What Are the Key Differences Between CEH and OSCP Certifications?

Introduction: Two Certifications, Two Worlds

In ethical hacking, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) and OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) are the most talked-about certifications. But they’re not equals.

CEH is the entry ticket. OSCP is the battle scar.

One teaches you what vulnerabilities exist. The other forces you to exploit them under pressure.

This 2025 guide compares CEH and OSCP across 12 key factors: difficulty, format, cost, recognition, hands-on level, and career impact. By the end, you’ll know exactly which (or both) to pursue.

Quick Comparison Table: CEH vs OSCP at a Glance

1. Exam Format: Theory vs Real-World Lab

CEH: Multiple Choice Questions

• 125 questions, 4 hours
• Covers 20 modules (recon, scanning, web, crypto, etc.)
• Passing score: 60–85% (varies by version)
• Online proctored or at center

OSCP: 24-Hour Practical Exam

• Hack 5+ live machines in 23h 45m
• Write professional pentest report (24h total)
• 70 points to pass (root + report)
• No hints, no Google during exam

Verdict: CEH tests knowledge. OSCP tests skill.

2. Hands-On Practice: iLabs vs PWK Lab

CEH iLabs (Optional Add-On)

• 100+ guided labs
• Step-by-step instructions
• Browser-based, no setup
• Good for beginners

PWK (Penetration Testing with Kali Linux) Lab

• 60+ realistic machines
• No hand-holding
• Simulates real networks
• Requires research, scripting, patience

Many use Nmap mastery in OSCP labs to map complex networks.

3. Difficulty Level: Beginner vs Pro

CEH: Entry-Level

• Assumes basic IT knowledge
• Memorize tools, techniques, concepts
• Can pass in 1–3 months

OSCP: Advanced

• Requires Linux, networking, scripting
• Buffer overflows, privilege escalation
• Average prep: 6–12 months
• “Try Harder” mindset required

4. Cost Breakdown (2025 Pricing)

CEH

• Exam voucher: $1,199
• Official training: $1,800–$2,500
• iLabs add-on: $500–$800
• Total: $2,000–$4,500

OSCP

• 90-day lab + exam: $1,599
• Extra lab time: $600/month
• No official training required
• Total: $1,599–$3,000

Verdict: OSCP is cheaper if you’re self-disciplined.

5. Industry Recognition: HR vs Pentesters

CEH

• Loved by HR, recruiters, compliance teams
• Mandatory for many government jobs
• Recognized in 145+ countries

OSCP

• Gold standard among pentesters
• Respected by red teams, consultancies
• Proves you can actually hack

Many job ads say: “CEH required, OSCP preferred.”

6. Career Impact: Jobs and Salary

CEH Opens Doors To:

• Junior SOC Analyst
• Security Auditor
• Compliance Officer
• Salary boost: +₹2–5 lakh

OSCP Opens Doors To:

• Penetration Tester
• Red Team Operator
• Bug Bounty Hunter
• Salary boost: +₹8–15 lakh

7. Learning Style: Structured vs Self-Directed

CEH

• Official syllabus, slides, videos
• Live or self-paced classes
• Ideal for classroom learners

OSCP

• PDF + videos + lab
• Learn by breaking
• For self-starters and researchers

8. Time Commitment

CEH

• Full-time: 5 days training + 1 month study
• Part-time: 2–3 months

OSCP

• Full-time: 3–6 months
• Part-time: 6–18 months
• Lab time: 90 days minimum

9. Renewal and Validity

CEH

• Valid 3 years
• Renew with 120 ECE credits

OSCP

• No expiration
• Lifetime credential

10. Who Should Choose Which?

Choose CEH If You:

• Are new to cybersecurity
• Want a job in SOC, audit, or compliance
• Need a cert for HR filters
• Prefer structured learning

Choose OSCP If You:

• Have 6+ months pentesting practice
• Want to be a real pentester
• Love hands-on hacking
• Aim for red team or consulting

Recommended Path: Do Both (Smart Order)

1. CEH → Build foundation, get first job
2. Practice 6–12 months (HTB, TryHackMe)
3. OSCP → Level up to senior pentester

Many accelerate with CEH online training before tackling OSCP labs.

Real Student Experiences

• “CEH got me the interview. OSCP got me the offer.” – Rahul, Bangalore
• “Failed OSCP twice. CEH gave me confidence to retry.” – Priya, Mumbai

Conclusion: CEH Is the Start, OSCP Is the Goal

CEH teaches you how to think like a hacker. OSCP proves you are one.

Start with CEH if you’re new. Go for OSCP when you’re ready to prove your skills under fire.

Both are valuable. Neither is “better”—they serve different stages. The best pentesters have both.

Ready to begin? Enroll in a CEH v12 course or spin up TryHackMe today. Your pentesting career starts with one cert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip CEH and go straight to OSCP?

Yes, but risky. 90% of OSCP holders practiced 6+ months first.

Is CEH practical enough?

Not really. iLabs help, but no real exploitation.

Does OSCP teach web hacking?

Yes. Includes SQLi, XSS, file inclusion, etc.

Is CEH worth it in 2025?

Yes—for entry-level jobs and compliance roles.

OSCP failure rate?

~50–60% on first attempt. Retries allowed.

Can I take CEH online?

Yes. Fully remote with proctored exam.

OSCP lab from phone?

No. Requires Kali VM and stable connection.

Which is harder?

OSCP—by far. It’s a rite of passage.

Do bug bounty hunters need OSCP?

Not required, but respected. Many top hunters have it.

CEH for government jobs?

Yes. Often listed as mandatory.

OSCP for consulting?

Almost required at top firms (Deloitte, PwC).

Can I prepare for OSCP with CEH?

CEH helps with theory. Add HTB, PWK labs for practice.

Best CEH alternative?

eJPT (INE) or CompTIA PenTest+.

Best OSCP alternative?

OSEP, CRTP, or GPEN.

Final advice?

Start with CEH. Master tools. Then conquer OSCP.