Introduction:
1、How Much Does CEH Certification Cost? (2025)

2、Cost to Hire an Ethical Hacker: What to Know
How Much Does CEH Certification Cost? (2025) ♂
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification costs $950 to $1,199 for the exam voucher alone, plus an extra $100 to take the exam remotely. The EC-Council also charges a $100 application fee for all candidates. CEH training costs $1,950 to $3,600, depending on the course provider, format, and features included, with most including an exam voucher.
The CEH exam costs $950 if taken at an ECC test center or $1,199 if taken at a Pearson Vue test center, not including the cost of any training. If you take the exam remotely, there is an additional $100 fee for remote proctoring.
EC-Council does not allow candidates to take the CEH exam without first attending an accredited training course unless the candidate already has 2+ years of IT security experience. If you don?meet the experience requirements, you? need to purchase a training package instead of a voucher.
An EC-Council accredited training course costs $1,950 to $3,600, depending on the provider, format, and features included. All of these training courses come with one CEH exam voucher. Some providers offer packages that include an additional voucher for a retake, especially if they have a "pass guarantee" policy.
Training course formats include self-paced online video courses or live instructor-led in-person and online courses, usually offered in a 5-day bootcamp style. Most courses also include eCourseware, practice exams, interactive online labs, and a library featuring thousands of ethical hacking tools.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is a credential that demonstrates your cybersecurity knowledge and skills. CEH certification is granted by the EC-Council and is globally recognized in the IT industry.
A Certified Ethical Hacker is an IT security professional who is trained to evaluate the security and vulnerability of computer systems and networks. Ethical hackers perform security assessments and penetration tests, using their hacking knowledge in a legal way to solve security weaknesses and prevent data breaches.
The CEH exam is a 4-hour test with 125 multiple-choice questions covering a wide range of cybersecurity topics related to the five phases of ethical hacking:
Reconnaissance: The attacker gathers information about the target before launching an attack.
Scanning: The attacker uses various tools to collect information on networks, file systems, or websites to identify vulnerabilities.
Gaining access: The attacker gains access to the system or application.
Maintaining access: The attacker achieves continued access even when the user is logged off or the machine is rebooted.
Covering tracks: The attacker deletes logs, removes tools and scripts, and eliminates any artifacts that might leave a trace of their presence in the system.
Candidates must pay a $100 application fee and meet the following eligibility requirements to take the CEH exam:
Complete an EC-Council-accredited training course, or
Have at least 2 years of previous information security experience and knowledge in these fields:
Information security and ethical hacking
Reconnaissance techniques
System hacking phases and attack techniques
Network and perimeter hacking
Web application hacking
Wireless network hacking
Mobile platform, IoT, and operational technology (OT) hacking
Cloud computing
Cryptography
Candidates who choose to skip the training course must submit documentation and evidence of their work experience with their Eligibility Application.An ethical hacker holding a laptop
CEH certification may be worth it if you plan to pursue a career in cybersecurity. The certification is widely recognized in the industry and demonstrates your skills to potential employers. The average salary for a Certified Ethical Hacker is $98,500 to $124,300, which is about 3% to 10% more than the average salary for a penetration tester.
If you plan to pursue a higher-level IT career, consider CISSP certification. The CISSP exam costs $749 and has much stricter and more comprehensive eligibility requirements. While CEH focuses on penetration testing and ethical hacking methods, CISSP covers a broader scope of topics related to IT security best practices and management.
The CEH credential is valid for 3 years from the date of certification. To keep their certification active, members must participate in the EC-Council Continuing Education (ECE) Program, pay an $80 annual fee, and complete qualifying events to earn a total of 120 credits.
Qualifying events include:
Attending association/organization chapter meetings
Authoring articles, book chapters, white papers, courses, modules, or security tools
Passing a different IT security certification exam
Attending IT seminars, conferences, or events
Taking IT courses
Passing higher education courses
Identifying a new security vulnerability
Reading IT security books and case studies
Participating in EC-Council surveys, item writing, and exam beta testing
Giving a presentation
Teaching
Volunteering in the public sector
However, activities performed as part of a job role are not eligible for ECE credits.
