EC Council CEH Certification Cost: Breakdown and What’s Included | How Much Does CEH Certification Cost? A Detailed EC-Council Fee Guide

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• CEH Certification Overview
• Top CEH Training Centers in Pune
• Official Exam Cost
• Training Options & Pricing
• Voucher & Retest Fees
• Practice Labs & Add‑Ons
• Renewal & EC‑Council Membership
• Hidden & Indirect Costs
• ROI & Cost‑Saving Tips
• Comparison with Other Certifications
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Introduction

Becoming a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) through EC‑Council is a highly respected accomplishment in cybersecurity. But understanding its cost in depth—including exams, training, labs, retakes, and renewals—makes the difference between planning and over‑budgeting. In this guide, you'll find a step‑by‑step cost breakdown, value‑adds, and smart strategies to get the most from your investment.

CEH Certification Overview

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification, offered by EC-Council, is one of the most respected and globally recognized credentials in the field of cybersecurity. It validates a professional’s ability to think like a hacker, understand their tactics, and proactively secure systems and networks using ethical and legal means.

CEH is designed for individuals seeking careers in ethical hacking, penetration testing, red teaming, or information security analysis. The certification covers a wide range of tools, techniques, and methodologies used by modern cybercriminals—empowering professionals to defend proactively.

Who Should Pursue CEH?

• Security Analysts
• Penetration Testers
• Network Security Engineers
• System Administrators with a security focus
• Cybersecurity Enthusiasts looking to break into the industry

Key Features of CEH Certification

• Vendor-neutral credential recognized globally
• Hands-on labs with real-world attack scenarios
• Updated curriculum (CEH v13) aligned with the MITRE ATT&CK framework
• Coverage of 20 modules across various ethical hacking domains
• Available in self-paced, instructor-led, and bootcamp formats

What You'll Learn in CEH

• Footprinting and reconnaissance
• Scanning networks and vulnerability analysis
• System hacking, malware threats, and sniffing
• Web app hacking, SQL injection, session hijacking
• Wireless, mobile, IoT, and cloud security
• Cryptography, social engineering, and evasion techniques

Certification Path

1. Enroll in an EC-Council accredited training program (or apply with 2 years of work experience)
2. Study using official materials and labs
3. Successfully pass the CEH theory exam (125 questions, 4 hours), then take the hands-on CEH Practical exam to qualify as a CEH Master.

CEH Certification Validity

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

Why CEH Is Important

• Globally acknowledged and fulfills DoD 8570/8140 workforce certification requirements.

• Acts as a stepping stone for advanced certifications (e.g., OSCP, CISSP, GPEN)

• Demonstrates hands-on and theoretical cybersecurity competence

Whether you're beginning your cybersecurity journey or aiming to validate your ethical hacking expertise, the CEH certification offers a structured and comprehensive approach to developing job-ready skills in offensive security.

Top CEH Training Centers in Pune

WebAsha Technologies

• Authorization & Curriculum: Official EC‑Council Authorized Training Center (ATC) offering CEH v13 and CEH Master (Practical) with AI-integrated labs reddit.com+15caramel.la+15caramellaapp.com+15.

• Pricing: Not explicitly listed; Pune comparables range ₹40,000–₹70,000 including labs & vouchers.

• Inclusions:

  • CEH v13 theory + CEH Practical

  • Hands-on live/virtual labs (iLabs)

  • Certified instructors with real-world experience

  • Resume support, mock interviews, placement assistance

Best Option in WebAsha Pune

WebAsha Technologies earns the top spot for combining EC-Council accreditation, job-ready skills training, and consistently positive student outcomes.

1. Official EC‑Council ATC: Delivers CEH v13 training.

2. CEH Master Offering: Provides both theory and practical exam readiness.

3. Hands-On Labs: Real-machine or iLabs training.

4. Strong Support: Placement assistance and focused mentorship.

5. Positive Reviews: Students reported placements at companies like MasterCard

Official Exam Cost

Training Options & Pricing

To sit for the CEH exam, you need one of these options or waiver:

• Self‑study: $100–$300 for official CEH courseware
• Online training: $1,200–$2,500 (includes videos, labs, and exam voucher)
• Live instructor-led: $2,000–$3,500 (includes bootcamps, labs, mentoring)
• Classroom training: $3,000–$5,000 (includes physical labs, exam voucher, coaching)

Choose based on learning preference, career goals, and budget flexibility.

