AWS Cloud Practitioner vs CEH
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
Amazon Web Services
AWS Cloud Practitioner
CLF-C02
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational cloud concepts, core services, security, and pricing models.
Full guide →EC-Council
CEH
CEH v13
Certified Ethical Hacker — offensive security certification covering penetration testing methodologies and hacking tools.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | AWS Cloud Practitioner | CEH |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$100 USD | $1199 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$8,000/yr | ✓+$15,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 90 min | 240 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | EC-Council |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate |
AWS Cloud Practitioner — Prerequisites
None required
CEH — Prerequisites
2 years IT security experience or EC-Council official training
Get AWS Cloud Practitioner if…
- •You're entering cybersecurity and need a recognised entry point
- •You want a +$8,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Amazon Web Services
Get CEH if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$15,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from EC-Council
Best AWS Cloud Practitioner courses
Best CEH courses
Frequently asked questions
Is AWS Cloud Practitioner harder than CEH?
CEH is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — AWS Cloud Practitioner or CEH?
AWS Cloud Practitioner has an average salary uplift of +$8,000/yr, while CEH has +$15,000/yr. CEH has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS Cloud Practitioner or CEH?
AWS Cloud Practitioner is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CEH.