Many IT professionals, despite enhancing their knowledge and professional reach, try to undergo multiple certifications such as CompTIA Security+ certification and the CEH (certified ethical hacker). Many professionals seek both certifications one after the other to glisten their professional reach and adnate in the field of cybersecurity. However, there is a contradiction seen among the young novices to pursue which certification first.

If you are confused about yourself, then you have come to the right place. We will dissect both courses in a compatible way with the basic understanding of different factors of the courses.

Without further ado, let’s begin;

CompTIA Security+ certification

CompTIA Security+ certification is considered the most basic or otherwise an entry-level certification obtained by many professionals who seek a decent job in the sector. However, it provides young students with a stepping stone to strengthen their knowledge and professional skills along the way in the world of cybersecurity. Although CompTIA recommends that you have sufficient knowledge in the field before undergoing with this certification.

This certification mainly entails the theoretical knowledge about various aspects of cybersecurity, such as configuring, manufacturing, implementing, and stabilization of the security systems, policies, and infrastructure.

Candidates undertaking this specific certification should have a decent or entry-level knowledge about threat identification, detection, intrusion as well as being able to conduct the penetration testing of the systems and network infrastructure along with risk management and mitigation. To be eligible for undertaking this certification, candidates must have a Network+ credential and two years of experience in the field of IT administration with a focus on the cybersecurity systems.

If you are bend to undertake this certification because you still are an entry-level professional and want to sharpen your skills before you enter the world of cybersecurity, then it is the right choice for you. Because the CEH mainly focuses on the increased professional outreach regarding specific topics of the IT world such as penetration expert, ethical hacker, network administrator, and security official, and the list goes on and on.

Anyone who is looking to initiate their career as a cybersecurity official should go down with the Security+ certification offered by CompTIA, and it is valid for three whole years.

Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH) Certification

CEH, on the other hand, is an expert-level credential as opposed to the Security+ certification. CEH corresponds to the EC-councils official program that works on enhancing the technical knowledge of the cyber experts in the detection and mitigation of various cyber anomalies among the network infrastructure of companies and businesses. These professionals don’t only are familiar with dedicated tools and techniques implemented by the cyber hackers but also hold a technical grip over the use, implementation, and counterfeiting of such techniques.

A CEH official is mainly enrolled in the ethical hacking and penetration testing of the systems; they use their knowledge about cyber systems acquired over the years to detect vulnerabilities and potential nodes of breaches in data security systems. These are also responsible for the mitigation of such threats by implementing stronger security systems that can detect and stop the infiltration of cyber threats among the primary network systems.

 Instead of using this knowledge for illicit gains, these professionals are enrolled in ethical hacking to give a hard time to the hackers into manipulating various security systems. It is not recommended for the candidates taking part in the CEH examination to have a CEH training. Still, it will do you some incredible good if you had the preparation beforehand.

Two different methods are using which you can be eligible for the CEH Certification; those candidates who have attended the CEH training can take the exams without any hindrance. However, those who have not taken part in the training must have at least two years of experience and submit an application package. Once the application is approved, they will be presented with an exam voucher code using which you can register online, choose a dedicated exam center, and take part in the examination.

CompTIA Security+ Vs. CEH examination: Factor Comparison

Cost

Looking at the costs and assuming that CEH is an advanced level certification and that is why very costly, on the other hand, the Security+ can be managed easily relating to the cost of CEH. If you don't have much to spend in the first try, then you should go with Security+, but if you want that advanced level professional certificate, then CEH should be your choice.

Test Difficulty

CEH certification is not only costly but also very difficult as it stretches to advance analytical testing as well as a practical assessment of the candidate in the areas of ethical hacking and penetration testing. Security+ on the other hand is rather easy as it only covers the basics and beginner level knowledge regarding cybersecurity, threat detection, and mitigation.

Job Hunting

When it comes to job hunting or employability, the Security+ certification takes the lead because it is entry-level/basic certification narrating to the skills and professional abilities of the candidate among various areas of cybersecurity. For this particular reason, it has more jobs than the CEH certification, which covers advanced as well as the specifically focused narratives of ethical hacking and penetration testing.

Which has more worth?

There is no debate here. The CEH certification is verily admired as compared to the Security+, and the main reason is because it depicts the advanced and polished skills of the professional as an ethical hacking and penetration expert. You can land some higher paying jobs via completing your CEH examination rather than the Security+ certification. However, if you are in the beginning days of your career as a cybersecurity profession, then Security+ should be your ultimate choice. 

Only after you have completed your Security+ training/certification should you move towards acquiring a CEH certification. The cyber market is extensible; there are a lot of opportunities for beginners and experts alike, you need to be consistent and carry on with acquiring more practical knowledge of the cybersecurity systems for landing yourself a decent career in the long run.