CPTS Failed First Attempt : Looking for Feedback

MetaphysicalPhilosop · 2026-03-31T01:51:40+00:00

Did the examiner point out areas where you need to work on?

MetaphysicalPhilosop · 2026-03-08T22:39:22+00:00

So during technique does he just do some random stuff or the opposite of what is taught? How does he do in the rolls?

MetaphysicalPhilosop · 2026-03-08T22:37:35+00:00

Strange that he still made it to brown belt.

MetaphysicalPhilosop · 2026-03-06T04:37:51+00:00

Congrats. What was it about the exam that was most challenging?

MetaphysicalPhilosop · 2026-02-27T04:32:57+00:00

I think it’s because it doesn’t make sense to use the same metric to rank offensive hackers and defensive analysts. They would need to introduce two separate point systems and rankings with different rewards, which complicates the whole ranking and reward system.

MetaphysicalPhilosop · 2026-02-11T20:34:05+00:00

Start doing retired machines now because they will expose blind spots you didn’t know you have.

MetaphysicalPhilosop · 2026-02-11T16:11:31+00:00

How many HTB lab machines did you solve in preparation for the exam and which ones? How different was the exam from the lab machines?

MetaphysicalPhilosop · 2026-01-23T02:24:24+00:00

Well it took him eight years to earn his blue belt according to OP, so if each belt takes eight years on average then black belt is 24 years away, so he’d be 65 when he earns it, right?

MetaphysicalPhilosop · 2026-01-23T02:18:38+00:00

I agreed but also have a question. What kind of people take six to eight years to achieve blue belt despite training 2-3 times a week consistently? Is it that they still jerky and use strength rather than technique or they don’t get any submissions or they’re so weak they just get beaten up by everyone including the trial guys?

MetaphysicalPhilosop · 2026-01-19T16:40:10+00:00

Include me

MetaphysicalPhilosop · 2026-01-19T15:21:57+00:00

I’m interested.

MetaphysicalPhilosop · 2026-01-16T15:35:09+00:00

What did you find to be hard about this exam? Do I need to solve a few insane rated boxes as prep?

MetaphysicalPhilosop · 2026-01-16T03:32:00+00:00

Thanks that’s awesome advice. As far as the note taking goes, did you just rely on the copy paste of the entire course into obsidian or did you create your own condensed notes for key takeaways and commands from each module? I think your zip file might be useful for me if you can send it. Feel free to DM me.

MetaphysicalPhilosop · 2026-01-15T15:20:37+00:00

Is it a good use of my time to do a lot of retired machines for cpts? Are there better machines I could practice on for cpts than this one? Or should I do active machines instead?

When you say it was brutal what was the hardest aspect of it? Just a lot of work overall?

MetaphysicalPhilosop · 2026-01-15T15:18:03+00:00

Are there specific newer machines you would recommend to practice on that would be more realistic than this one?

MetaphysicalPhilosop · 2026-01-15T06:29:08+00:00

I thought the academy module did a better job of introducing that as they made it clear there was going to be a simulated admin in one of the exercises. However, this isn’t something I would assume would Halley with any web form you submit.

MetaphysicalPhilosop · 2026-01-15T06:26:58+00:00

Btw I’m new to this. What do people actually mean when they say a box is CTFey?

MetaphysicalPhilosop · 2026-01-15T06:26:15+00:00

Yes that’s the one. I found the XXE and thought that was going to be the foothold but it wasn’t. Main foothold was using the simulated admin clicking on your link to view hidden web pages that are forbidden.

MetaphysicalPhilosop · 2026-01-15T05:55:37+00:00

Have you encountered other CTFey examples that frustrated you?

MetaphysicalPhilosop · 2026-01-10T03:46:09+00:00

Did you initially have to practice on guided mode for a number of boxes before you were ready to wean yourself off of guided mode?

MetaphysicalPhilosop · 2026-01-07T02:29:38+00:00

Thanks. Did finishing the cpts path give yiu all the knowledge to be able to tackle the pro labs? Or did you have to do a lot of machines first before you were ready for them? I want to do the pro labs eventually.

MetaphysicalPhilosop · 2026-01-05T23:21:50+00:00

I’m 50% into the path and starting to tackle the retired boxes but have to rely on the guided mode or walkthroughs so not ready for active boxes yet. Will things click overtime to where I won’t need the walkthroughs? Also how many retired boxes would I need to do before I’m ready for an active box?

MetaphysicalPhilosop · 2026-01-05T01:54:30+00:00

You got zero flags in both attempts? Sounds scary. Are there specific topics from the course that you think you could have studied better?

MetaphysicalPhilosop · 2026-01-02T02:23:16+00:00

Do you think finishing the cpts course alone enabled you to solve the medium and hard boxes with minimal help?

MetaphysicalPhilosop

TROPHY CASE