Welcome to the Essentials Learning Paths. This article is built with the Learn Fundamentals subscription in mind, however, the same information applies if you are studying the Essentials content through a Learn One and/or Learn Unlimited subscription.
Here you can find:
Introduction to Essentials
Here is a short video to get you familiarized with the Essentials content inside the Offsec Learning Library:
This video was current as of March 2023. As we continue to improve the Learning Library, slight modifications in the interface or functionality may appear.
Training Materials
Once your subscription has started, you can access the online training materials and labs via your Learning Library control panel.
To access the Essentials content:
- Go to the 'COURSES' tab located at the top of the page.
- Click the 100 level course, e.g., PEN-100 and you will land on the Training Materials page presenting you the topics.
- Select the topic you wish to read.
- You can now start and enjoy your learning journey!
Have any issues accessing your training materials? Contact support here.
Topic Exercises
Applying what you have learned into practice and getting immediate feedback on your work is key to building knowledge. With this in mind, we added Topic Exercises to all of our Essentials content. Here is a brief video on how to get started with our Topic Exercises:
This video was current as of March 2023. As we continue to improve the Learning Library, slight modifications in the interface or functionality may appear.
For even more information, check our Topic Exercises FAQ.
Lab information
When taking our courses - and for the most streamlined OffSec lab experience - we strongly recommend that all learners use a Kali VMware image. For information on how to download, install and use the Kali VMware image, please view the Kali Linux VM article.
This said, we offer two ways of connecting to the OffSec labs:
- through VPN
- through the In-browser Kali instance
Connecting through VPN
To download your VPN connectivity package click the VPN button at the top right of the page to start your download. The Universal VPN can be used to access any Essentials Learning Path learning module exercises
This video was current as of September 2022. As we continue to improve the Learning Library, slight modifications in the interface or functionality may appear.
Connecting through in-browser Kali
If you are eager to start right away and wish to save the time of downloading and installing the Kali VMware image and/or the VPN connectivity package, you can use the in-browser Kali option for any of the Essentials content. Here is a quick intro to using your in-browser Kali instance:
This video was current as of September 2022. As we continue to improve the Learning Library, slight modifications in the interface or functionality may appear.
You can complete most of the Essentials content by using the in-browser Kali instance. For more information on in-browser Kali check our Understanding in-browser Kali FAQ.
Assessments
The Assessments button is available next to the Training Material button of your course page.
You will be able to schedule and attempt an assessment by utilizing the Assessments button.
To schedule an assessment attempt, please follow the steps here.
Other resources
Support
While the OffSec courses are self-paced, self-directed and designed for self-learning, we do invite you to join our Offsec Community Chat Platform. This platform will enable you to connect, collaborate, and chat with fellow learners, Offsec staff, and infosec professionals as you engage in the course. For more information, please visit the OffSec Community Chat User Guide.
For information on how to manage your course or purchase additional products we invite you to read our General FAQs. Should you have additional questions, please review the Contact support guide or submit a request here.
If you experience any technical problems connecting to, or working with the labs, please contact our Administrators via Live Support or email our Help Department at: help@offensive-security.com (Note: This email is for technical support and not for assistance with course exercises.)
We also recommend viewing Important Pages and Articles for more detailed information.
Please use your OSID number when reaching out to our support staff, so that we can better assist you.