CEH Certification - What's the Cost of Becoming an EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker

  • Certified Ethical Hacker Cost
  • Published by: André Hammer on Feb 06, 2024

Have you ever thought about the cost of becoming a certified hacker? Although it might seem mysterious, it involves financial planning. The journey to becoming a certified ethical hacker involves expenses for training courses and certification exams. It's a significant investment of study time and money. However, the field offers potential rewards and career opportunities, making it attractive to many. So, what is the actual cost of pursuing this career? Let's explore.


Understanding the Path to Becoming a Certified Hacker - Eligibility Requirements for CEH

To be eligible for the CEH certification, candidates need at least two years of relevant information security work experience and must pay an application fee. This experience can come from education or professional experience. Candidates also have the option of completing a formal CEH training prep course to meet this requirement.

Additionally, candidates must show an understanding of network security basics and knowledge of cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and risks, making technical skills and knowledge important. They are also required to agree to ethical and professional standards and pass the CEH exam, which evaluates their knowledge of security threat types, control mechanisms, and security technology.

These are some of the additional requirements for CEH certification, in addition to formal education and technical skills.


Technical & Management Skills Necessary for CEH

CEH candidates need to understand networking concepts, protocols, and systems like TCP/IP and the OSI model. This knowledge is important to pass the CEH exam and succeed in ethical hacking. Proficiency in programming languages like Python, C++, and Java is necessary for creating custom tools and scripts. Candidates should also be familiar with operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and Unix to navigate and exploit vulnerabilities.

Knowledge of databases, computer systems, web application development, cloud computing, and virtualization technologies is crucial for identifying potential attack points. Mastering these technical skills helps CEH candidates evaluate and mitigate security risks, assess resilient system infrastructure, and identify vulnerabilities. With a strong foundation in these skills, individuals seeking CEH certification can better understand and address the complex security challenges in today's digital world.


CEH Exam Fees - Breakdown of Certified Ethical Hacker Cost

The CEH exam costs around £850. In addition to this, there are extra fees for prep courses, study materials, and exam retakes. Compared to other cybersecurity certifications, the CEH exam falls within the mid to high price and cost range. Entry-level certifications may cost less, and more advanced ones may be more expensive. When thinking about the cost of the CEH exam, individuals should consider their budget, career goals, and the value of the certification.


Training Solutions and Their Costs

Training solutions for Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification come in various forms: official prep course, self-study materials, and online resources. Official training courses are the priciest, while self-study materials and online resources are more affordable. The CEH exam fees differ based on the chosen format, generally falling within the mid-range compared to other IT security role, including cybersecurity role and management roles.

After obtaining the certification, individuals need to consider ongoing costs for maintaining it, like continuing education credits and renewal fees. To manage these costs effectively, one can budget for them in advance, stay updated on industry trends, and make use of free or low-cost educational opportunities.The cost of obtaining and maintaining a CEH certification is an important factor for those aiming to advance their careers in cybersecurity.


CompTIA PenTest+ Overview - Additional Certification Options & Costs

The CompTIA PenTest+ certification validates the hands-on skills and knowledge of cybersecurity professionals. It focuses specifically on penetration testing vulnerability assessment and vulnerability scanning. Unlike other cybersecurity certifications, it emphasizes practical skills needed for penetration testing in various environments. This includes identifying, exploiting, and reporting vulnerabilities across different systems, networking devices, and web applications.

CompTIA PenTest+ website


Candidates must have three to four years of hands-on experience in information security, with a focus on penetration testing, to be eligible for the exam. It is widely recognized as a valuable credential for cybersecurity professionals, demonstrating their ability to perform penetration testing effectively and protect corporate networks from cyber attacks.

The certification is practical and requires a significant amount of hands-on experience compared to other certifications. Candidates must also hold at least one of the following certifications: CompTIA Security+ (or equivalent), CompTIA Network+ (or equivalent), or CompTIA CySA+ (or equivalent). The cost of Certified Ethical Hacker training varies from $300 to $400 depending on the training provider.


Comparison of CEH Certification Costs with Other Certifications

The CEH certification has affordable training options like self-study materials and online courses. Choosing this certification can lead to higher earnings and more job roles & opportunities. Initial costs, such as exam and renewal fees, are similar to or lower than other certifications. Ongoing expenses, like continuing education and membership fees, are typical for most cybersecurity certifications.

Investing in a CEH certification can lead to a positive return due to improved career prospects and earning potential in cybersecurity.


DoD Approved Certifications and Employer Demand - Cybersecurity Certifications Recognised by the DoD

Cybersecurity certifications recognized by the DoD include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and CompTIA Security+. Holders of these certifications have a higher chance of employability in the cybersecurity field due to the Department of Defense's recognition of their skills and knowledge.

