Egov Select

Origin of the OSCP

The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification was created by Offensive Security, a company founded by Mati Aharoni and other security professionals in 2007. The certification was developed to address the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical penetration testing skills in the cybersecurity industry. Offensive Security designed the OSCP to be a hands-on, performance-based certification that requires candidates to demonstrate actual hacking skills in a controlled lab environment rather than simply answering multiple-choice questions.

Industry Value and Importance

The OSCP is highly valued in the cybersecurity industry because it proves that holders possess real-world penetration testing abilities. Unlike traditional certifications, the OSCP's 24-hour practical exam requires candidates to successfully compromise multiple machines in a simulated network environment and document their findings professionally. This hands-on approach has made it a gold standard for entry to intermediate-level penetration testers, and it's frequently requested or required by employers hiring for offensive security roles. The certification's difficulty and practical nature have earned it significant respect among security professionals and hiring managers.

The GPEN Certification: Origin

The GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester) certification was created by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), an organization founded in 1999 as part of the SANS (SysAdmin, Audit, Network, and Security) Institute. GIAC developed the GPEN to validate the technical skills of cybersecurity professionals who perform penetration testing and ethical hacking. The certification was designed to ensure that practitioners possess both the theoretical knowledge and hands-on abilities needed to conduct proper security assessments and identify vulnerabilities in networks and systems.

Industry Value and Importance

The GPEN certification is highly valued in the cybersecurity industry because it demonstrates practical, real-world penetration testing skills rather than just theoretical knowledge. Employers recognize GPEN-certified professionals as capable of conducting thorough security assessments, understanding attack vectors, and properly documenting findings. The certification meets DoD 8570/8140 requirements for certain Information Assurance positions, making it particularly valuable for government contractors and federal positions. Its focus on hands-on methodology and current attack techniques makes GPEN holders sought after for offensive security roles, penetration testing teams, and security consulting positions.

eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (eJPT) Certification

The eJPT certification was created by eLearnSecurity, an Italian cybersecurity training company founded in 2004 that later became part of INE Security after an acquisition in 2020. The certification was developed to provide an entry-level, practical certification for individuals beginning their careers in penetration testing and ethical hacking. eLearnSecurity designed the eJPT as an affordable and accessible alternative to more expensive certifications, focusing on hands-on skills rather than purely theoretical knowledge. The certification emerged during the 2010s as the cybersecurity industry recognized the need for practical, skills-based assessments that could better prepare junior professionals for real-world penetration testing scenarios.

The eJPT is valued in the penetration testing industry as a legitimate entry-level credential that demonstrates fundamental practical competencies in network security, vulnerability assessment, and basic exploitation techniques. Unlike some certifications that rely heavily on multiple-choice exams, the eJPT requires candidates to complete a practical exam involving actual penetration testing tasks in a simulated network environment, which employers appreciate as evidence of hands-on capability. Many penetration testing companies and cybersecurity teams recognize the eJPT as a meaningful indicator that a candidate has moved beyond pure theory and possesses baseline technical skills needed for junior roles. The certification has gained particular traction among career changers and recent graduates as an affordable stepping stone before pursuing more advanced credentials like the OSCP or CEH.