In the fast-evolving world of cybersecurity, ethical hacking certifications are your gateway to a rewarding career. They validate your skills in identifying vulnerabilities, securing systems, and thinking like a hacker—but ethically. Let’s compare the top certifications and guide you toward the best fit for your goals.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Provider: EC-Council
Focus: Broad knowledge of hacking tools, techniques, and methodologies, with a recent emphasis on AI-driven cybersecurity.
Exam: 125 multiple-choice questions, 4 hours.
Best For: Beginners or professionals transitioning into ethical hacking roles like security analysts or penetration testers.
Pros: Globally recognized, DoD 8570 accredited, strong for corporate job markets.
Cons: Less hands-on, criticized for being theory-heavy. Costly ($1,899-$3,499 for training).

Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

Provider: Offensive Security
Focus: Intensive, hands-on penetration testing in a real-world lab environment.
Exam: 24-hour practical hacking challenge plus report writing.
Best For: Intermediate to advanced professionals aiming for penetration testing roles.
Pros: Highly respected, emphasizes practical skills, industry gold standard.
Cons: Steep learning curve, requires strong Linux and command-line skills.

CompTIA PenTest+

Provider: CompTIA
Focus: Practical penetration testing with a focus on planning, scoping, and reporting.
Exam: 85 questions (multiple-choice and performance-based), 165 minutes.
Best For: Entry-level to mid-career professionals seeking a balanced, practical cert.
Pros: Affordable, vendor-neutral, DoD 8570 approved.
Cons: Less intensive than OSCP, not as specialized as CEH.

GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)

Provider: SANS Institute
Focus: Advanced penetration testing techniques, including web app testing and password attacks.
Exam: 82 questions, 3 hours, plus practice tests.
Best For: Experienced professionals looking for a prestigious credential.
Pros: Respected, practical focus, no prerequisites.
Cons: High cost, requires significant experience.

Why Choose CEH to Start?

The CEH is ideal for beginners due to its comprehensive coverage of hacking fundamentals and wide recognition. It’s a stepping stone to advanced certifications like OSCP. Ready to test your skills? Try our FREE CEH Practice Test to gauge your readiness and get a taste of real exam questions.

Take the Next Step

Dive into the world of ethical hacking with our FREE CEH Practice Test! It’s designed to mimic the real exam, helping you assess your knowledge and build confidence. If you find value in this free test, continue your preparation with our Premium CEH Practice Set for only $5!