CEH vs CISSP Certification - Know the Difference [2025 updated]

Do you want to learn more about IT security? The best way to do it is to earn at least one industry qualification. But which certification is right for you to pursue? The answer depends on your current qualifications and how much you want to commit to moving your career forward.

It's no wonder that cybersecurity specialists are in great demand, given the growing danger of cyber assaults. However, to become a part of an industry that offers several lucrative opportunities, you will need to compare CEH vs. CISSP and pick one of them.

Here’s everything you need to know.

What is CEH Certification?

CEH stands for Certified Ethical Hacker, a professional credential for someone qualified to conduct cybersecurity testing for businesses.

As the name suggests, an ethical hacker is a computer security professional hired by a firm and authorised to break into the company's computer systems to find security flaws.

After finding the flaws, these professionals must take preventative and remedial actions to defend the system against similar attacks by hackers with malicious intent.

With the rise of cybercrime and cyberattacks, the demand for ethical hackers has never been greater. Professionals who are Certified Ethical Hackers (CEHs) can use the same techniques as cyber criminals (hackers).

Get to know more about ethical hacking roadmap. Still, CEHs hack with the firm's consent in a legal and sanctioned way.

Advantages of Becoming a CEH 

1. You Adopt a Hacker Mentality 

A CEH certification can help you understand a black-hat hacker’s mentality. Additionally, you will learn more about ethical hacking techniques and hacking vectors and learn to strengthen the security system to make it as secure as possible.

2. Opens Up Career Options 

If you understand network security fundamentals, you should apply for CEH certification. The certification may open up a whole new world of possibilities for your career. Even if you are already in the IT security or network industry, you can boost your career with CEH certification.

3. Improves Earning Potential  

Earning this certificate may open doors to higher-paying jobs across the globe. The average annual salary for a CEH-certified expert is $96,000. In the coming decades, security experts will be some of the most in-demand professionals in the industry. 

4. Teaches About the Dangers of Technology 

Every time a new technology comes out, there are also new risks. Cybercriminals are constantly improving their skills. They quickly find flaws in new technology and carefully plan their attacks.

So, to keep your network safe from future attacks, you need to keep up with the latest hacking techniques. The CEH certification may assist you in achieving this objective. 

5. Helps Improve Career Prospects 

Penetration testers are not the only ones meant to earn CEH certifications. Other IT professionals, even CISSP-certified professionals, can gain practical network security knowledge to hone their skills by earning a CEH certification. 

Learn how to build a career in ethical hacking. 

What is CISSP Certification?

The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, also known as (ISC)2, created the CISSP, or Certified Information Systems Security Professional, as a security credential.

It is a globally recognized, vendor-neutral standard that attests to an IT security professional's technical abilities and practical experience in implementing and managing security programs. 

(ISC)2, a worldwide non-profit organisation with over 200,000 certified members, offers this certification. Since its introduction in 1994, the certification has been one of the most sought-after security credentials in the industry.

882 testing centers in 114 countries offer the exam in 8 different languages. There is an ISO/IEC 17024 certification for this certification. 

CISSP certification training is preferred by many IT security employers nowadays because it establishes a benchmark of excellence for information security professionals worldwide. 

Advantages of Becoming a CISSP 

1. Maximize Your Earnings

Taking the course demonstrates a strong dedication to a solid code of ethics and a broad understanding of cybersecurity. In addition, employers admire and respect the CISSP certification. Thus, you may expect a higher income. 

2. Allows You to Achieve Your Professional Goals 

The demand for CISSPs outnumbers the supply. So, it's never been a better time to become a Certified Information Systems Security Professional with (ISC)2

The CISSP concentrations (CISSP-ISSMP for Management, CISSP-ISSEP for Engineers, and CISSP-ISSAP for Architects) enable you to advance your career further. 

3. Allows You to Become a Frontline Cybersecurity Professional 

The CISSP certification is tough to get. However, this certification proves to the industry and peers that you are a consummate industry expert with the breadth of knowledge to effectively manage and steer your organisation's cybersecurity. In fact, according to the 2017 Cybersecurity Trends Spotlight Report, employers value the CISSP the most. 

4. Gain Years of Practical Cybersecurity Expertise 

Your CISSP application requires paid hands-on experience in cybersecurity. You also need an existing (ISC)2 certificate holder to vouch for your expertise and reputation. Finally, CISSP holders must earn120 credits of CPE every three years to keep their certification. 

5. Join the World's Biggest Organization of Cybersecurity Experts

With CISSP certification comes membership in (ISC)2, the world's most prominent non-profit cybersecurity organiZation. In addition, the Professional Development Institute (PDI) offers professional development courses, continuing professional education through industry events like Secure Summits held worldwide, and technical webinars discussing emerging cybersecurity trends. 

PDI offers Member Perks, the (ISC)2 Community, and the bimonthly InfoSecurity Professional magazine.

