CEH vs Pentest+: Which Certification is Right for You? (2024 Edition)

In the fast-evolving field of cybersecurity, certifications play a pivotal role in validating professionals' expertise and opening doors to lucrative career opportunities. Among the various certifications available, two prominent ones that often capture the attention of aspiring cybersecurity enthusiasts are the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Pentest+ (CompTIA PenTest+). If you're considering a career in ethical hacking or penetration testing, you might find yourself at a crossroads, wondering which certification is the right choice for you.

With this comprehensive guide, we delve into the key aspects of CEH and Pentest+ (penetration testing certificate), shedding light on their similarities, differences, and suitability for various career paths. The focus will be on each certification's core components, exam structure, and prerequisites, allowing you to assess their alignment with your goals and aspirations. 

But before we dive into the details, let's understand the significance of certifications in the cybersecurity industry in 2024 and their impact on your career trajectory.

When considering a career in cybersecurity, the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is an important credential to explore. CEH certification is a globally recognized credential that validates an individual's skills and knowledge in ethical hacking. It focuses on the techniques and tools used by hackers to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications. By understanding these methods, ethical hackers can help organizations strengthen their security measures and protect against malicious attacks.

Benefits of Obtaining a CEH Certification

• Credibility and Recognition: The CEH certification is well-regarded in the cybersecurity industry and signifies expertise in ethical hacking. It enhances your professional credibility and increases your chances of career advancement.
   
• Comprehensive Knowledge: CEH training covers a wide range of topics, including network security, vulnerability assessment, web application security, and more. This comprehensive knowledge equips you with a solid foundation in cybersecurity. 
   
• Job Opportunities: With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats, organizations are actively seeking professionals with CEH certifications to bolster their security defenses. Holding a CEH certification can open doors to various job roles, such as ethical hacker, penetration tester, security analyst, or cybersecurity consultant.

Key Topics Covered in CEH Training and Exam

The CEH certification exam evaluates candidates' understanding of various essential concepts and skills, including:

• Ethical Hacking Techniques: Understanding hacking methodologies, footprinting, scanning networks, and enumeration techniques.
   
• System Security: Learning about operating system vulnerabilities, countermeasures, and securing hosts.
   
• Network Security: Exploring network threats, network security protocols, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems (IDS).
   
• Web Application Security: Gaining knowledge of web application vulnerabilities, secure coding practices, and web-based attacks.
   
• Wireless Network Security: Understanding wireless network vulnerabilities, encryption, and Wi-Fi security protocols. 
   
• Cryptography: Learning about cryptographic concepts, encryption algorithms, and public key infrastructure (PKI).

By covering these critical areas, CEH training and certification ensure that professionals have a comprehensive understanding of ethical hacking techniques and can contribute effectively to cybersecurity efforts. It will help you understand the role of ethical hackers.

In the next section, we will delve into penetration testing certification and explore its key features and benefits for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.

In the realm of cybersecurity certifications, the CompTIA PenTest+ holds significant value for professionals interested in specializing in penetration testing. Pentest+ certification, offered by CompTIA, is designed to validate individuals' skills in conducting penetration testing and vulnerability assessments.

It focuses on evaluating the security of systems, networks, and applications by simulating real-world attacks. This certification equips professionals with the knowledge and techniques necessary to identify weaknesses and recommend appropriate security measures.

Benefits of Obtaining a Pentest+ Certification

• Industry Recognition: Pentest+ is widely recognized and respected within the cybersecurity community. Holding this certification demonstrates your proficiency in penetration testing and enhances your professional credibility.
   
• Specialized Skill Set: Pentest+ training equips professionals with specialized skills in conducting security assessments and penetration tests. This expertise is highly sought after by organizations looking to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
   
• PenTest+ Jobs Opportunity: With the growing emphasis on proactive cybersecurity measures, the demand for penetration testers is on the rise. A Pentest+ certification opens doors to various job roles, such as penetration tester, vulnerability analyst, security consultant, or security analyst.

Key Topics Covered in Pentest+ Training and Exam

The Pentest+ exam covers a wide range of essential topics that are crucial for professionals aiming to excel in penetration testing. Some of the key areas covered in Pentest+ training and the certification exam include:

• Planning and Scoping: Understanding the objectives, limitations, and legal considerations when conducting a penetration test.
   
• Information Gathering and Vulnerability Identification: Utilizing various techniques to gather information about the target system or network and identifying potential vulnerabilities.
   
• Attacks and Exploits: Demonstrating knowledge of different attack vectors, exploits, and techniques used by attackers to gain unauthorized access.
   
• Post-Exploitation Techniques: Understanding the steps to maintain access, escalate privileges, and gather valuable information after successfully penetrating a system. 
   
• Reporting and Communication: Effectively documenting findings, preparing reports, and communicating recommendations to stakeholders.

By covering these essential topics, Pentest+ certification ensures that professionals possess the necessary skills and knowledge to perform effective penetration tests and contribute to the security of organizations.

In the next section, we will compare and contrast CEH and Pentest+ certifications to help you make an informed decision about which certification aligns better with your career goals.

