OSCP Plus vs OSCP comes down mainly to validity: OSCP remains valid indefinitely, while OSCP+ lasts three years. The OSCP+ vs OSCP 2026 comparison also includes a scoring update for exams starting on or after December 1, 2026, at 8:00 GMT. This changes how OffSec determines the final result, not the exam format or required skill level.
What is the difference between OSCP and OSCP+?
OSCP and OSCP+ come from the same OffSec practical penetration-testing exam. Candidates who pass the current exam receive both credentials. OSCP+ is not a separate, more advanced exam; the “+” is an additional, time-limited designation attached to the OSCP award. OffSec (Offensive Security) awards both through the same certification pathway.
The central OSCP+ vs OSCP differences are validity and maintenance. OSCP does not expire. OSCP+ expires three years after it is issued, although OffSec lists options to maintain the designation. If the + expires, the OSCP remains valid. OSCP+ vs OSCP certification therefore describes one exam with two credentials and different validity periods.
| Credential | What passing the exam awards | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| OSCP | OffSec Certified Professional | Indefinite |
| OSCP+ | Additional designation earned with OSCP | Three years, with renewal options |
What are the OSCP+ updates in 2026?
The main OSCP new updates 2026 concern scoring. Among the OSCP+ new updates 2026, this is the change candidates should plan around. OffSec is introducing equated scaled scoring for OSCP+ certification exams that start on or after December 1, 2026, at 8:00 GMT. Exams starting before that time continue to use the current fixed system, with 70 raw points required to pass. The exam start time decides which system applies.
This is the important distinction behind OSCP+ vs OSCP changes 2026: the OSCP exam update and OSCP+ certification update change how the result is calculated after grading. The OSCP 2026 update and OSCP+ 2026 update do not introduce a new practical exam. These updates leave the OSCP exam objectives, format, duration, proctoring, report deadline, and passing standard unchanged. In other words, OSCP+ exam changes 2026 refers to scoring rather than a redesigned practical exam. OffSec says candidates do not need a new preparation strategy because of the change.
How does OSCP+ scaled scoring work?
Under OSCP+ scaled scoring 2026, raw points earned for documented exam objectives are converted to a score on a 100–500 scale. A scaled score of 400 is the passing standard. The conversion accounts for differences in difficulty between exam sets, so the raw-point total needed to reach 400 can vary from one set to another.
Equating adjusts for exam-set difficulty; candidates are not ranked or subject to a pass quota.
The OSCP+ scoring changes 2026 affect the OSCP+ scoring system and OSCP+ exam scoring after grading. Candidates using the new method should not treat 70 raw points—or any other raw total—as a passing target. The exam control panel may still show raw point values for objectives, but only OffSec’s official result confirms whether a candidate passed. OffSec says results may take up to 15 business days under the new process to allow for equating.
| Exam start | Scoring method | Passing standard |
|---|---|---|
| Before December 1, 2026, at 8:00 GMT | Fixed scoring | 70 raw points |
| On or after December 1, 2026, at 8:00 GMT | Equated scaled scoring | 400 on a 100–500 scale |
If an exam is rescheduled or retaken after the cutoff, scaled scoring applies to that attempt. Existing results are not generally recalculated onto the new scale.
Did the OSCP exam format or duration change in 2026?
No. The OSCP exam format and OSCP+ exam format remain the same. Neither the OSCP exam duration nor the OSCP+ exam duration has changed: candidates have 23 hours and 45 minutes for the proctored practical assessment, followed by 24 hours to submit the report. The current structure has three standalone machines worth 60 raw points total and one Active Directory set containing three machines worth 40 points total.
The OSCP exam changes 2026 do not add exam time, remove a target, or alter the report deadline. Check the current OffSec exam guide before your attempt.
What do OSCP+ exam objectives and reporting require?
The OSCP+ exam tests practical penetration-testing skills: investigating targets, completing objectives, collecting proof, and documenting the approach. There are no formal OSCP exam requirements or OSCP+ exam requirements, but OffSec recommends foundational networking, Windows and Linux administration, and basic scripting knowledge. OffSec requires a report detailed enough for a technically competent reader to reproduce the work. Missing proof or weak documentation can reduce points.