Get to know more about CISSP Endorsement Process.

What Should You Consider When Choosing?

Perhaps you're at a fork in the road, deciding between these two popular certifications. Before choosing your career path, you should consider these factors:

Requirements

The CEH certification emphasizes establishing that a candidate has the essential knowledge to carry out ethical hacking assignments. To become a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), one must have at least two years of professional experience in a specific Information Security field.

For the CISSP certification, a candidate must have at least four to five years of paid work experience in at least two of the eight information security domains.

Anyone who can pass the test but lacks the required experience may become an Associate of (ISC)2 until that experience is gained.

Cost of Certification

When comparing CEH with CISSP, you should also consider the certification cost. If you're on a tight budget, the CEH certification is a wiser choice for you. A $100 exam fee is required for acquiring the certificate. 

CISSP exams are far more costly than the CEH exams. The test costs $699, which is around $600 more than the cost of the EC-CEH Council's certification. 

Average Salary

Many cybersecurity specialists aren't in it for the money. Instead, it's the passion that drives them. But a good salary is just the cherry on top. Regarding beginning salaries, CEH applicants may anticipate earning an average of $92,639 per year.

CEHs and CISSPs are among the highest-paid security experts in the business. Still, when it's about the average salary of a Certified Ethical Hacker vs. CISSP, the CISSP outperforms the CEH in providing excellent remuneration for exceptional work while bringing considerable value to any firm.

Job Sectors

CEH certification can help you get any of the following jobs: 

• Security Expert 
• Security Analyst
• Security Officer
• Auditor
• Security Professional 
• Site Administrator 
• Security Auditor 
• Vulnerability Tester 
• Penetration Tester 
• Systems Administrator
• Hacking Tool Analyst
• Ethical Hacker
• Security Consultant 
• Information Security Analyst 
• Job scope as CISSP certified 
• Security Consultant 
• Security Analyst 
• Security Manager 
• Security Auditor 
• Security Architect 
• IT Director/Manager 
• Director of Security 
• Network Architect 
• Security Systems Engineer 
• Chief Information Security Officer 

Demand Graph

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the nation, according to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics' Information Security Analyst's Outlook.

In this era of the internet, the demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals will not fade away soon. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics' by 2030, 33 percent more individuals will work as information security analysts.

There are more than 3.5 million cybersecurity job openings globally as of 2021. Learning ethical hacking is the most practical way to get into the cybersecurity industry and take advantage of the skills deficit. As a result, both CEH and CISSP are in high demand now. 

Goal-Oriented Career

It would help if you had a crystal-clear idea of where your career will go in the next five or ten years. CEH certification is acceptable if you merely wish to enhance your standing as a cybersecurity expert in the short term. 

Long-term career success necessitates serious consideration of earning the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credential. You may succeed in various cybersecurity trends, including network administration, IT auditing, penetration testing, and a variety of security measures to master.

To determine which certification will best assist you in the long run, list your short- and long-term objectives and cross-check them.

Scope

With the CEH certification, you'll rise to the next level of expertise. Penetration testing of systems is the primary subject of this certification, which involves examining whether the system infrastructure has any vulnerabilities that might lead to breaches or hacks.

The CISSP certification is appropriate if you are ready to start on a new path and have a penchant for implementing or managing installed IT systems.

A range of benefits is available to an IT specialist or seasoned professional, including development in their career, a higher income, access to cutting-edge cyber training in system testing and deployment, and IT audits.

CEH vs. CISSP - Which is Best?

Since network security is a hot topic in the computer industry, people are curious about working in related roles. To that end, which credentials can help you get a position in this rapidly expanding industry? 

The best online Ethical Hacking courses teach you about a wide range of systems and how to detect and strengthen any flaws or vulnerabilities that might lead to successful hacking efforts. The CISSP stands for Certified Information Systems Security Professional, a globally recognized credential for IT professionals. It's a good choice for people who want to operate across borders but are also wary about hacking. 

The CEH certification is best suited to people who are already well-versed in information technology. Knowledge of technical aspects isn't required, although having some background is never a bad idea.

When comparing CEH vs. CISSP difficulty, CISSP is certainly the more difficult one. Even though courses may be finished in as little as six days, you must have at least five years of database experience before enrolling. 

If you don't have the financial support of your existing company, the CISSP certification will cost you a lot out of pocket due to the high quality and great demand. 

Depending on where you want to take your IT talents, your background, and your financial situation, choose one that aligns with your goals and expertise.

Conclusion

It's not about picking the best certification or choosing between doing CEH or CISSP first. You need to prove your skills to get a high-salary job. Both the CEH and CISSP certifications can help you get a job that pays a nice paycheck. To some extent, CISSP offers a higher salary.

If you want to learn to become an ethical hacker, check out the KnowledgeHut best online Ethical Hacking course.