CEH Certification Cost: Understanding What You’ll Pay for and How to Budget | How Much Does CEH Certification Really Cost? A Complete Pricing Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is CEH Certification?
3. CEH Certification Cost Breakdown
4. Training Fees: Online vs Offline
5. CEH Exam Fees
6. iLabs and Practical Exam Cost
7. CEH Recertification and Renewal Costs
8. Hidden Costs You Should Know
9. How to Budget for CEH
10. Is CEH Worth the Money?
11. Comparison: CEH vs OSCP vs CompTIA
12. Financial Aid, Discounts & Scholarships
13. ROI: Return on Investment from CEH
14. CEH Certification Cost at WebAsha
15. Real Student Tips to Save Money
16. Conclusion
17. FAQs

Introduction

As cybersecurity threats grow rapidly, so does the demand for professionals who can prevent and mitigate them. Offered by EC-Council, the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is widely regarded as a leading credential in the cybersecurity field. But while many focus on the content and outcomes, few anticipate the actual cost of CEH certification — including training, exam fees, labs, and renewal. This guide explains every component of the CEH certification cost and how to smartly budget for it in 2025.

What is CEH Certification?

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a globally recognized cybersecurity certification that validates your ability to find and fix security vulnerabilities in systems. It is ideal for:

• Network & Security Professionals

• System Admins

• Ethical Hackers

• Penetration Testers

• Anyone looking to enter the cybersecurity domain

CEH v12, the latest version, emphasizes practical training through iLabs, MITRE ATT&CK frameworks, and capstone projects.

CEH Certification Cost Breakdown

Let’s break down the cost elements:

Total CEH Cost in 2025: ₹75,000 – ₹1,50,000+ (depending on location, training mode, and extras)

Training Fees: Online vs Offline

Offline/Classroom Training:

• ₹60,000 – ₹85,000 in India

• Benefits: In-person interaction, structured schedule, instructor support

• Includes: Official EC-Council content, iLabs, courseware

Online Training (Instructor-led):

• ₹40,000 – ₹70,000

• Ideal for working professionals

Self-Paced eLearning:

• ₹30,000 – ₹50,000

• Includes videos, PDFs, limited support

• Budget-friendly but requires self-discipline

CEH Exam Fees

• CEH Exam (312-50): ₹30,000 – ₹40,000

• Retake Voucher: ₹10,000 – ₹15,000

• Proctoring Charges: Included or additional depending on the training partner

Note: You cannot buy the CEH exam voucher without EC-Council approval or training from an Authorized Training Partner (ATP) unless you meet specific experience criteria.

 iLabs and CEH Practical Exam Costs

iLabs (Practice Labs):

• Virtual hands-on platform

• Cost: ₹8,000 – ₹15,000

CEH Practical Exam (Optional but Valuable):

• Format: 6-hour hands-on exam with real scenarios

• Cost: ₹12,000 – ₹20,000

• Helps stand out in job interviews

CEH Recertification and Renewal Costs

• CEH Validity: 3 years

• Annual EC-Council Membership (EC-Council Continuing Education - ECE): ₹3,000 – ₹5,000/year

• Recertification: Earn 120 EC-Council CPE credits or retake exam

Hidden Costs You Should Know

1. Retake Charges (if you fail)

2. Internet/Hardware for iLabs

3. Printed Materials (books not included in all plans)

4. GST or Local Taxes (especially in India)

5. Training Add-ons (mock tests, mentorship, interview prep)

How to Budget for CEH

Budgeting Tips:

• Choose self-paced if money is tight

• You aspire to enter the cybersecurity profession and build a strong foundation.

• Join EC-Council’s scholarship announcements

• Pick weekday batches over weekends (lower fees)

• Ask training providers for EMI options

Smart Budget: ₹90,000 for full CEH (training + exam + iLabs + CEH Practical)

Is CEH Worth the Money?

