How Much Does CEH Cost? Here's Everything You Need to Know About Certification Expenses | How Expensive Is CEH Certification? All Costs and Options Detailed

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Why Understanding Costs Matters
• CEH Exam Voucher Fee
• Official Training & Lab Access
• Training Options
• Retake & Reschedule Costs
• Recertification & Continuing Education (CECs)
• Hidden Costs to Consider
• Online vs. Offline Cost Comparison
• Financing & Scholarship Options
• Budgeting Strategy
• Return on Investment
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Introduction

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification by EC-Council has become one of the most sought-after credentials in cybersecurity, especially for professionals aiming to specialize in penetration testing, ethical hacking, and security analysis. Whether you're a beginner entering the field or an IT professional looking to upskill, CEH is widely recognized across industries—including defense, banking, IT services, and government.

But how much does it actually cost to earn your CEH certification in 2025?

The total expense is more than just an exam voucher—it includes training, hands-on labs, practice materials, retake options, and even recertification every few years. Depending on how you prepare (self-study vs. instructor-led), where you train (online vs. classroom), and whether you pursue additional lab environments or bundles, the price can range from ₹35,000 to over ₹1.2 lakh (USD 500–3000+).

In this detailed guide, we’ll break down each component of the CEH certification cost—from the basic exam fee to training costs, hidden expenses, and ways to finance your learning. We'll also explore factors like return on investment, online vs. offline learning options, and recertification requirements, so you can make an informed decision without surprises down the road.

If you're planning to take the CEH exam in 2025, this is the complete cost breakdown you need before you sign up.

Why Understanding Costs Matters

Being informed about total certification costs in advance allows candidates to:

• Budget effectively and avoid halfway drop-out
• Evaluate ROI accurately
• Compare CEH with alternative certifications
• Plan for hidden and ongoing renewal expenses

CEH Exam Voucher Fee

The standard exam voucher for CEH v13 costs approximately ₹30,000–₹35,000 in India and USD 1,199 globally. This fee grants access to the 125-question, 4‑hour multiple-choice exam through Pearson VUE or EC-Council’s testing portal.

Official Training & Lab Access

EC-Council offers bundled packages that include instructor-led training, official study materials, and lab access (iLabs):

• Instructor‑Led (Live/Classroom): ₹45,000–₹80,000 (USD 1,999–2,799)
• Self‑Paced Online: ₹35,000–₹60,000 (USD 1,499–2,299)
• Bootcamp + iLabs: ₹80,000–₹1.2 Lakh (USD 2,999–3,999)

Lab access is often valid for 6–12 months and essential for hands‑on practice, required to pass and excel.

Training Options

Affordable CEH certification training is available through various online academies and local institutes:

WebAsha Technologies

• EC‑Council Authorized Training Center offering CEH v13, CPENT, CSA, OSCP prep 

• Hands-on labs on live and virtual machines, with up to 100% placement assistance

• Flexible in-person and online batch schedules tailored to working professionals

• Convenient Pune location (Chandan Nagar) and strong industry trainer credentials

While more affordable, they may lack official iLabs or EC-Council endorsement.

Retake & Reschedule Costs

If you don't pass on the first attempt:

• Retake Exam: ₹10,000–₹15,000 (USD 300–500)
• Rescheduling Fee: Small administrative fee if you miss or reschedule without advance notice

Recertification & Continuing Education (CECs)

CEH must be renewed every three years. Renewal requires 120 CEC points, which can be earned through:

• Training courses or recertifying exam
• Webinars, conferences, or published research
• Teaching, mentoring, or volunteering

The renewal cost, including credits or exam, is approximately ₹15,000 (USD 400–500).

Hidden Costs to Consider

• Internet bandwidth for labs
• VPN, cloud VM, or proxy subscriptions
• Hardware upgrades (RAM, SSD, etc.)
• Travel and food for classroom courses
• Lost productivity during study time

Online vs. Offline Cost Comparison

Financing & Scholarship Options

Options to reduce upfront burden:

• EMI & installments via training partners
• Employer reimbursements or upskilling schemes
• Government grants: Skill India, NSDC, NASSCOM
• Vendor scholarships and diversity initiatives
• Income-share agreements from bootcamps

Budgeting Strategy

Plan for total cost including training and renewal. Allocate funds over 12‑18 months instead of lump sums. Use financing or employer support when available, and track study + renewal credits early.

Return on Investment

An investment in CEH often yields 15–50% salary increase depending on role and region. Entry-level salary in India jumps from ₹4–6 LPA to ₹6–15 LPA post-certification. For global roles, initial packages can reach USD 60–90K/year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does the CEH exam voucher cost?

Approximately ₹30,000–₹35,000 in India, and USD 1,199 globally.

2. Is official training required to take the CEH exam?

No, you can self-study and purchase a voucher separately, though iLabs greatly increase success chances.

3. What is the cost of EC-Council’s iLabs?

It costs ₹15,000–₹30,000 depending on the duration and bundle chosen.

4. How much do third‑party courses cost?

They range from ₹5,000–₹30,000, depending on the platform and included resources.

5. What happens if I fail the exam?

You can retake it after a cooling period; retake fees are ₹10,000–₹15,000.

6. Does CEH certification expire?

Yes, valid for three years and requires 120 CECs or a retake for recertification.

7. How much does renewal cost?

Renewal costs about ₹15,000, which covers continuing education credits or exam fee.

8. Are there hidden costs during preparation?

Yes—bandwidth, VPNs, cloud VMs, hardware, travel, and study time all add to cost.

9. Should I choose online or classroom training?

Choose based on learning style, budget, access to instructors, and schedule flexibility.

10. Can employers fund my CEH certification?

Many companies sponsor CEH as part of professional development programs.

11. Are scholarships available for CEH?

Yes—through EC-Council, national programs, NGOs, and diversity initiatives.

12. Does the exam voucher include labs?

No. The voucher covers only the exam. Labs must be purchased separately.

13. How long should I prepare for CEH?

Preparation time ranges from 3 to 6 months, depending on prior knowledge and study intensity.

14. Is CEH cost-effective compared to OSCP?

CEH is less hands-on and generally cheaper. OSCP costs more but offers deeper practical training.

15. What is the ROI of CEH?

CEH typically leads to significant salary increases and opens doors to cybersecurity roles.

16. Does recertification include exam or credits?

You can recertify via 120 CEC credits or by passing the latest CEH exam.

17. Can I take CEH online?

Yes—both the training and the exam can be taken online via Pearson VUE or remotely proctored.

18. How many CEC credits do I need?

CEH requires 120 CEC credits over three years for renewal.

19. Is CEH recognized globally?

Yes—CEH is recognized worldwide and complies with US DoD 8570/8140 standards.

20. Should I budget for OSCP later?

If pursuing a penetration testing career, budgeting for OSCP after CEH is recommended for practical depth.

Conclusion

The true cost of CEH certification extends beyond exam fees to include training, lab access, retakes, and renewals. With proper budgeting and financing, CEH remains a high-value investment toward a rewarding cybersecurity career. By understanding each expense, you can plan effectively and unlock long-term ROI.