CEH vs. Other Cybersecurity Certifications: Which One Should You Choose
In today’s competitive cybersecurity job market, certifications are key to standing out and proving your expertise. Among the many available credentials, the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification by EC-Council is one of the most popular. But is it the best choice for you?
In this guide, we’ll compare CEH vs. other cybersecurity certifications like CISSP, OSCP, and Security+, helping you make the right decision for your career path.
✅ What Is CEH?
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) is a globally recognized certification that teaches professionals how to think like hackers—legally. It covers penetration testing, vulnerability analysis, social engineering, cloud security, and tools used by ethical hackers.
- Offered by: EC-Council
- Focus: Offensive security, hacking techniques
- Ideal for: Penetration testers, red teamers, SOC analysts
🛡️ CEH vs. CISSP
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) is designed for cybersecurity managers and architects. It’s more theoretical and policy-oriented than CEH.
| Feature | CEH | CISSP |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Ethical hacking & penetration testing | Security architecture, risk, governance |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Hands-on | Yes | Minimal |
| Ideal for | Security technicians | Senior-level professionals |
| Average Salary | $90,000–$120,000 | $110,000–$160,000 |
Choose CISSP if you’re aiming for a management or strategic role.
Choose CEH if you want to stay technical and hands-on.
🧪 CEH vs. OSCP
OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) is known for being one of the most difficult hands-on ethical hacking certifications. It’s much more technical than CEH and focuses on real-world penetration testing in a controlled lab environment.
| Feature | CEH | OSCP |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Broad ethical hacking coverage | Deep, hands-on penetration testing |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Very High |
| Lab Access | Included with training (iLabs) | 30-90 days of lab time |
| Exam Format | Multiple choice + Optional practical | 24-hour practical exam |
| Ideal for | Beginners to intermediate | Advanced pen testers |
Choose OSCP if you have strong command-line, scripting, and Linux skills.
Choose CEH if you want a more structured, guided start into ethical hacking.
🧰 CEH vs. CompTIA Security+
Security+ is an entry-level cybersecurity certification, widely used by beginners in IT security. While CEH focuses on offensive security, Security+ covers a broader foundation: risk management, cryptography, identity access, and threats.
| Feature | CEH | Security+ |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Offensive tools and attack methods | General security fundamentals |
| Experience | 1–2 years recommended | Entry-level |
| Cost | ~$1,199 | ~$392 |
| Ideal for | IT professionals entering red team | General IT staff, help desk, sysadmins |
Choose Security+ if you’re just starting out in IT or security.
Choose CEH if you’re ready to specialize in ethical hacking.
🎯 Which Certification Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick summary based on your career goals:
| Goal | Best Certification |
|---|---|
| Entry into cybersecurity | CompTIA Security+ |
| Start ethical hacking career | CEH |
| Master practical pen testing | OSCP |
| Move into security leadership | CISSP |
💬 Final Thoughts
CEH is an excellent middle ground between foundational certifications like Security+ and advanced credentials like OSCP. It’s ideal for professionals who want a strong offensive security foundation without immediately diving into the deep end of hardcore hacking.
Whether you’re aiming to become a penetration tester, join a red team, or simply understand the hacker mindset, CEH can be your launchpad.
Before you decide, consider:
- Your current skill level
- Your long-term career goals
- Your budget and available study time
Every certification serves a unique purpose. CEH may not be the hardest or the cheapest, but it offers strong value, recognized credibility, and versatile skills in today’s security job market.