The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is a valuable credential in the cybersecurity field, but many aspiring professionals ask the same question: “How much does the CEH certification cost in 2025?” The answer depends on several factors including training format, geographic region, and whether you choose to add the practical exam.
This guide will break down all the key CEH costs so you can plan your budget—and explore some strategies to help you save money while getting certified.
💰 Breakdown of CEH Certification Costs (2025)
Let’s start by looking at the typical components of CEH certification and their average prices in 2025:
| Component | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| CEH Exam Voucher (312-50) | $1,199 |
| CEH Practical (optional) | $550 |
| iLabs Access (6 Months) | $199 |
| EC-Council Official Training | $850 – $3,000 |
| Exam Retake Voucher (if needed) | $499 |
Let’s go over each of these in detail.
1️⃣ CEH Exam Voucher – $1,199
This is the primary fee to sit for the CEH multiple-choice exam (code 312-50). This voucher can be purchased directly from EC-Council or through authorized training partners. It is valid for one attempt.
✅ Includes:
- Access to the official exam
- EC-Council’s terms and exam proctoring via Pearson VUE or EC-Council portal
⛔ Does NOT include:
- Practice exams or training
- Lab access
- Retake if you fail
2️⃣ CEH Practical Exam – $550 (Optional)
The CEH Practical is a hands-on skills-based exam where you must complete 20 real-life hacking challenges in 6 hours.
It’s optional, but highly recommended if you want to stand out in technical roles like penetration testing or red teaming.
✅ Includes:
- Access to EC-Council’s cyber range
- 6 hours to demonstrate real hacking skills
3️⃣ iLabs Access – $199
iLabs is EC-Council’s cloud-based lab environment. It includes 220+ guided lab exercises in a safe virtual hacking environment. While optional, it’s one of the most effective tools for CEH exam preparation.
4️⃣ Official CEH Training – $850 to $3,000
Training costs vary significantly depending on how and where you take the course:
- Online On-Demand: ~$850 to $1,200
- Live Online with Instructor: $1,200 to $2,000
- In-Person Bootcamp: $2,500 to $3,000+
Most official training includes:
- Access to courseware
- iLabs environment
- Exam voucher
- Practice tests
Some packages also include CEH Practical and exam retake vouchers.
5️⃣ Retake Voucher – $499
If you fail the CEH exam, you must purchase a retake voucher unless your original package included one.
📝 Note: EC-Council does not offer free retakes by default.
🎓 Are There Any Prerequisites?
You don’t need a specific degree to take CEH, but EC-Council recommends 2 years of IT experience. If you’re not attending official training, you must submit an eligibility application for $100.
💡 How to Reduce the CEH Certification Cost
Here are smart ways to lower your CEH certification expenses in 2025:
✅ Self-Study Route
- Buy the CEH Official Study Guide or Matt Walker’s CEH AIO Book
- Use free platforms like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, or OverTheWire
- Purchase just the exam voucher and prepare on your own
This can reduce your total cost to under $1,300.
✅ Look for Training Bundles
Some EC-Council partners offer bundles that include:
- Training
- Labs
- Exam voucher
- Retake option
- CEH Practical
These bundles often cost less than buying each component separately.
✅ Take Advantage of Student or Group Discounts
- Students can apply for special pricing
- Companies sometimes get group training rates
- EC-Council often offers promotions during Cybersecurity Awareness Month (October)
💼 Is CEH Worth the Investment?
The upfront cost might seem high, but CEH can quickly pay for itself through career advancement:
| Role | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| Ethical Hacker | $90,000+ |
| Penetration Tester | $95,000–$130,000 |
| Security Analyst | $80,000–$110,000 |
| Cybersecurity Consultant | $100,000+ |
With increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals, CEH is a smart investment if you’re serious about entering the field or advancing your role.
✅ Final Thoughts
The total cost of CEH certification in 2025 typically ranges between $1,200 and $3,500, depending on how you train and whether you add optional exams.
But with smart planning—like bundling resources or choosing self-study—you can reduce the price significantly. If you’re focused on building a career in ethical hacking, CEH is not just a cost—it’s a gateway to greater skills, credibility, and income.