CEH vs OSCP: Ultimate Comparison Guide for Ethical Hackers in 2025
"Not all certifications are created equal."
That couldn’t be more true in the world of ethical hacking! With cyber threats skyrocketing and businesses investing heavily in security, getting certified can be your golden ticket—but which one should you choose? In this guide, we dive deep into CEH vs OSCP, comparing everything from cost and difficulty to career prospects and real-world applicability. Whether you’re just starting out or planning your next move in cybersecurity, this no-fluff breakdown will help you decide which path to pursue.
The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a globally recognized certification offered by the EC-Council. It is designed for professionals looking to understand the fundamentals of ethical hacking.
Target audience: Beginners to intermediate ethical hackers
Topics covered: Footprinting, reconnaissance, scanning, enumeration, system hacking, malware threats, and more
Format: Theory-heavy with limited practical engagement
Exam: Multiple-choice questions (125 questions in 4 hours)
Recognition: Widely accepted in both government and private sectors
What is OSCP? (Offensive Security Certified Professional)
The OSCP is a certification offered by Offensive Security, known for its hands-on, real-world simulation approach to penetration testing.
Designed for: Intermediate to advanced penetration testers
Topics covered: Exploiting vulnerabilities, buffer overflows, privilege escalation, Active Directory attacks
Format: Extremely practical with a 24-hour exam
Exam: You must hack into a series of machines and document your steps
Recognition: Considered one of the most respected certifications in the field
CEH vs OSCP: Key Differences Explained
Learning Approach: CEH is theory-based; OSCP is practical and lab-focused
Difficulty: CEH is considered entry to mid-level; OSCP is advanced
Exam Style: CEH has multiple-choice questions; OSCP requires hacking into live systems
Time Commitment: CEH can be completed in weeks; OSCP requires months of prep
Cost: CEH is cheaper in many cases; OSCP has higher initial costs but greater ROI
Which One Should You Choose?
Your ideal certification depends on where you are in your cybersecurity journey:
Just Starting Out: CEH offers a solid theoretical foundation and broad knowledge
Ready for Real-World Challenges: OSCP demands more skill but delivers better hands-on expertise
Learning Style: CEH suits structured learners; OSCP suits self-driven, hands-on learners
Refer to:
CEH and OSCP Salary and Job Market Comparison
CEH Titles: Security Analyst, Junior Penetration Tester, IT Security Consultant
OSCP Titles: Penetration Tester, Red Team Specialist, Cybersecurity Engineer
CEH Salary (Avg): $70,000 – $90,000
OSCP Salary (Avg): $90,000 – $120,000
Hiring Trends: In 2025, employers increasingly value OSCP due to its practical nature, though CEH is still a preferred baseline for many roles
Pros and Cons of CEH and OSCP
| Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|
| CEH | Beginner-friendly | Limited hands-on training |
| Broad curriculum | Viewed as entry-level | |
| Globally recognized | ||
| OSCP | Real-world, hands-on experience | Very challenging |
| Highly respected | Requires more time and self-discipline | |
| Forces you to think like a hacker |
Can You Take Both? Strategy for Certification Stack
Yes! In fact, many professionals take both CEH and OSCP to balance theory and practice.
Step 1: Start with CEH to build foundational knowledge
Step 2: Transition into OSCP for hands-on skills
Step 3: Use both certifications to become a well-rounded ethical hacker
Comparison Table: CEH vs OSCP
| NO | Feature | Feature | OSCP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Issuing Body | EC-Council | Offensive Security |
| 2 | Difficulty | Beginner to Intermediate | Advanced |
| 3 | Exam Type | Multiple Choice | Practical, Hands-on |
| 4 | Duration | 4 hours | 24 hours |
| 5 | Format | Theory-heavy | Lab-based |
| 6 | Recognition | Widely recognized | Highly respected in industry |
| 7 | Cost | ~$950 | ~$1499+ |
| 8 | Focus | Broad overview of tools/techniques | Real-world penetration testing |
| 9 | Target Audience | Entry-level professionals | Experienced professionals |
| 10 | Recommended First Step | Yes | Best after foundational knowledge (e.g., CEH) |
Conclusion
Choosing between CEH vs OSCP can be tough, especially when both offer unique value in the ethical hacking world. If you’re just starting, CEH can give you a solid foundation. But if you’re hungry for hardcore, hands-on penetration testing skills, OSCP might be your weapon of choice. Consider your goals, time, budget, and learning style before jumping in. And remember—whichever path you choose, you’re one step closer to becoming a top-tier ethical hacker in 2025. Bookmark this guide and get hacking!
Q: Can I take OSCP without CEH?
A: Yes, but it’s recommended to have foundational knowledge first. CEH or equivalent experience helps.
Q: Is CEH enough to get a job in cybersecurity?
A: For entry-level roles, yes. However, hands-on skills (like those from OSCP) are often more valued.
Q: How long does it take to prepare for OSCP?
A: 3 to 6 months of consistent study and lab practice is typical.
Q: Does CEH have practical labs?
A: CEH v12 introduced practical labs, but they are still limited compared to OSCP.
Q: Which one is more recognized in the industry?
A: Both are recognized, but OSCP carries more weight for advanced, hands-on roles.
