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eCPPTv2 Cybersecurity Certification

The eLearnSecurity Certified Professional Penetration Tester (eCPPT) certification was created by eLearnSecurity, an Italian cybersecurity training company founded in 2004. In 2021, eLearnSecurity was acquired by INE (International Network of Experts), which continues to offer the certification as eCPPTv2. The certification was developed to address the need for practical, hands-on penetration testing credentials that go beyond theoretical knowledge, focusing on real-world scenarios that security professionals encounter in the field.

The eCPPT is valued in the industry for its practical, performance-based examination approach that requires candidates to conduct a full penetration test against a simulated corporate network, including reporting findings in a professional manner. Unlike multiple-choice exams, it demonstrates actual technical competency in areas like network security, web application testing, and vulnerability assessment. This hands-on validation makes it particularly attractive to employers seeking candidates who can immediately apply penetration testing skills, positioning it as a mid-level certification that bridges entry-level credentials and advanced certifications like OSCP.

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.

OSCE Cybersecurity Certification

The Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE) certification was created by Offensive Security, the same organization behind the well-known OSCP certification and Kali Linux distribution. Originally launched in 2008, the OSCE was designed to validate advanced penetration testing skills, particularly in exploit development and creative attack techniques. The certification required candidates to complete the Cracking the Perimeter (CTP) course and pass a rigorous 48-hour hands-on exam. In 2020, Offensive Security retired the original OSCE and replaced it with OSCE³ (OSCE Cubed), which requires earning three separate expert-level certifications: OSEP, OSWE, and OSED.

The OSCE certification family is highly valued in the cybersecurity industry because it demonstrates advanced practical skills beyond basic penetration testing. Unlike multiple-choice exams, the hands-on testing format proves that holders can actually perform complex security assessments, develop custom exploits, and think creatively like real-world attackers. Employers recognize OSCE-certified professionals as possessing expert-level offensive security capabilities, making the certification particularly valuable for senior penetration testers, security researchers, and red team operators. The certification's difficulty and practical nature have established it as a respected credential that signifies true technical expertise rather than just theoretical knowledge.