What is this site, is it connected to BackTrack-Linux.org?

Yes, Offensive-Security.com is a training spinoff of BackTrack-Linux.org.

Does BackTrack cost money?

No, and it never will.

I would like to join one of the courses. How do I pay the enrollment fee?

We accept payments through eWallets or major Credit Cards.

What is the difference between other certifications such as the C|EH (eCouncil) as compared to the ones supplied by Offensive Security?

All of the certifications which are provided by Offensive Security require the student test in a live, simulated environment. This testing method proves practical, hands-on skills as compared to simply answering multiple choice questions. Interestingly, the eCouncil and other similar course providers use BackTrack in their courses.

What happens when a course gets updated? Do past students need to repurchase the course materials or should I wait until a new course version comes out ?

As Offensive Security courses get updated, they go through price revisions. Past Offensive Security Students will always be able to upgrade their course materials with new versions for the difference in the price between their revision, and the new one. For this reason, there is no reason to wait for a new course revision.

Why do you require a non free email address ?

A non-free e-mail address is used in our registration processes to verify the identity of our students. This is required as, given the nature of our training, we are bound by strict legal guidelines which we must adhere to.

I do not have a non free email address, what should I do ?

If you do not have a non free e-mail address, we are legally obligated to obtain a scanned ID as proof of identity. ID numbers and barcodes may be blurred out of the image. We need to be able to see your name, address and expiration date of the ID.

What happens if someone else will submit the payment on my behalf ?

We require verification from the company or person who submits the payment, as to ensure that they have approved the purchase.

Why is the registration process limited in time (24-72 hours) ?

Each student receives a dedicated machine in our labs. Once you start your registration, we allocate a machine to your account. If your registration isn’t completed in the allocated time, the lab machine assigned to you gets assigned elsewhere.

What happens if i don’t use my lab time ?

Each student receives a dedicated machine in our labs. If this machine is not used, it stays idle. For that reason, we cannot refund lab time.

Can I pause my lab time ?

Even when lab time is paused, it still occupies a system in our labs that remains idle. For this reason, only when valid, written justification and supporting documentation is provided, will we consider pausing a lab account.

What are your support hours ?

The typical administrative hours for e-mails, IRC, and MSN are between 14:00 GMT and 02:00 GMT. If you would like to know what time it is currently in GMT you can do so at: http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/
If you would like to know the GMT times converted to your local time you can do so at: http://www.timezoneconverter.com/cgi-bin/tzc.tzc

Is an exam included in the lab extension fee ?

The fee for the lab extension does not include an exam attempt. When a lab extension is purchased while a student still has a valid lab account, the exam expiration date is moved forward to 90 days after the lab extension expires.
If a lab extension is purchased after after a student’s lab time expires or after failing the certification attempt, we provide a complimentary exam attempt with the lab extension purchase.

What are the prerequisites of the Pentesting with BackTrack course ?

A solid understanding of TCP/IP, networking and reasonable Linux skills. More information can be found in the respective course description and course documentation.

What happens once I pay ?

Once payment is made and verified, you will receive a confirmation mail, ensuring yourself a place in next course. On the first day of the course you will receive a username / password combination to the online training labs and a download link to the training videos. You will be able to watch the videos in the comfort of your home, and discuss the classes and exercises with other students, using Internet Relay Chat and private messaging.

How long is the course ?

The Pentesting with BackTrack videos are 7 hours long. Our students report an average of 50-60 hours of lab exercises.

Why should I opt for the OSCP certification ?

Once obtained, the OSCP certification provides testament of your Penetration Testing skills in a real life environment.

What are the prerequisites of the Offensive Security Wireless Attacks course ?

Offensive Security Wireless Attacks is completed at home by the student, so the prerequisites necessary for this course are different from the other courses provided by Offensive Security. If not already owned, the student will need to purchase a dedicated wireless Access Point and a wireless card that supports traffic injection. More information can be found in the respective course description and course documentation.

What happens once I pay ?

Once payment is made and verified, within three business days you will receive an email containing a download link to the training videos. You will be able to watch the videos in the comfort of your home, and discuss the classes and exercises with other students, using Internet Relay Chat and private messaging.

How long is the course ?

The Offensive Security Wireless Attacks course videos are 2 and 1/2 hours long. Our students report an average of 20 hours of lab exercises.

Why should I opt for the OSWP certification ?

Once obtained, the OSWP certification provides testament of your Wireless Penetration Testing skills in a real life environment.

What are the prerequisites of the Cracking the Perimeter course ?

Cracking the Perimeter is not an entry level course, requiring it to have more prerequisites than any other course offered by Offensive Security. Familiarity with basic Windows exploitation techniques is required among other skills which can be found in the respective course description and course documentation.

What happens once I pay ?

Once payment is made and verified, you will receive a confirmation mail, ensuring yourself a place in the next course. On the first day of the course you will receive a username / password combination to the online training labs and a download link to the training videos. You will be able to watch the videos in the comfort of your home, and discuss the classes and exercises with other students, using Internet Relay Chat and private messaging.

How long is the course ?

The Cracking the Perimeter course videos are around 5 hours long. Our students report an average of 40 hours of lab exercises.

Why should I opt for the OSCE certification ?

Once obtained, the OSCE certification provides testament of your exceptional Penetration Testing skills in a real life environment.

What are the prerequisites of the Advanced Windows Exploitation course ?

This is NOT an entry level course! Experience with a debugger, previous Windows exploits, and a intense tolerance for hard work is required.

What happens once I pay ?

Once payment is made and verified, you will receive a confirmation email, ensuring yourself a place in the course. One week prior to the start of the course, you will receive an email reminder about your upcoming course date. On the first day of the course, present yourself to the instructors at the training facility.

How long is the course ?

Advanced Windows Exploitation is a 5 day live course.

Why should I opt for the OSEE certification ?

Once obtained, the OSEE certification provides testament of your exceptional windows exploitation skills in a real life environment.

What are the prerequisites of the Advanced Web Attacks and Exploitation course ?

Advanced Web Attacks and Exploitation is NOT an entry level course. The pace of learning is fast and furious. At a minimum, students are expected to have a solid understanding of how to perform basic web application attacks. This class is aimed at penetration testers and security auditors who need to take their web application penetration testing skills to a new level.

What happens once I pay ?

Coming Soon

How long is the course ?

Coming Soon

Why should I opt for the OSWE certification ?

Once obtained, the OSWE certification provides testament of your exceptional web application penetration testing skills in a real life environment.