What Is the PWK Course Duration in 2025? How to Plan Your Study Schedule for OSCP Success

Table of Contents

• What Is the PWK Course?
• What Are the PWK Lab Access Durations?
• How Much Time Should You Study Each Week?
• Is 30 Days Enough to Prepare for OSCP?
• How to Plan Your PWK Study Schedule
• What Topics Should You Prioritize in PWK?
• What If You Need More Than 90 Days?
• How Long Does It Take to Complete PWK for a Beginner?
• Can You Prepare for OSCP Without Lab Access?
• Real Tips from OSCP Certified Professionals
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are you wondering how long the PWK (Penetration Testing with Kali Linux) course takes to complete? Whether you're a beginner planning your first certification or a cybersecurity professional aiming for the OSCP, understanding the duration and structuring a solid study plan can be the key to success.

This guide breaks down the official PWK course timelines, weekly schedules, study strategies, and how to optimize your preparation based on the duration you choose.

What Is the PWK Course?

PWK (Penetration Testing with Kali Linux) is the official training course by OffSec (Offensive Security) for the OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) certification.

• It covers real-world penetration testing skills.

• Includes 30+ modules and hands-on labs.

• Delivered online via OffSec Learning Platform.

• Comes in 3 durations: 30, 60, or 90 days of lab access.

What Are the PWK Lab Access Durations?

The PWK course offers three main options depending on how long you want lab access:

Each plan gives full access to:

• 850+ pages of the PWK PDF course material

• Over 70 video tutorials

• A dedicated Kali Linux VM

• A lab environment with multiple machines to exploit

How Much Time Should You Study Each Week?

Recommended Weekly Study Hours Based on Duration

Tip: If you’re a working professional, the 90-day access plan is the most flexible and manageable.

Is 30 Days Enough to Prepare for OSCP?

If you already have:

• Strong Linux administration skills

• Familiarity with Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, and Kali Linux

• Hands-on practice with CTFs or HackTheBox/VulnHub

…then 30 days may be sufficient. However, most students report needing 60 to 90 days for full preparation.

How to Plan Your PWK Study Schedule

Sample 90-Day Study Plan

Phase 1 (Days 1–30): Core Learning

• Read the PWK PDF and complete exercises

• Watch all video modules

• Focus on Linux, networking, and enumeration

Phase 2 (Days 31–60): Lab Practice

• Start exploiting lab machines

• Practice privilege escalation

• Join OffSec community for insights

Phase 3 (Days 61–90): Exam Simulation

• Attempt full lab challenges under 24-hour constraints

• Practice report writing

• Take mock exams with limited tools

What Topics Should You Prioritize in PWK?

• Information Gathering – Nmap, Netdiscover, Whois

• Vulnerability Scanning – Nikto, Gobuster

• Exploitation – Manual exploits and Metasploit

• Post-Exploitation – Privilege escalation

• Buffer Overflow – Windows BOF techniques

What If You Need More Than 90 Days?

You can extend lab access in 30-day increments. Some students also enroll in OSCP training from local institutes like Ethical Hacking Training Institute, which provides:

• Mentorship from OSCP-certified trainers

• Lab replica environments

• Personalized scheduling support

• Resume-building and job placement assistance

How Long Does It Take to Complete PWK for a Beginner?

If you're just starting out, budget 3 to 4 months including revision and practice.

Can You Prepare for OSCP Without Lab Access?

Yes, but it’s not recommended. Alternatives include:

• TryHackMe or HackTheBox labs

• Free YouTube videos on OSCP topics

• Practicing BOF on Windows 7 manually

• Joining local bootcamps from institutes like Ethical Hacking Training Institute

Real Tips from OSCP Certified Professionals

• Document everything: Notes and screenshots will help with the report.

• Don’t skip exercises: Many exam machines are based on practice content.

• Use a VPN daily: Get comfortable with tunneling, port forwarding.

• Take breaks: Burnout is real in intensive learning.

Conclusion: Which PWK Duration Should You Choose?

Choose based on your background, schedule, and learning speed:

• Go for 30 days if you’re already skilled in pentesting.

• Pick 60 days if you have moderate experience.

• Choose 90 days if you're a beginner or prefer a balanced approach.

Enroll in expert-guided courses at Ethical Hacking Training Institute to maximize your chance of passing OSCP on the first attempt—with structured labs, mentorship, and full support.

FAQs

What is the official duration of the PWK course?

The PWK course offers lab access options of 30, 60, or 90 days to accommodate different experience levels and study schedules.

How many hours per week should I study for PWK?

Depending on your lab access, 8–25 hours per week is recommended, with more hours needed for shorter durations.

Can I complete PWK in 30 days?

Yes, if you have strong pentesting experience and prior knowledge of Linux and tools like Metasploit.

Is 90 days too long for PWK?

No, 90 days is ideal for beginners who need a flexible and thorough study schedule.

What topics does the PWK course cover?

It covers information gathering, vulnerability scanning, exploitation, post-exploitation, and buffer overflow techniques.

Do I need lab access to pass OSCP?

Lab access is highly recommended for hands-on practice, which is critical to OSCP success.

Can I extend PWK lab access after purchase?

Yes, you can extend lab access in 30-day increments if needed.

How can Ethical Hacking Training Institute help with PWK?

They provide expert mentorship, lab simulations, personalized study plans, and job placement support.

What is the best study schedule for PWK?

A balanced plan includes learning theory, practicing labs, and simulating exams, typically spread over your lab access period.

Are video tutorials included in the PWK course?

Yes, PWK includes over 70 hours of video tutorials covering all course modules.

How much prior knowledge is needed for PWK?

Basic Linux and networking knowledge is helpful; however, beginners can succeed with a 90-day schedule.

What tools will I learn in PWK?

Tools like Nmap, Burp Suite, Metasploit, Nikto, and custom exploit scripting.

Is there a difference between PWK and OSCP?

PWK is the official course; OSCP is the certification exam taken after completing PWK.

Can I prepare for OSCP without official PWK course?

Yes, but official course materials and labs provide the most reliable preparation.

How important is report writing in PWK?

Report writing is crucial; OSCP requires a detailed penetration test report for certification.

What are common challenges during PWK preparation?

Time management, understanding buffer overflows, and report writing.

Does Ethical Hacking Training Institute offer online PWK guidance?

Yes, they offer online mentoring and lab support for OSCP candidates.

How often should I practice lab machines?

Daily practice is recommended for consistent progress.

Can I attempt OSCP exam right after PWK?

Yes, once you feel confident from lab practice and mock exams.

Are mock exams part of PWK training?

Officially no, but many institutes and students create their own mock exams.

What is the success rate of PWK students?

Success varies, but structured study and mentorship greatly improve chances.

What kind of machines are in PWK labs?

Various real-world vulnerable machines simulating corporate environments.

Is PWK training suitable for complete beginners?

Yes, but beginners should choose the 90-day access option and follow a detailed study plan.

Can I use Kali Linux outside PWK labs?

Yes, Kali Linux is a free, open-source pentesting OS used widely in cybersecurity.

What skills will I gain from PWK?

Hands-on penetration testing, scripting, enumeration, exploitation, and post-exploitation.

Does Ethical Hacking Training Institute provide placement assistance?

Yes, they assist students with resume building and job placement.

What is the cost difference between 30, 60, and 90-day PWK access?

Longer access is priced higher but offers more flexible study time.

How important is community support during PWK?

Very important; forums and communities help clarify doubts and share resources.

Can I prepare for OSCP while working full-time?

Yes, with a 60 or 90-day plan and disciplined weekly study hours.