OSCP - Finally Signed Up

I've done it. I've signed up for the OSCP. It has taken quite some time to decide whether or not I should go for it. In fact - it has taken a few years. The course was previously known as 'Pen testing with backtrack', whereas now, it has been updated to 'Pen testing with Kali', as Kali Linux has taken off where Backtrack left off.

In case you're wondering why it has taken me so long to sign up, the answer is simple: cost vs fear of failure. Prior to starting the OSCP, my pen testing knowledge is heavily rooted in wireless security. I've had experience with Bluetooth hacks, WEP, WPA etc but not so much with pen testing desktop computers/laptops/servers.

I've passed the OSWP (Offensive Security Wireless Professional) course and found that it was written very well; one can only hope that the OSCP will follow suit. I've read reviews online which suggest it's very possible to pass providing you put many hours each day into it. I'm prepared to do that in order to pass. Which brings me onto my next point. I've been afraid to take on this course incase I fail, yet I know that its going to be a learning curve - just of bigger proportions.

I've had to remind myself that over the past few years, i've learned first hand that the key to success is trial and error. Do you remember when you first tried to ride a bicycle as a child? You fell off it, right? You got hurt and thought: "I'm not doing that again!" - but you persisted and ultimately, you could ride the bike. The same applies to swimming, relationships, driving etc. You fail more often than you win, but it takes determination to continue until you win.

I'll give you a story. There was a kid born in 1847. Couldn't concentrate in school. His teacher referred to him as "addled". It was looking as if this kid wasn't going to make it; dropping out of school and then being home schooled, this kid didn't look like he was going anywhere. When he was older, he created an automatic voting system, which, as an entrepreneur, should have gained him fame and prosperity. It didn't. It wasn't wanted: it was a failure.

All this guy knew was failure, up until age of 30 when he created the telephone. This guy was Thomas Edison. Failure didn't deter him - and look what he created. You get out what you put in. I know that whatever happens with the OSCP, i'm going to learn alot throughout the course. I don't know if i'll pass the exam first time, but if I don't, i'll try again, and again, and again until I do; afterall the moto is "try harder".