Certified Hacking Forensic Investigator by EC Council: How to Earn Your CHFI Credential | EC-Council’s CHFI Program: How to Become a Certified Hacking Forensic Investigator

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)?
3. Why Get a CEH Certification?
4. CEH Certification Online Overview
5. Eligibility and Prerequisites
6. Course Structure and Modules
7. CEH Exam Format and Details
8. Top Online CEH Training Providers
9. Career Benefits of CEH
10. Salary Prospects and Job Scope
11. CEH vs Other Cybersecurity Certifications
12. Hands-On Labs and Real-World Simulations
13. Suggested Learning Path
14. Exam Preparation Tips
15. Cost of CEH Online Training and Certification
16. CEH Certification Renewal and Continuing Education
17. Student Testimonials and Success Stories
18. Who Should Pursue CEH?
19. Common Mistakes to Avoid
20. FAQs
21. Conclusion

Introduction

Recognized across industries, the CEH credential by EC-Council sets a global standard in cybersecurity certification.. As businesses and governments face rising cyber threats, the demand for ethical hackers who can think and act like malicious attackers has surged. With the availability of online CEH certification programs, professionals can now gain this powerful qualification flexibly and effectively.

What is CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)?

CEH is a globally recognized credential that certifies an individual’s skills to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems, just like a malicious hacker—but ethically and legally. The certification teaches techniques used by black hat hackers but focuses on prevention and securing networks.

Why Get a CEH Certification?

• Industry Recognition: CEH is respected across industries as a standard in ethical hacking.

• Global Acceptance: Recognized in 150+ countries and across military and government sectors.

• Job Opportunities: Boosts employability for roles like Penetration Tester, Security Analyst, or SOC Analyst.

• Structured Knowledge: Offers a detailed and organized approach to ethical hacking.

CEH Certification Online Overview

An online CEH course typically includes:

• Self-paced video lessons

• Live instructor-led sessions

• Cloud-based labs (iLabs)

• Quizzes and mock exams

• Access to the EC-Council exam voucher

These programs enable working professionals to learn on their schedule without compromising on quality.

Eligibility and Prerequisites

• Professionals with a minimum of 2 years in IT or security-focused roles are ideal candidates.

• Completion of an official EC-Council training

• It’s highly beneficial to know how networks and operating systems operate.

Though a degree isn’t necessary, knowledge of cybersecurity essentials is advantageous.

Course Structure and Modules

The CEH course includes the following 20 modules:

1. Introduction to Ethical Hacking

2. Footprinting and Reconnaissance

3. Scanning Networks

4. Enumeration

5. Vulnerability Analysis

6. System Hacking

7. Malware Threats

8. Sniffing

9. Social Engineering

10. Denial-of-Service

11. Session Hijacking

12. Evading IDS, Firewalls, and Honeypots

13. Hacking Web Servers

14. Hacking Web Applications

15. SQL Injection

16. Hacking Wireless Networks

17. Hacking Mobile Platforms

18. IoT and OT Hacking

19. Cloud Computing

20. Cryptography

CEH Exam Format and Details

• Exam Name: CEH ANSI or CEH Practical (or both)

• Format: Multiple Choice (125 questions)

• Duration: 4 hours

• Passing Score: Varies (typically 60–85%)

• Delivery: Online proctored or at Pearson VUE centers

Top Online CEH Training Providers

Here are popular platforms offering accredited CEH online courses:

• EC-Council’s Official Website (iClass)

• Simplilearn

• Infosec Institute

• Udemy (partnered with EC-Council)

• Pluralsight

• Cybrary

Career Benefits of CEH

• Enhanced resume and credibility

• Access to higher-paying cybersecurity roles

• Opportunities in national security agencies, defense, and large enterprises

• Prepares candidates for advanced roles like CHFI, CISSP, and CPT

Salary Prospects and Job Scope

Average Salary of CEH Certified Professionals (India & Global):

CEH vs Other Cybersecurity Certifications

Hands-On Labs and Real-World Simulations

CEH uses EC-Council's iLabs, a cloud platform that simulates live attack environments. It helps students:

• Practice exploitation in controlled setups

• Understand real-time defense strategies

• Master common vulnerabilities (e.g., XSS, SQLi)

Suggested Learning Path

• Learn networking basics (CCNA or CompTIA Network+)

• Understand cybersecurity fundamentals

• Enroll in CEH training online

• Practice using iLabs and simulators

• Attempt mock tests

• Appear for the exam

• Continue to advanced certifications (CHFI, ECSA)

Exam Preparation Tips

• Review the CEH blueprint from EC-Council

• Use official study guides and practice tests

• Take notes for every module

• Join forums like TechExams, Reddit, and LinkedIn groups

• Allocate 2-3 months of focused preparation

Cost of CEH Online Training and Certification

Note: Bundle discounts are often available from providers.

