Published in: ARTICLES

What is CEH? A Beginner’s Guide to Certified Ethical Hacking

Author aziz

Published on: 09/04/2025

In a world where cyber threats are growing more sophisticated and damaging by the day, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been higher. Among the most respected and sought-after certifications in this space is the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)—a credential that not only validates your hacking skills but also proves your commitment to using them for the greater good.

But what exactly is CEH? How do you earn it, and why does it matter? This guide is designed for beginners looking to understand the value and process of becoming a Certified Ethical Hacker in 2025.

What is CEH?

CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) is a globally recognized certification issued by the EC-Council (International Council of E-Commerce Consultants). It certifies that an individual has the skills and knowledge to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in computer systems—legally and ethically.

In essence, a Certified Ethical Hacker uses the same tools and techniques as malicious hackers, but with one big difference: they are authorized to find and fix security flaws, not exploit them.

What Does an Ethical Hacker Do?

An ethical hacker, also known as a white-hat hacker, is a cybersecurity expert hired to test and strengthen an organization’s defenses. Their job includes:

• Conducting penetration tests
• Analyzing network and system vulnerabilities
• Reporting security flaws to system owners
• Helping organizations meet compliance and regulatory requirements
• Staying updated on the latest cyber threats and attack methods

Ethical hackers play a critical role in protecting sensitive data, intellectual property, and digital infrastructure across industries—from finance to healthcare to government.

What You Learn in the CEH Program

The CEH certification is not just about theory; it’s a hands-on, practical training program that dives deep into real-world hacking scenarios. Some key areas of focus include:

• Footprinting and reconnaissance
• Scanning networks and enumeration
• System hacking and malware threats
• Sniffing, session hijacking, and DoS attacks
• Web application attacks (SQL injection, XSS)
• Wireless network hacking
• Cryptography and steganography
• Cloud and IoT hacking
• Social engineering techniques

The latest version of the CEH (currently CEH v12) includes live cyber ranges, hands-on labs, and certified cyber competitions to ensure candidates are job-ready.

Who Should Get CEH Certified?

CEH is ideal for professionals who want to build or advance their careers in cybersecurity. This includes:

• Security Analysts
• Network Administrators
• System Administrators
• Penetration Testers
• IT Managers
• Cybersecurity Consultants
• Anyone passionate about ethical hacking

No prior hacking experience is required, but a solid understanding of networking, operating systems, and basic cybersecurity concepts is highly recommended.

CEH Exam Details

To become CEH certified, candidates must pass the official CEH exam, which consists of:

• 125 multiple-choice questions
• Duration: 4 hours
• Passing score: Around 60–85%, depending on the exam form

There is also an optional CEH Practical exam, where you demonstrate your skills in a live, 6-hour hacking challenge. Earning both credentials makes you a CEH Master, which greatly enhances your credibility.

More info: https://www.eccouncil.org/programs/certified-ethical-hacker-ceh

How to Get Started with CEH

Step 1: Choose Your Learning Format

CEH training is available in several formats:

• Instructor-led online classes
• In-person bootcamps
• Self-paced eLearning
• Academic programs (via universities or colleges)

EC-Council also partners with Accredited Training Centers (ATCs) worldwide.

Step 2: Complete the Training (Optional but Recommended)

While it’s possible to take the exam without formal training (if you meet certain experience requirements), most candidates opt for the official training to prepare effectively.

Step 3: Register and Take the Exam

You can register through EC-Council or an authorized testing center (like Pearson VUE). After passing the exam, you’ll receive your CEH certification, valid for three years.

What Are the Benefits of CEH?

Global Recognition

CEH is one of the most widely accepted cybersecurity certifications. It’s recognized by:

• The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD 8570 compliance)
• Fortune 500 companies
• Government agencies and law enforcement
• Top cybersecurity firms and consultancies

Career Advancement

CEH opens doors to roles such as:

• Ethical Hacker
• Penetration Tester
• Security Engineer
• SOC Analyst
• Cybersecurity Consultant

Certified professionals often earn higher salaries and enjoy increased job security.

Up-to-Date Skills

The CEH program is constantly updated to reflect real-world threats and technologies, ensuring you stay current with the evolving cyber landscape.

CEH Salary Expectations

According to multiple industry reports, CEH-certified professionals can earn:

• Entry-level: $60,000–$80,000/year
• Mid-career: $90,000–$110,000/year
• Senior-level: $120,000–$150,000/year

Salaries vary based on experience, role, industry, and location, but CEH is a powerful way to improve your earning potential.

CEH vs Other Cybersecurity Certifications

Wondering how CEH stacks up against others?

CEH hits the sweet spot for professionals who want a balance of practical skills and recognized credibility.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s essential. As organizations face growing digital threats, they need ethical hackers who can think like attackers and defend like pros. The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is the perfect entry point into this high-stakes, high-reward field.

Whether you’re new to cybersecurity or looking to specialize, CEH can be your first major step toward a meaningful, well-paid, and impactful career.

Ready to start your CEH journey? Explore options at:
https://www.eccouncil.org