SECURITY
2025 Comparison

CEH vs PenTest+ Certification

Compare CEH and CompTIA PenTest+ certifications for penetration testing careers.

Side-by-Side Comparison
Salary Insights
Expert Verdict

CEH

EC-Council

Difficulty
Intermediate
Duration4 hours
Cost$1,199 USD
Valid For3 years
Salary Range$85,000 - $130,000

CompTIA PenTest+

CompTIA

Difficulty
Intermediate
Duration165 minutes
Cost$392 USD
Valid For3 years
Salary Range$80,000 - $130,000
Detailed Comparison

Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side

FeatureCEHCompTIA PenTest+
ProviderEC-CouncilCompTIA
Difficulty Level
Intermediate
Intermediate
Exam Duration4 hours165 minutes
Exam Cost$1,199 USD$392 USD
Exam Format125 questionsMultiple choice + performance-based
Prerequisites2 years experience or trainingNetwork+, Security+ recommended
Validity Period3 years3 years
Ideal ForAspiring ethical hackersPenetration testers seeking vendor-neutral cert
Salary Range$85,000 - $130,000$80,000 - $130,000
Coverage Areas

What Each Certification Covers

Key topics and domains covered in each exam

CEH Focus Areas

  • Hacking Methodology
  • Tools
  • Techniques
  • Countermeasures

CompTIA PenTest+ Focus Areas

  • Planning
  • Information Gathering
  • Attacks
  • Reporting
Expert Verdict

Our Recommendation

CEH is more recognized globally; PenTest+ is more affordable and practical.

Choose CEH

Choose CEH for global recognition and HR checkbox requirements.

Choose CompTIA PenTest+

Choose PenTest+ for practical skills at lower cost.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: CEH or CompTIA PenTest+?

CEH is more recognized globally; PenTest+ is more affordable and practical.

What are the salary differences between CEH?

CEH typically offers salaries around $85,000 - $130,000, while CompTIA PenTest+ offers $80,000 - $130,000.

Which certification should I get first?

Choose CEH for global recognition and HR checkbox requirements. Choose PenTest+ for practical skills at lower cost.

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.

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