CEH vs CISSP Certification: A Detailed Comparison Guide For 2025

As a fast-evolving field, cybersecurity has become more and more complex, and certifications in the field provide a structured way for people to demonstrate their expertise and acquire specialized knowledge. All the more reason for those who are interested in pursuing a career in the IT security field, it is important to choose the best certification by comparing CEH Vs CISSP certification.

Securing sensitive data and systems against dynamic threats is a key component of cybersecurity in today’s digitally connected world. The need for qualified cybersecurity specialists is greater than ever as cyberattacks grow in sophistication and frequency.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the distinction between CEH and CISSP certifications. These two certifications, CEH vs. CISSP, stand as benchmarks for employers seeking capable individuals to fortify defenses and mitigate risks in the ever-evolving cyber landscape.

CEH vs CISSP: A Brief Comparison Overview

Both CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional course stand out as top certifications in cybersecurity. CEH focuses on ethical hacking and teaching skills to identify vulnerabilities in systems and safeguard them. Meanwhile, CISSP covers a broader range of security principles, making you a pro in various security domains. Both certifications are highly respected in the industry and showcase expertise, but CEH leans toward hands-on technical skills, while CISSP is more comprehensive and ideal for management-level roles.

What is CEH Certification?

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is a professional qualification provided by the EC-Council (International Council of E-Commerce Consultants) that demonstrates an individual’s proficiency in ethical hacking and cybersecurity. This certification is specifically designed for security professionals who are responsible for assessing the security of computer systems by using penetration testing techniques to find vulnerabilities.

The CEH certification is aimed at providing the necessary skills and knowledge to protect and secure an organization’s IT infrastructure from malicious hackers by understanding and using similar tools and techniques.

Now that we understand what the CEH certification entails, let’s explore some of the advantages of becoming a Certified Ethical Hacker.

Advantages of Becoming a CEH.

1. Specialized Skills & Industry Recognition

The CEH program equips you with skills to find vulnerabilities and safeguard systems, networks, apps, databases, and vital data from cyber threats. You’ll cover ethical hacking basics, including footprinting, penetration testing, reconnaissance, network scanning, enumeration, and related concepts. Also, with it’s widespread recognition, this certification gives you validation and credibility in the cybersecurity industry.

2. Career Opportunities

It opens doors to various job roles like:

• Security Administrator
• Systems Administrator
• Help Desk Manager/Analyst
• Network/Cloud Engineer
• Security Engineer/Analyst

3. Keep Up with the Latest Hacking Techniques

You’ll be able to prevent ever-evolving cyber threats from harming your systems by keeping up with the latest techniques.

The Key areas covered in CEH certification:

The CEH certification covers key areas essential in ethical hacking and cybersecurity:

• Introduction to Ethical Hacking
• Footprinting and Reconnaissance
• Scanning Networks
• Enumeration
• System Hacking
• Malware Threats
• Sniffing
• Social Engineering
• Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks
• Session Hijacking
• Hacking Web Servers
• IoT Hacking
• Cryptography

CEH Exam Details and Structure

Knowledge Exam: Consists of 125 multiple-choice questions to be completed within a 4-hour duration.

Practical Exam: Involves a 6-hour session with practical-based questions, including 20 scenario-based challenges, aiming to showcase your practical skills and abilities.

CEH (ANSI) Requirements

• Having at least two years of information security-related work experience, or having completed an official EC-Council training program.
• Submitting an application for eligibility, paying a non-refundable fee, and providing proof of experience.
• Passing the CEH test to show that you are knowledgeable about cybersecurity and ethical hacking.

Moving further, let’s explore the CISSP certification.

What is CISSP Certification?

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is a globally recognized credential in the field of information security, granted by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, commonly known as (ISC)². This certification is designed for experienced security practitioners, managers, and executives interested in proving their knowledge across a wide array of security practices and principles.

The CISSP certification is highly regarded in the IT industry and can open doors to advanced roles such as IT manager, chief information security officer, security analyst, security systems engineer, and more.

Advantages of Becoming a CISSP

1. Industry Recognition

The CISSP certification has gained credibility and respect in the cybersecurity field and is recognized globally.

2. Career Advancement

CISSP benefits experienced security professionals, managers, and executives, proving their wide expertise for leadership roles, including those holding the following roles:

• Chief Information Security Officer
• Chief Information Officer
• Director of Security
• IT Director/Manager
• Security Systems Engineer
• Security Analyst

3. Comprehensive Knowledge

Offers a comprehensive grasp of cybersecurity principles by addressing a wide range of security domains.