The 2026 update does not change grading requirements: points still depend on completed objectives and correct documentation. Conversion happens after grading. Attempt every objective you can, record evidence, and submit the report even if your raw score seems low.
For a broader overview of the current exam, preparation, and certification route, read our OSCP certification guide for 2026. This companion guide covers the general OSCP pathway; this article focuses on the OSCP vs OSCP+ new updates and the scoring transition.
Is OSCP+ replacing OSCP?
No. OSCP+ is not replacing OSCP. Passing the current exam awards both OSCP and OSCP+. The OSCP remains valid indefinitely, while OSCP+ carries a three-year validity period. If the + expires, the lifetime OSCP remains on the holder’s record. The 2026 exam update affects score reporting for future attempts, not the existence or validity of credentials already earned.
The OSCP+ certification changes 2026 do not create a new tier. Candidates who passed earlier do not need to retake the exam because scoring is changing.
Does OSCP+ expire, and how can candidates renew it?
OSCP+ validity 2026 remains three years from issuance. OSCP certification validity is indefinite, and OSCP certification expiration does not occur under OffSec’s current policy. OSCP+ certification validity lasts three years; OSCP+ certification expiration occurs unless the designation is maintained through an accepted route.
OSCP+ renewal options include passing a recertification exam within six months before the + expires, passing a qualifying OffSec certification such as OSEP, OSWA, OSED, or OSEE, or completing the applicable continuing professional education route. The qualifying options and timing rules can change, so check OffSec’s current policy before relying on one path. If a candidate allows OSCP+ to expire, OSCP remains valid.
Those who do not renew OSCP+ keep OSCP.
Is OSCP+ harder than OSCP, and which should you take?
There is no separate OSCP+ vs OSCP exam: both designations come from the same assessment. OffSec says scaled scoring neither raises nor lowers the skill standard.
“Should I take OSCP or OSCP+ in 2026?” is not a choice between two exams. Consider:
- Your readiness to complete a long, proctored, hands-on assessment and write a detailed report.
- Whether your target roles value practical penetration-testing credentials.
- Whether you are willing to meet OSCP+ renewal requirements after three years.
- Your preparation level and available exam dates, rather than an attempt to select a scoring method.
OSCP+ career value depends on the role, employer, and practical experience; it does not guarantee a job or promotion. Compare the exam guide with your skills and schedule when your lab work and report practice show you are ready.
Frequently asked questions about OSCP+ vs OSCP
What is the OSCP+ passing score in 2026?
For the OSCP passing score, exams starting before December 1, 2026, at 8:00 GMT require 70 raw points. Exams starting on or after that time use a scaled score, where 400 out of 500 is the passing standard. The raw points needed to reach 400 vary by exam set.
Is OSCP still valid in 2026?
Yes. OSCP remains valid indefinitely under OffSec’s current policy. OSCP+ is the designation that expires after three years unless maintained through an accepted renewal option.
Did OSCP+ exam objectives change in 2026?
No. OffSec says the exam objectives, format, time limits, proctoring requirements, and report deadline remain unchanged. The scoring method changes for exams starting on or after December 1, 2026, at 8:00 GMT.
What happens when OSCP+ expires?
The OSCP+ designation expires, but the OSCP certification remains valid. Candidates who want to keep the + designation should review OffSec’s current renewal options and complete an accepted route within the stated timeframe.
Should I aim for 70 points after the scoring update?
No. For exams starting on or after the cutoff, raw points alone cannot confirm a pass. Focus on completing and documenting as many objectives as possible, submit the report, and wait for the official scaled result.
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Review the latest exam guide, practice the full range of objectives, and build a reporting routine that captures commands, proof, and evidence as you work. For exams after the scoring transition, submit your report even if your raw-point estimate seems low. To discuss preparation options, contact NYTCC and review the current OSCP+ information from OffSec.