The world's most advanced ethical hacking certification that equips cybersecurity professionals with the skills needed to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in target systems using the same knowledge and tools as malicious hackers, but in a lawful and legitimate manner.
Join over 200,000 certified professionals in 145+ countries who have earned this prestigious credential.
The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is the world's most trusted ethical hacking certification and represents the pinnacle of hands-on cybersecurity training.
125 multiple-choice questions
4 hours duration
Online proctored or at testing centers
Available in multiple languages
Score range: 0-100%
Passing score: 70% or higher
Result provided immediately after exam
No negative marking
Exam fee: $1,199 USD (self-study)
Training + exam: $2,895 USD
Certification valid for 3 years
Annual renewal with CPE credits
The CEH v12 certification covers comprehensive modules that provide hands-on experience with the latest hacking tools, techniques, and methodologies used by cybersecurity professionals.
Additional modules include: Social Engineering, Denial-of-Service, Session Hijacking, Evading IDS/Firewalls, Hacking Web Servers, Hacking Web Applications, SQL Injection, Hacking Wireless Networks, Hacking Mobile Platforms, IoT Hacking, Cloud Computing, and Cryptography.
To pursue the CEH certification, candidates must meet specific educational and experiential requirements as outlined by EC-Council.
A curated bank of thousands of questions mapped to exam blueprints (CEH). Questions include explanations, references, and difficulty tags. Practice by domain, by timed exam, or randomized for long-term retention.
Timed mocks that mimic official exams and hands-on labs that simulate audits, SOC tasks and incident response scenarios — not just multiple-choice memorization.
After completing a validated skills assessment, CSQNA issues a verified certificate that proves practical capabilities. You can take the skills check (unlimited attempts for 30 days) and receive a downloadable certificate once you meet the passing criteria.
The CEH exam tests your knowledge across 20 comprehensive modules using practical and theoretical questions.
The CEH v12 exam is a 4-hour, 125-question multiple-choice test that evaluates your understanding of ethical hacking concepts, tools, techniques, and procedures.
4 hours total duration
125 questions total
Multiple-choice format
70% passing score
Score range: 0-100%
Immediate results
Pearson VUE testing centers
Online proctored exam
Available in multiple languages
First retake: 30-day wait
Subsequent retakes: 30-day wait
Unlimited attempts (with fees)
| Domain | Percentage | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Background & Introduction | 6% | 8 |
| Analysis/Assessment | 13% | 16 |
| Security | 25% | 31 |
| Tools/Systems/Programs | 32% | 40 |
| Procedures/Methodology | 20% | 25 |
| Regulation/Policy | 4% | 5 |
CEH certification opens doors to high-paying cybersecurity roles and validates your skills to employers worldwide.
CEH certified professionals earn competitive salaries:
$70,000 - $150,000+CEH certification qualifies you for roles including:
CEH is recognized and required by:
| Certification | Focus Area | Experience Required | Exam Format | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEH v12 | Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing | 2 years (self-study path) | 125 Q, 4 hours | $103,000 |
| CompTIA Security+ | Foundational Security | None | 90 Q, 90 minutes | $84,000 |
| CISSP | Security Management | 5 years | 100-150 Q, 3 hours | $127,000 |
| OSCP | Practical Penetration Testing | None | 24-hour practical | $97,000 |
Get answers to the most common questions about the CEH certification, exam, and career path.
CEH (Theory) is a 4-hour multiple-choice exam testing your knowledge of ethical hacking concepts, tools, and methodologies.
CEH Practical is a 6-hour hands-on exam where you must demonstrate your skills by exploiting vulnerabilities in a simulated environment. Both certifications are separate but complementary - many professionals obtain both to validate both knowledge and practical skills.
The CEH exam is considered moderately difficult, with a passing rate of approximately 65-70% for first-time test takers who have completed official training. The exam requires both theoretical knowledge and understanding of practical applications. Successful candidates typically spend 3-6 months preparing, with 200-300 hours of study and hands-on practice recommended.
Initial Certification:
Renewal (every 3 years):
Effective CEH preparation includes:
CEH is excellent for beginners with some IT background, but it's recommended to:
For complete beginners, building foundational skills through Network+ and Security+ first is advisable before pursuing CEH.
To maintain your CEH certification, you must:
CPE credits can be earned through: continuing education, attending conferences, publishing articles, teaching/training, self-study, and other professional development activities.