YES, if:

• You aspire to enter the cybersecurity profession and build a strong foundation.

• You need a recognized certification for promotion or job switch

• You're looking for international opportunities

NO, if:

• You already hold higher-level certs (like OSCP)

• You're focused solely on bug bounty or red teaming

Comparison: CEH vs OSCP vs CompTIA Security+

Financial Aid, Discounts & Scholarships

• WebAsha Technologies: Often offers early bird discounts and festive offers

• EC-Council Scholarships: Occasional discounts for students & military personnel

• Corporate Sponsorships: Ask your employer to fund the course

• EMI Options: Available with most training partners

ROI: Return on Investment from CEH

Average Salaries (India 2025):

With demand rising in every industry, ROI is achieved within 6–12 months post-certification.

CEH Certification Cost at WebAsha

WebAsha Technologies (Pune & Online):

• CEH Training: ₹49,000 – ₹79,000

• Includes: Exam voucher, iLabs, official study kit

• Perks: Placement support, lifetime LMS access, CEH v12 certified mentors

🔗 Visit WebAsha CEH Page

Real Student Tips to Save Money

“Go for self-paced plus exam voucher combo. I saved ₹15,000 and still passed CEH on first attempt.”
— Rahul S., Bangalore

“Watch EC-Council’s promo weeks. I got 10% off with their winter scholarship code.”
— Mansi K., Pune

Conclusion

CEH certification is a solid investment for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. While the upfront cost can seem steep, when broken down and planned properly, it becomes manageable and rewarding. By understanding each component — from training to lab access, exam fees, and hidden costs — you can budget efficiently and maximize ROI.

Whether you're enrolling at WebAsha Technologies or any EC-Council partner, the key is to research thoroughly, plan your budget smartly, and align your certification with career goals. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the total cost of CEH certification in India?

The total cost ranges from ₹75,000 to ₹1.5 lakhs including training, exam, labs, and optional practical.

2. Is CEH exam voucher included in training?

Some training providers like WebAsha include it, others charge separately.

3. Can I take CEH without buying training?

Only if you have at least 2 years of experience and get approval from EC-Council.

4. What is the CEH Practical exam cost?

It costs around ₹12,000 – ₹20,000 (optional but adds value).

5. Do I have to pay extra for iLabs?

Yes, unless it’s bundled with your training package.

6. How much is the CEH retake fee?

Retake vouchers usually cost ₹10,000 – ₹15,000.

7. Is CEH valid for lifetime?

No, CEH is valid for 3 years and needs renewal.

8. How to renew CEH certification?

Earn 120 EC-Council credits or retake the exam.

9. Are there student discounts available?

Yes, EC-Council and training partners sometimes offer scholarships and promo codes.

10. What’s the cheapest way to get CEH certified?

Self-paced course with bundled exam voucher is the most affordable route.

11. Can CEH be done fully online?

Yes, from training to exam and labs — everything can be completed online.

12. How much do CEH instructors charge privately?

Private tutoring or mentoring may cost ₹1,000 – ₹2,000/hr.

13. Does CEH include real hacking tools?

Yes, it teaches tools like Nmap, Wireshark, Burp Suite, Metasploit, etc.

14. Can I pay for CEH in installments?

Yes, most institutes offer EMI or installment plans.

15. What happens if I fail the CEH exam?

You need to purchase a retake voucher and attempt again.

16. Is CEH worth it compared to OSCP?

Yes, for beginners or job-focused learners. OSCP is better for advanced red teaming.

17. What’s included in CEH training cost?

Typically includes courseware, LMS access, iLabs, and trainer sessions.

18. Are taxes included in CEH fee?

Often not — be prepared for 18% GST in India.

19. Can I complete CEH under ₹1 lakh?

Yes, with a self-paced or budget training partner.

20. Is WebAsha Technologies affordable for CEH?

Yes, WebAsha offers CEH training starting from ₹49,000 with value-added features.