: Do not wait until the end to think about the report. Keep track of your findings, screenshots, and commands as you go. Use tools like SysReptor to streamline the creation of a professional, well-structured report. Also, thoroughly review HTB's official report template and guidelines before you even start the exam.
If you get stuck, it is almost always an enumeration failure. Re-scan ports, look closer at web source code, check for hidden directories, and inspect user privileges.
Unlike traditional multiple-choice tests, the CPTS exam is a grueling, hands-on, performance-based assessment that pushes candidates to their absolute limit. This article provides a complete, in-depth look at the CPTS exam. From its detailed syllabus and unique exam format to how it stacks up against industry giants and the best strategies for preparation, we will cover everything you need to know to determine if this challenging but rewarding certification is right for your career.
| Feature | HTB CPTS | OffSec OSCP | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Hack The Box Academy | Offensive Security | | Focus | Broad, realistic corporate network compromise with a heavy focus on modern Active Directory attacks and reporting | In-depth, methodology-driven, and built around the "Try Harder" mentality with a significant emphasis on individual compromise and persistence | | Difficulty & Depth | Extremely demanding technically with a very broad scope; considered by many to be more realistic than the OSCP | Very challenging with a narrower but intensely deep focus; known for teaching a strong, resilient mindset | | Format | 10-day take-home exam (unproctored) with a realistic corporate network and AD set | 24-hour proctored exam featuring 3 standalone machines + 1 AD set | | Passing Criteria | 12/14 flags (85%) + submission of a commercial-grade professional report | 70 points out of 100 + submission of a concise, well-documented exam report | | Reputation | Newer but gaining immense respect in technical circles; widely praised for its course content | The "gold standard" for over a decade; has the highest recognition from HR departments and hiring managers | | Cost (Approx.) | ~$490 for a yearly Academy subscription + $210 for the exam voucher = ~$700 | ~$1,649 for the course + exam retake | | Report Requirement | Highly emphasized; must be a commercial-grade deliverable | Required but less stringent; focuses on providing a clear methodology and evidence of compromise |
To gain access to the CPTS exam, candidates are to complete the Penetration Tester job-role path on the HTB Academy platform. This path consists of 28 detailed modules designed to simulate a structured progression from complete novice to a skilled penetration tester.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the CPTS exam, detailing its structure, coverage, preparation strategies, and how it compares to other industry benchmarks. What is the HTB CPTS? cpts exam
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If you are looking for a certification that will actually build your skills for a professional pentesting role, the CPTS is an excellent choice.
: Candidates must collect at least 12 out of 14 flags and submit a high-quality commercial-grade penetration test report.
Identifying flaws requires more than running automated scanners. The exam tests your ability to manually analyze service banners, configuration files, and application behaviors to discover logic flaws, missing patches, and weak configurations. 3. Web Application Penetration Testing
10-day practical engagement (typically 5 days for the lab and 5 days for reporting). : Do not wait until the end to think about the report
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You have 10 days of lab access to perform the penetration test and capture flags, followed by a period to submit your final report.
The CPTS exam is famous for its long duration and high standards for reporting.
The most common comparison for the CPTS is with the industry veteran, the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP). While both are hands-on penetration testing certifications, their approach and focus are quite different. Neither is objectively "better"; the "best" certification depends entirely on your career goals and experience level.
Before attempting CPTS, you should be comfortable with the following: Also, thoroughly review HTB's official report template and
: Don't rush through the text. Build an organized personal knowledge base using tools like Obsidian or Notion.
If you are an aspiring ethical hacker or a seasoned security professional looking to prove your hands-on capabilities, this guide will cover everything you need to know about the CPTS exam, including its structure, difficulty, cost, preparation strategy, and how it compares to industry giants like the OSCP.
The report is the primary grading criteria. It must include detailed walkthroughs, risk identification, impact explanations, and actionable remediation steps.
: Create quick-reference commands specifically for pivoting topology and AD enumeration.