Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a prominent early-career certification for security professionals aiming to assess systems for vulnerabilities using techniques often associated with hackers. Offered by the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council), this certification helps professionals identify vulnerabilities for employers or clients.
Overview of CEH Certification
CEH certification is known for its rigorous standards and comprehensive coverage of ethical hacking techniques. It is the most recognized certification offered by EC-Council, a nonprofit focused on cybersecurity education and training, founded post-9/11.
CEH Certification Levels
- CEH: Achieved by passing a multiple-choice exam covering a broad spectrum of hacking knowledge.
- CEH Master: Earned by passing the CEH Practical exam, which involves penetration testing on simulated systems.
CEH Requirements
To apply for CEH certification, candidates need:
- Experience: Two years in information security, or
- Training: Official EC-Council training which waives the experience requirement.
There are also age requirements based on the candidate’s country of origin/residency. Younger candidates may need parental or guardian consent to undergo training and take the exam.
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CEH Certification Cost
The cost structure for CEH certification includes:
- Application Fee: $100
- Training and Exam Costs:
- CEH On Demand: $2,199
- CEH Unlimited On Demand: $2,999
- CEH Live: $3,499
- Additional courseware and tools: $850
- Remote proctored exam voucher upgrade: $100
- Self-study exam voucher: $1,199
For CEH Master certification, the Practical exam costs an additional $550.
CEH Training Options
EC-Council provides various training options to meet CEH prerequisites:
- CEH On Demand: Includes one video course, CEH exam, and labs ($2,199).
- CEH Unlimited On Demand: Offers unlimited video courses, CEH exam, and labs ($2,999).
- CEH Live: Combines two video courses, live instruction, peer interaction, CEH exam, and labs ($3,499).
Additional in-person training is available through EC-Council accredited training partners and approved academic institutions.
CEH Exam Details
After application approval and completing the necessary training, candidates can take the CEH exam, accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The exam can be taken at Pearson VUE testing centers or online with remote proctoring.
- Exam Format: 125 multiple-choice questions over four hours.
- Domains Covered:
- Information security and ethical hacking overview (6%)
- Reconnaissance techniques (21%)
- System hacking phases and attack techniques (17%)
- Network and perimeter hacking (14%)
- Web application hacking (16%)
- Wireless network hacking (6%)
- Mobile platform, IoT, and OT hacking (8%)
- Cloud computing (6%)
- Cryptography (6%)
For CEH Master, the Practical exam involves 20 challenges on a live network of virtual machines.
Demand for Ethical Hackers
Ethical hackers are increasingly in demand as companies recognize the need for robust security measures. Ethical hacking, also known as penetration testing or offensive security research, involves probing defenses to find vulnerabilities. Jobs related to ethical hacking often carry the title “red team” in large-scale penetration testing exercises.
Is CEH Worth It?
The CEH certification can significantly enhance your job search and career trajectory in cybersecurity, especially for roles involving ethical hacking and penetration testing. While not a guarantee of success, CEH is a well-known certification that can make a candidate stand out to hiring managers.
Job Opportunities with CEH Certification
CEH certification is suitable for various job titles, including:
- Information security analyst/administrator
- Information assurance security officer
- Information security manager/specialist
- Information systems security engineer/manager
- Information security/IT auditors
- Risk/threat/vulnerability analyst
- System administrators
- Network administrators and engineers
CEH Salary
CEH holders generally earn competitive salaries. As of 2024, the average US salary for an ethical hacker is approximately $135,269 per year. Entry-level CEH holders can earn around $72,000, while experienced professionals can make over $200,000 annually. CEH-certified IT professionals can expect a 10% pay premium over their non-certified peers.
Conclusion
The CEH certification is a valuable asset for aspiring ethical hackers and cybersecurity professionals. Despite the costs associated with obtaining it, CEH can open doors to high-paying jobs and provide a solid foundation for a career in cybersecurity. Collect All the information from here.