OSCP Fail? Use TJ Null List & HTB Labs to Pass Your Retake
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Summary
The author failed the OSCP certification on their first attempt but managed to pass on the second try by altering their study strategy.
Four mistakes that caused their initial failure were spending too much time reading the course material and not enough time on practical work, neglecting to practise on the lab network, not utilising a commonly used practical preparation checklist, and skipping an informative external tutorial.
To prepare for their second attempt, they completed every machine on the TJ Null OSCP preparation list, which maps suitable machines on Hack the Box and OffSec Proving Grounds, and used supplementary tutorials as needed.
They also practised writing reports well ahead of the exam and tested their endurance with 24-hour simulations.
On their second attempt, the author found that using the recon flow felt like muscle memory, and reporting was quick and efficient. They passed the exam on their second attempt.