CAPM
Entry-level PMI certification validating foundational project management knowledge and terminology for those new to the field.
Full guide →CEH
Certified Ethical Hacker — offensive security certification covering penetration testing methodologies and hacking tools.
Full guide →CAPM vs CEH
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | CAPM | CEH |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$300 USD | $1199 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$8,000/yr | ✓+$15,000/yr |
| Passing score | 70/1000 | 70/1000 |
| Exam duration | 150 min | 240 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | PMI | EC-Council |
| Difficulty |
CAPM
High school diploma + 23 hours of project management education
CEH
2 years IT security experience or EC-Council official training
- You're new to project management or switching careers from another field
- You want a potential +$8,000/yr salary uplift
- Your organisation runs on PMI and you need the recognised entry-level credential
- You have 2–4 years in security and want to specialise your role
- You want a potential +$15,000/yr salary uplift
- You're drawn to offensive security, ethical hacking, or red-team work
CAPM and CEH lead to entirely different careers — project management vs cybersecurity. The right choice depends on which field aligns with your current job or target role. If you want both eventually, start with CAPM — it's the quicker win at the beginner level.
Best CAPM courses
Best CEH courses
Is CAPM harder than CEH?
CEH is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — CAPM or CEH?
CAPM 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 — CAPM or CEH?
CAPM is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CEH.
Can I get both CAPM and CEH?
Yes — many professionals hold both. CAPM and CEH complement each other, covering project management and cybersecurity respectively. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — CAPM or CEH?
Both are worth it in 2026. CAPM offers a +$8,000/yr average salary uplift; CEH offers +$15,000/yr. CEH has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.