exam tips

The day-of playbook. Full post coming — here’s the essentials.

the night before

• Sleep. Do not cram.
• Prep your environment — notes app, template for the report, screenshot tool ready.
• Have snacks, water, coffee within arm’s reach.

the exam itself

• First 30 min: nmap full TCP + initial UDP on every target, start them in parallel.
• Buffer overflow (if applicable): knock it out early while your brain is fresh.
• Rotate targets — stuck for an hour? Move on. Come back with fresh eyes.
• Document as you go — not at the end. Screenshot everything.
• Take breaks — 10 minute walks save your brain.

the report

• Don’t skip it. Failing the report = failing the exam.
• Use the OffSec template. Don’t be clever.

Full post includes my actual time breakdown, meal schedule, and what I did when I almost panicked at hour 12.