CEH
Certified Ethical Hacker — offensive security certification covering penetration testing methodologies and hacking tools.
Full guide →PMP
The gold-standard project management certification recognized globally — validates ability to lead projects across any methodology.
Full guide →CEH vs PMP
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | CEH | PMP |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $1199 USD | ✓$555 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$15,000/yr | ✓+$25,000/yr |
| Passing score | 70/1000 | 70/1000 |
| Exam duration | 240 min | 230 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | EC-Council | PMI |
| Difficulty |
CEH
2 years IT security experience or EC-Council official training
PMP
4-year degree + 36 months leading projects + 35 hours PM education (or 60 months with high school diploma)
- 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 a seasoned PM targeting the most globally recognised credential
- You want a potential +$25,000/yr salary uplift
CEH and PMP lead to entirely different careers — cybersecurity vs project management. 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 PMP courses
Is CEH harder than PMP?
PMP is harder — rated advanced vs intermediate.
Which pays more — CEH or PMP?
CEH has an average salary uplift of +$15,000/yr, while PMP has +$25,000/yr. PMP has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — CEH or PMP?
CEH is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward PMP.
Can I get both CEH and PMP?
Yes — many professionals hold both. CEH and PMP complement each other, covering cybersecurity and project management respectively. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — CEH or PMP?
Both are worth it in 2026. CEH offers a +$15,000/yr average salary uplift; PMP offers +$25,000/yr. PMP has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.