ceh vs cissp

CEH vs CISSP: Knowing The Differences & Making The Right Choice

When looking for new work prospects, you will most likely come across CEH vs CISSP on the list of desirable professional qualifications. “Which one should I work on, and why?” you may wonder. This is a question that many of our pupils have raised. Because time and money are limited resources, it’s critical to invest […]

April 4, 2023

When looking for new work prospects, you will most likely come across CEH vs CISSP on the list of desirable professional qualifications. “Which one should I work on, and why?” you may wonder.

This is a question that many of our pupils have raised. Because time and money are limited resources, it’s critical to invest in a certification that corresponds to your professional experience and career objectives.

IT Exams has extensive expertise in providing training for these certifications. This post will provide you with an in-depth comparison of CEH vs CISSP so you can determine which is best for you.

Overview Of CEH Certification

ceh vs cissp

CEH is an abbreviation for Certified Ethical Hacker, a professional designation for someone certified to undertake cybersecurity assessment for corporations. An ethical hacker, as the term implies, is a computer security specialist employed by a corporation and authorized to break into the company’s computer systems to uncover security weaknesses.

After identifying the faults, these specialists must take preventative and corrective actions to protect the system from similar attacks by malevolent hackers.

With the increase in cybercrime and cyberattacks, there has never been a bigger need for ethical hackers. Certified Ethical Hackers (CEHs) can employ the same tactics as cyber criminals (hackers).

There are two available CEH Certifications: 

  1. CEH (ANSI): a knowledge-based multiple-choice exam 
  2. CEH (Practical): a hands-on virtual lab that simulates ethical hacking activities

In this article, we will only be covering CEH (ANSI).

Advantages of Becoming a CEH 

  1. Develop a Hacker Mindset 

A CEH certification can help you grasp the mindset of a black-hat hacker. You will also learn about ethical hacking strategies and hacking vectors, as well as how to reinforce the security system to make it as safe as feasible.

  1. Increase Career Opportunities 

If you understand the foundations of network security, you should apply for CEH certification. The qualification might open up a whole new world of professional opportunities for you. Even if you already work in IT security or network administration, CEH certification can help you further your career.

  1. Enhance Earning Potential  

Earning this qualification may lead to higher-paying employment all around the world. A CEH-certified specialist earns an average yearly income of $96,000. Security specialists will be among the most in-demand professions in the sector in the next decades. 

  1. Educate on the Dangers of Technology 

Every time a new technology is introduced, new hazards emerge. Cybercriminals are continuously honing their craft. They swiftly identify holes in new technologies and prepare their strikes meticulously.

To keep your network safe from future assaults, you must stay up to date on the newest hacking tactics. The CEH certification may help you achieve this goal. 

  1. Help in the Advancement of one’s Career Prospects 

PEH certification is not only intended for penetration testers. Earning a CEH certification allows other IT professionals, including CISSP-certified workers, to obtain real network security knowledge and refine their abilities. 

On this website, we have released hundreds of free 2023 CEH practice questions to help you familiarize yourself with the test format. Check it out!

Overview Of CISSP Certification

ceh vs cissp

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a certification created by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, often shortened to (ISC)² or sometimes (ISC)². 

The CISSP certification is the earliest ANSI 17024 approved information security certification, having been founded in 1994. The CISSP certification is intended for security professionals with several years of experience who wish to show their knowledge and skill across multiple information security disciplines. It is frequently referred to as “a mile wide and an inch deep.”

Advantages of Becoming a CISSP 

  1. Increase Your Earnings 

Taking the course shows a strong commitment to a good code of ethics as well as a thorough grasp of cybersecurity. Furthermore, companies value and appreciate the CISSP certification. As a result, you might expect a larger salary. 

  1. Allow You to Achieve Your Professional Goals

The demand for CISSPs outnumbers the supply. As a result, there has never been a better moment to earn a Certified Information Systems Security Professional with (ISC)². The CISSP concentrations (CISSP-ISSMP for Management, CISSP-ISSEP for Engineers, and CISSP-ISSAP for Architects) allow you to develop your career. 

  1. Enable You to Work on the Front Lines of Cybersecurity 

The CISSP certification is difficult to get. This certification, on the other hand, demonstrates to the industry and peers that you are a consummate industry expert with the breadth of knowledge required to effectively manage and guide your organization’s cybersecurity. Employers respect the CISSP the most, according to the 2017 Cybersecurity Trends Spotlight Report. 

