Ethical Hacking Certification Cost

In the digitally connected world, enterprises place more emphasis on cybersecurity. The demand for experienced and knowledgeable cybersecurity professionals is skyrocketing. In fact, it is one of the fastest growing jobs as information security analyst is projected to grow to 32% from 2022 to 2032.

To get started in the field of cyber security, you must learn how to become an ethical hacker. You can legally break into enterprise computers and devices to identify security vulnerabilities and help strengthen an organization’s defenses. Completing CEH certification can help you get started in this career. Let’s explore CEH certification cost in India and whether it is worth completing for a lucrative career.

What is CEH Certification?

The International Council of Ecommerce Consultants (EC Council) offers a globally recognized certification program – Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). It validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in identifying and assessing all types of security issues in systems and networks. Typically, security professionals learn to think like hackers and find back doors in IT security through which malicious people can gain access. It enables them to protect organizations from known and unknown cyber threats. 

Ethical Hacking and CEH Certification

Ethical hackers simulate cyber attacks by exploiting security loopholes. This allows the cyber security team to be proactive in their approach and patch vulnerabilities before they become a security threat. The course is designed to equip practitioners with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform ethical hacking responsibly.

This certification program will teach you about network, system, and web application security. Trainers will help you acquire cryptography and social engineering skills to explore the various hacking techniques. While you develop the attitude of bad hackers, you will actually help organizations to prevent and avoid potential cyber threats. The IT security team can install security protocols only if they know the vulnerabilities in the system.

Educational Requirements for the CEH Exam

While ethical hacking is exciting as you work to break system and network security, obtaining a CEH certification is not easy. You must pass the CEH exam, which tests your theoretical knowledge and practical skills. There is no specific education requirement to start a career in ethical hacking with CEH certification. You don’t need to complete any graduation or post-graduation degree to take this test.

However, it doesn’t mean that CEH certification is for anyone. EC council recommends that you have at least two years of IT security experience before attempting the exam. At least a basic foundational knowledge of networking, operating systems, and security principles is required. As CEH certification is an advanced level course, it is best to get your basics right even if you can afford the CEH cost.

Even without industry experience, you can become eligible for the CEH examination if you complete the official training offered by the EC Council. Sign up for CEH certification training with India’s leading education and training providers to get started as an ethical hacker.

CEH Exam Outline

The CEH examination lasts for at most four hours, where you must answer 125 multiple-choice questions from 20 domains outlined in the course. A broad spectrum of cyber security topics are covered, including:

• Information security and ethical hacking
• Footprinting and reconnaissance
• System hacking
• Network hacking
• Web hacking
• Cryptography
• Social engineering
• Mobile hacking 
• Cloud Security
• IoT hacking

There is no specific pass percentage requirement for the CEH exam. The EC council sets exam forms dynamically, and the cut score varies from 60% to 85% based on the exam form offered to you. You will have a better chance of passing the examination only if you have clear knowledge of the various domains.

The Cost of CEH Certification in 2024

The CEH certification cost varies based on how you learn and how you want to attend the exam. Applicants with at least 2 years of experience need not attend the training, but they must pay a non-refundable application fee of US$100. If you attend the training through an EC-Council-approved partner, your training fee will usually include this application fee. The ECC exam voucher costs US$950 for online examination. The official CEH courseware costs $850. The Pearson VUE voucher costs US$1199, and you can take the test at one of the approved test centers near you.

The CEH course fees in India vary based on your chosen EC Council partner. It is also affected by the choice of your examination center and whether you want an online examination. However, ensure that you are trained by an EC council-approved partner to ensure that you become eligible for the examination. 

How to Apply for CEH Examination

When you complete the official training of the EC council, you will be automatically verified and become eligible for the examination. You can go ahead and pay for the exam voucher of your choice. Sometimes, the course provider will also do this for you, and your examination fee will be included as a part of the course fee. 

If you don’t complete the official training and wish to apply for the CEH exam based on your work experience, you must pay the $100 application fee and submit your exam eligibility application form. You will be approved to take the exam only if the application form is approved. Submitting the application form alone will not guarantee that you will be allowed to take the exam. 

However, completing the official course training will make you eligible to take the exam even without other educational qualifications or industry experience. 

Cost of the CEH Exam Application

The standard application fee for the CEH exam is US$100. This is applicable to everyone applying for the exam. This fee is refundable. 

If you apply for the exam without official training, you may have to pay this fee separately. Otherwise, the application fee will be included in the course fee. You will receive a notification whether you are approved for the examination, and then you can pay the exam fee. 

Training Costs for CEH Training

The CEH certification cost in India varies based on the training center and the type of training you choose. If you choose a self-paced study with an EC council-approved partner, you will be provided with the official courseware. This contains access to thousands of videos, which you can use to study on your own. You can refer to any ethical hacking tutorial to strengthen your understanding.

However, instructor-led training is far more efficient because you can clear your doubts with subject matter experts and industry leaders. Many training institutions in India offer exclusive training with EC council-approved instructors to help you grasp the concepts and pass the examination effortlessly.

CEH Exam Retake Costs in Case You Fail to Pass 

CEH exam without a specific pass percentage is one of the most difficult exams to pass. When you fail the exam, it is possible to retake it without paying the exam fee all over again. Candidates can take 4 exams per year if they fail to pass the CEH exam. The time gap necessary between exam attempts is 14 days. However, if you don’t pass the exam after four attempts, you must wait 12 months before retaking the exam. 

The exam retake cost is US$499. This is non-refundable and valid for a year from the date of release. You have to submit your application form once again with details of the examination that failed to be approved. However, there is no application fee for exam retakes. Once you purchase this retake voucher, you can take the exam online on your chosen date. 

Conclusion

CEH certification is valuable for anyone wanting to learn ethical hacking. It can be a stepping stone to a fulfilling and rewarding career in cyber security. The CEH certification cost in India can be significant, but the potential benefits include a higher salary and better job opportunities. So, it is a worthwhile investment, provided you choose an EC council-approved training partner.

FAQs

Who is eligible for CEH?

Anyone with a basic understanding of networking and computer systems can take the CEH exam after completing the training program. However, practical experience in IT or cybersecurity is beneficial.

How much does a CEH exam cost?

The CEH exam cost is $950 or $1199 based on the online examination or examination at the test center.

Is CEH certification worth it in India?

Yes, CEH certification is highly valued in India’s growing cybersecurity industry, leading to increased job opportunities and higher salaries.

How long is the CEH course in India?

The duration of CEH courses in India varies depending on the training provider and format. It can range from a few days to several weeks.

Is CEH easy to pass?

The CEH exam is challenging, and passing requires adequate training, dedicated preparation, and practice.

Is CEH enough to get a job?

While CEH certification is a valuable asset for security professionals, having practical experience along with the certification increases your job prospects. Organizations prefer to employ CEH-certified experts because of their skills and knowledge. 

What is the minimum salary for CEH?

In India, the average base salary for CEH is Rs. 7,75,000 per annum. The salary may vary based on your education qualification, experience in cyber security, the organization you choose to work for, and work location.