A career within the field of Cybersecurity and its two domains, ethical hacking and penetration testing, has been in demand lately and is considered to be a rewarding career. To take your cybersecurity career to new heights, it is very important to look for certifications that significantly shape your skills and make you stand out in the market.
Two of the most demanding credentials among these two domains are Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) by EC-Council and CompTIA Pentest+. Both of these credentials’ main focus is on identifying the vulnerabilities however, they may differ from each other in terms of approaches, career outcomes, and a lot more. If you are looking to excel your skills or is a fresher who is just starting their career within the field of cybersecurity, getting to know about how these two credentials differ from each other is crucial.
In this blog, we will look at the key differences between these two certifications and which of them can be a great choice for advancing your career in cybersecurity.
How Do CEH and Pentest+ Differ From Each Other?
In general, both certifications focus on skills regarding penetration testing, but they also have major key differences. The CompTIA Pentest+ covers the core topics regarding cybersecurity, whereas CEH validates an individual’s skills into the techniques regarding hacking and the tools required for hacking to secure an organization’s data from cyber attacks. Other than this, the Pentest+ certification does not require any prior experience, so individuals who are new to the field can avail the certification, but CEH candidates will need to have years of experience within information security.
🔎 Overview of CEH
The Certified Ethical Hacker Certification is a universally recognized credential that provides individuals with the core skills and knowledge required in ethical hacking, making them experts in identifying vulnerabilities and securing computer systems legally. The CEH signifies the professional’s knowledge within the various hacking tools and strategies, which may include footprinting and reconnaissance, malware threats, and a lot more, with the permission and legal boundaries.
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🔎 Overview of Pentest+
The CompTIA Pentest+ Certification is an intermediate-level certification that provides an individual with the skills in penetration testing. This certification is specifically intended for cybersecurity professionals. Pentest+ tests the ability of professionals to plan out and execute the penetration test, which may include scanning for weaknesses within the computer systems and ensuring the security of the data.
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CEH vs Pentest+: Exam Details
➡️ Certified Ethical Hacking
To earn the Ethical Hacking Certification, candidates will have to pass the knowledge exam. Other than this, to earn the CEH master level certification, candidates will have to pass the practical exam as well. The exam objectives regarding both of the exams are mentioned below;
Knowledge Exam | |
Aspects | Multiple Choice |
Duration | Multiple Choice |
Duration | 4 hours |
No. of Questions | 125 |
Exam Delivery | Online via the ECC exam portal |
Passing Score | 60-85% |
Practical Exam | |
Aspects | Details |
Duration | 6 hours |
No. of Questions | 20 challenges |
Delivery | iLabs Cyber Range |
Passing Score | 60-85% |
➡️ CompTIA Pentest+
Aspects | Details | |
Exam Codes | ||
Launch Date | October 28, 2021 | December 17, 2024 |
Number of Questions | A maximum of 85 questions | A Maximum of 90 Questions |
Type of Questions | Performance-based and multiple-choice | |
Length of Test | 165 minutes | |
Passing Score | 750(on a scale of 100-900) | |
Languages | English, Japanese, Portuguese, and Thai | English on release, other languages TBD |
Retirement | June 17, 2025 | Usually, three years after the launch |
Testing Provider | ||
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CEH vs Pentest+: Exam Domains
➡️ Certified Ethical Hacking
Introduction To Ethical Hacking | Footprinting and Reconnaissance | ||||
Scanning Networks | Enumeration | Vulnerability Analysis | System Hacking | ||
Malware Threats | Sniffing | Social Engineering | Denial of Service | Session Hijacking | |
Evading IDS, Firewalls, and Honeypots | |||||
Hacking Web Services | Hacking Web Applications | ||||
SQL Injection | |||||
Hacking Wireless Networks | Hacking Mobile Platforms | ||||
IoT and OT Hacking | |||||
Cloud Computing | Cryptography | ||||
➡️ CompTIA Pentest+
PT0-002 | PT0-003 | ||
Domains | Weightage | Domains | Weightage |
Planning and Scoping | 14% | Engagement Management | 13% |
Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning | 22% | Reconnaissance and Enumeration | 21% |
Attacks and Exploits | 30% | Vulnerability Discovery and Analysis | 17% |
Reporting and Communication | 18% | Attacks and Exploits | 35% |
Tools and Code Analysis | 16% | Post-exploitation and Lateral Movement | 14% |
CEH vs Pentest+: Eligibility Requirement
➥ Certified Ethical Hacker
To earn the CEH certification, candidates must complete the official training course that is being provided by EC-Council or have work experience of more than 2 years within the domain of information security.