Yes, you can take the CEH exam online with remote proctoring by EC-Council for an extra $100 fee. To qualify for the online exam, your computer, webcam, and internet download and upload speeds must meet EC-Council?minimum Technical Specifications and Requirements.
You can also take the CEH exam at ECC exam centers on college and university campuses or at Pearson Vue testing centers.
The CEH exam is generally considered a difficult test requiring extensive study and preparation. The exam covers a wide range of theoretical concepts and practical skills, and most candidates spend at least a few months studying and taking practice tests before their first attempt.
Yes, you can retake the CEH exam. There is no waiting period to retake the exam if a candidate doesn?pass on the first attempt. If the candidate doesn?pass on the second, third, or fourth attempt, they must wait at least 14 days before attempting the exam again.
Candidates can attempt the CEH exam 5 times in a 12-month period. If the candidate doesn?pass the fifth attempt, they must wait 12 months before being allowed to attempt the exam a sixth time.
Follow these tips when choosing a CEH training course or hiring a cybersecurity tutor to help you pass the exam on your first try:
Consider the course format or the tutor?teaching style. Some students benefit from the structured approach of a live bootcamp while others prefer the flexibility of a self-paced course.
Evaluate the quality of the course materials. Make sure the training package includes practice tests, study guides, and interactive labs.
Confirm the training course price includes an exam voucher.
Research the tutor?or training course provider?track record by reading reviews from previous students if possible.
Make sure the availability or class timeline aligns with your preferences and schedule.
Look for tutors or courses that monitor your progress and give feedback on your performance.
Ask these important questions to ensure you select the best training program or computer security tutor:
How will you test my knowledge and skills as we progress?
Will you help create a personalized study plan?
What are the most difficult aspects of the CEH exam? How should I approach them?
Do you have any tips for time management during the exam?
How much time should I dedicate to independent study?
Are you available for questions or support between classes?
Cost to Hire an Ethical Hacker: What to Know ♂
In today’s increasingly digital world, cybersecurity has become a top priority for businesses of all sizes. As a result, the demand for ethical hackers, also known as white hat hackers, has skyrocketed. But how much does it actually cost to hire an ethical hacker? In this article, we’ll delve into the factors that influence the cost of hiring a skilled professional who can protect your organization from cyber threats.
With the rise of cybercrime and the constant threat of data breaches, organizations need to take proactive measures to safeguard their digital assets. This is where ethical hackers come in. Unlike malicious hackers, ethical hackers use their expertise to identify vulnerabilities in your systems and help you patch them up before a real cybercriminal can exploit them.
The importance of hiring an ethical hacker cannot be overstated. By conducting penetration testing, ethical hackers simulate real-world attacks to expose weaknesses in your network, applications, and infrastructure. This allows you to identify and address these vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by cybercriminals.
Hiring an ethical hacker is not just about mitigating risks; it’s also about building trust with your customers. With data breaches becoming more frequent and damaging, consumers are increasingly concerned about the security of their personal information. By investing in ethical hacking services, you demonstrate your commitment to protecting your customers’ data and can enhance your brand reputation.
When it comes to the cost of hiring an ethical hacker, several factors come into play. Understanding these factors will help you budget for cybersecurity and make informed decisions when selecting a professional to work with.
It’s important to remember that the cost of hiring an ethical hacker should not be the sole determining factor. Quality and expertise should take precedence over price alone. Hiring a skilled professional may require a higher investment upfront but can save you significant costs in the long run by preventing potential cyberattacks.
When it comes topricing models for ethical hacking services, there are several options available. Ethical hackers may charge based on hourly rates, daily rates, project-based fees, or retainer agreements. Each model has its advantages and considerations.
The choice of pricing model depends on the specific needs of your organization and the nature of the cybersecurity project. It’s essential to discuss pricing options with ethical hackers and negotiate a structure that aligns with your budget and requirements.
While the cost of hiring an ethical hacker can vary significantly based on the factors mentioned earlier, it’s helpful to have a general idea of average cost ranges. Keep in mind that these figures are estimates and may vary depending on the hacker’s expertise, location, and scope of the project.
