CEH
Certified Ethical Hacker — offensive security certification covering penetration testing methodologies and hacking tools.
Full guide →CompTIA Security+
Entry-level cybersecurity certification covering core security concepts, threats, vulnerabilities, and incident response.
Full guide →CEH vs CompTIA Security+
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | CEH | CompTIA Security+ |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $1199 USD | ✓$404 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$15,000/yr | +$8,000/yr |
| Passing score | 70/1000 | 750/1000 |
| Exam duration | 240 min | 90 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 Security+
None required, CompTIA Network+ 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're entering IT security and need a globally recognised, vendor-neutral credential
- You want a potential +$8,000/yr salary uplift
- You prefer credentials that work across vendors, not tied to one platform
Both are in the cybersecurity field but target different career stages. Start with CompTIA Security+ if you're building foundational skills — it's the natural stepping stone. Go straight to CEH if you already meet the prerequisites and want the higher salary ceiling (+$15,000/yr).
Best CEH courses
Best CompTIA Security+ courses
Is CEH harder than CompTIA Security+?
CEH is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — CEH or CompTIA Security+?
CEH has an average salary uplift of +$15,000/yr, while CompTIA Security+ has +$8,000/yr. CEH has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — CEH or CompTIA Security+?
CompTIA Security+ is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CEH.
Can I get both CEH and CompTIA Security+?
Yes — many professionals hold both. CEH and CompTIA Security+ 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 Security+?
Both are worth it in 2026. CEH offers a +$15,000/yr average salary uplift; CompTIA Security+ offers +$8,000/yr. CEH has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.