CompTIA Network+ vs CEH
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
CompTIA
CompTIA Network+
N10-009
Foundational networking certification covering infrastructure, operations, security, and troubleshooting.
Full guide →EC-Council
CEH
CEH v13
Certified Ethical Hacker — offensive security certification covering penetration testing methodologies and hacking tools.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | CompTIA Network+ | CEH |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$358 USD | $1199 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$6,000/yr | ✓+$15,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 90 min | 240 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | CompTIA | EC-Council |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate |
CompTIA Network+ — Prerequisites
CompTIA A+ or 9-12 months networking experience recommended
CEH — Prerequisites
2 years IT security experience or EC-Council official training
Get CompTIA Network+ if…
- •You're entering cybersecurity and need a recognised entry point
- •You want a +$6,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from CompTIA
Get CEH if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$15,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from EC-Council
Best CompTIA Network+ courses
udemy
CompTIA Network+ Complete Course
by Top-rated instructor
One-time purchase, lifetime access
View on Udemy →Best CEH courses
udemy
CEH Complete Course
by Top-rated instructor
One-time purchase, lifetime access
View on Udemy →Frequently asked questions
Is CompTIA Network+ harder than CEH?
CEH is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — CompTIA Network+ or CEH?
CompTIA Network+ has an average salary uplift of +$6,000/yr, while CEH has +$15,000/yr. CEH has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — CompTIA Network+ or CEH?
CompTIA Network+ is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CEH.