CEH
Certified Ethical Hacker — offensive security certification covering penetration testing methodologies and hacking tools.
Full guide →CompTIA AI+
Vendor-neutral AI certification covering AI concepts, machine learning, data science, and responsible AI practices.
Full guide →CEH vs CompTIA AI+
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | CEH | CompTIA AI+ |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $1199 USD | ✓$219 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$15,000/yr | +$14,000/yr |
| Passing score | 70/1000 | 750/1000 |
| Exam duration | 240 min | 165 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | EC-Council | CompTIA |
| Difficulty |
CEH
2 years IT security experience or EC-Council official training
CompTIA AI+
CompTIA A+ or equivalent IT experience recommended
- 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
- You have ML or data experience and want to validate practical, hands-on skills
- You want a potential +$14,000/yr salary uplift
- You prefer credentials that work across vendors, not tied to one platform
CEH and CompTIA AI+ lead to entirely different careers — cybersecurity vs AI and machine learning. The right choice depends on which field aligns with your current job or target role. If you want both eventually, start with CEH — it's the quicker win at the intermediate level.
Best CEH courses
Best CompTIA AI+ courses
Is CEH harder than CompTIA AI+?
Both CEH and CompTIA AI+ are rated intermediate difficulty.
Which pays more — CEH or CompTIA AI+?
CEH has an average salary uplift of +$15,000/yr, while CompTIA AI+ has +$14,000/yr. CEH has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — CEH or CompTIA AI+?
CEH is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CompTIA AI+.
Can I get both CEH and CompTIA AI+?
Yes — many professionals hold both. CEH and CompTIA AI+ complement each other, covering cybersecurity and AI and machine learning respectively. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — CEH or CompTIA AI+?
Both are worth it in 2026. CEH offers a +$15,000/yr average salary uplift; CompTIA AI+ offers +$14,000/yr. CEH has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.