CEH and PenTest+ both validate offensive security and penetration testing skills, but they differ significantly in cost, approach, and industry perception. CEH is more expensive but has stronger brand recognition, while PenTest+ is more affordable and focuses on hands-on practical skills.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| EC-Council CEH | CompTIA PenTest+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | EC-Council | CompTIA |
| Exam Code | CEH v13 | PT0-003 |
| Level | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Cost | $1,199 (exam only) / $2,199+ (with training) | $404 |
| Duration | 240 min | 165 min |
| Questions | 125 | Up to 85 |
| Passing Score | 70% | 750/900 |
| Renewal | 3 years | 3 years |
| Prerequisites | Two years of information security experience or official EC-Council training | None required; Security+ or Network+ and 3-4 years of hands-on penetration testing experience recommended |
| Avg Salary Range | $85,000–$125,000 | $85,000–$120,000 |
Focus Areas
EC-Council CEH
Ethical hacking methodology, reconnaissance, scanning, enumeration, system hacking, malware threats, sniffing, social engineering, denial of service, session hijacking, web server and application hacking, and cloud security
CompTIA PenTest+
Penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, planning and scoping engagements, exploiting vulnerabilities, and reporting findings
Who Should Get Which?
Get EC-Council CEH if...
Penetration testers or ethical hackers who need the CEH brand name for compliance requirements, government contractors where CEH is specifically mandated, or professionals whose employers will cover the higher training costs
Get CompTIA PenTest+ if...
Aspiring penetration testers who want a cost-effective alternative, those who prefer performance-based testing over pure multiple choice, or CompTIA-certified professionals building on their existing Security+ foundation
Recommended Order
Either can be pursued first as they cover similar territory. PenTest+ is typically more accessible due to lower cost and no mandatory training requirement. If budget is a concern, start with PenTest+. If your target employer specifically requires CEH, prioritize that one.
Study Tips
Both exams benefit enormously from hands-on practice. Use platforms like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, or VulnHub to practice real-world scenarios. CEH has a broader but shallower coverage of tools, while PenTest+ tests deeper practical application. For either exam, be comfortable with Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and common scripting for automation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between EC-Council CEH and CompTIA PenTest+?
CEH and PenTest+ both validate offensive security and penetration testing skills, but they differ significantly in cost, approach, and industry perception. CEH is more expensive but has stronger brand recognition, while PenTest+ is more affordable and focuses on hands-on practical skills.
Should I get EC-Council CEH or CompTIA PenTest+ first?
Either can be pursued first as they cover similar territory. PenTest+ is typically more accessible due to lower cost and no mandatory training requirement. If budget is a concern, start with PenTest+. If your target employer specifically requires CEH, prioritize that one.
Who should get EC-Council CEH?
Penetration testers or ethical hackers who need the CEH brand name for compliance requirements, government contractors where CEH is specifically mandated, or professionals whose employers will cover the higher training costs
Who should get CompTIA PenTest+?
Aspiring penetration testers who want a cost-effective alternative, those who prefer performance-based testing over pure multiple choice, or CompTIA-certified professionals building on their existing Security+ foundation
Test Your Knowledge
Already studying? Try our free tools:
- Security+ Practice Quiz — 300 questions mapped to SY0-701 domains
- CVSS Calculator — Practice scoring vulnerabilities
Deep Dive Guides
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