Voucher & Retest Fees

Your exam voucher typically includes one attempt. Retake fees include:

• CEH exam retake: ~$250–$400 USD
• CEH Practical retake: ~$150–$200 USD

Some training providers offer a “first‑attempt pass guarantee,” which may cover retake cost if exam is failed on the first try.

Practice Labs & Add‑Ons

Hands‑on experience is key. Cost breakdown:

• iLabs / EC‑Council virtual labs: bundled with training or ~$300 for 12 months access
• Extra lab hours: may cost $50–$100 per 10‑hour block
• Practice questions & simulators: $50–$150 for unofficial banks and apps

Renewal & EC‑Council Membership

• Renewal cycle: Every 3 years
• EC‑Council CPE credits: 120 credits required
• Renewal fee: $80 annual SMART subscription
• Credit options: webinars, coursework, volunteer tech, teaching

Failure to renew resets your CEH status—and any non‑renewed credentials typically drop off after 5 years.

Hidden & Indirect Costs

• Hardware: Laptop or test environment (~$500+ if buying new)
• Software: Courses often use Kali Linux, but commercial pentest tools may require licenses
• Travel & lodging: For onsite bootcamps, 1‑week courses may require trips and accommodations
• Time cost: Leave from work, opportunity cost, productivity downtime

ROI & Cost‑Saving Tips

1. Buy bundled courses that include exam voucher and labs.
2. Look for scholarships, student discounts, or group rates.
3. Use LMS with lifetime updates, reducing renewal study time.
4. Choose retake‑guarantee programs to cap unexpected costs.
5. Share study resources via local cybersecurity meetups or forums.

Given average CEH salaries ($65K–$120K/yr), a one‑time investment often pays off within 3–6 months of employment.

Comparison with Other Certifications

Breakdown comparison:

FAQs -

1. How much does the CEH exam cost?

The CEH ANSI exam costs around $950 USD, with some regional variations.

2. Is the CEH Practical exam included?

Typically not. It costs about $199 USD and may be bundled in some training packages.

3. What training options exist for CEH?

Options include self‑study, online, instructor‑led, and classroom bootcamps with varying pricing tiers.

4. Do I need to buy an exam voucher separately?

Only if it’s not included with your training. Voucher prices range from $950 to $1,100 USD.

5. What if I fail the exam?

You can retake the exam with a fee of ~$250–$400 USD, depending on your provider.

6. Are there CEH retake guarantees?

Yes. Some training providers offer first‑attempt pass guarantees or free retake vouchers.

7. How much does CEH Practical retake cost?

Approximately $150–$200 USD.

8. Do I need specialist hardware?

Not mandatory. A mid‑range laptop with virtual labs works fine, though building a home lab can improve learning.

9. What are iLabs?

EC‑Council’s cloud lab environment for hands‑on exercises, included in many training packages or purchasable separately.

10. Can I renew my CEH anytime?

Renewal happens every 3 years via EC‑Council’s SMART program, which costs $80/year.

11. How do I earn Continuing Education credits?

Earn credits by attending webinars, conferences, volunteering, or earning other certifications.

12. What are hidden costs I should expect?

Possible expenses include travel, lodging, software licenses, and hardware purchases.

13. Are there student discounts?

Yes. Many training providers and EC‑Council itself offer reduced prices for students.

14. Is CEH renewal mandatory?

Yes. Without renewal, your certification will expire after 3 years.

15. Can I take CEH completely online?

Yes. Many accredited training platforms offer all‑online packages with live labs.

16. Does CEH Practical add value?

Absolutely. It validates your hands‑on skills and enhances your resume credibility.

17. What if I miss the exam date?

You can reschedule with a small fee, usually $50–$100 depending on the testing center.

18. What’s the ROI timeframe?

Most professionals recoup their investment within 3–6 months via job offers or promotions.

19. How does CEH compare to OSCP cost-wise?

OSCP is similar in base costs but includes longer lab access; renewal fees differ and labs often cost more.

20. Can I pay in local currency?

Yes. EC‑Council and training partners charge in local currencies (e.g., INR, EUR), though USD prices convert based on exchange rates.

Conclusion

The EC‑Council CEH certification is a strategic investment in your cybersecurity career. While costs may seem steep at first glance, the long‑term payoff—in knowledge, credentials, and salary potential—justifies the journey. By understanding each component and using cost‑saving strategies, you can maximize your ROI and confidently advance your skillset.