How Much Does the CEH Exam (Really) Cost?

With data breaches and cyber threats constantly evolving and becoming more sophisticated, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been higher.

Holding a Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH) credential from EC-Council not only validates your cybersecurity skills; it also opens the door to career advancement opportunities in a rapidly growing industry.

As one of the most recognized certifications in this field, this certification serves as a benchmark for anyone looking to demonstrate their expertise in network security, ethical hacking, and penetration testing. 

CEH is the gold standard for validating offensive security skills, in part because of rigorous application standards. In this article, we’ll cover the various steps you need to take to earn a CEH certification, as well as their associated costs.

CEH Certification Requirements: The Process

Earning a CEH certification requires only one thing: passing the CEH examination. This can be done through EC-Council, which QuickStart partners with, to make the process easy:

• Take approved CEH training (or get a waiver)
• Apply for a CEH exam voucher
• Take the exam

How Much Does CEH Training Cost?

One of the most significant changes in the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification process is that the CEH exam is no longer sold as an individual offering. EC-Council now requires candidates to purchase the exam as part of a bundled package that includes essential courseware and access to their training platform. 

The new CEH On-Demand package is priced at $2,199.00*. This package offers comprehensive training, including access to EC-Council’s official training platform, the CEH exam voucher, and courseware. The inclusion of these resources provides candidates with everything they need to prepare for and pass the CEH exam without the need to purchase additional materials.

This shift ensures that individuals are fully prepared with the necessary knowledge and tools before sitting for the exam.

Reference Certified Ethical Hacker course details for more information.

As part of our partnership with EC-Council, QuickStart provides access to these official materials through our CEH training programs.

This bundled package represents a significant investment — but it’s an investment in your future. It also eliminates the hassle of piecing together separate resources and maximizes value by offering everything you need in one comprehensive package.

*At the time of this article's publication date

How Much Does CEH Study Material Cost?

The cost of CEH study material ranges widely—from free YouTube videos to quality CEH training programs. 

It’s important to look at the cost of CEH training in terms of value rather than cost. You should evaluate CEH study material not only on subject matter and teaching style but also how quickly it prepares you. 

With this information, plan ahead before investing in CEH study materials. At QuickStart, we offer both virtual instructor-led class and self-paced on-demand courses, all through our CEH online training. 

Want to test your CEH skills? Take our free practice test.

Here are the details in program pricing, training, and examinations:

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEHv12) Instructor-led Training

• Type: Virtual Classroom 
• Price: $3,499.00 
• Contents: Includes exam and courseware, led by certified instructors. Available through QuickStart’s EC-Council partnership. 

With instructor-led training, students benefit from real-time guidance and support from certified professionals. The training is interactive and ensures that participants can address any questions or difficulties immediately, making the learning process more effective. 

Although priced on the higher end, this option includes personalized instruction, ensuring a high return on investment for those who prefer structured, guided learning. 

Certified Ethical Hacker + Certification Exam (On-Demand)

• Type: On-Demand, Self-Paced 
• Price: $2,199.00 
• Contents: Includes both the exam and courseware. Available through QuickStart’s EC-Council partnership.

On-demand learning allows flexibility, enabling students to learn at their own pace. The course content is structured to cover all critical areas thoroughly, with real-world scenarios and hands-on labs. 

The self-paced option offers a lower cost than instructor-led training while still providing the complete certification package. This is ideal for self-motivated learners looking for a budget-friendly yet comprehensive training program.

What Does the CEH Training Cover?

Let’s explore the core concepts that this program covers.

Core Learning Objectives

The CEH course focuses on teaching participants how to detect vulnerabilities in their systems and fix security loopholes.

Key areas covered include:

• Virus creation and buffer overflows 
• DDOS attacks and social engineering 
• Top information security attack vectors 
• Information security threat categories 
• Hacking concepts, types, and phases 
• Ethical hacking concepts and scope 
• Spyware and keyloggers defense 
• Penetration testing and enumeration pen testing

Each area is taught in-depth, combining theoretical concepts with practical applications. Students work on real-world hacking scenarios, ensuring that they gain the skills to protect their systems effectively.

The Five Phases of Ethical Hacking

The course revolves around five essential phases of ethical hacking:

• 1. Reconnaissance
• 2. Gaining access
• 3. Maintaining access
• 4. Covering tracks
• 5. Enumeration

Practical Learning Approach

The Certified Ethical Hacker program offered by QuickStart uses a hands-on, digital learning format, enabling students to easily understand and practice the techniques.

