CEH
Certified Ethical Hacker — offensive security certification covering penetration testing methodologies and hacking tools.
Full guide →CompTIA PenTest+
Hands-on penetration testing certification covering planning, scoping, vulnerability scanning, and reporting.
Full guide →CEH vs CompTIA PenTest+
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | CEH | CompTIA PenTest+ |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $1199 USD | ✓$404 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 PenTest+
Network+, Security+, or 3-4 years hands-on experience
- 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 2–4 years in security and want to specialise your role
- You want a potential +$14,000/yr salary uplift
- You're drawn to offensive security, ethical hacking, or red-team work
Both are at the intermediate level in cybersecurity. CEH carries the higher salary impact (+$15,000/yr vs +$14,000/yr), making it the stronger long-term investment. Choose CompTIA PenTest+ if you prefer credentials from CompTIA or need a faster, lower-cost path.
Best CEH courses
Best CompTIA PenTest+ courses
Is CEH harder than CompTIA PenTest+?
Both CEH and CompTIA PenTest+ are rated intermediate difficulty.
Which pays more — CEH or CompTIA PenTest+?
CEH has an average salary uplift of +$15,000/yr, while CompTIA PenTest+ has +$14,000/yr. CEH has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — CEH or CompTIA PenTest+?
CEH is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CompTIA PenTest+.
Can I get both CEH and CompTIA PenTest+?
Yes — many professionals hold both. CEH and CompTIA PenTest+ complement each other within cybersecurity. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — CEH or CompTIA PenTest+?
Both are worth it in 2026. CEH offers a +$15,000/yr average salary uplift; CompTIA PenTest+ offers +$14,000/yr. CEH has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.