CISSP vs CEH
Compare CISSP and CEH certifications. Security management vs ethical hacking - understand the key differences.
CISSP
ISC2
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
EC-Council
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | CISSP | CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | ISC2 | EC-Council |
| Difficulty Level | Expert | Intermediate |
| Exam Duration | 4 hours | 4 hours |
| Exam Cost | $749 USD | $1,199 USD (with training) |
| Exam Format | 100-150 CAT questions | 125 multiple choice |
| Prerequisites | 5 years experience | 2 years IT security experience or training |
| Validity Period | 3 years | 3 years |
| Ideal For | Security leadership and architecture roles | Penetration testers, security analysts |
| Salary Range | $130,000 - $185,000 | $85,000 - $130,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
CISSP Focus Areas
- Security Management
- Architecture
- Engineering
- Risk
- Operations
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) Focus Areas
- Ethical Hacking
- Penetration Testing
- Exploitation
- Reconnaissance
- Malware Analysis
Our Recommendation
CISSP is for security leadership, CEH is for hands-on hacking. Completely different paths.
Choose CISSP
Choose CISSP for management, strategy, and security architecture careers.
Choose CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
Choose CEH for hands-on penetration testing and ethical hacking roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: CISSP or CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)?
CISSP is for security leadership, CEH is for hands-on hacking. Completely different paths.
What are the salary differences between CISSP?
CISSP typically offers salaries around $130,000 - $185,000, while CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) offers $85,000 - $130,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Choose CISSP for management, strategy, and security architecture careers. Choose CEH for hands-on penetration testing and ethical hacking roles.
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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