Which Is Better for You | CEH Practical or CEH Multiple-Choice Exam?

Table of Contents

• What Are the CEH Exams?
• Overview of CEH Multiple-Choice Exam
• Overview of CEH Practical Exam
• Key Differences Between CEH Practical and Multiple-Choice
• Who Should Take Each Exam?
• Preparation Strategies for Both Exams
• Comparison Table: CEH Practical vs. Multiple-Choice
• Pros and Cons of Each Exam
• Tips for Success in Either Exam
• Career Impact of Each Certification
• Conclusion
• FAQs

What Are the CEH Exams?

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification, offered by the EC-Council, trains you to think like a hacker to secure systems. It’s a globally recognized credential for roles like penetration tester or security analyst. The CEH comes in two flavors: the traditional multiple-choice exam (often called CEH ANSI) and the newer CEH Practical. Both test your knowledge of ethical hacking, but they differ in format, focus, and purpose. The multiple-choice exam is theoretical, while the Practical is hands-on, testing real-world skills. Understanding their differences is key to choosing the right path for your career.

Overview of CEH Multiple-Choice Exam

The CEH multiple-choice exam is the standard certification path. It’s a four-hour test with 125 questions covering 20 domains, like reconnaissance (gathering info about a target), scanning networks, and social engineering (tricking people into revealing sensitive data). You’ll need a score of 60-85% to pass, depending on the version (currently v12).

This exam is ideal for those who prefer studying concepts over applying them in real-time. Questions might ask about the steps of a hacking process or the purpose of tools like Nmap (a network scanner). No actual hacking is required just a solid grasp of theory. It’s beginner-friendly since it doesn’t demand hands-on experience, but you’ll still need to understand technical terms like “buffer overflow” (when a program’s memory is overloaded with data).

Eligibility requires either two years of IT security experience or attending an official EC-Council training course, which is great for beginners. The exam costs around $1,199 if self-studying, or it’s bundled with training.

Overview of CEH Practical Exam

The CEH Practical is a six-hour, hands-on exam where you perform real hacking tasks in a simulated environment. You’ll face 20 challenges, such as exploiting vulnerabilities, cracking passwords, or escalating privileges (gaining higher access levels). It tests your ability to use tools like Metasploit (an exploitation framework) in a virtual lab.

To take the Practical, you must already hold the CEH multiple-choice certification. It’s designed to validate your practical skills, proving you can apply what you’ve learned. The pass mark varies, but you typically need to complete a majority of the challenges correctly. It’s more demanding, requiring familiarity with Linux commands and hacking tools, but it’s a powerful credential for hands-on roles.

The cost is around $550, and it’s taken online with proctoring. You’ll need a stable internet connection and a quiet environment.

Key Differences Between CEH Practical and Multiple-Choice

Let’s break down how these exams differ:

• Format: Multiple-choice is a question-based test; Practical involves live hacking tasks.
• Duration: Four hours for multiple-choice vs. six hours for Practical.
• Prerequisites: Multiple-choice requires training or experience; Practical requires the multiple-choice certification.
• Focus: Multiple-choice tests theory (e.g., what is a firewall?); Practical tests application (e.g., bypass a firewall).
• Difficulty: Multiple-choice is more beginner-friendly; Practical demands technical skills.
• Cost: Multiple-choice is pricier ($1,199 vs. $550 for Practical).

Both are valuable, but your choice depends on your experience, goals, and comfort with hands-on tasks.

Who Should Take Each Exam?

CEH Multiple-Choice is best for:

• Beginners with little to no IT experience.
• Those seeking a broad understanding of cybersecurity.
• Professionals aiming for roles like security analyst, where theory is key.
• People who prefer structured study over lab work.

CEH Practical is ideal for:

• Those who already passed the multiple-choice exam.
• IT pros with some hands-on experience (e.g., network admins).
• Aspiring penetration testers who need to prove practical skills.
• Learners comfortable with tools like Kali Linux and command-line interfaces.

If you’re new to tech, start with multiple-choice. If you’ve got some experience or the CEH certification already, the Practical can set you apart.

Preparation Strategies for Both Exams

Preparation depends on the exam, but here’s how to tackle each:

Multiple-Choice:

• Study the EC-Council syllabus: Focus on high-weight domains like system hacking.
• Use official study guides: Books like “CEH All-in-One Exam Guide” by Matt Walker are great.
• Practice with mock exams: Aim for 5-10 tests to build confidence.
• Learn key terms: Use flashcards for jargon like “phishing” (fake emails to steal info).
• Join online communities: Reddit’s r/CEH or Discord groups offer tips.

