CEH
Certified Ethical Hacker — offensive security certification covering penetration testing methodologies and hacking tools.
Full guide →PRINCE2 Foundation
Widely recognised in Europe and the UK, PRINCE2 Foundation validates understanding of the PRINCE2 project management framework.
Full guide →CEH vs PRINCE2 Foundation
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | CEH | PRINCE2 Foundation |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $1199 USD | ✓$400 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$15,000/yr | +$10,000/yr |
| Passing score | 70/1000 | 55/1000 |
| Exam duration | 240 min | 60 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | EC-Council | Axelos |
| Difficulty |
CEH
2 years IT security experience or EC-Council official training
PRINCE2 Foundation
None required
- 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 new to project management or switching careers from another field
- You want a potential +$10,000/yr salary uplift
- You work in Europe or the UK, where PRINCE2 is widely required by employers
CEH and PRINCE2 Foundation 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 PRINCE2 Foundation — it's the quicker win at the beginner level.
Best CEH courses
Best PRINCE2 Foundation courses
Is CEH harder than PRINCE2 Foundation?
CEH is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — CEH or PRINCE2 Foundation?
CEH has an average salary uplift of +$15,000/yr, while PRINCE2 Foundation has +$10,000/yr. CEH has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — CEH or PRINCE2 Foundation?
PRINCE2 Foundation 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 PRINCE2 Foundation?
Yes — many professionals hold both. CEH and PRINCE2 Foundation 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 PRINCE2 Foundation?
Both are worth it in 2026. CEH offers a +$15,000/yr average salary uplift; PRINCE2 Foundation offers +$10,000/yr. CEH has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.