4. High Demand

As companies look for qualified individuals to head their security operations, CISSP holders are in high demand.

Core domains covered in CISSP certification

The CISSP exam structure outlines the specific content of the eight domains included in the exam.

The various domains are:

• Security and Risk Management
• Asset Security
• Security Architecture and Engineering
• Communication and Network Security
• Identity and Access Management (IAM)
• Security Assessment and Testing
• Security Operations
• Software Development Security.

Moving forward, let’s take a closer look at the format and key details of the CISSP exam.

CISSP Exam Details and Format

The CISSP exam is Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) for English tests and uses fixed-form exams for other languages.

CISSP Certification Eligibility Requirements

• Five years minimum of full-time, paid employment in two or more CISSP domains or
• One year of experience may be replaced with a four-year degree or an authorized credential.

To validate your work experience, you must receive an endorsement from an (ISC) 2-certified professional after passing the exam.

Proceeding further, let’s explore the comparison between the CEH and CISSP certifications.

CEH vs CISSP: A Detailed Comparative Analysis

CEH vs CISSP: Which Certification Aligns The Best With Your Career Aspirations?

If you’re made for practical technical positions like vulnerability assessment, ethical hacking, and penetration testing, preparing for the CEH exam is the choice for you. It fits in well if you want to specialize in the technical areas of cybersecurity and are targeting offensive security-focused roles.

If your objective is to advance into managerial or leadership roles in the cybersecurity industry, the CISSP is a better fit. It is appropriate for roles in security leadership and management since it addresses a broad range of security domains and places an emphasis on security management, risk assessment, and strategy.

Choosing between CEH vs CISSP is crucial for continual growth in the cybersecurity landscape. While the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) training equips you with core skills, the ever-evolving nature of cyber threats demands ongoing learning. Consider exploring advanced modules, specialized workshops, or staying updated with the latest industry trends. This Certified Ethical Hacking Course – CEH v12 sharpens core cybersecurity skills vital for security analysts. Edureka’s CEH v12 training ensures you’re well-prepared for cybersecurity challenges, offering a robust security understanding.

The CISSP certification is highly respected in the infosec field. Edureka provides top-notch CISSP training, empowering you to upskill and pursue leadership roles. Achieving CISSP validates both technical and managerial skills, enabling effective creation and administration of security frameworks within organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is more valuable, CEH vs CISSP certification?

The choice between CISSP and CEH is based on career goals. Technical roles work best with CEH, whereas management and leadership roles work best with CISSP. In the industry, both certifications are important, but their “value” varies according to how well they match a person’s career goals with the demands of the industry or a particular job role.

2. Is the CEH exam tough to pass?

The technical depth of the CEH exam can be challenging, but for those who are familiar with cybersecurity concepts, it can be manageable with thorough study and hands-on practice.

3. How much does it cost to get CEH certified?

Training packages, which normally cost between $1,199 and USD 2,999, are provided by EC-Council or approved training facilities. Exam costs, which, if taken apart from the training package, can vary from $950 to USD 1,199.

4. What type of jobs I can get with a CEH certification?

Absolutely obtaining a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification can greatly improve your chances of finding employment in the cybersecurity industry. It attests to your proficiency with ethical hacking and cybersecurity procedures, which makes you a desirable applicant for a number of positions:

• Testing for Penetration
• Analyst of Security and Ethical Hacking
• Engineer for Network Security
• Security Consultant
• Incident Responder

5. Is a CISSP as good as a Master’s Degree?

Though a Master’s degree offers more theoretical knowledge, a CISSP certification shows expertise in cybersecurity domains and is highly respected in the industry. The CISSP program emphasizes industry-specific skills and is more hands-on, whereas a Master’s degree program goes deeper into cybersecurity academic study and research. Both are valuable because they support various goals and career paths.

6. What are the eight domains in CISSP?

The CISSP exam structure outlines the specific content of the eight domains included in the exam. The Eight domains, including

• Security and Risk Management
• Asset Security
• Security Architecture and Engineering
• Communication and Network Security
• Identity and Access Management (IAM)
• Security Assessment and Testing
• Security Operations
• Software Development Security.

7. Can I participate in the CISSP exam even if I have no experience?

Yes, you can sit for the CISSP exam without the necessary experience. Still, until you obtain the required work experience for full certification, you’ll be recognized as an “Associate of (ISC)2” status.

We’ve reached the end of this blog comparing CEH vs CISSP. Hopefully, you now have a clear understanding of each course, including certification costs and exam details. If you’re interested in CISSP Certification Training or want further insights into the CEH v12 Certified Ethical Hacking Course, consider exploring these certifications.