Practical:

• Set up a lab: Use virtual machines with Kali Linux to practice tools.
• Try platforms like TryHackMe or HackTheBox: They simulate real hacking scenarios.
• Master key tools: Learn Nmap, Metasploit, and Burp Suite (for web testing).
• Practice time management: Six hours sounds long, but challenges are complex.
• Review CEH theory: Practical tasks build on multiple-choice knowledge.

For both, dedicate 3-6 months, studying 1-2 hours daily. Consistency is crucial.

Comparison Table: CEH Practical vs. Multiple-Choice

Pros and Cons of Each Exam

CEH Multiple-Choice:

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly, no hands-on skills needed.
• Widely recognized for entry-level roles.
• Structured study materials available.

Cons:

• Less focus on practical skills.
• Higher cost than Practical.
• May not impress hands-on employers.

CEH Practical:

Pros:

• Proves real-world hacking skills.
• Enhances credibility for technical roles.
• Lower cost than multiple-choice.

Cons:

• Requires prior CEH certification.
• Demands technical proficiency.
• Time-intensive preparation.

Tips for Success in Either Exam

• Start early: Don’t cram; spread study over months.
• Use quality resources: Stick to EC-Council materials or trusted platforms like Udemy.
• Practice regularly: For multiple-choice, take quizzes; for Practical, do labs.
• Stay updated: Cybersecurity evolves fast—follow blogs like KrebsOnSecurity.
• Manage stress: Take breaks and practice time management during the exam.

Career Impact of Each Certification

The multiple-choice CEH is a great entry point. It qualifies you for roles like security analyst or junior consultant, with salaries around $70,000-$90,000 annually, per industry data. It’s recognized globally, making it versatile.

The CEH Practical takes it up a notch. It’s tailored for penetration testing roles, where you actively test systems for weaknesses. These jobs often pay $90,000-$120,000 and are in high demand, as companies prioritize hands-on skills. Employers like seeing Practical on your resume—it shows you can do the job, not just talk about it.

If your goal is a technical, hands-on role, aim for both certifications eventually. Start with multiple-choice, then add Practical to boost your credibility.

Conclusion

Choosing between the CEH multiple-choice and Practical exams depends on your experience, career goals, and comfort with hands-on tasks. The multiple-choice exam is perfect for beginners, offering a theoretical foundation and entry into cybersecurity. The Practical, requiring the multiple-choice certification first, is ideal for those ready to prove real-world hacking skills for technical roles like penetration testing. Both are valuable, but the Practical adds a layer of credibility for hands-on jobs. Whichever you choose, preparation is key—study consistently, practice actively, and leverage quality resources. With dedication, either path can launch or advance your cybersecurity career. Pick the one that aligns with where you are and where you want to go, and start hacking (ethically, of course)!

FAQs

What is the CEH multiple-choice exam?

A four-hour, 125-question test on ethical hacking theory, covering topics like reconnaissance and system hacking.

What is the CEH Practical exam?

A six-hour, hands-on exam with 20 challenges to test real-world hacking skills in a virtual lab.

Do I need experience for the multiple-choice exam?

No, but official training or two years of IT security experience is required for certification.

Can I take CEH Practical without multiple-choice?

No, you must pass the multiple-choice exam first.

How much does each exam cost?

Multiple-choice is ~$1,199; Practical is ~$550.

Which exam is harder?

Practical is tougher due to its hands-on nature and technical demands.

Is CEH multiple-choice beginner-friendly?

Yes, it focuses on theory and is suitable for those new to cybersecurity.

What tools do I need for CEH Practical?

Kali Linux, Nmap, Metasploit, and Burp Suite, practiced in a virtual lab.

How long to prepare for multiple-choice?

3-6 months, studying 1-2 hours daily.

How long to prepare for Practical?

3-6 months, with heavy focus on lab practice.

Which exam is better for penetration testing?

CEH Practical, as it proves hands-on skills.

Can I self-study for both exams?

Yes, but Practical requires more lab practice.

Do employers prefer CEH Practical?

For technical roles like pen testing, yes; for general roles, multiple-choice is enough.

Is CEH Practical recognized globally?

Yes, it’s valued for hands-on roles worldwide.

What’s the pass rate for these exams?

Multiple-choice: ~70-80% with training; Practical varies but is tougher.

Can I retake either exam if I fail?

Yes, after a waiting period and additional fees.

Do these certifications expire?

Yes, every three years; renew with continuing education.

Are there free resources for prep?

Yes, like TryHackMe, YouTube tutorials, and EC-Council’s free basics.

Which exam is better for beginners?

Multiple-choice, as it requires less technical skill.

Can I get a job with just CEH multiple-choice?

Yes, in roles like security analyst or junior consultant.