Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | CEH | PenTest+ |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | EC-Council | CompTIA |
| Level | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Exam Cost | $1199 | $404 |
| Avg Salary | $98,000 | $92,000 |
| Pass Rate | 60% | 65% |
| Study Hours | 80h | 60h |
| Difficulty | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Job Listings | 22.0K | 15.0K |
Our Verdict
CEH commands stronger brand recognition with 22K job listings vs PenTest+'s 15K and a $6K salary edge ($98K vs $92K), making it the safer bet if employer name recognition matters in your market. However, PenTest+ delivers arguably better bang for the buck at one-third the price ($404 vs $1,199), with a more hands-on, performance-based exam format that many hiring managers now respect equally. If budget is tight or you already hold Security+, PenTest+ is the pragmatic choice — if you need the credential most likely to clear HR filters at large enterprises and government contractors, CEH is still the default.
Choose CEH if you...
- Want higher earning potential ($98K vs $92K avg)
- Want broader job market demand (22.0K listings)
- Focus on EC-Council ecosystem and intermediate-level roles
Choose PenTest+ if you...
- Prefer a more accessible exam (65% pass rate)
- Want a lower exam cost ($404 vs $1199)
- Prefer a less challenging exam path (6/10 difficulty)
- Have limited study time (~60h vs ~80h)
Deep Dive Into Each Certification
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CEH worth the higher price compared to PenTest+?
It depends on your target employers. CEH's $1,199 price tag buys stronger name recognition, especially in government and defense contracting where it meets DoD 8570 requirements. But for private-sector penetration testing roles, PenTest+ at $404 provides comparable validation at a fraction of the cost. If you're self-funding, PenTest+ is the smarter financial play — if your employer is paying, CEH's brand premium may be worth leveraging.
Which exam is harder — CEH or PenTest+?
CEH has a lower pass rate (60% vs 65%) and requires more study hours (80 vs 60), but the difficulty is nuanced. CEH leans heavily on tool knowledge and theoretical concepts with multiple-choice questions. PenTest+ includes performance-based questions that require you to demonstrate actual skills in simulated environments. Many practitioners find PenTest+'s practical format more challenging despite the slightly higher pass rate.
Can I get a penetration testing job with just PenTest+?
Yes, PenTest+ is increasingly accepted as a standalone credential for junior to mid-level penetration testing roles. Combined with a Security+ foundation and demonstrable hands-on skills (labs, CTFs, bug bounties), PenTest+ holders regularly land pentesting positions. That said, many senior roles and consulting firms still list CEH or OSCP as preferred qualifications.
Should I get CEH or PenTest+ first?
If you're building a penetration testing career from scratch, PenTest+ first makes the most sense — it costs less, requires less preparation, and pairs naturally with the CompTIA pathway (A+ > Network+ > Security+ > PenTest+). You can always add CEH later when an employer or contract requires it. If you're already mid-career and targeting a specific role that lists CEH, go straight for it.
Related Career Paths
Data Sources
- Salary data — Aggregated from job postings and salary surveys (US median)
- Job listings — Active postings across major job boards
- Pass rates — Community-reported estimates