Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Certification
EC-Council's Certified Ethical Hacker certification validates your ability to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems using the same tools as malicious hackers, but in a lawful and authorised way.
It’s ideal for professionals who want to strengthen organisational security through ethical hacking and penetration testing techniques.
What is EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)?
The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification from EC-Council is a globally recognised credential for cyber security professionals. It demonstrates your ability to think and act like a hacker to identify system weaknesses before they can be exploited.
This certification focuses on real-world attacks, penetration testing methodologies, and defensive countermeasures, making it one of the most respected certifications in the cyber security industry.
This CEH certification guide was written by our team of cyber security experts.
What topics does the Certified Ethical Hacker certification cover?
This certification covers a full range of ethical hacking and cyber security methodologies. Key topic areas include:
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Footprinting and reconnaissance
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Scanning networks and enumeration
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System hacking and privilege escalation
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Malware threats and analysis
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Web application, wireless, and IoT hacking
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Cloud and mobile platform security
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Cryptography and social engineering
How do I earn a Certified Ethical Hacker certification?
To earn the CEH certification, candidates must pass the CEH v13 exam. The typical process includes:
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Completing an official training course such as Certified Ethical Hacker v13 (EC-CEH13).
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Gaining hands-on experience with penetration testing tools.
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Registering for and passing the CEH exam through EC-Council or Pearson VUE.
Successful candidates earn the globally recognised CEH credential.
What are the pre-requisites of a Certified Ethical Hacker certification?
There are no mandatory prerequisites for those who attend official EC-Council training.
However, candidates applying to take the exam without training must have:
- At least two years of work experience in information security.
- A strong understanding of networking, operating systems, and security fundamentals.
- Approval from EC-Council via an application process demonstrating relevant experience.
- Basic knowledge of TCP/IP, firewalls, and common hacking tools is also highly recommended.
Which roles require a Certified Ethical Hacker certification?
The CEH certification is ideal for professionals in roles such as:
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Penetration Testers who perform authorised simulated attacks.
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Security Analysts and Consultants responsible for vulnerability assessment and mitigation.
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Network and Systems Administrators who need to secure IT environments.
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Cyber security Engineers and Incident Responders managing live threats and breaches.
Employers value CEH-certified professionals for their practical understanding of hacker tactics and ability to strengthen an organisation’s cyber resilience.
Is a Certified Ethical Hacker certification worth it?
CEH remains one of the most in-demand cyber security certifications worldwide. It provides practical, real-world knowledge that employers look for when hiring penetration testers and information security analysts.
According to ITJobsWatch, UK cyber security analysts earn between £45,000 and £80,000 annually, with ethical hackers and penetration testers often exceeding £80,000.
Prepare for CEH with our course
This AI-enhanced course prepares cybersecurity professionals to earn the EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) v13 certification in just five days.
Prepare for the CEH exam
What is the exam structure of EC-Council's Certified Ethical Hacker certification?
The CEH exam (version 13) assesses both theoretical and practical knowledge of ethical hacking. It includes:
- 125 multiple-choice questions
- 4-hour duration
- Passing score between 60–85%, depending on exam form
The optional CEH Practical Exam further tests hands-on skills in a live, six-hour environment with 20 real-world scenarios. Candidates who pass both exams earn the CEH Master designation.
What study resources are available for the Certified Ethical Hacker exam?
You can prepare for the CEH certification using:
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An official training course, such as Certified Ethical Hacker v13 (EC-CEH13)
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EC-Council’s official certification overview and learning resources.
Does an EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker certification expire?
The CEH certification is valid for three years. To maintain certification, professionals must earn 120 EC-Council Continuing Education (ECE) credits within the three-year period. Credits can be earned through professional development, additional training, or attending cyber security conferences.
Why choose QA for CEH training?
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QA and its trainers have been recognised for its excellence in delivering EC-Council training courses.
More ways to learn
Our expert-led EC-Council training can be taken virtually with an instructor, or in-person in a classroom.
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