  1. Acquire Years of Real-World Cybersecurity Experience 

Your CISSP application requires paid hands-on cybersecurity experience. You will also require an existing (ISC)² certificate holder to attest to your knowledge and reputation. Finally, CISSP holders must obtain 120 CPE credits every three years to maintain their certification. 

  1. Join the World’s Largest Cybersecurity Expert Organization

Membership in (ISC)², the world’s most renowned non-profit cybersecurity organization, is included with CISSP certification. Furthermore, the Professional Development Institute (PDI) provides professional development courses, continuing professional education through industry events such as Secure Summits conducted across the world, and technical webinars that examine current cybersecurity issues. 

Member Perks, the (ISC)² Community, and the biannual InfoSecurity Professional magazine are all available through PDI. 

Try our free 2023 CISSP practice exam questions now to access your recent weakness and strength!

CEH vs CISSP: Requirements

ceh vs cissp

CEH Requirements

EC-Council requires applicants to do one of the following before taking the CEH (ANSI) exam:

  • Complete the certified CEH training course offered by the EC-Council.
  • Have at least two years of experience working in information security.

If you have the necessary expertise and want to bypass the formal training course, you must complete an Eligibility Application Form and pay an application fee. This cost is non-refundable whether or not your application to take the test is accepted.

CISSP Requirements

To be eligible for the CISSP certification, applicants must have at least five years of cumulative experience in two or more of the eight domains covered by the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK).

A four-year college degree or a recognized certification can be used to satisfy one year of the five-year requirement. 

Please keep in mind that this is not a cumulative benefit; you cannot combine several certificates, degrees, or a mix of both to reduce your overall experience requirement by more than a year.

If you pass the test but lack the necessary experience, you will be awarded the “Associate of (ISC)²” title instead.

Furthermore, within nine months of taking the CISSP exam, all CISSP aspirants must be approved by an actual CISSP holder.

CEH vs CISSP: Exam Format

ceh vs cissp

CEH Exam

CEH is a knowledge-based, closed-book test. It comprises of 125 multiple-choice questions covering 20 areas and has a time limit of 4 hours. Among the issues discussed are:

  • Information security threats and attack vectors
  • Attack detection
  • Attack prevention
  • Information security procedures and methodologies

The minimum passing score for CEH (ANSI) exam can range from 60% to 85% depending on the test bank you receive.

CISSP Exam

CISSP is a closed-book, knowledge-based exam. It consists of 125-175 total questions and must be completed within 4 hours. The test is comprised of:

  • 50 unscored items (questions that might be used in future tests but don’t count against your score)
  • 75-125 Multiple choice questions and advanced innovative items (i.e., drag and drop items into the correct order)

The CISSP exam covers eight domains and is weighted as follows:

  • Security and Risk Management (15%)
  • Asset Security (10%)
  • Security Architecture and Engineering (13%)
  • Communication and Network Security (13%)
  • Identity and Access Management (IAM) (13%)
  • Security Assessment and Testing (12%)
  • Security Operations (13%)
  • Software Development Security (11%)

The test employs the Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) methodology, which means that the quantity and complexity of questions are dynamically altered based on your prior responses. As a result, you cannot skip a question and return to it later, nor can you amend an answer that you have already given.

The CISSP test requires a minimum passing score of 700/1000 points.

Read more >> CISSP vs Security+: Which Certification Is Right for You?

CEH vs CISSP: Exam Difficulty

The CISSP test is extremely difficult, encompassing a wide variety of information and cyber security disciplines. The CAT format increases the total complexity by increasing the difficulty of each well-answered question for a specific area.

CEH (ANSI) on the other hand has a more limited focus, focusing primarily on penetration testing-related principles.

In short, CEH is seen to be the simpler of the two tests. The CEH test may include fewer questions, and the style is linear, enabling you to bypass sections you’re unsure about and return to them later.

ceh vs cissp

CEH vs CISSP: Cost And Renewal

CEH Cost And Renewal

You must first pay $850 for the official CEH training course before obtaining an exam voucher.

You can also submit an eligibility application form and a non-refundable $100 application fee if you have at least two years of information security expertise. If EC-Council rejects your application, your $100 application money will not be refunded.

The CEH (ANSI) exam voucher is now $1199 through Pearson Vue. You can save money if you plan to take the test online through ProctorU by obtaining an ECC exam ticket for $950.

If you fail your CEH (ANSI) exam, you can apply for a retake, and if approved, you can purchase the voucher for $499.

The CEH certification is valid for three years. To recertify, you must:

  1. Pay an annual membership fee of $80
  2. Earn 120 EC-Council Continuing Education (ECE) credits within the three-year recertification window

ECE credits are earned by attaining other security-related certifications and attending information security-related conferences and events. You can find more information about ECE credits in the article about CEH renewal.

