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CompTIA Security+ vs CEH: Which Cybersecurity Certification Should You Choose?
In today’s high-stakes world of cyber threats, certifications are your ticket into the industry. If you're torn between CompTIA Security+ and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), you're not alone. Both are well-known, but they serve different goals, skill levels, and career paths.
So, which one is better for you?
Let’s break it down.
🔍 Overview: Security+ vs CEH
| Feature | CompTIA Security+ | Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | CompTIA | EC-Council |
| Level | Entry-level | Intermediate |
| Focus Area | General cybersecurity principles | Offensive security & penetration testing |
| Target Roles | Security Analyst, IT Security Admin | Ethical Hacker, Penetration Tester |
| Exam Code | SY0-701 (latest) | 312-50 (v12) |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes | 4 hours |
| Question Type | Multiple choice & performance-based | Multiple choice |
| Experience Needed | None officially, basic IT knowledge recommended | 2 years security experience (or EC-Council training) |
| Cost (Approx.) | $392 USD | $1,199 USD (Exam only) |
| Valid For | 3 years | 3 years |
🎯 When to Choose CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ is ideal if:
-
You're just starting your cybersecurity career.
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You want a vendor-neutral, well-rounded security foundation.
-
You're aiming for roles like Security Analyst, SOC Analyst, or IT Security Admin.
✅ Pros:
-
Beginner-friendly
-
Widely recognized by employers
-
Covers a broad range of cybersecurity concepts
-
Affordable and accessible
❌ Cons:
-
Doesn't go deep into hacking techniques
-
May feel too basic for experienced professionals
🎯 When to Choose CEH
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) is the better pick if:
-
You already have some IT/cybersecurity experience.
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You're serious about ethical hacking and offensive security.
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You want to become a Pen Tester, Red Team Member, or Ethical Hacker.
✅ Pros:
-
Focuses on real-world attack methods
-
Recognized in government and private sectors
-
Hands-on hacking labs (if you choose the iLabs version)
❌ Cons:
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More expensive
-
Requires prior knowledge or training
-
Less beginner-friendly
💬 Real Talk: What Employers Think
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Security+ often shows up in job listings for entry-level cybersecurity roles.
-
CEH is commonly requested for ethical hacking or penetration testing positions — especially in government/DoD roles (meets DoD 8570 baseline).
If you're new, Security+ can get your foot in the door. If you’re aiming for red teaming or pen testing, CEH adds offensive credibility.
🧠 Pro Tip: You Don’t Have to Choose Forever
Many professionals start with Security+, then later upgrade to CEH or even go for advanced certs like OSCP or CISSP.
🏁 Final Verdict
| Scenario | Best Certification |
|---|---|
| Starting out in cybersecurity | ✅ CompTIA Security+ |
| Switching from IT to security | ✅ CompTIA Security+ |
| Targeting ethical hacking jobs | ✅ CEH |
| Want a certification with lower cost | ✅ CompTIA Security+ |
| Have 2+ years of experience | ✅ CEH |
📢 Final Thoughts
Both Security+ and CEH are respected certifications that serve different purposes. Start where you are. Whether you're building your security foundation or breaking into hacking, there's a clear path forward.
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