What Is the Passing Score for the OSCP Exam? How to Achieve 70 Points and Pass Confidently in 2025

Table of Contents

• What Is the OSCP Exam Passing Score?
• How Is the OSCP Exam Scored?
• Why Is 70 Points the Passing Score?
• How Are Points Awarded During the OSCP Exam?
• Tips to Achieve the Passing Score on the OSCP Exam
• What Happens if You Score Below 70?
• OSCP Exam Score: Final Thoughts
• Why Choose Ethical Hacking Institute for OSCP Preparation?
• OSCP Exam Scoring Overview
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) exam is one of the most respected and challenging certifications in the ethical hacking and cybersecurity community. Understanding the passing score is crucial for aspirants to set realistic goals and prepare effectively. In this blog, we will dive deep into the OSCP exam scoring system, explain how points are awarded, and share expert tips to help you pass the exam confidently.

What Is the OSCP Exam Passing Score?

The passing score for the OSCP exam is 70 points out of 100 total points. To earn the certification, candidates must accumulate a minimum of 70 points by exploiting vulnerable machines during the 24-hour hands-on practical exam and submitting a detailed penetration testing report afterward.

How Is the OSCP Exam Scored?

The OSCP exam is structured around exploiting multiple machines in a virtual lab environment, each worth a specific number of points based on difficulty. The scoring distribution typically looks like this:

• Buffer Overflow Challenge: This single exploit is worth 25 points, making it a significant part of the exam. It tests your knowledge of memory management and low-level hacking.

• Other Machines: Candidates face 4–5 machines varying in difficulty, each assigned points depending on complexity.

• Reporting: Although points are awarded based on exploits, submitting a well-structured and clear penetration testing report is mandatory to pass. A poor report can result in exam failure even if machines are exploited successfully.

Why Is 70 Points the Passing Score?

The 70-point threshold is designed to ensure candidates have proven strong, practical penetration testing skills across different systems and scenarios. It balances the exam's difficulty and demands comprehensive skills, including:

• Exploit Development

• Enumeration and Scanning

• Privilege Escalation

• Vulnerability Analysis

• Report Writing

Passing requires more than just technical ability — clear communication and documentation are also vital.

How Are Points Awarded During the OSCP Exam?

Points are awarded based on the successful exploitation of each machine. The examiners evaluate:

• Complete exploit: Full control or root/admin access on the machine.

• Partial exploit: Gaining some level of access but missing key steps.

• Buffer overflow exploit: Completion of the exploit script as required.

Candidates submit their penetration testing report after the exam detailing each step taken, including commands, scripts, and screenshots for verification.

Tips to Achieve the Passing Score on the OSCP Exam

Achieving 70 points is challenging but manageable with the right strategy:

1. Master Buffer Overflow Early

• Practice the buffer overflow challenge extensively.

• Understand shellcode, memory layouts, and debugging tools.

2. Focus on Enumeration

• Accurate and thorough scanning of targets uncovers vulnerabilities.

• Tools like Nmap, Nikto, and manual inspection are essential.

3. Plan Your Time Wisely

• Spend time proportionally based on point values.

• Don’t get stuck on one machine for too long.

4. Practice Report Writing

• Maintain detailed notes during lab practice.

• Use templates and provide clear, step-by-step explanations.

5. Use Lab Environment Effectively

• Simulate exam conditions by solving multiple machines within set time limits.

• Work on weak areas identified during practice.

What Happens if You Score Below 70?

If you score less than 70 points, you will not pass the exam and will need to retake it after additional preparation. Candidates often fail due to incomplete exploitation, weak buffer overflow skills, or insufficient reporting.

OSCP Exam Score: Final Thoughts

The OSCP exam passing score of 70 points reflects a candidate’s hands-on ability to perform penetration testing in realistic environments. It rewards technical skill, problem-solving, and professional documentation — all vital for a successful career in ethical hacking.

Why Choose Ethical Hacking Institute for OSCP Preparation?

Ethical Hacking Institute offers expert-led OSCP training with:

• Comprehensive live labs simulating real exam scenarios.

• Step-by-step guidance on buffer overflow and exploit development.

• Detailed report writing workshops.

• Time management strategies to maximize your exam score.

• Dedicated support to help you clear the OSCP with confidence.