The cost of obtaining and maintaining these certifications can vary depending on the type of certification and the training required. However, the investment in these certifications can lead to higher salary potential and career advancement in the long run. Additionally, employers often value employees with these certifications, giving holders a competitive edge in the job market.


Advantages of Holding CEH in Terms of Employability

Having a CEH certification is good for finding jobs. It helps people in cybersecurity show they are good at ethical hacking and penetration testing. This makes them more attractive to employers because it shows they are up-to-date with industry rules and the best ways of doing things. Employers like candidates with CEH certification because it means they have special skills and knowledge. This makes them stand out in the cybersecurity job roles including permission, compliance, audit and troubleshooting.


Examining the CEH Certification - Knowledge vs. Performance Exam

The CEH knowledge exam and performance exam are different. The knowledge exam tests theoretical knowledge with multiple-choice questions. The performance exam assesses practical skills in a controlled environment.

For CEH recertification, candidates can retake the current exam, pursue a higher-level certification, or gather enough ECE credits. Renewal requirements involve filling out the application form, showing proof of ECE credits, and paying the fees. These requirements help certified ethical hackers stay updated on cybersecurity's latest technologies and best practices.


The CEH Recertification Process

To keep the Certified Ethical Hacker certification, individuals need to gather 120 Continuing Education (CE) credits in three years. Credits can come from activities like attending cybersecurity conferences, finishing online courses, or writing security-related articles. Renewing CEH is cheaper than other cybersecurity certifications because there are free or low-cost ways to earn CE credits. While getting the initial CEH certification is free, maintaining it involves ongoing expenses like course or conference fees, exam voucher costs, and possible travel expenses for in-person events.

However, these costs are lower than the initial certification expenses for other cybersecurity credentials. So, the CEH recertification is a more financially sustainable choice for professionals in the field.


Requirements for CEH Renewals

To renew a CEH certification, individuals need to obtain 120 continuing education credits within three years. These credits can be earned by attending webinars, and conferences, or completing self-study courses in information security, ethical hacking, or related fields.

To manage renewal costs, individuals can use free or low-cost resources like online webinars, open education resources, and local meetups or workshops. Renewal also involves paying a fee and completing an online form to validate professional work experience. This process helps certified ethical hackers stay updated, refine their skills, and engage with the cybersecurity community.


Managing Ongoing Costs for Certifications

Managing the ongoing costs of keeping a CEH certification involves considering the typical expenses associated with it. These may include fees for continuing education units (CEUs), study materials for recertification exams, and membership fees for professional organizations. To effectively manage and budget for these ongoing costs, individuals can prioritize their spending by determining which expenses are necessary for maintaining their certification. Setting up a separate savings account specifically for certification costs can also help in budgeting and saving for these expenses.

Additionally, seeking out free or low-cost resources such as webinars, online forums, and open educational resources can help reduce the financial burden of obtaining CEUs. Some organizations may offer reimbursement for certification fees, so individuals should explore this option with their employers.

Finally, networking with other professionals in the field can provide valuable insights and tips for reducing ongoing certification costs.


Over to you

Becoming a certified hacker can be expensive, with training and exam fees ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. There are also extra costs for study materials, practice tests, and possibly travel if attending in-person training. However, some organizations provide scholarships and financial aid for those interested in this field. The overall cost depends on the specific training program and exam selected.

Readynez offers a 5-day EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker Course and Certification Program, providing you with all the learning and support you need to successfully prepare for the exam and certification. The CEH course, and all our other EC-Council courses, are also included in our unique Unlimited Security Training offer, where you can attend the CEH and 60+ other Security courses for just €249 per month, the most flexible and affordable way to get your Security Certifications. 


FAQ


How much does it cost to become a certified hacker?

The cost to become a certified hacker can vary depending on the program or certification you pursue. For example, the CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) certification exam fee is $950, while the CompTIA Security+ certification exam fee is around $349. Additionally, there may be costs associated with training materials and courses.


What are the fees associated with becoming a certified hacker?

The fees for becoming a certified hacker vary depending on the certification program chosen. For example, the Certified Ethical Hacker certification from the EC-Council has an exam fee of $1199, while the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) from Offensive Security has a fee of $800.


Are there any hidden costs in becoming a certified hacker?

No, there are no hidden costs in becoming a certified hacker. The only expenses involved are for training courses, study materials, and exam fees.


What is the average cost of obtaining a certification as a hacker?

The average cost of obtaining a certification as a hacker ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the specific certification and training program. For example, the Certified Ethical Hacker certification costs around $1,199, while the Offensive Security Certified Professional certification costs $800 for the exam.


Can you provide a breakdown of the expenses involved in becoming a certified hacker?

The expenses involved in becoming a certified hacker may include training programs, study materials, exam fees, and membership dues. For example, a certified ethical hacker exam fee is around $950, study materials can cost $500, and a training program can range from $1,000 to $3,000.

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