CEH Certification Renewal and Continuing Education

• Valid for: 3 years

• Renewal via: EC-Council Continuing Education (ECE) Credits

• Required credits: 120 over 3 years

• Attending webinars, conferences, or taking new certifications can help maintain the credential.

Student Testimonials and Success Stories

"CEH helped me land a job at a Fortune 500 company. The hands-on labs were a game-changer." — Ritika Sharma, Security Analyst

"From zero cybersecurity experience to CEH certified in 3 months, all through online learning!" — Amit Kulkarni, Freelance Penetration Tester

Who Should Pursue CEH?

• Network Administrators

• IT Security Officers

• Penetration Testers

• Security Consultants

• Cybersecurity Enthusiasts

• Government and Defense Personnel

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring practical labs

• Relying solely on PDFs or dumps

• Underestimating the exam’s difficulty

• Not practicing under time constraints

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is CEH certification?

CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) is a professional credential offered by EC-Council that certifies an individual's ability to ethically hack into systems to identify and fix security vulnerabilities.

2. Can I take the CEH exam online?

Yes, EC-Council allows candidates to take the CEH exam online through a proctored environment or at an authorized testing center like Pearson VUE.

3. What are the prerequisites for CEH?

You need at least two years of work experience in the Information Security domain or must complete official EC-Council training to be eligible for the CEH exam.

4. Is CEH worth it in 2025?

Absolutely. With increasing cyber threats, the demand for certified ethical hackers is rising, making CEH a valuable and future-proof credential.

5. How much does the CEH certification cost?

The cost ranges from $850 to $1,500 for training, and around $1,199 for the exam. Practical exam and retakes incur additional costs.

6. What is the format of the CEH exam?

The CEH ANSI exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions with a 4-hour time limit. There's also a CEH Practical exam focused on hands-on skills.

7. How long is the CEH certification valid?

The CEH certification is valid for three years. You must earn 120 EC-Council Continuing Education (ECE) credits to maintain it.

8. What is CEH Practical?

CEH Practical is an optional performance-based exam that tests your ability to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in a simulated environment.

9. Is CEH better than CompTIA Security+?

CEH is more advanced and focused on offensive security techniques. Security+ is foundational, making CEH a better fit for mid-level professionals.

10. How long does it take to prepare for CEH?

It typically takes 2 to 3 months of focused study, depending on your prior experience and the time you can dedicate daily.

11. What jobs can I get with CEH certification?

Roles include Ethical Hacker, Penetration Tester, Security Analyst, SOC Analyst, Cybersecurity Consultant, and Vulnerability Assessor.

12. Are CEH-certified professionals in demand?

Yes, CEH-certified professionals are highly sought after by corporations, defense agencies, IT firms, and cybersecurity consultancies.

13. Is CEH suitable for beginners?

While CEH is not entry-level, beginners with a solid understanding of networking and IT fundamentals can succeed with proper training.

14. What is the passing score for CEH?

The passing score varies between 60% and 85%, depending on the difficulty level of the exam version you receive.

15. What is EC-Council iLabs?

iLabs is EC-Council’s cloud-based lab platform offering real-time, hands-on ethical hacking environments for skill development.

16. Can I retake the CEH exam if I fail?

Yes, you can retake the CEH exam. However, a retake fee applies unless you purchased a training bundle that includes exam retakes.

17. Is CEH globally recognized?

Yes, CEH is recognized in over 150 countries and is widely accepted by private and public sector employers globally.

18. How do I renew my CEH certification?

You need to earn 120 ECE (EC-Council Continuing Education) credits over three years by attending events, completing training, or publishing articles.

19. Where can I get CEH training?

Authorized platforms include EC-Council’s iClass, Simplilearn, Infosec, Udemy (official partners), and Cybrary, among others.

20. Does CEH include practical experience?

Yes, CEH includes hands-on labs via iLabs and an optional CEH Practical exam to validate your real-world hacking and security skills.

Conclusion

The CEH Certification Online route offers a modern, flexible, and cost-effective way to build a strong foundation in ethical hacking. With growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, CEH not only sharpens your hacking skills but also enhances your employability in various industries. Whether you're switching careers or upskilling, CEH is a smart and strategic move toward becoming a top-tier cybersecurity expert.