CEH vs. Other Cybersecurity Certifications: Which One Should You Choose?

Cybersecurity isn't a niche profession anymore; it's a global need. With data breaches, ransomware attacks, and phishing attacks drawing headlines daily, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been higher. If you are trying to start a career in cybersecurity, the number of certifications to choose from can be overwhelming. The CEH certification will often get the most mention, but we want to determine how it compares to other leading certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or OSCP before the planning begins. Let's look at side by side comparisons so you can make an informed decision.

Understanding CEH Certification

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification, offered by EC-Council, is intended to train individuals in the area of ethical hacking; and, primarily, train professionals to think like a hacker and defend systems against cyber attack. CEH certification holders are competent individuals in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, malware analysis, and footprinting... tools every cybersecurity practitioner should be using.

One of the great features with CEH is its systematic path to offensive security. Scanning networks, evading IDS/IPS systems, or cracking passwords, the CEH course gives a solid groundwork for ethical hackers in training.

CEH vs. CompTIA Security+

When contrasting CEH and CompTIA Security+, it's critical to understand the depth of subject matter and intensity of focus. Security+ is a high-level certification often recommended for people new to the cybersecurity field and briefly covers concepts such as network security, compliance and risk management. Security+ is a good sitting point, however, it lacks the hands-on hacking experience that a CEH entails.

CEH is a much more focused path that also assumes you have a certain degree of technical literacy. If your goal with your certification is a focus on penetration testing or ethical hacking specifically then CEH will offer a greater degree of skill than Security+.

CEH vs. CISSP

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is another prominent certification in the cyber security industry, but it is for a much different purpose. While CEH is focused on offensive capabilities, CISSP is focused on information security management, governance, and architecture. CISSP is commonly pursued by professionals who are looking to become a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or a Security Manager.

Let’s now discuss the CISSP exam. The exam is also very difficult and prohibits anyone from taking the exam unless they have five years of cumulative work experience under at least two of the eight domains. The CEH is geared more towards accessibility and hands-on experience. If you are more geared toward technical work versus high-level strategy and policy, then CEH may be the better assistance towards your career path.

CEH vs. OSCP

The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) credential is often considered the gold standard for hands-on penetration testers. OSCP delves deeper into exploit development, post-exploitation and red teaming, which makes it a more in-depth study program than CEH certification. Additionally, OSCP has a fully practical exam whereas CEH examines students using multiple-choice questions. To pass the OSCP exam, students must hack into several machines with a controlled environment and there is no multiple-choice fallback.

However, the OSCP certification is harder to learn than the CEH certification, and OSCP is not recommended for beginners. Many Cybersecurity professionals choose to complete the CEH certification prior to attempting the OSCP, so that they can develop a solid grounding in Cybersecurity concepts and practices. In that sense, CEH can be viewed as a handing step to more advanced certifications.

Who Should Choose CEH Certification?

The CEH certification is ideal for:

• IT professionals with some security background looking to pivot into ethical hacking

• Security analysts, penetration testers, and system administrators

• Individuals aiming to build hands-on skills in identifying and addressing vulnerabilities

• People who want a recognized and respected credential to boost their resume

If you’re already comfortable with networking, basic security concepts, and operating systems, CEH can elevate your skillset and prepare you for mid-level cybersecurity roles.

Industry Recognition and Job Prospects

Employers in a variety of industries - from government to finance to healthcare to defense - recognize CEH as a legitimate credential. CEH is DoD 8570 compliant, which means it's nationally recognized for some federal and military jobs in the US. You will see the CEH listed as either a requirement or preferred qualification in job postings for positions like Ethical Hacker, Security Analyst, and Penetration Tester.

Furthermore, with CEH in your portfolio, you can also pursue freelance or consultant opportunities, where your ability to ethically break into systems is evaluated and valuable.

Cost and Training Options

You can take CEH training using self-study, boot camps, or official EC-Council training partners. The exam voucher itself usually costs between $950 - $1,199, and full training packages can be over $2,000.

While it isn't inexpensive, it is a worthwhile investment that can greatly increase your earning potential, and CEH salary surveys state CEH certified people can earn between $75,000 and $120,000+ per year, depending on experience and location.

Conclusion: Which Certification Is Right for You?

There is no universal “best” certification—only the one that aligns with your current experience, career goals, and learning style.

• If you're just starting out, CompTIA Security+ provides a solid foundation.

• If you're aiming for a technical, hands-on role in ethical hacking, CEH certification offers a perfect balance of theory and practice.

• If your goal is to move into leadership or security architecture, CISSP may be the better choice.

• And if you're ready for a rigorous, real-world hacking challenge, OSCP could be your next step after CEH.

Ultimately, CEH certification remains a powerful and versatile credential for cybersecurity professionals who want to think offensively, act ethically, and stay ahead of the threats. It's not just a certification—it's a mindset that prepares you for the dynamic and fast-changing world of cybersecurity.