CISSP Cost And Renewal

The current cost of the CISSP exam is $749. No discount is offered for retakes should you fail to pass on your first attempt.

The CISSP certification is valid for three years. To recertify, you must:

  1. Pay an annual maintenance fee of $125, Associates of (ISC)² (i.e., those who passed the exam but don’t possess the requisite work experience) pay $50 annually
  2. Earn 120 Continuing Professional Experience (CPE) credits within the three-year recertification window

CPE credits are earned through attending conferences, publishing information security-related works, serving on panels, and other activities. In CISSP CPE requirements, you can find more information about (ISC)²’s CPE requirements.

CEH vs CISSP: Career Opportunities And Salary

ceh vs cissp

CEH and CISSP certifications offer lucrative career prospects and competitive salaries in the cybersecurity field. However, the specific job roles and salaries can differ depending on the focus and requirements of each certification. 

CEH certification holders commonly find opportunities as penetration testers, ethical hackers, security analysts, and security consultants. According to PayScale, the average annual salary for CEH-certified professionals in the United States is approximately $92,000. Nevertheless, salaries can vary based on factors like experience, location, and industry. 

On the other hand, CISSP certification opens doors to job roles such as security managers, security consultants, security architects, and security directors. PayScale indicates that the average annual salary for CISSP-certified professionals in the United States is approximately $120,000. Once again, salaries can differ based on factors like experience, location, and industry. 

However, it is important to note that these figures serve as general guidelines and individual circumstances can lead to significant salary variations. Furthermore, obtaining a certification does not guarantee a specific job or salary, as employers also consider factors like experience, skills, and education when making hiring decisions.

Which Certification Is Better For Your Career?

ceh vs cissp

Given the prominence of network security in the computer industry, individuals are intrigued by opportunities in related roles. In light of this, which credentials are beneficial for securing a position in this rapidly expanding field? 

Top-notch online courses on Ethical Hacking impart knowledge about various systems and equip learners with the skills to identify and fortify any weaknesses or vulnerabilities that may be exploited in hacking attempts. The CISSP is an internationally recognized certification for IT professionals. It is an excellent option for those aiming to work internationally while also being mindful of hacking risks. 

The CEH certification is most suitable for individuals who possess a solid background in information technology. While technical knowledge is not mandatory, having some prior experience is advantageous. 

When comparing the difficulty of CEH and CISSP, CISSP is unquestionably more challenging. Although the course duration may be as short as six days, candidates must have a minimum of five years of database experience prior to enrollment. 

For individuals without financial backing from their current employer, obtaining the CISSP certification can be costly due to its high quality and strong demand. Consider your career aspirations, background, and financial circumstances to determine the best fit between these certifications and your expertise.

FAQs

ceh vs cissp

Is CISSP and CEH harder?

When it comes to complexity, the CISSP test is undoubtedly more challenging than the CEH exam. Even though the CISSP training may be completed in as little as six days, you must have at least five years of work experience before enrolling for the exam.

What is better than CEH certification?

CISSP is a comprehensive, high-level certification that is frequently more well-recognized than OSCP versus CEH. In today’s IT industry, it is regarded as one of the most prominent and renowned cyber security certifications.

Is CEH still worth it?

The answer is absolutely “yes.” The C|EH certification focuses on ethical hacking techniques and tools, giving individuals knowledge and skills in discovering vulnerabilities and safeguarding computer systems. CEH covers the five phases of ethical hacking, which any cybersecurity professional should be familiar with.

Is CISSP the hardest?

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional exam is often regarded as a demanding and challenging test for various reasons: Prior Learning and Experience: Candidates with prior knowledge and expertise in information security may find the test less difficult.

Is the CISSP for beginners?

While it is not encouraged, you can take the CISSP test without prior experience and then have 6 years to fulfill your 5 years of industry experience. After that, you submit your formal endorsement to become an official CISSP, and you may begin using those initials after your name.

Final Words

The need for cybersecurity specialists in the IT/IS business is quickly increasing, resulting in a plethora of career possibilities with high development potential and pay. Reading this CEH vs CISSP blog before deciding on certification can provide you with valuable insight into the necessary aspects of CEH or CISSP.  

Before you select a certification that suits your goals and expertise depending on where you want to enhance your IT abilities, consider your past and financial situation.

We hope this tutorial has helped you better grasp the differences between CEH vs CISSP, and we wish you the best of success on your cybersecurity journey. Remember that you can reach your cybersecurity job objectives and make a good difference in the sector with hard work and devotion.

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