OSCP vs CEH | Key Differences, Certification Guide & Career Impact (2025)

Table of Contents

• OSCP vs. CEH – Which Cybersecurity Certification Should You Choose?
• What Is OSCP?
• What Is CEH?
• Side-by-Side Comparison: OSCP vs CEH
• Who Should Choose OSCP?
• Who Should Choose CEH?
• Industry Recognition: Which Is More Valued?
• Which Certification Has More Career Impact?
• Cost Comparison and Time Investmen
• Which Is Harder: OSCP or CEH?
• Can You Get Both Certifications?
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

OSCP vs. CEH – Which Cybersecurity Certification Should You Choose?

In the competitive field of cybersecurity, two certifications often come up when discussing penetration testing and ethical hacking: OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) and CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker). But how do these certifications differ, and which one is better suited to your career goals? This comprehensive guide compares OSCP and CEH in terms of exam format, difficulty, practical skills, industry recognition, and career outcomes—helping you choose the right path for your cybersecurity career.

What Is OSCP?

OSCP, offered by Offensive Security, is a hands-on penetration testing certification that focuses on real-world hacking scenarios. Candidates must exploit live machines, document their process, and submit a professional penetration testing report.

Key Highlights of OSCP:

• Practical 24-hour exam with no multiple-choice questions.

• Covers advanced topics like buffer overflows, privilege escalation, and exploitation.

• Requires submission of a detailed pentest report.

• Known for its difficulty and real-world applicability.

What Is CEH?

CEH, provided by EC-Council, is a theory-based certification that tests a candidate’s understanding of various hacking techniques, tools, and attack vectors through a multiple-choice exam.

Key Highlights of CEH:

• 125 multiple-choice questions over 4 hours.

• Covers reconnaissance, malware, web apps, cryptography, and more.

• Suitable for entry- to mid-level professionals.

• Has both theoretical and practical versions (CEH Practical).

Side-by-Side Comparison: OSCP vs CEH

Who Should Choose OSCP?

Choose OSCP if:

• You want to specialize in penetration testing, red teaming, or offensive security.

• You enjoy hands-on labs and practical challenges.

• You're aiming for technical credibility with hiring managers.

Ideal for:

• Ethical hackers

• Red team members

• Security consultants

• Penetration testers

Who Should Choose CEH?

Choose CEH if:

• You’re new to ethical hacking and want a foundational certification.

• You want to demonstrate theoretical knowledge of cybersecurity tools and concepts.

• You aim to work in compliance-heavy organizations (e.g., government, healthcare).

Ideal for:

• IT professionals entering cybersecurity

• Blue team members

• Security analysts

• Compliance auditors

Industry Recognition: Which Is More Valued?

OSCP:

• Highly respected among technical leads, offensive security teams, and cybersecurity consultancies.

• Viewed as a proof of hands-on skill.

CEH:

• Often required by government jobs, especially under DoD 8570/8140 mandates.

• Easier to attain for HR-driven roles with broad security requirements.

Which Certification Has More Career Impact?

• OSCP tends to lead to higher-paying, more technical roles such as Penetration Tester, Red Team Operator, or Security Researcher.

• CEH is a good stepping stone into the field, and leads to roles like Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Consultant, or Compliance Analyst.

Cost Comparison and Time Investment

Which Is Harder: OSCP or CEH?

• OSCP is widely considered more difficult due to its 24-hour hacking exam, lack of hints, and real-world complexity.

• CEH is easier in comparison, with a multiple-choice format, though CEH Practical adds a small hands-on component.

Can You Get Both Certifications?

Yes! In fact, many professionals start with CEH for the foundational knowledge and then move on to OSCP for advanced, practical skills. Having both boosts your resume for both technical and compliance roles.

Conclusion: CEH or OSCP – What’s Right for You?

• If you want hands-on hacking mastery, go with OSCP.

• If you're starting out or targeting compliance roles, choose CEH.

• Both certifications offer value—but your career goal should guide your choice.

If you're ready to advance your career in cybersecurity, enroll in expert-led OSCP or CEH training at a trusted ethical hacking training institute that offers lab access, mentorship, and real-world simulations.

FAQs 

What is the difference between OSCP and CEH?

OSCP is hands-on and technical, while CEH focuses on theoretical concepts with multiple-choice questions.

Is OSCP better than CEH?

OSCP is better for technical roles, while CEH is suitable for foundational knowledge and compliance jobs.

Which is harder: OSCP or CEH?

OSCP is considered significantly harder due to its practical 24-hour hacking exam.

Is OSCP recognized internationally?

Yes, OSCP is globally recognized and respected in the cybersecurity industry.

Is CEH valid for government jobs?

Yes, CEH meets DoD 8570/8140 requirements and is accepted in many government roles.

Can I get both OSCP and CEH certifications?

Yes, many professionals earn CEH first and then pursue OSCP to advance their careers.

What is the cost of OSCP certification in India?

As of 2025, OSCP costs around ₹1.3–1.6 lakhs depending on package and lab time.

What is the cost of CEH certification in India?

CEH typically costs between ₹90,000 to ₹1.2 lakhs in India.

Which certification has more career opportunities: OSCP or CEH?

OSCP opens doors to advanced roles like penetration tester; CEH is great for entry-level and analyst positions.

What jobs can I get with OSCP?

Penetration tester, red team analyst, security consultant, exploit developer.

What jobs can I get with CEH?

Cybersecurity analyst, SOC analyst, security auditor, compliance analyst.

Is CEH enough to become a penetration tester?

CEH provides basic knowledge, but OSCP is preferred for practical penetration testing roles.

How long does it take to prepare for OSCP?

Most candidates take 3–6 months of preparation depending on their experience.

How long does it take to prepare for CEH?

Preparation time for CEH is generally 1–2 months.

Does CEH have a practical exam?

Yes, CEH offers an optional CEH Practical exam with hands-on testing.

Does OSCP expire?

No, OSCP is a lifetime certification and does not require renewal.

Does CEH certification expire?

Yes, CEH must be renewed every 3 years with continuing education credits (CPEs).

Can beginners take OSCP?

It’s recommended to have some experience or complete foundational training before attempting OSCP.

Can beginners take CEH?

Yes, CEH is designed for beginners with a basic understanding of networks and security.

Which certification is better for freelancing: OSCP or CEH?

OSCP is more valued for freelance penetration testing projects.

Which certification is better for bug bounty programs?

OSCP is better suited for bug bounty due to its practical exploitation skills.

What tools are covered in CEH?

CEH includes tools like Nmap, Metasploit, Wireshark, and Nessus.

What tools are covered in OSCP?

OSCP emphasizes manual exploitation and tools like Nmap, Burp Suite, Netcat, and custom scripts.

Can OSCP help me get a remote cybersecurity job?

Yes, OSCP is highly respected and can help you land remote roles globally.

Can CEH help with cybersecurity internships?

Yes, CEH is a great credential to help secure entry-level roles and internships.

Do I need coding skills for OSCP?

Yes, knowledge of Bash, Python, and scripting is helpful for OSCP.

Do I need coding skills for CEH?

Basic knowledge is enough; CEH does not require advanced coding.

Is CEH worth it in 2025?

Yes, CEH remains relevant for beginners and compliance-related security roles.

Is OSCP worth it in 2025?

Absolutely—OSCP continues to be one of the most respected certifications in offensive security.

Where can I get training for CEH or OSCP in Pune?

You can enroll at trusted institutes like Ethical Hacking Training Institute offering both CEH and OSCP preparation programs with lab access and expert mentorship.