How Much Does the CEH Certification Cost? Here’s What You Need to Know | CEH Certification Pricing Explained: Is It Worth the Cost?

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is the CEH Certification?
• How Much Does CEH Cost Globally?
• CEH Certification Cost in India
• Complete Cost Breakdown
• What If You Fail? Retake Exam Costs
• Online vs Classroom CEH Training Costs
• EC-Council Direct vs Authorized Training Partners
• Does the CEH Training Fee Include the Exam?
• Cost of Labs, Study Materials & Tools
• CEH Renewal and Maintenance Cost
• Is CEH Worth the Investment?
• Financial Aid, EMI, and Discount Options
• Hidden Costs to Be Aware Of
• Cost Comparison: CEH vs Other Certifications
• Can Employers Pay for CEH?
• Tips for Saving Money on CEH
• Is Self-Study a Cheaper Alternative?
• CEH Return on Investment (ROI)
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Introduction

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is one of the most respected credentials in cybersecurity. But how much does it actually cost? From training fees to exam vouchers, retakes, and hidden charges, this guide will provide a detailed breakdown of all expenses associated with earning your CEH credential—both in India and globally.

What is the CEH Certification?

CEH is a credential offered by the EC-Council that certifies individuals in the art of ethical hacking. The course covers reconnaissance, scanning, system hacking, web application vulnerabilities, malware, cloud security, and much more. It is globally recognized and often serves as a gateway to cybersecurity careers.

How Much Does CEH Cost Globally?

• USA: $950 to $1,199 (exam only)
• UK: £850 to £1,200
• UAE: AED 3,500 to AED 5,000
• Global Average (with training): $1,500 – $2,999

CEH Certification Cost in India

• Training + Exam: ₹30,000 – ₹65,000
• Exam Only: ₹25,000 – ₹35,000 (via EC-Council or Pearson VUE)
• Authorized Training Provider (ATP): Offers bundled pricing with discounts and lab access

Complete Cost Breakdown

What If You Fail? Retake Exam Costs

Failing the CEH exam means you must purchase a retake voucher. This typically costs between ₹15,000 and ₹18,000. Some training providers include one free retake in their premium packages.

Online vs Classroom CEH Training Costs

• Online Self-Paced: ₹25,000 – ₹35,000
• Live Instructor-Led: ₹30,000 – ₹50,000
• Classroom (In-Person): ₹40,000 – ₹65,000 (includes labs + exam)

EC-Council Direct vs Authorized Training Partners

Buying directly from EC-Council can be expensive. Authorized Training Partners like WebAsha, Simplilearn, or InfosecTrain often provide bundled training, exam vouchers, and labs at lower prices.

Does the CEH Training Fee Include the Exam?

1. CEH Training from Authorized Training Partners (ATPs)

Most Authorized Training Partners (like WebAsha, Simplilearn, InfosecTrain, etc.) offer bundled CEH training packages that often include:

•  Instructor-led or self-paced CEH training

• Official EC-Council courseware

• Access to iLabs (virtual labs)

• CEH exam voucher

• Sometimes, a free exam retake (limited-time or premium packages)

In these cases, the exam fee is included in the total training fee, usually ranging between ₹45,000 – ₹65,000 INR.

2. Direct CEH Exam Purchase (Without Training)

You can also buy just the exam voucher separately from:

• EC-Council's official website

• Pearson VUE testing center

Cost of standalone CEH exam voucher:

• In India: ₹30,000 – ₹35,000 INR

• Globally: ~$1,199 USD

This does NOT include training or lab access—only the exam.

3. EC-Council Direct Packages

If you buy CEH directly from the EC-Council, you’ll find different tiers:

• Basic (courseware only)

• Mid-tier (courseware + exam voucher)

• Premium (courseware + labs + exam + retake)

These are generally more expensive than local training providers.