While both Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and CompTIA PenTest+ certifications demonstrate expertise in ethical hacking and penetration testing, they differ in several aspects. This section will delve into the core differences, exam structure and requirements, and the skill sets and knowledge areas emphasized in each certification.

Let’s check the core differences between both of the certifications:

CEH Certification

• Focuses on identifying vulnerabilities and securing networks and systems from unauthorized access.
• Emphasizes a broader understanding of hacking techniques, methodologies, and countermeasures.
• Covers a range of topics, including network scanning, system hacking, web application vulnerabilities, and social engineering.
• Equips professionals with the required knowledge and skills to proactively defend against potential cyber threats.

PenTest + certification

• Centers on penetration testing methodologies and hands-on skills required to simulate attacks.
• Emphasizes practical, real-world scenarios to assess systems, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend appropriate remediation.
• Covers topics such as planning and scoping, information gathering, vulnerability identification, exploitation, and post-exploitation techniques.
• Equips professionals with the ability to perform thorough penetration tests and produce actionable reports.

Let’s see the detailed comparison in tabular form mentioned below:

When considering a certification in the field of cybersecurity, it's essential to assess various factors that can help you make an informed decision. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing between the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and PenTest certification:

• Career goals and aspirations: Consider your career goals and aspirations within the cybersecurity field. Determine whether you aim to specialize in ethical hacking or focus on penetration testing. Understanding your long-term objectives will help align your certification choice with your desired career path.
   
• Skill level and experience in cybersecurity: Evaluate your current skill level and experience in cybersecurity. CEH is typically recommended for individuals with foundational knowledge and experience, as it delves into advanced hacking techniques. Pentest+, on the other hand, is often suitable for those at entry or intermediate levels, providing a broader introduction to penetration testing concepts.
   
• Job market demand and industry trends: Research the job market demand and industry trends related to CEH and Pentest+ certifications. Look into the types of job roles and organizations that prioritize these certifications. By understanding the demand for each certification, you can make an informed decision that meets current market needs and enhances your career prospects. 
  
  According to industry reports, both CEH and Pentest+ certifications are in high demand. The demand for ethical hackers and certified pentester has been steadily growing due to the increasing prevalence of cyber threats and the need for robust cybersecurity measures across industries. However, the specific demand for each certification may vary based on geographical location, industry sector, and job requirements.
   
• Time and financial investment required for each certification: Consider the time and financial investment required for each certification. CEH typically involves a five-day training course and costs around $1,199 for the exam registration fee. On the other hand, Pentest+ is generally considered more accessible, making it a suitable choice for those with limited time or resources. The Pentest+ exam cost is around $349.

(Note: It's important to note that these cost figures are approximate and can vary depending on factors such as training providers, exam retakes, and additional study materials.)

By carefully considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision about which certification - CEH or Pentest+ best suits your career goals, skill level, job market demand, and investment capacity. Conduct thorough research, seek advice from professionals in the field, and assess your individual circumstances before making your final choice.

Remember that certifications serve as valuable assets in the cybersecurity industry, but they should be complemented with practical experience and continuous learning to stay up to date with the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats and technologies.

To sum up, both the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and the Pentest+ certifications have their unique merits in the cybersecurity landscape. However, choosing the right certification between Comptia PenTest+ vs CEH depends on your circumstances and career objectives.

Considering the key points discussed, if you possess a strong foundation in networking and your goal is to pursue a career in ethical hacking, penetration testing, or security auditing, the CEH certification is an excellent fit. On the other hand, if you prefer hands-on work and enjoy performing actual security tests, the Pentest+ certification offers a comprehensive approach tailored to your interests.

The decision between CEH and Pentest+ ultimately comes down to your unique skill set, career aspirations, and the demands of the job market or industry you wish to enter. Choose the certification that resonates most with your interests and professional goal.

• Is CEH an entry-level certification?
  No, the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is not considered an entry-level certification. It is a more advanced certification that focuses on ethical hacking and penetration testing skills.
   
• Can I get a job with just CEH certification?
  Having a CEH certification can enhance your job prospects, but it's not a guarantee of employment. While it opens up opportunities such as security consultant, security analyst, security engineer, and cybersecurity auditor, securing a job depends on factors like your overall skill set, experience, and specific job requirements.
   
• Can PenTest+ get you a job?
  Yes, the PenTest+ certification can certainly enhance your job prospects in the cybersecurity field. It is a recognized certification that demonstrates your practical skills in conducting penetration tests and vulnerability assessments, which are highly sought after by employers.
   
• Is PenTest+ hard?
  The difficulty of the PenTest+ certification can vary depending on your prior knowledge, experience, and preparation. It is considered a moderately challenging certification, but with proper study and practical experience, it is attainable.
   
• Is PenTest+ worth it?
  Yes, the PenTest+ certification is worth pursuing if you want to pursue career in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment. It is a recognized certification that validates your skills and can increase your chances of securing relevant job opportunities in the cybersecurity industry.
   
• Do CompTIA certs expire?
  Yes, CompTIA certifications do expire. They expire 3 years from the date they are earned and can be renewed through CompTIA's continuing education (CE) program before that expiration date.