CEH vs PenTest+

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By Certalyze Research Desk Automated Research & Source Audit
Reviewed by Certalyze Source Audit Updated 2025-01-15
Updated: 2025-01-15 Methodology

CEH and PenTest+ both validate penetration testing skills, but they differ sharply in cost, industry recognition, and approach. This comparison breaks down the real-world value of each credential so you can invest wisely in your offensive security career.

$98K
CEH
$110K
PenTest+

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature CEHPenTest+
Provider EC-CouncilCompTIA
Level IntermediateIntermediate
Exam Cost $1,199$392 ✓
Avg Salary $98,000$110,000 ✓
Pass Rate 60% ✓58%
Study Hours 80h ✓120h
Difficulty 7/106/10 ✓
Job Listings 22.0K ✓7.8K

For a deeper look at each certification, read our full CEH guide and PenTest+ guide. Also compare: CEH vs CISSP: Offensive vs Defensive Security Certification, CompTIA Security+ vs CompTIA PenTest+.

Our Verdict

CEH commands stronger brand recognition with 22K job listings vs PenTest+'s 15K and a $6K salary edge ($98K vs $92K), making it the safer bet if employer name recognition matters in your market. However, PenTest+ delivers arguably better bang for the buck at one-third the price ($404 vs $1,199), with a more hands-on, performance-based exam format that many hiring managers now respect equally. If budget is tight or you already hold Security+, PenTest+ is the pragmatic choice — if you need the credential most likely to clear HR filters at large enterprises and government contractors, CEH is still the default.

Choose CEH if you...

  • Prefer a more accessible exam (60% pass rate)
  • Want broader job market demand (22.0K listings)
  • Have limited study time (~80h vs ~120h)
  • Focus on EC-Council ecosystem and intermediate-level roles
Read full CEH guide →

Choose PenTest+ if you...

  • Want higher earning potential ($110K vs $98K avg)
  • Want a lower exam cost ($392 vs $1,199)
  • Prefer a less challenging exam path (6/10 difficulty)
  • Focus on CompTIA ecosystem and intermediate-level roles
Read full PenTest+ guide →

Can You Get Both?

Yes — and many professionals do. Since both CEH and PenTest+ are in the cybersecurity space, they complement each other well. Both are at the same level, so choose based on your preferred vendor ecosystem and add the second when you want to broaden your expertise.

Combined study commitment: approximately 200h and $1,591 in exam fees.

These certs feature in career paths like Application Security Engineer and Penetration Tester / Ethical Hacker.

Deep Dive Into Each Certification

CEH

EC-Council · Intermediate · $98K avg

PenTest+

CompTIA · Intermediate · $110K avg

Explore more: Cybersecurity Certifications · All comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CEH worth the higher price compared to PenTest+?
It depends on your target employers. CEH's $1,199 price tag buys stronger name recognition, especially in government and defense contracting where it meets DoD 8570 requirements. But for private-sector penetration testing roles, PenTest+ at $404 provides comparable validation at a fraction of the cost. If you're self-funding, PenTest+ is the smarter financial play — if your employer is paying, CEH's brand premium may be worth leveraging.
Which exam is harder — CEH or PenTest+?
CEH has a lower pass rate (60% vs 65%) and requires more study hours (80 vs 60), but the difficulty is nuanced. CEH leans heavily on tool knowledge and theoretical concepts with multiple-choice questions. PenTest+ includes performance-based questions that require you to demonstrate actual skills in simulated environments. Many practitioners find PenTest+'s practical format more challenging despite the slightly higher pass rate.
Can I get a penetration testing job with just PenTest+?
Yes, PenTest+ is increasingly accepted as a standalone credential for junior to mid-level penetration testing roles. Combined with a Security+ foundation and demonstrable hands-on skills (labs, CTFs, bug bounties), PenTest+ holders regularly land pentesting positions. That said, many senior roles and consulting firms still list CEH or OSCP as preferred qualifications.
Should I get CEH or PenTest+ first?
If you're building a penetration testing career from scratch, PenTest+ first makes the most sense — it costs less, requires less preparation, and pairs naturally with the CompTIA pathway (A+ > Network+ > Security+ > PenTest+). You can always add CEH later when an employer or contract requires it. If you're already mid-career and targeting a specific role that lists CEH, go straight for it.

Related Career Paths

Application Security Engineer

Application security engineers protect software from vulnerabilities by integrating security practic...

$85K – $165K

Penetration Tester / Ethical Hacker

Penetration testers simulate real-world cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities before malicious ac...

$75K – $160K

Data Sources & Transparency

  • Salary data — Bureau of Labor Statistics, Glassdoor, and job posting aggregates (US median)
  • Job listings — LinkedIn, Indeed, and Dice active postings (sampled quarterly)
  • Pass rates — Community-reported estimates from Reddit, TechExams, and certification forums
Last reviewed: 2025-01-15 Our Methodology Editorial Standards