This advanced course prepares students for real-world roles such as information security engineer, security analyst, penetration tester, security consultant, and more.

Practical labs, real-time simulations, and case studies ensure learners not only learn the theory but also apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. This approach provides students with a solid foundation to perform in high-stakes cybersecurity roles.

When you enroll in training that gives access to cutting-edge tools and environments, you are provided valuable insights that can be immediately applied in professional roles, making it a worthwhile investment for career growth.

The CEH program teaches students to improve system security by hacking into them, understanding potential attacks, and defending against them.

Remember, the cost covers all five phases of ethical hacking in one cohesive training package. Given the comprehensive nature of the course, the total investment ensures you are fully prepared to secure systems from a range of threats.

Is Earning a CEH Certification Worth It?

Yes, earning a CEH certification is definitely worth it. There are several compelling reasons to obtain this certification, including industry recognition, ensuing job opportunities, and the potential for a higher salary. 

For example, the job outlook for information security analysts, one of several notable cybersecurity roles, is expected to grow 32% through 2032. Plus, It’s ANSI-accredited and DoDD 8140-approved, which makes it exceptionally valuable for security professionals working in both the public and private sectors. (BLS)

Industry Recognition and Credibility

The globally recognized CEH certification validates ethical hacking skills and provides candidates with a competitive edge in the job market. It is highly valued by industries such as finance, healthcare, and government, where cybersecurity expertise is critical. 

Backed by EC-Council, the certification ensures that professionals are equipped with up-to-date and industry-relevant knowledge. This credibility sets certified individuals apart, enhancing their career prospects and professional standing worldwide.

Job Opportunities and Career Growth

The CEH certification opens doors to roles such as penetration tester, ethical hacker, cybersecurity analyst, and security consultant, while also laying the foundation for advanced positions like Cybersecurity Manager or CISO. As the demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to rise, CEH holders enjoy strong job prospects and career advancement opportunities. 

Although the certification requires an upfront investment, the potential for career growth and salary increases makes it a worthwhile endeavor. Ultimately, the CEH offers a significant return on investment by positioning professionals for success in a booming industry.

Higher Salary Potential

Ethical hackers earn an average salary of $100,000 annually, with CEH-certified professionals often earning 20-30% more than their non-certified counterparts (Indeed). Salaries for certified ethical hackers typically range from $90,000 to $120,000 or higher, depending on experience and location. (BLS)

Over time, the certification can lead to significant salary growth, making it a valuable asset for long-term career advancement. Given the potential for a substantial salary increase, the initial investment in CEH training can be quickly recouped.

Networking and Continuous Learning

CEH holders join a global network of cybersecurity professionals, gaining valuable connections and opportunities for knowledge sharing. Staying updated on the latest cybersecurity trends through Continuing Education Credits (CPEs) helps maintain relevance and expertise in the field. This vibrant community of ethical hackers fosters continuous learning, allowing members to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. 

The CEH course not only equips students with essential skills but also ensures lifelong learning opportunities, keeping them at the forefront of cybersecurity advancements.

Return on Investment (ROI)

The upfront costs of $2,199 to $3,499 for a CEH certification are quickly offset by the potential salary increases and expanded job opportunities it offers. With increased earning potential and career advancement over time, the certification delivers a substantial return on investment. 

The long-term career growth it enables far outweighs the initial expense, making it a smart financial decision for cybersecurity professionals. Ultimately, the CEH certification positions individuals for success in a lucrative and growing industry.

Find Your Future in Cybersecurity Today

While obtaining a CEH certification involves an upfront investment ranging from $2,199 to $3,499, the long-term career benefits far outweigh the costs of training and taking the exam. 

Enroll in our Cybersecurity Bootcamp program to launch your career in cybersecurity.

With the potential for significant salary increases, enhanced job opportunities, and continuous career growth, this certification offers a strong return on investment. As a trusted partner of EC-Council, QuickStart provides complete, official CEH training packages to help candidates succeed in their certification journey.

Enroll in our Certified Ethical Hacker program to take your first steps toward the cybersecurity career you deserve.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEHv13) Instructor led Training

Virtual Classroom

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What happens when the security of your information systems is vulnerable and being compromised? The best way to deal with on-going security threats in IT is to learn to hack. That’s right! This Certified Ethical Hacker cyber security training program is designed to help candidates learn better ways to deal with security breaches and to ensure a secure environment for the organization

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