Choosing between CEH and PenTest+? This comprehensive guide breaks down the key differences in difficulty, cost, salary potential, prerequisites, and career outcomes to help you make the right decision for your professional goals.
The CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) and PenTest+ (CompTIA PenTest+ Certification) are two of the most sought-after certifications in their field. While they share some common ground, each serves a distinct purpose and targets different career stages.
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) is a widely recognized credential in its field. It certifies ethical hacking skills, teaching professionals to think like malicious hackers while legally testing organizational security defenses.
PenTest+ (CompTIA PenTest+ Certification) serves a complementary but distinct purpose. It validates hands-on penetration testing skills including planning, scoping, vulnerability assessment, and reporting for CompTIA-certified professionals.
Understanding the differences between these two certifications is essential for making an informed career decision. Let's examine each aspect in detail, from exam structure and difficulty to long-term earning potential. CEH Practice Test and PenTest+ Practice Test are both available on our platform to help you prepare for whichever path you choose.
When comparing difficulty, the CEH is rated hard while the PenTest+ is considered moderate-hard. This difference reflects the depth and breadth of knowledge each exam tests.
The CEH exam consists of 125 questions with a passing score of 60–85% (varies by exam form). Candidates typically need 3–5 months study of dedicated preparation to feel confident on exam day.
The PenTest+ exam features Up to 85 questions with a passing threshold of 750/900. Most candidates invest 2–4 months study in preparation, though this can vary based on prior experience and study habits.
Both exams reward consistent, structured study. Practice tests are particularly valuable for building familiarity with question formats and identifying knowledge gaps before test day.
Career earnings are a major factor when choosing between certifications. CEH holders can expect to earn $80,000–$110,000 annually, while PenTest+ credential holders typically earn $70,000–$95,000.
These figures represent national averages and can vary significantly based on location, years of experience, industry sector, and additional certifications held. Metropolitan areas and specialized roles often command premium salaries.
Beyond base salary, consider the long-term career trajectory. Some certifications open doors to management roles, specialized positions, or consulting opportunities that can significantly increase earning potential over time.
CEH Prerequisites:
PenTest+ Prerequisites:
Be sure to verify the most current requirements with the official certifying body, as prerequisites can change. Some organizations offer waivers or alternative pathways for candidates with significant work experience.
For most professionals, starting with PenTest+ is the recommended path. It provides foundational knowledge with a more accessible entry point, preparing you for the more demanding CEH certification.
With your PenTest+ credential in hand, you can gain practical experience that makes the CEH study material more concrete and manageable. Many successful professionals follow this progression.
That said, experienced professionals with strong backgrounds may choose to pursue CEH directly, especially if their career goals require the advanced credential sooner.
No matter which certification you choose, thorough preparation is the key to passing on your first attempt. Practice tests help you identify weak areas, build confidence, and get familiar with the exam format.
We offer comprehensive practice tests for both certifications:
Each practice test includes detailed answer explanations and hints to guide your study. Track your progress over multiple attempts to ensure you are fully prepared on exam day.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| CEH has a defined, publicly available content blueprint — candidates know exactly what to prepare for | The scope of tested content requires substantial preparation time that competes with existing professional or academic commitments |
| Multiple preparation pathways (self-study, courses, coaching) accommodate different learning styles and schedules | No single resource covers the full content scope — candidates typically need multiple study tools for comprehensive preparation |
| A growing ecosystem of study resources means candidates at any budget level can access quality preparation materials | Test anxiety and exam-day performance variability mean preparation effort does not always translate linearly to scores |
| Clear score reporting allows candidates to identify specific strengths and weaknesses for targeted remediation | Registration, preparation, and potential retake costs accumulate into a significant financial investment |
| Professional recognition associated with strong performance provides tangible career and academic benefits | Content and format can change between exam versions, making older preparation materials less reliable |
Try these questions from our free CompTIA practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
A user reports that Windows takes a very long time to boot. Which tool should a technician use to identify startup programs that are slowing down boot time?
Answer: B. Task Manager Startup tab
The Startup tab in Task Manager shows which programs launch at startup and their startup impact, making it the most direct tool for diagnosing slow boot times.
A user is having trouble connecting his Bluetooth headphones to his smartphone. Which of the following should the user try first?
Answer: B. Ensure that Bluetooth is turned “on” on the device.
When troubleshooting connectivity issues with Bluetooth headphones, the most fundamental first step is to ensure that Bluetooth is actually enabled on the smartphone. Many connectivity problems arise from this simple oversight, making it the logical initial check before attempting more complex solutions like resets or reboots.
Which principle states that users should only have access necessary for their role?
Answer: B. Principle of least privilege
The principle of least privilege ensures users only have the minimum access rights needed to perform their job functions, limiting potential damage.
A technician receives a 'Stop Error' (Blue Screen of Death) on a Windows machine. Which file should be analyzed first to identify the cause?
Answer: B. Minidump (.dmp) file
Minidump files (located in C:\Windows\Minidump) capture memory state at the time of a crash and are analyzed with tools like WinDbg to identify the cause.