➥ CompTIA Project+
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CEH vs Pentest+: Exam Costing and Recertification
➢ Certified Ethical Hacking
Candidates earning the CEH certification will have to invest around USD 1,119 for the Pearson VUE exam voucher, USD 950 for the ECC exam voucher, and the training cost. Since there are a variety of options, the cost ranges from USD 1,699 to USD 3,499, depending on the options you choose.
The CEH certification is valid for 3 years, and to recertify the certification, candidates will have to earn 120 ECEs and have to pay the renewal fee, which is around USD 80.
➢ CompTIA Pentest+
The CompTIA Pentest+ exam cost is USD 404 for the PT0-002 exam, whereas the cost for the PT0-003 exam is yet to be decided. Talking about the PT0-002 exam, candidates will have a variety of bundles to choose from that may affect the overall pricing. Each of the bundle price vary depending on the services they have been providing. In general, the cost ranges from USD 404 to USD 1005.
The Pentest+ exam is valid for 3 years from the date you have availed it, for recertification candidates will have to earn 60 CEUs and pay the renewal fee of USD 150.
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CEH vs Pentest+: Exam Difficulty
According to surveys out there, it has been declared that the CEH exam is easier to pass in comparison to the Pentest+ exam. However, it may not be necessary since CEH is not that easy to learn, or Pentest+ is not hard to pass. The CEH exam format is more theoretical and less practical, even though the CEH consists of two exams for earning CEH master certification where on the other hand, whereas Pentest+ signifies the practical skills and consists of complex scenario-based questions.
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CEH vs Pentest+: Which One Is Better
CEH and Pentest+ are both rewarding credentials for professionals who are looking to pursue a career as a penetration tester, but they may differ in level and focus. While CEH focuses on the hacking techniques for securing the organization’s systems on the other hand Pentest+ provides with skills required for penetration testing. However, some of the key aspects are as follows;
➤ Career Recognition & Value
CEH is a well-recognized certification within the domain of cybersecurity as it carries a strong certification provider name. It is often listed as an eligibility requirement while skiing any job within ethical hacking or cybersecurity analysis. On the other hand, the Pentest+ is in demand lately within the US, as CompTIA is a universally recognized organization, so candidates who are seeking to earn the Pentest+ certification will have various opportunities to pursue.
If you are seeking a job within any multinational company or any of the high prestige job roles, then CEH is a great choice, while for freshers or the government sectors, Pentest+ is beneficial.
➤ Cost Effective
CEH, in comparison to the Pentest+, is more expensive due to the training resources they are providing, whereas on the other hand, Pentest+ is more cost-effective, even after providing the training bundles other than the exam cost. If the budget is concerned, it is said that Pentest+ is more budget-friendly, especially for the newbies. Having a single exam that focuses on both theory and practical testing, costing around USD 404.
➤ Practical Skills
Pentest+ exam consists of scenario-based questions as well as a practical exam, which helps individuals in getting prepared for the real-world penetration testing tasks, which may include execution, planning, and reporting. Talking about the current version of CEH, it provides you with the knowledge regarding numerous techniques, tools, and strategies regarding ethical hacking, but you will not be able to implement them unless you pass the practical exam.
