Certified Ethical Hacker Certification Cost: What You Need to Budget For | CEH Certification Cost Breakdown: What to Expect and Plan For

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is the CEH Certification?
• Why Invest in the CEH?
• Detailed Cost Breakdown
• Training Options & Their Prices
• Exam Types: CEH vs. CEH Practical
• Hidden & Ongoing Costs
• Scholarships, Discounts & Promotions
• Budgeting Tips for CEH Certification
• Is the CEH Worth the Investment?
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Conclusion

Introduction

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is one of the top industry-recognized certifications in ethical hacking and cybersecurity. But how much does it actually cost? Understanding the full investment—from exam fees and training to hidden and recurring costs—is crucial for budgeting and career planning. This guide dives deep into every aspect of CEH certification cost in 2025.

What is the CEH Certification?

EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is one of the most widely accepted credentials in the global cybersecurity field.. It validates an individual's ability to legally and ethically assess the security of computer systems, networks, and applications by identifying vulnerabilities and recommending corrective actions.

Key Highlights of the CEH Certification:

• Focus Area: Ethical hacking, penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, reconnaissance, and exploit techniques.

• Certification Authority: EC-Council 

• Target Audience: Cybersecurity professionals, penetration testers, network security engineers, SOC analysts, and ethical hackers.

• Industry Recognition: CEH is recognized by major organizations including government agencies, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD 8570 compliance), and Fortune 500 companies.

What You Learn with CEH:

• Footprinting & reconnaissance techniques

• Scanning networks and identifying vulnerabilities

• Gaining and maintaining access to systems

• Covering tracks to stay stealthy

• Advanced tools like Nmap, Metasploit, Wireshark, Burp Suite, and more

Certification Format:

Why Invest in the CEH?

Career Advancement

A CEH certification can help you:

• Get shortlisted for ethical hacking, penetration testing, and cybersecurity analyst roles

• Qualify for senior and leadership positions in InfoSec

• Command a higher salary — CEH holders typically earn 20–40% more than non-certified peers

Hands-On Capability (CEH Practical)

With the optional CEH Practical exam:

• You demonstrate live skills in a lab-based environment

• You earn the CEH Master title—proof of hands-on capability, not just theory

athway to Advanced Certifications

CEH acts as a foundation for further high-level credentials:

• EC-Council’s LPT (Licensed Penetration Tester)

• OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)

• CompTIA PenTest+ and CySA+

Validated Skillset

CEH proves that you can:

• Think like a hacker (Red Team mindset)

• Use real-world tools such as Metasploit, Nmap, Burp Suite, Wireshark, and John the Ripper

• Understand and exploit vulnerabilities in systems, applications, and networks

• Implement preventive and corrective measures effectively

Detailed Cost Breakdown

Training Options & Their Prices

You can prepare for CEH using one of the following methods:

1. Self-study: Cheapest path; requires exam application approval
2. Official EC-Council Online Training: $1,199+ (includes exam voucher)
3. Authorized Training Centers (ATCs): $1,500–$3,500 depending on region and delivery method

Exam Types: CEH vs. CEH Practical

• CEH (MCQ): 125 questions, 4 hours, $950–$1,199
• CEH Practical: 20 lab scenarios, 6 hours, $550
• CEH Master: Combo of both, showing knowledge + skills

Hidden & Ongoing Costs

Consider these possible additional costs:

• Retake costs if you fail the first attempt
• Annual $80 membership fee
• Practice materials and lab access (optional)

Scholarships, Discounts & Promotions

• EC-Council occasionally runs discounts on their website
• WebAsha and other training partners in India offer CEH packages starting from ₹40,000
• Military/government employees often get subsidized access

Budgeting Tips for CEH Certification

1. If you're confident in your abilities, begin with self-study using free platforms like TryHackMe and Hack The Box.
2. Look for training providers that bundle the exam and training
3. Plan for 1–2 months of solid preparation time

Is the CEH Worth the Investment?

Certified Ethical Hackers enjoy a significant pay advantage—typically 20–40% more than their non-certified counterparts.

• Penetration Tester
• Security Analyst
• Red Team Member
• Security Consultant

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does the CEH exam cost?

The CEH exam voucher typically costs between $950 and $1,199.

2. Do I have to pay for CEH training?

Training is optional but recommended. You can self-study or enroll in instructor-led programs.

3. Is there a fee to retake the CEH exam?

Yes. It's $100 if you trained with EC-Council, or $499 if you didn’t.

4. What is the CEH Practical exam?

It's a 6-hour hands-on test that costs $550 and validates real-world hacking skills.

5. Can I get CEH certified for free?

No, there are no legitimate free paths to CEH certification.

6. What is the application fee for CEH?

It’s $100, required only if you’re self-studying without EC-Council training.

7. Are CEH training and exam vouchers bundled?

Yes, many training providers include the exam voucher in their packages.

8. What are the cheapest ways to get CEH certified?

Self-study with official books and purchasing the exam voucher separately is the most affordable option.

9. Is CEH valid globally?

Yes, it’s recognized in over 150 countries and by top employers.

10. How long is the CEH certification valid?

Three years. You must earn EC-Council CPE credits to maintain it.

11. What is the CEH Master credential?

It’s awarded to those who pass both the CEH and CEH Practical exams.

12. Is CEH a beginner-level certification?

It’s intermediate. A basic understanding of networking and security is recommended.

13. Do I need to join EC-Council to take the CEH?

Only if you're self-studying. Otherwise, your training provider handles this.

14. Are CEH books included with the exam?

No. Books and study guides are separate purchases.

15. Is CEH better than CompTIA Security+?

CEH is more advanced and role-specific for ethical hacking, while Security+ is foundational.

16. Can I take CEH exam online?

Yes. It's available online via remote proctoring with an additional $100 fee.

17. Are there discounts for students or veterans?

Yes. EC-Council and some partners offer reduced pricing for students, military, and government workers.

18. What is the cost of CEH training in India?

It ranges from ₹40,000 to ₹90,000 including exam and materials.

19. How many times can I retake the CEH exam?

You can retake the exam up to 5 times with paid fees and approval.

20. Is CEH worth it in 2025?

Absolutely—cybersecurity demand is rising, and CEH remains a gold standard credential.

Conclusion

The Certified Ethical Hacker certification is a powerful step in your cybersecurity career, but it comes with a financial investment. By understanding all costs involved—from application fees to practical exams—you can make a smart, budget-conscious decision. Whether you choose self-paced learning or instructor-led programs, careful planning ensures your journey to CEH is smooth, affordable, and rewarding.