CEH Price Breakdown: Understanding the Total Cost of the Certification | Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Pricing Explained: All You Need to Know

Table of Contents

• Introduction to CEH Certification
• CEH Cost Components Explained
• CEH Certification Cost in India
• CEH Certification Cost in the USA
• Training Options and Their Costs
• Cost of CEH Practical Exam
• Recertification and Maintenance Fees
• Hidden or Overlooked Expenses
• Tips to Save Money on CEH Certification
• Is CEH Worth the Investment?
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Introduction to CEH Certification

As a globally respected program, CEH by EC-Council certifies professionals in offensive security techniques and ethical hacking best practices. Designed for cybersecurity professionals, penetration testers, and network defenders, the CEH validates your skills in identifying and fixing vulnerabilities in IT infrastructure. While the credential is powerful, the total cost of earning CEH can vary significantly depending on the path you take.

CEH Cost Components Explained

The total price of CEH certification is made up of several components:

• Exam voucher cost
• Training fees (optional but recommended)
• Application fee (if not attending official training)
• Practical exam fee
• Recertification cost (every 3 years)

CEH Certification Cost in India (2025)

In India, CEH pricing is relatively more affordable compared to other countries:

CEH Certification Cost in the USA (2025)

The CEH cost in the U.S. is higher due to training delivery mode, exchange rates, and regional pricing:

• Exam Voucher Only: $950 – $1,199
• Training + Exam Bundle: $2,199 – $2,999
• CEH Practical: $550 – $600
• Recertification Fee: $80 – $150 (depending on ECE credits)

Training Options and Their Costs

There are multiple ways to prepare for the CEH exam:

1. Self-study: Free or low-cost (books, practice exams, YouTube)
2. Online Bootcamps: ₹25,000 – ₹60,000 depending on provider
3. EC-Council iClass: ₹55,000 – ₹80,000 with official labs and support
4. College/University Courses: Integrated into tuition or charged extra

Cost of CEH Practical Exam

The CEH Practical is a hands-on version of the certification where candidates solve real-world challenges in a 6-hour proctored environment. It is optional but adds credibility.

• Cost: ₹22,000 – ₹30,000 (India) or $550 – $600 (USA)
• Format: Cloud-based lab environment, 20 practical scenarios

Recertification and Maintenance Fees

CEH is valid for 3 years. To maintain your certification:

• Earn 120 EC-Council Continuing Education (ECE) credits
• Pay a renewal fee: ₹7,000 – ₹15,000 or $80 – $150
• Attend cybersecurity conferences, publish blogs, or complete courses

Hidden or Overlooked Expenses

These extra costs often go unnoticed but can add to your budget:

• Application fee for self-study candidates: $100
• Books and study guides: ₹3,000 – ₹6,000
• Practice exams: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000
• Laptop upgrades or software for labs
• Internet for remote training or labs

Tips to Save Money on CEH Certification

1. Look for EC-Council accredited local institutes with bundled pricing
2. Join group discounts or early bird registrations
3. Check if your employer or college offers CEH sponsorship
4. Use free resources like Cybrary, TryHackMe, and YouTube tutorials
5. Buy practice test bundles instead of individual mock exams

Is CEH Worth the Investment?

If you’re aiming to work as an ethical hacker, security analyst, or penetration tester, CEH is an excellent investment. It boosts your job prospects and salary potential significantly.

• Average CEH salary in India: ₹6 – ₹12 LPA
• Average CEH salary in USA: $70,000 – $120,000/year
• Recognition from hiring managers globally

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

The total cost in India ranges from ₹55,000 to ₹1,00,000 depending on whether you choose official training, attempt the practical exam, and include recertification expenses.

2. Is the CEH exam fee included in training packages?

Yes, if you opt for EC-Council's official training or authorized partners, the exam voucher is typically included in the package.

3. Can I attempt the CEH exam without taking official training?

Yes, but you must pay a $100 eligibility application fee and demonstrate at least 2 years of information security work experience.

4. How much does the CEH practical exam cost?

The CEH practical exam costs ₹22,000 to ₹30,000 in India or around $550 to $600 internationally.

5. What are the hidden costs in CEH certification?

Hidden costs may include the application fee, books, internet/lab access, laptop upgrades, and paid practice exams.

6. What is the validity of the CEH certificate?

CEH certification is valid for 3 years. To maintain it, you must earn 120 EC-Council Continuing Education (ECE) credits within that period.

7. Is CEH worth the price?

Yes, for individuals pursuing careers in cybersecurity, CEH adds credibility, boosts salary potential, and is recognized globally by employers.

8. What is the format of the CEH exam?

The CEH exam is a 4-hour multiple-choice test consisting of 125 questions covering ethical hacking techniques and tools.

9. What is the passing score for the CEH exam?

The passing score varies between 60% and 85% based on the exam form. EC-Council uses a scaled scoring system.

10. Are there any discounts available for CEH certification?

Yes, group discounts, early bird offers, student promotions, and bundled training packages can help reduce the cost.

11. Is there a refund policy for the CEH exam?

No, EC-Council exam vouchers are non-refundable once issued, so candidates should register only when fully prepared.

12. Can I take the CEH exam from home?

Yes, EC-Council offers a remote proctoring option that allows candidates to take the exam online securely from their homes.

13. How much do CEH training courses cost?

Training courses can cost anywhere from ₹25,000 to ₹80,000 depending on the mode (self-paced, online, instructor-led) and training provider.

14. Are there EMI or installment options for CEH in India?

Yes, many Indian training institutes offer EMI or installment payment options for students and working professionals.

15. What is included in EC-Council's official training package?

It typically includes instructor-led sessions, eBooks, iLabs access, exam voucher, and sometimes the CEH Practical exam.

16. How can I prepare for the CEH exam on a budget?

Use free resources like Cybrary, TryHackMe, YouTube tutorials, free eBooks, and affordable practice tests to prepare.

17. Can beginners take the CEH exam?

Yes, beginners can take CEH by enrolling in official training. Without training, at least 2 years of InfoSec experience is required.

18. Is CEH better than other ethical hacking certifications?

CEH is more recognized for entry- to mid-level cybersecurity professionals, while others like OSCP are better suited for advanced roles.

19. How often do I need to recertify CEH?

You need to recertify every 3 years by earning 120 ECE credits and paying the renewal fee.

20. Can CEH help me get a job?

Absolutely. CEH certification significantly improves job prospects in roles such as penetration tester, security analyst, and cyber defense consultant.

Conclusion

The CEH certification is a globally recognized credential in the cybersecurity space. While the price may seem high initially, breaking it down into exam fees, training options, practical add-ons, and recertification helps you understand where your money is going. Planning in advance, using smart study options, and investing in quality training can make the CEH journey cost-effective and career-defining. Whether you're self-funding or sponsored, a strategic approach will help you maximize ROI on your cybersecurity education.