Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is an intermediate-level cybersecurity certification issued by EC-Council that teaches professionals how to think like hackers to better defend against cyber threats. Designed for IT professionals with some security experience and career changers looking to break into cybersecurity, this certification demonstrates your ability to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen organizational defenses. CEH opens doors to high-demand roles like penetration tester, security analyst, cybersecurity consultant, and vulnerability assessment specialist—making it an excellent stepping stone for those ready to advance their cybersecurity careers.

Issued by EC-Council
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification logo

Certification Requirements


Exam Required: Yes
Difficulty: Intermediate
Prerequisites:
  • You must complete official EC-Council training -or- have 2+ years of work experience in Information Security
Additional Info:

Topics covered by Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

The certification validates that you have the core skills necessary for a career in cybersecurity or ethical hacking.


Job Opportunities with a EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Certification

The CEH certification opens doors to high-paying cybersecurity roles in today's digital landscape:

Penetration Tester

Penetration testers simulate cyberattacks on computer systems to identify security vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them, helping organizations strengthen their digital defenses and protect sensitive data.

Estimated Salary: $75,000 – $140,000

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts protect organizations from digital threats by monitoring networks, investigating security breaches, implementing protective measures, and ensuring data remains safe from hackers and cyberattacks.

Estimated Salary: $60,000 – $120,000

Information Security Specialist

Information Security Specialists protect organizations from cyber threats by implementing security measures, monitoring networks, responding to incidents, and ensuring data privacy compliance across digital systems.

Estimated Salary: $75,000 – $120,000

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ethical hackers in demand?

Yes, ethical hackers are in high demand. Organizations desperately need cybersecurity professionals to protect against increasing cyber threats, making CEH certification holders highly sought after in today's job market.

Does CEH include AI topics?

The CEH certification covers traditional cybersecurity topics but doesn't specifically focus on AI security. However, some training providers may include AI-related ethical hacking concepts in their updated coursework.

Is CEH better than CISSP?

CEH and CISSP serve different purposes - CEH focuses on hands-on penetration testing skills while CISSP covers broad security management. Choose based on whether you want technical hacking skills or leadership roles.

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