Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Offered by EC-Council
The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) from EC-Council validates knowledge of offensive security: reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation, and the tools and techniques used by attackers — so you can defend against them. The current v13 emphasizes AI-driven attack and defense techniques.
EXAM AT A GLANCE
Format
125 multiple-choice questions (knowledge exam, 312-50)
Testing time
4
hours
Sections
5
Delivery
EC-Council exam portal or Pearson VUE (proctored)
Passing score
Varies
Cost
Roughly $950–$1,200 USD for the exam voucher
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What the exam covers
Reconnaissance and footprinting
Scanning, enumeration, and vulnerability analysis
System hacking and malware threats
Network, web, and application attacks
Cloud, IoT, and cryptography
About the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification
A separate, optional hands-on CEH Practical exam earns the 'CEH Master' designation.
Who it’s for
Security analysts, penetration testers, and defenders who want to understand attacker tradecraft.
- Passing score
- Varies by exam form, typically 60%–85% (cut-score per form)
- Validity
- 3 years; maintain with 120 ECE credits
- Prerequisites
- Complete official EC-Council training, OR document 2 years of information-security work experience plus a $100 eligibility application
Official exam page· Details verified August 2026
Exam details can change. Always confirm current requirements, fees, and exam policies with the certification provider before registering.
How to prepare
01
Build a home lab (Kali Linux plus vulnerable targets) to practice safely and legally.
02
Work through the phases of an attack: recon, scanning, exploitation, and post-exploitation.
03
Get comfortable with tools like Nmap, Metasploit, Wireshark, and Burp Suite.
04
Study the CEH exam blueprint and the AI-focused additions in v13.
05
Confirm eligibility (training or experience waiver) before booking.
FAQ
Do I need to take EC-Council training?
Only if you don't meet the experience path. With 2+ years of documented infosec experience you can apply for an eligibility waiver ($100) and self-study instead.
What's the difference between CEH and CEH Master?
CEH is the multiple-choice knowledge exam. Passing the separate 6-hour hands-on CEH Practical as well earns the CEH Master designation.
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