Key Takeaway:

Pro Tip:

Always ask clearly whether:

• The exam voucher is included

• How many exam attempts are provided

• If lab access (iLabs) is included

• Whether there’s a retake policy

Cost of Labs, Study Materials & Tools

• iLabs (Virtual Lab Environment): ₹5,000 – ₹10,000
• Study Kits (eBook, Notes, Flashcards): May be included or cost extra
• Tool Access (Metasploit, Burp Suite, etc.): Free versions or open-source tools are used

CEH Renewal and Maintenance Cost

• CEH certification is valid for 3 years
• You must earn 120 EC-Council Continuing Education (ECE) credits
• Renewal Fee: ~₹6,000 – ₹8,000 every 3 years

Is CEH Worth the Investment?

Yes. CEH can lead to high-paying roles in cybersecurity. Average salaries in India range from ₹6–20 LPA. The global demand for ethical hackers also makes CEH a lucrative investment for your career.

Financial Aid, EMI, and Discount Options

• Many providers offer EMI options via credit cards or loan partners
• Group discounts and early-bird offers are available
• Some employers reimburse or sponsor the CEH training

Hidden Costs to Be Aware Of

• Retake exam costs
• Renewal fees after 3 years
• Optional upgrades (live classes, premium labs)

Cost Comparison: CEH vs Other Certifications

Can Employers Pay for CEH?

Yes. Many companies offer training reimbursement. Speak with your HR or Learning & Development (L&D) team about sponsoring your CEH certification under professional development programs.

Tips for Saving Money on CEH

• Choose bundled packages from training partners
• Look for festive or seasonal discounts
• Use promo codes or student discounts if available
• Practice with free resources before paying for the exam

Is Self-Study a Cheaper Alternative?

Self-study using online materials and books can save money but may not offer lab access, instructor guidance, or official exam vouchers. It’s cheaper but riskier unless you're highly self-disciplined.

CEH Return on Investment (ROI)

• Starting Salary: ₹6–10 LPA
• Advanced Roles: ₹15–25 LPA
• Freelancing/Consulting: Hourly rates up to ₹2,000+

ROI is high if you utilize CEH for job placement or freelance penetration testing work.

FAQs

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

Anywhere from ₹30,000 to ₹65,000 depending on training, labs, and exam inclusion.

2. Can I take the CEH exam without training?

Yes, but you must have 2 years of security experience and submit proof to EC-Council.

3. What is the CEH exam fee alone?

₹30,000–₹35,000 if purchased separately via EC-Council or Pearson VUE.

4. How much does CEH retake cost?

Typically between ₹15,000 – ₹18,000.

5. Is CEH certification worth the price?

Yes, for career growth and cybersecurity credibility.

6. Does the training fee include the exam?

Sometimes. Always confirm before enrolling.

7. Are there EMI options available for CEH?

Yes, many providers offer monthly installment plans.

8. Is there a free version of CEH?

No, but you can study the basics using free resources.

9. Does CEH require annual renewal?

No, renewal is every 3 years.

10. What happens if I don’t renew CEH?

You lose active certified status until you renew.

11. Are there hidden CEH certification fees?

Possible retake, renewal, or lab access fees.

12. Can I do CEH with a job?

Yes, many take weekend or online batches.

13. How long is CEH training?

4 to 6 weeks on average.

14. What is the cheapest way to do CEH?

Look for online bundles with vouchers included.

15. Is CEH harder than CompTIA Security+?

Yes, CEH is more technical and offensive-focused.

16. Do I get a certificate after CEH training?

You get it only after passing the official exam.

17. Can I take CEH directly from EC-Council?

Yes, but it’s often more expensive than ATPs.

18. What’s the validity of CEH?

3 years, renewable with ECE credits.

19. What is iLabs in CEH?

EC-Council’s cloud-based lab platform.

20. Can students take CEH?

Yes, but some IT knowledge is recommended first.

Conclusion

While CEH may appear expensive at first glance, the value it offers in terms of career opportunities, credibility, and earning potential makes it a solid investment for anyone serious about cybersecurity. Understanding the complete cost structure helps you plan wisely and avoid surprises. Choose the right training provider, compare packages, and you’ll be one step closer to becoming a certified ethical hacker.