
With cyber threats increasing every day, organizations are constantly looking for professionals who can test and secure their networks. Ethical hacking is a growing field that offers many opportunities for individuals who are skilled in cybersecurity. If you are interested in becoming a certified ethical hacker, two of the most well-known certifications are the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP). But which one should you choose?
Ethical hacking certifications prove that you have the knowledge and skills to identify security weaknesses in systems and networks. These certifications are often required for cybersecurity jobs in both government and private sectors. While there are many ethical hacking certifications available, CEH and OSCP are two of the most respected and widely recognized.
In this article, we will compare CEH and OSCP to help you make the right decision.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
What is CEH?
The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is offered by the EC-Council. It is one of the most popular cybersecurity certifications and is designed to teach professionals how hackers think and operate. The goal of CEH is to equip individuals with the skills needed to protect organizations from cyber threats.
CEH Exam Structure
- Duration: 4 hours
- Number of Questions: 125
- Format: Multiple-choice questions
- Passing Score: Varies between 60-85%, depending on the exam version
CEH Practical Exam
In addition to the multiple-choice exam, there is also a CEH Practical exam, which is a 6-hour hands-on test where candidates must apply their hacking skills in a real-world scenario.
CEH Course Content
The CEH certification covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Footprinting and reconnaissance
- Scanning networks
- System hacking
- Malware threats
- Sniffing
- Social engineering
- Denial-of-service (DoS) attacks
- Web application security
Who Should Get CEH?
CEH is ideal for beginners who are new to ethical hacking. If you are looking for an entry-level certification that provides a broad understanding of hacking techniques, CEH is a great choice. It is also suitable for professionals who want to improve their resume and job prospects in cybersecurity.
Pros and Cons of CEH
Pros:
- Recognized by government agencies and organizations worldwide
- Covers a broad range of cybersecurity topics
- Easier to pass compared to OSCP
Cons:
- Multiple-choice format does not test hands-on skills deeply
- Expensive exam and training costs
- Less practical compared to OSCP
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
What is OSCP?
The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification is offered by Offensive Security (OffSec). It is a highly practical certification that requires candidates to demonstrate real hacking skills in a hands-on environment. OSCP is considered one of the most challenging and respected ethical hacking certifications.
OSCP Exam Structure
- Duration: 24 hours
- Format: Practical, hands-on exam
- Passing Score: Requires candidates to exploit multiple machines and submit a detailed report
OSCP Course Content
The OSCP certification is based on the Penetration Testing with Kali Linux (PWK) course, which covers:
- Information gathering
- Vulnerability analysis
- Exploitation techniques
- Privilege escalation
- Web application attacks
- Buffer overflows
- Active directory penetration testing
Who Should Get OSCP?
OSCP is ideal for individuals who want to become penetration testers, red teamers, or advanced security professionals. It is best suited for those who already have some experience with Linux, networking, and basic security concepts. Unlike CEH, OSCP requires candidates to demonstrate their skills in a real-world hacking scenario.
Pros and Cons of OSCP
Pros:
- Highly practical and hands-on
- Respected in the cybersecurity industry
- Teaches real-world hacking techniques
Cons:
- Very challenging and time-consuming
- Requires a strong technical background
- No multiple-choice questions, only practical tasks
CEH vs. OSCP: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between CEH and OSCP depends on your background, career goals, and learning style. Here’s a quick comparison:
Feature | CEH | OSCP |
---|---|---|
Level | Beginner | Advanced |
Exam Format | Multiple-choice (MCQs) | Hands-on practical |
Duration | 4 hours (MCQ), 6 hours (practical) | 24 hours (practical) |
Focus | General ethical hacking knowledge | Real-world penetration testing |
Difficulty | Moderate | Very Difficult |
Ideal for | Security analysts, IT professionals, beginners | Penetration testers, red teamers, advanced security professionals |
Recognition | Recognized by government and corporations | Highly respected in the cybersecurity industry |
Conclusion
Both CEH and OSCP are valuable certifications, but they serve different purposes. If you are new to ethical hacking and want to learn basic concepts, CEH is a good starting point. However, if you want to prove your hacking skills in a real-world environment and take on advanced cybersecurity roles, OSCP is the better choice.
Regardless of which certification you choose, ethical hacking is a rewarding career with many opportunities. Make sure to practice regularly, improve your skills, and stay updated with the latest cybersecurity trends. Happy hacking!
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