memorization, the CPTS exam is a 100% hands-on assessment. It is designed to simulate a real-world internal

The CPTS exam focuses heavily on Active Directory (AD) attack paths , misconfigurations, and post-exploitation techniques. CPTS Exam vs. OSCP: The Battle of the Heavyweights When people search for the CPTS exam, the most common follow-up question is: "Is this better than OSCP?"

Go to Hack The Box Academy, purchase the "Penetration Tester" job role path, and start your first module today. Do not wait until you feel "ready." Start the lab, get uncomfortable, and hack your way to certification. Disclaimer: Exam structures, pricing, and syllabi change. Always check the official Hack The Box Academy website for the most current CPTS exam guidelines before purchasing. You want a certification that forces you to

If you want to be a penetration tester who can actually hack—rather than one who just reads about hacking—the CPTS is the mountain you need to climb.