 OSCP Exam Scoring Overview

If you’re ready to embark on your OSCP journey, remember that knowing the passing score is just the beginning. Success comes with focused preparation, hands-on practice, and clear reporting. Ethical Hacking Institute is here to guide you every step of the way.

FAQs

What is the passing score required to clear the OSCP exam?

The OSCP exam requires a minimum score of 70 out of 100 points to pass, earned through successfully exploiting machines and submitting a comprehensive report.

How many points is the buffer overflow challenge worth in the OSCP exam?

The buffer overflow exploit in the OSCP exam is worth 25 points, making it a significant part of the exam scoring.

Do I need to submit a report to pass the OSCP exam?

Yes, submitting a detailed penetration testing report is mandatory. Even if you exploit machines successfully, a poor report can result in failure.

How are points distributed among machines in the OSCP exam?

Points are assigned based on the difficulty of machines, ranging from 10 to 25 points each, with several machines to exploit in the exam.

Can partial exploitation earn points in the OSCP exam?

Yes, partial access or exploits can earn partial points, but full control of machines yields the highest scores.

How long is the OSCP practical exam?

The OSCP exam is a 24-hour hands-on penetration testing exam where candidates exploit multiple machines.

What skills are tested to achieve the OSCP passing score?

Skills like exploit development, enumeration, privilege escalation, vulnerability analysis, and report writing are tested.

Is the OSCP exam passing score difficult to achieve?

The passing score of 70 is challenging but achievable with focused preparation, practical experience, and strong reporting skills.

Can I retake the OSCP exam if I don’t reach 70 points?

Yes, if you score below 70, you can retake the exam after additional preparation.

How can Ethical Hacking Institute help me pass the OSCP exam?

Ethical Hacking Institute provides expert-led live labs, hands-on training, report writing workshops, and exam strategies designed to help you pass the OSCP confidently.

Is time management important for achieving the OSCP passing score?

Absolutely, managing your exam time effectively is crucial to exploit multiple machines and complete the report within 24 hours.

What is the total number of machines typically present in the OSCP exam?

The OSCP exam typically includes 4-5 machines varying in difficulty to exploit.

Are buffer overflow skills necessary to pass the OSCP exam?

Yes, mastering buffer overflow exploits is critical since it carries the highest point value in the exam.

Does the OSCP exam score include the report submission?

While points are earned for exploits, the report submission is mandatory and critical for passing.

What tools are useful for the OSCP exam?

Tools like Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and manual scripting techniques are commonly used during the OSCP exam.

Can practicing in lab environments help increase OSCP exam scores?

Yes, hands-on practice in labs simulating real exam conditions is essential for success.

How does Ethical Hacking Institute simulate the OSCP exam environment?

The institute offers virtual labs that mimic the exam’s difficulty and time constraints to build practical skills.

Is report clarity important for the OSCP exam passing criteria?

Yes, clear, detailed, and well-structured reports significantly impact the final exam outcome.

Can partial machine exploitation be enough to pass the OSCP exam?

Partial exploitation can earn points, but reaching 70 points usually requires full exploitation of multiple machines.

Are buffer overflow challenges always part of the OSCP exam?

Yes, the buffer overflow challenge is a fixed and crucial part of the exam.

How does the OSCP exam evaluate penetration testing methodology?

Evaluation is based on practical exploitation and detailed documentation of each step taken.

Is the OSCP passing score the same every year?

Yes, the passing score remains 70 points out of 100.

Are OSCP exam scores released immediately?

Results and score reports are typically released a few weeks after exam submission.

Can I use pre-made exploit scripts in the OSCP exam?

While some scripts can be reused, understanding and modifying them is essential for success.

How important is vulnerability enumeration for scoring OSCP points?

Thorough enumeration is critical for identifying vulnerabilities to exploit and earn points.

Does Ethical Hacking Institute provide support during OSCP exam preparation?

Yes, dedicated mentorship and support are offered throughout your preparation.

Are the OSCP exam machines different every time?

Yes, machines vary to prevent repetition and test real-world skills.

Can I fail the OSCP exam despite scoring enough points?

Failing can happen if the report is incomplete or unclear, even if you achieve sufficient technical points.

What is the best strategy to pass the OSCP exam?

Focus on buffer overflow, exploit multiple machines, manage time efficiently, and submit a clear report.