Home
Blog
Security
Ethical Hacking Certification Cost: Exam Fee & Other Expenses [2025]

Ethical Hacking Certification Cost: Exam Fee & Other Expenses [2025]

Q: 1. Is Certified Ethical Hacker worth it?

Businesses are hiring certified ethical hackers to protect their data from hackers since the number of cyber-attacks has grown significantly in the last few years. Also, because a CEH can dramatically increase your bottom-line income, it's well worth the work to obtain one.

Q: 3. What is a passing score for CEH?

The passing rate of CEH exam is 70%. The exam comprise of 125 MCQs.

Q: 4. Can I take the CEH exam without experience?

CEH is an entry-level certification, you can take it even if you have no prior experience. If you are not well-versed in information technology, you can enrol in an authorized EC-Council training programme, which is quite simple to complete. This implies that even if you have no significant experience, you can take the CEH examination and pass the exam with ease.

By Vitesh Sharma

Updated on May 23, 2022 | 9 min read | 33.5k views

Table of Contents

Cybercriminals today are resourceful, persistent, and relentless. They employ various strategies and technologies to breach networks, systems, and applications. Ethical hacking is a valuable tool for determining how well a company is at blocking, detecting, and reacting to new attack methods. Ethical hacking is identifying and exploiting security flaws to improve an organization's cyber security. Ethical hacking aids organizations in improving their security posture by exposing hidden vulnerabilities and offering aid in addressing them. An ethical hacker, often known as a white-hat hacker, is a cyber security analyst tasked with conducting ethical hacking evaluations. Certified ethical hackers have a good grasp of the methods and techniques employed by malevolent black hat hackers.

In this guide, we'll break down the CEH certification cost including CEH exam registration, prep materials, and recertification timelines. I'll also share some tips I've learned to keep your ethical hacking credential affordable, from taking advantage of bundle deals to using free online resources for studying. Pursuing these certifications has been hugely rewarding for my career, and I want to help others do it in a cost-effective way. Let's dive in!

What Is CEH Certification?

Master Right Skills & Boost Your Career

Avail your free 1:1 mentorship session

EC-Council

The EC Council's most well-known and sought-after certification is the Certified Ethical Hacker. Auditors, site administrators, security consultants, ethical hackers, network security specialists, and penetration testers are common employment titles for CEH certification. Aside from the significant work opportunities, becoming a CEH expert opens the door to lucrative security positions in the government Information Technology sphere.

As CEH is recognized and is used by the National Security Agency (NSA), the Committee on National Security Systems (C-N-S-S), and the Department of Defence (DoD), it acts as a benchmark for clear employees and workers with controlled access to vital information.

Ethical Hacking and CEH Certification

The ethical hacker is a term used to describe a White Hat hacker. They use penetration testing methods to examine a firm's information technology security condition. This aids in identifying vulnerabilities that the Information Technology security team must address. There are no defined educational qualifications for anyone interested in pursuing a career in Ethical Hacking certification training.

On the other hand, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mathematics, Information Security, or Computer Science and even enrolling for online cyber security classes would be advantageous. The CEH credential verifies a professional's knowledge of network security, and the implementation is also ubiquitous because it is vendor-neutral. Only those who pass this CEH exam will be awarded the CEH certification.

Those who choose the CEH[ANSI] must provide proof of their degree, experience, and credentials. A minimum of two years of hands-on experience working in data security is required. If a person lacks the necessary professional experience, they must demonstrate extensive educational training that will be evaluated.

The CEH examination is structured on twenty-five multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in four hours and uses the EC-Council test identity code 312-50. These kinds of questions are centred on various ethical hacking approaches and technologies. Those who hold the CNDA/CEH certification, and several EC-Council qualifications must retake the exam every three years. They should also get a minimum of a hundred and twenty credits on the opposing side of the counter.