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CEH vs Pentest+: Key Differences
CEH | Pentest+ |
Ethical hacking involves understanding attack techniques, tools, and methods used by hackers. | Penetration testers evaluate the security of a particular system or component based on a predefined scope. |
They typically have full access and insights into the organization’s infrastructure | They usually work with little to no prior knowledge about the internal systems of the organization. |
Requires ongoing involvement to maintain and strengthen the security posture. | Engagement is short-term and limited to the duration of the assigned testing task. |
A CEH must be well-versed in TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures) and must replicate the behavior of real-world attackers. | Pen testers should possess in-depth knowledge of the specific domain they are testing. |
Ethical hackers support blue teams and incident responders in managing and validating security incidents. | Penetration testers are not responsible for incident handling or system security configurations. |
Report writing is not a strict requirement for ethical hackers. | Penetration testing demands strong, well-documented, and professional report-writing skills. |
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CEH vs Pentest+: Salary Differences
Both of the certifications are demanding credentials and provide individuals with rewarding opportunities for advancing their careers. Talking about the salary differences, professionals earning any of these credentials are commanded higher salaries as compared to their non-certified counterparts.
In general, the average salary range of a certified pentest+ in the year 2026 has been USD 22,501 to USD 168,502, whereas on the other hand, the professionals who are certified within CEH salary range from USD 41,100 to USD 137,100. The yearly revenue generated by a CEH-certified professional is higher due to their recognition, which is USD 87,879. However, the CompTIA Pentest+ certified can also earn a comparable salary, but they will have to earn further certifications like OSCP+ and CISSP to gain expertise.
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CEH vs Pentest+: Job Roles Along With Salaries
CEH | Pentest+ | ||
Job Roles | Annual Salary | Job Roles | Annual Salary |
Lead Penetration Tester | USD 119,900 | Security Penetration Testing | USD 152,775 |
Computer Hacker | USD 70,835 | Cybersecurity Analyst | USD 108,749 |
Security Analyst | USD 105,929 | Network Penetration Testing | USD 124,950 |
Security Consultant | USD 105,893 | Penetration Testing Engineer | USD 109,567 |
Security Auditor | USD 89,999 | Application Penetration Tester | USD 132,309 |
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CEH vs Pentest+: Similarities
Aspects | Explanations |
Core Objectives | The core objectives of CEH and Pentest+ are to look for weaknesses within the computer system and strengthen the techniques needed for hacking legally and ethically. |
Use of Similar Tools | Both certifications signify expertise in using similar tools, which may include: Nmap (for network scanning), Metasploit (for exploitation), Wireshark (for traffic analysis), and Burp Suite (for web app testing), among others. |
Ethical Guidelines | Both certifications stress the importance of working ethically. This includes obtaining permission before testing, avoiding damage to systems, and reporting vulnerabilities responsibly. The work must follow legal and professional standards. |
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Verdict: Which One Is The Right Choice For You?
Choosing between CEH and Pentest+ can be a tough choice for professionals since both are demanding certifications within the domain of cybersecurity. Each of them plays a key role in lifting a career within cybersecurity. However, choosing the right one only depends on your personal preferences and how much you are thinking of investing. As we have discussed above that Pentest+ is budget budget-friendly certification, so candidates who are self-learners and cannot afford to earn the CEH, which is comparatively expensive, earning the Pentest+ can be a great choice for them.
Being certified in any of the certifications will not only validate your skills but will also provide you with opportunities that will help you with career progression as well as higher earning potential. Due to the increase of cyber threats, cybersecurity professionals are in demand and they are often commanded their desired salaries if they have demonstrated skills and expertise.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What is better than the CEH certification?
According to various reports, it has been said that CISSP certification is considered to be better than CEH, as CISSP provides more career-advancing opportunities and validation of skills within the cybersecurity field.
Which is the world's toughest cybersecurity exam?
The Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) Information Security Fundamentals (GISF) is said to be the most critical exam within the domain of cybersecurity. This is because this exam covers detailed, extensive objectives.
Does CEH expire?
The CEH certification is valid for three years from the day you purchase it. To recertify it candidates must follow the criteria that have been mentioned above.
Does CEH require coding?
CEH certification does not require coding, but having a foundational understanding of the Python language can be beneficial for professionals earning a CEH certification.