It’s important to note that these are average cost ranges, and rates can vary depending on the specific factors mentioned earlier. It’s recommended to conduct thorough research and obtain quotes from multiple ethical hackers before making a decision.
Investing in ethical hacking services can provide significant value to your organization. Here are a few key benefits of hiring an ethical hacker:
By viewing ethical hacking as an investment rather than an expense, you can better understand the long-term value it brings to your organization.
When budgeting for ethical hacking services, it’s important to consider the following tips to ensure you make the most of your investment:
Remember that cybersecurity is an ongoing process, and your budget should reflect this. It’s important to continually invest in ethical hacking services to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensure the long-term security of your organization.
While the majority of ethical hackers are reputable professionals committed to protecting organizations, there are some red flags to watch out for when hiring an ethical hacker. These warning signs can help you avoid potential scams or subpar services:
By being vigilant and conducting due diligence, you can avoid falling victim to unethical practices or subpar services.
Hiring an ethical hacker may not be feasible or necessary for every organization. If you’re unable to allocate a budget for ethical hacking services, there are alternative approaches you can consider to enhance your cybersecurity:
While these alternatives may not provide the same level of expertise as hiring an ethical hacker, they can still significantly improve your organization’s cybersecurity posture and mitigate risks.
In today’s digital landscape, the cost of hiring an ethical hacker is an important consideration for organizations of all sizes. By understanding the factors that influence the cost, exploring different pricing models, and evaluating the value of ethical hacking services, you can make informed decisions when it comes to budgeting for cybersecurity.
Remember to prioritize expertise and quality over price alone, as the cost of a cybersecurity breach can far exceed the investment in ethical hacking services. By following best practices for budgeting, negotiating, and vetting ethical hackers, you can find a skilled professional who aligns with your needs and can fortify your digital defenses.
Related questions
When considering hiring hackers online, it’s critical to distinguish between ethical hackers (white-hat professionals who work legally to improve cybersecurity) and malicious actors (black-hat hackers engaged in illegal activities). Below is a breakdown of key considerations:
1. Ethical Hacking Platforms (Legitimate & Legal)
Reputable platforms connect businesses with vetted cybersecurity experts for penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and bug bounty programs. These platforms often include reviews and ratings:
- HackerOne or Bugcrowd: Top platforms for bug bounty programs with transparent reviews of hackers' performance.
- Upwork or Toptal: Freelance marketplaces where certified ethical hackers offer services (check profiles, ratings, and client feedback).
- Cobalt or Synack: Enterprise-focused platforms with vetted cybersecurity professionals.
2. Risks of "Hiring Hackers" for Illegal Activities
- Scams: Many "hacker-for-hire" services advertised online are fraudulent. They may take payment and disappear or use the interaction to blackmail you.
- Law Enforcement Stings: Illicit platforms or forums are often monitored by authorities (e.g., FBI, Interpol).
- No Accountability: Reviews for illegal services are often fake or manipulated. There’s no recourse if you’re cheated.
- Legal Consequences: Hiring hackers for unauthorized access (e.g., hacking social media, stealing data) is a criminal offense in most jurisdictions.
3. How to Safely Hire Ethical Hackers
- Verify Credentials: Look for certifications like CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), OSCP, or CISSP.
- Use Contracts: Ensure a clear agreement outlining the scope of work, confidentiality, and legal compliance.
- Check Reviews: On legitimate platforms (e.g., Upwork), read client testimonials and project histories.
- Avoid Shady Forums: Steer clear of dark web markets or unverified social media offers claiming to provide hacking services.
4. Red Flags to Watch For
- Promises of "100% success" or unrealistically low prices.
- Requests for payment in cryptocurrency only.
- No verifiable identity or portfolio.
- Offers to hack social media, emails, or bypass security systems illegally.
Final Advice
If your goal is to improve cybersecurity, work with ethical hackers through trusted platforms. If you’re seeking help with something potentially illegal, stop immediately—the risks far outweigh any perceived benefits. For personal security concerns (e.g., recovering a hacked account), contact official support channels or law enforcement.
Always prioritize legality and transparency to avoid severe consequences.

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