CEH vs GPEN Certification
Compare CEH and GPEN penetration testing certifications. Which ethical hacking cert is better?
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
EC-Council
GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester)
GIAC/SANS
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) | GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester) |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | EC-Council | GIAC/SANS |
| Difficulty Level | Intermediate | Professional |
| Exam Duration | 4 hours | 3 hours |
| Exam Cost | $1,199 USD (with training) | $2,499 USD (includes training) |
| Exam Format | 125 multiple choice | 82 questions |
| Prerequisites | 2 years IT security or training | None (SANS training recommended) |
| Validity Period | 3 years | 4 years |
| Ideal For | Entry-level penetration testers | Professional penetration testers |
| Salary Range | $85,000 - $130,000 | $100,000 - $155,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) Focus Areas
- Reconnaissance
- Scanning
- Exploitation
- Malware
- Social Engineering
GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester) Focus Areas
- Advanced Exploitation
- Password Attacks
- Pivoting
- Reporting
Our Recommendation
CEH is more accessible; GPEN is more technical and respected by practitioners.
Choose CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
Choose CEH for entry into ethical hacking with broader recognition.
Choose GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester)
Choose GPEN for advanced technical skills and practitioner respect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) or GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester)?
CEH is more accessible; GPEN is more technical and respected by practitioners.
What are the salary differences between CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)?
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) typically offers salaries around $85,000 - $130,000, while GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester) offers $100,000 - $155,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Choose CEH for entry into ethical hacking with broader recognition. Choose GPEN for advanced technical skills and practitioner respect.
How long does it take to prepare for these certifications?
Preparation time varies based on experience. Most candidates spend 4-12 weeks studying, depending on their background and the certification difficulty level.
Ready to Get Certified?
Start your certification journey with our free practice exams and study guides