CEH Certified Ethical Hacking Guide: Certification, Exam & Cost

In the realm of cyber threats, modern cybercriminals display ingenuity, persistence, and unwavering determination. Employing a range of tactics and technologies, they infiltrate networks, systems, and applications. CEH Certified Ethical hacking emerges as a valuable instrument to gauge a company's ability to counter, detect, and respond to emerging attack techniques. This CEH practice involves uncovering and capitalizing on security weaknesses to enhance an organization's cyber defenses. By exposing concealed vulnerabilities and providing assistance in their resolution, ethical hacking contributes to bolstering an organization's security stance.

 

An individual skilled in ethical hacking, commonly referred to as a white-hat hacker, undertakes the role of a cyber security analyst for ethical hacking assessments. Certified ethical hackers possess a solid understanding of the methodologies and tactics employed by malicious black hat hackers.

 

What Does CEH Certified Ethical Hacking Certification Entail?

 

The Certified Ethical Hacker certification, offered by the EC Council, holds the distinction as a widely recognized and coveted credential.

Those certified often hold titles such as auditors, system administrators, security consultants, ethical hackers, network security experts, and penetration testers. In addition to opening doors to significant career opportunities, achieving CEH Certification paves the way for lucrative security positions within government Information Technology sectors.

As a certification acknowledged by esteemed bodies like the National Security Agency (NSA), the Committee on National Security Systems (C-N-S-S), and the Department of Defense (DoD), CEH serves as a benchmark for personnel requiring controlled access to critical information.

 

Cost of CEH Certification Training 

 

Providing insight into the investment required, the cost of CEH training varies across different regions. These figures reflect the diverse pricing structure based on geographic location, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the cost of CEH training across regions.

 

Certified Ethical Hacking and the CEH Certification

 

An ethical hacker, often referred to as a White Hat hacker, utilizes penetration testing techniques to assess the cybersecurity landscape of a company. This process aids in uncovering vulnerabilities that the IT security team must subsequently address. Educational prerequisites for pursuing Ethical Hacking certification training are not rigidly defined.

 

Conversely, holding a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mathematics, Information Security, or Computer Science, as well as engaging in online cybersecurity courses, can prove advantageous. The CEH certification validates a professional's comprehension of network security and holds broad relevance due to its lack of vendor-specific bias. The CEH certification is exclusively granted to those who successfully pass the CEH exam.

 

Individuals opting for the CEH[ANSI] track are required to furnish evidence of their degree, practical experience, and credentials. A minimum of two years' hands-on engagement in data security roles is obligatory. In cases where sufficient professional experience is lacking, a substantial display of educational training is necessary and will be subject to evaluation.

 

The CEH examination consists of twenty-five multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to be completed within a four-hour timeframe, utilizing the EC-Council's testing identifier 312-50. These questions revolve around diverse ethical hacking methodologies and technologies. Those holding CNDA/CEH certification, as well as various other EC-Council qualifications, must reattempt the exam every three years. Moreover, a minimum of one hundred and twenty credits is required on the opposing side of the spectrum.

 

Upon securing the CEH credential, the subsequent phase is achieving the designation of Accredited Ethical Hacker (Applied). Typically, the Certified Ethical Hacker Practical examination is allocated a duration of approximately six hours. This aspect was introduced in March 2018. The examination transpires within a controlled laboratory environment, necessitating candidates to showcase a range of ethical hacking proficiencies. Proficiencies encompass activities like web application manipulation, susceptibility appraisal, identification of threat vectors, and recognition of operating systems, network exploration, and other aptitudes. These competencies contribute significantly to the execution of security audit responsibilities. Acquiring a Certified Ethical Hacker certification is a prerequisite for participation, potentially enabling active countermeasures against contemporary threats and prospective hacking endeavors.

 

Educational Prerequisites for the CEH Certification Exam

 

As previously indicated, no predefined or standardized educational requisites dictate the pathway to becoming an ethical hacker. Typically, organizations undertake independent assessments for this role. Foremost, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in data security, computer programming, or mathematics is advantageous, as we have previously acknowledged.

 

Additionally, individuals who have engaged in post-college voluntary service for an institution are also considered. Moreover, candidates with a background in the military, especially within intelligence functions, stand to enhance their prospects.
Relative to other IT certifications, attaining the CEH credential requires a formal application process. During this process, the EC-Council evaluates whether candidates have undertaken official CEH training or possess a minimum of two years' experience in security domains. Furthermore, each stage of the process incurs associated fees.

 

Application for the CEH Examination

 

Diverging from the norm of many IT certifications, the CEH demands a formal application process. EC-Council necessitates verification of either official CEH training completion or expertise prior to embarking on the application procedure.

 

First and foremost, ensure alignment with EC-Council's eligibility prerequisites. Opting for EC-Council's preparatory course for CEH is the recommended path. This comprehensive journey covers all the segments and modules evaluated in the CEH assessment, equipping you with substantial knowledge. If you intend to undertake CEH training outside of EC-Council's offerings, a request for a waiver is mandatory. This waiver grants permission to undertake the exam without adhering to their stipulations. While holding a substantial two-year experience in an Information Security (InfoSec) domain strengthens your case, approval remains uncertain.

 

CEH Exam Retake Costs

 

In cases of unsuccessful EC-Council test attempts, a candidate can obtain an ECC Exam Center voucher to reattempt the examination at a reduced fee. In the event of an unfortunate outcome where the initial examination is not passed, an immediate retake is permissible. Should the second retake also yield unfavorable results, a two-week interval between retakes is mandated until the fourth attempt, beyond which the Retake Policy stipulates a one-year waiting period. Ahead of procuring a $499 CEH Exam Voucher, an application to retake exams must be submitted to EC-Council. Individuals who experience three consecutive test failures (third attempt) are strongly advised to undergo formal practical training that aligns with the certification requisites.

 

Summing up

 

CEH certified professionals are eligible for roles necessitating collaborative efforts to counteract cybercrime, offer defense against malicious software, and fend off cyber assaults. They possess the expertise to safeguard information systems and networks against viral and malware threats.

Attaining EC-Council's ethical hacking certification is within reach, although it requires substantial dedication on your part. By diligently undertaking requisite studies and preparation, sufficiently practicing for the examination, and maintaining unwavering focus until certification as an ethical hacker is achieved, qualification for the examination becomes attainable.

For effective guidance along your journey to realizing your desired career, consider Vinsys's ethical hacking certification program as a valuable resource.