CompTIA PenTest+
Hands-on penetration testing certification covering planning, scoping, vulnerability scanning, and reporting.
Full guide →CEH
Certified Ethical Hacker — offensive security certification covering penetration testing methodologies and hacking tools.
Full guide →CompTIA PenTest+ vs CEH
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | CompTIA PenTest+ | CEH |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$404 USD | $1199 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$14,000/yr | ✓+$15,000/yr |
| Passing score | 750/1000 | 70/1000 |
| Exam duration | 165 min | 240 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | CompTIA | EC-Council |
| Difficulty |
CompTIA PenTest+
Network+, Security+, or 3-4 years hands-on experience
CEH
2 years IT security experience or EC-Council official training
- 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
- 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
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 CompTIA PenTest+ courses
Best CEH courses
Is CompTIA PenTest+ harder than CEH?
Both CompTIA PenTest+ and CEH are rated intermediate difficulty.
Which pays more — CompTIA PenTest+ or CEH?
CompTIA PenTest+ has an average salary uplift of +$14,000/yr, while CEH has +$15,000/yr. CEH has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — CompTIA PenTest+ or CEH?
CompTIA PenTest+ is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CEH.
Can I get both CompTIA PenTest+ and CEH?
Yes — many professionals hold both. CompTIA PenTest+ and CEH 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 — CompTIA PenTest+ or CEH?
Both are worth it in 2026. CompTIA PenTest+ offers a +$14,000/yr average salary uplift; CEH offers +$15,000/yr. CEH has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.