After an applicant has obtained the CEH certificate, the next phase is Certified Ethical Hacker (Practical). The time allotted for the Certified Ethical Hacker Practical exam is usually six hours. It was unveiled in March of 2018. The exam occurs in a lab, and the candidate must demonstrate some ethical hacking skills. Website application hacking, susceptibility assessment, detecting threat vectors, operating system identification, network scanning, and other talents are among them. These abilities aid in the completion of security auditing work. If you don't have a Certified Ethical Hacker certification, you'll need one. Perhaps only then you'll be able to work actively against the most recent risks and any future hacking attempts.

Educational Requirements for The Exam

As mentioned earlier, there is no set or regulated educational requirement for becoming an ethical hacker. In general, firms normally carry out their inquiries for this position. Above all, as we've already known, a bachelor's or master's degree in data security, computer programming, or mathematics would be advantageous for you.

It is also relevant to those who have previously served as volunteers for an organization after graduating from college. Furthermore, if an applicant has a military history, particularly in intelligence, their chances will be enhanced.

Computer Networking Basics and Career Success Path

The Cost of CEH Certification in 2024

Compared to other IT certifications, you must apply to take the CEH. EC-Council would be eager to see if you have taken official CEH training or have at least two years of security experience throughout the application process. Furthermore, there is a fee associated with each stage.

Exam Application

Unlike most IT certifications, the CEH requires an application. EC-Council will want to establish that you have either taken authorized CEH training or have the expertise during the application procedure.

First, make sure you meet the EC-eligibility Council's requirements. Enrolling in EC-CEH Council's prep course is the preferred approach. This will take you through all the parts and modules that CEH assesses, ensuring that you are well informed. If you want to take any CEH training other than EC- Council's, you'll have to ask for a waiver, which allows you to test without meeting their standards. Although you have a great case if you have two years of expertise in an InfoSec domain, approval is uncertain.

Cost of The CEH Exam

The following are the base fees for EC-Council formal training as a Certified Ethical Hacker:

The CEH certification cost may range between $950 to $1119.
The CEH examination coupon costs $950. This applies if you test online or at a testing center accredited by the EC-Council.
The Certified Ethical Hacker exam cost is $1199.
Remote proctoring for Certified Ethical Hacker will cost an extra $100.

There are a few different parts to CEH exam vouchers. The two basic packages are split depending on whether you'll be taking the exam online, at an EC-Council Authorized testing facility, or at a Pearson VUE testing center. The necessity for the examination to be invigilated is one of the most important aspects of the pricing, and your selections here impact the whole Cost.

The moderator must be a qualified EC-Council member, but they should also be able to see the examination and the applicant while taking the exam. If your moderator is located far from you, this can result in additional costs. If you want to use EC-Council invigilators, they will install software for remote monitoring of the system used. This will let them observe everything and anything that is going on. They'll be able to see what apps you have open, what websites you're visiting on your computer, and deactivate all screen recording features. They'll enable your webcam and have you exhibit the physical layout of your surroundings once the PC has been ready for their approval. If they're not happy, they'll ask you to put items away or rearrange the environment until it satisfies their needs.

Country-wise cost of CEH Certification

Countries	Cost
India	₹39,000
US	$950 to $1,119
UK	£3,750
Canada	C$ 2,899
Singapore	$270.00 to $342.90
Australia	$260,000
Germany	EUR 3950
Netherlands	€4,020

Course Provider

You may find CEH certification courses in several platforms. Yet, you must ascertain the one that fulfills your requirements the best.

KnowledgeHut: is one such efficient platform that offers the CEH certification cost at the most affordable rates. The live sessions for this course are currently priced at $495. It helps you learn how to identify an organization’s vulnerabilities to safeguard their information.
EC-Council: It is the primary platform that undertakes the responsibility of conducting CEH certification courses. The council offers a structural curriculum and efficient training to all the professionals interested in this course.

CEH with Self-Paced Training

It's the starting point for self-paced learning options and CEH evaluations:

Self-paced Certified Ethical Hacker programme (six months) costs between $250 to $600
The Certified Ethical Hacker exam cost is $1199.
Remote proctoring for Certified Ethical Hacker will cost an individual $100.
The Cost of Becoming a Certified Ethical Hacker is $100.
The Certified Ethical Hacker certification costs between $1,699 and $2,049.

