OSCP vs CEH Certification
Compare Offensive Security OSCP and EC-Council CEH for ethical hacking.
OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)
Offensive Security
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
EC-Council
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) | CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Offensive Security | EC-Council |
| Difficulty Level | Professional | Associate |
| Exam Duration | 24-hour practical exam | 4 hours |
| Exam Cost | $1,649 USD (with course) | $1,199 USD |
| Exam Format | Hands-on penetration test | 125 multiple choice |
| Prerequisites | Linux and networking knowledge | 2 years experience or training |
| Validity Period | Does not expire | 3 years |
| Ideal For | Penetration testers | Aspiring ethical hackers |
| Salary Range | $115,000 - $165,000 | $85,000 - $130,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) Focus Areas
- Penetration Testing
- Exploitation
- Privilege Escalation
- Buffer Overflow
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) Focus Areas
- Reconnaissance
- Scanning
- Exploitation
- Tools
- Methodologies
Our Recommendation
OSCP is hands-on and highly respected; CEH is theoretical and more accessible.
Choose OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)
Choose OSCP for proven practical penetration testing skills.
Choose CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
Choose CEH for foundational ethical hacking knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) or CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)?
OSCP is hands-on and highly respected; CEH is theoretical and more accessible.
What are the salary differences between OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)?
OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) typically offers salaries around $115,000 - $165,000, while CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) offers $85,000 - $130,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Choose OSCP for proven practical penetration testing skills. Choose CEH for foundational ethical hacking knowledge.
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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