Which Ethical Hacking Certification Should You Choose | CEH or Others?

Table of Contents

• What Is Ethical Hacking and Why Get Certified?
• Overview of CEH Certification
• Popular Alternatives to CEH
• CEH vs. Other Certifications: A Detailed Comparison
• Factors to Consider When Choosing a Certification
• Pros and Cons of CEH
• Pros and Cons of Key Alternatives
• Career Opportunities and Salary Insights
• Preparation Tips for Your Chosen Cert
• Conclusion
• FAQs

What Is Ethical Hacking and Why Get Certified?

Ethical hacking, sometimes called white-hat hacking, involves legally breaking into computer systems to identify security flaws. Unlike malicious hackers, ethical ones work with permission to help organizations strengthen their defenses. In 2025, with ransomware and data breaches costing billions, this skill is in high demand.

Why bother with a certification? Well, it's like a stamp of approval. Certifications prove your knowledge to employers, often leading to better job prospects. According to recent reports, certified pros can earn 10-20% more. They also keep you updated on trends like cloud security and AI vulnerabilities. If you're starting out, a cert builds confidence and a foundation. For experienced folks, it can lead to promotions or specialized roles. But with so many options, picking one matters let's look at CEH first.

Overview of CEH Certification

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) from EC-Council is one of the most recognized in the field. Launched in 2003, it's now in version 13 for 2025, incorporating AI and cloud topics. The exam is 4 hours long with 125 questions, testing your ability to spot and fix vulnerabilities.

CEH covers basics like footprinting (gathering info on targets) to advanced stuff like web app hacking. It's great for beginners because it explains terms simply  for example, "SQL injection" is a way attackers insert bad code into databases to steal data.

To get certified, you need training or two years' experience. Costs? Exam is about $1,199, training varies. Many love CEH for its global recognition, but some say it's more theory than hands-on. If you're interested, check out WebAsha Technologies for prep courses.

Popular Alternatives to CEH

CEH isn't the only choice. Here are some strong alternatives:

• CompTIA PenTest+: Focuses on practical pen testing, including scoping and reporting. It's vendor-neutral and DoD-approved.
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): Known for its tough, hands-on exam where you hack real systems. It's highly respected but challenging.
• GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN): Covers advanced techniques like password attacks and web recon. It's from SANS and emphasizes methodology.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Broader cert for security management, including ethical hacking elements. Ideal for leadership roles.

Each has unique strengths PenTest+ for beginners, OSCP for pros wanting practical cred.

CEH vs. Other Certifications: A Detailed Comparison

To help decide, let's compare them side by side. Factors like focus and cost vary, so think about your goals.

This table shows CEH balances theory and practice, while OSCP is more intense. Costs are approximate based on 2025 data.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Certification

Your choice depends on several things. First, experience level: Beginners might prefer CEH or PenTest+ for their accessibility. If you have IT background, OSCP could challenge you.

Career goals matter too. Want to be a pen tester? OSCP or GPEN. Aiming for management? CISSP. Budget is key—PenTest+ is cheapest, OSCP pricier but worth it for prestige.

Time commitment: CEH takes 3-6 months prep, OSCP up to a year. Also, consider recognition—CEH is global, OSCP respected in tech circles. Think about renewal: Most need continuing education every 3-4 years.

Pros and Cons of CEH

CEH has its upsides. Pros include wide recognition, comprehensive syllabus covering 20 modules, and practical labs (over 200). It's ANSI-accredited, boosting credibility. Many entry-level jobs list it as preferred.

Cons? Some criticize it for being too theoretical, with multiple-choice exams not testing real hacking. It's expensive if you need training, and updates might not keep pace with rapid threats. Still, for starting out, it's solid.

Pros and Cons of Key Alternatives

CompTIA PenTest+: Pros—affordable, focuses on real-world reporting, no prerequisites. Cons less hands-on than OSCP, might not stand out in advanced roles.

OSCP: Pros—practical exam builds true skills, highly valued by employers. Cons—intense (24-hour test), high failure rate, costly.

GIAC GPEN: Pros—covers legal and advanced topics, open-book exam. Cons—requires experience, not as famous as CEH.

CISSP: Pros—global standard for security pros, salary boost. Cons—not hacking-specific, needs 5 years experience for full cert.

Career Opportunities and Salary Insights

With any of these, doors open. CEH holders often become security analysts ($90k avg), pen testers ($100k+). OSCP pros land red team roles ($120k+). In 2025, demand is high in finance, government, tech.

PenTest+ suits junior roles, GPEN for specialists, CISSP for managers ($140k+). Certifications can increase pay by 15%, per surveys. Network via LinkedIn or conferences to maximize.

Preparation Tips for Your Chosen Cert

Prep smart: Start with official materials. For CEH, use EC-Council labs. Practice with tools like Kali Linux. Join communities on Reddit.

For OSCP, do the PWK course. Take mocks, review weaknesses. Balance study with rest—burnout is real. If CEH, consider WebAsha for guidance.

Conclusion

Choosing between CEH and others boils down to your experience, goals, and budget. CEH offers a strong start with broad appeal, while OSCP provides deep practical skills, and options like PenTest+ give affordable entry. In 2025's threat landscape, any cert is a step forward. Weigh the pros/cons, perhaps try free resources first. Ultimately, the best one is what aligns with your career. Invest in yourself the cybersecurity world needs more ethical hackers. Good luck!

FAQs

What is the main difference between CEH and OSCP?

CEH is more theoretical with multiple-choice exams, while OSCP emphasizes hands-on hacking in a lab environment.

Is CEH suitable for beginners?

Yes, it explains concepts simply and doesn't require much prior experience if you take training.

How much does OSCP cost?

Around $1,649 to $1,749, including the course and exam attempt.

What is CompTIA PenTest+ best for?

It's ideal for entry-level pen testers wanting practical skills without high costs.

Does CISSP focus on ethical hacking?

Not primarily; it's broader, covering security management with some hacking elements.

How long to prepare for CEH?

Typically 3-6 months, depending on your background.

Is GPEN worth it?

Yes, for those interested in advanced pen testing and legal aspects.

What tools do these certs teach?

Common ones like Nmap, Metasploit, Wireshark across most.

Can I get a job with just CEH?

Possibly entry-level, but combine with experience for better chances.

Which cert has no expiration?

OSCP doesn't expire, unlike others that need renewal.

How does PenTest+ differ from CEH?

PenTest+ includes more on reporting and compliance, CEH on attack techniques.

Is OSCP the hardest?

Yes, its 24-hour practical exam is notoriously challenging.

What experience for CISSP?

Five years in security for full certification.

Are these certs recognized globally?

Yes, especially CEH, OSCP, and CISSP.

How to renew CEH?

Earn 120 credits over three years through education.

Which is cheapest?

CompTIA PenTest+ at around $349.

Does GPEN include labs?

It's exam-based, but training often includes hands-on.

Can I do OSCP without experience?

Possible, but recommended to have basics in networking and Linux.

What salary boost from these certs?

10-20% on average, with OSCP and CISSP offering more.

Where to train for CEH?

Official partners like WebAsha Technologies.