Exam Retake Costs

If a candidate fails to pass an EC-Council test, they can acquire an ECC Exam centre voucher to repeat the exam at a reduced cost. In the worst-case scenario, if you don't qualify for the exam the first time, you can retake it immediately. If you still don't qualify for the second attempt, you'll have to wait for two weeks between retakes until your fourth attempt, after which the Retake Policy will require you to wait a year. Before purchasing a $499 CEH Retake Exam Voucher, you must first demand to retake examinations from the EC-Council. Candidates who fail the test for the third time consecutively (third attempt) are strongly encouraged to undergo formal hands-on training that addresses the certification requirements.

Other Costs Related to CEH Certification

Here are some other costs to consider when preparing for the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification exam:

1. Study Materials

CEH study guides ($50-$100)- Offer comprehensive content review and practice questions to reinforce key concepts. These guides enable tailored and self-paced preparation.
Online training courses ($100-$500)- Include video lessons, virtual labs, and exam simulations. The interactive format aims to reinforce hands-on skills and provide experience with the tools needed for the exam. Some courses may also offer mentorship opportunities.
Sample question banks (vary)- Allow additional practice with exam-style questions to enhance familiarity with the format and topics, helping individuals identify knowledge gaps.
Flashcards and notebooks– Physical study aids, used for repeated exposure or highlighting challenging topics, can provide additional support for retention.

2. Practice Exams

Full-length practice tests ($20-$40 per exam)– Mimic the real testing format and environment to reduce surprises and anxiety on exam day. Identify areas for further review.
May need to purchase 2-3 practice exams to avoid becoming too familiar with questions.

3. Other Resources

Study communities– Connecting with others before preparing for the CEH exam can provide tips, accountability, questions banks, etc. May have access fees.
Travel/meal costs– If attending an intensive in-person boot camp, factor in these additional expenses.
Ongoing Wi-Fi fees– For consistent access to online study materials and simulations.

The best approach balances different learning formats like self-paced guides, interactive simulations, repetition from flashcards/practice tests, and collaboration.

CEH Certification Cost-Saving Strategies + Tips

Here are some CEH certification price saving tips and strategies for CEH certification:

Check with your local library before purchasing books. Many libraries carry up-to-date certification exam prep books that can be borrowed for free.
Purchase materials during seasonal sales when possible. Study guides, practice tests, and training courses often go on sale leading up to Black Friday or in January. Sign up for retailer email lists for promo codes.
Form a study group with colleagues or fellow students also planning to take the exam. You can share the costs of expensive practice exams and other study aids.
Leverage professional associations like (ISC)2 or ISACA, which may offer discounted training and testing access for student members. Also, check for student discounts generally.
Consider the value of your time and the probability of passing without supplements when deciding which additional study materials are must-haves versus nice-to-haves.

The CEH exam cost itself isn't outrageous, especially with the right preparation strategy and resources.

Other Similar Certifications in 2024

Here is a list of other certifications which are similar to CEH certification. One can also opt this:

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
CompTIA Security+
GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

Looking to level up your IT skills? Join our ITIL 4 training and unlock new opportunities. Gain expertise in IT service management and boost your career. Don't miss out, enroll today!

Conclusion

For anyone wondering "is CEH certification worth it?", I'd say it can be with the right preparation and a focus on getting real value for your CEH certification cost. CEH certification holders are qualified for professions that require them to work together to combat cybercrime and provide protection against malicious viruses and other cyber attacks and have skills in how to secure information systems and networks from malware and virus threats.

The EC-Council ethical hacking certification isn't difficult to secure, but it does necessitate some work on your behalf. You'll qualify for your examination without much difficulty if you do all the essential study and work, practice adequately for the test, and remain focused until you are a certified ethical hacker. KnowledgeHut's Ethical Hacking certification course is one location where you may get help along the way to achieve your ideal career.