Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) vs Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

WINNER Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) are both highly respected...

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

8.5 Very Good

Online Learning Platform

emoji_events WINNER

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

9.2 Excellent

Online Learning Platform

psychology AI Verdict

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) are both highly respected certifications in the cybersecurity field, but they cater to different needs and skill sets. CEH excels at providing hands-on experience with ethical hacking techniques, making it an excellent choice for individuals who want to specialize in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment. The certification requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to identify vulnerabilities and exploit them, which is a crucial skill in proactive cybersecurity defense.

On the other hand, CISSP offers a broader scope of knowledge covering risk management, asset security, and security assessment methods, making it ideal for experienced professionals who need a comprehensive understanding of information security frameworks and standards. While both certifications are valuable, they serve different purposes: CEH is more focused on practical application, whereas CISSP emphasizes theoretical knowledge and strategic planning.

emoji_events Winner: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

verified Confidence: High

thumbs_up_down Pros & Cons

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

check_circle Pros

Hands-on experience with ethical hacking techniques
Real-world application of skills
Relevant for red team members

cancel Cons

Higher cost compared to CISSP
Steep learning curve for beginners

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

check_circle Pros

Comprehensive knowledge of information security frameworks and standards
Ideal for management roles in IT security
Broader scope of skills

cancel Cons

Higher cost compared to CEH
More theoretical, may not be as practical

compare Feature Comparison

Feature	Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)	Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Certification Type	Practical and hands-on	Theoretical and strategic
Exam Format	Hands-on lab exam	Multiple-choice exam
Duration of Training	Varies, typically 3-6 months	Varies, typically 6-9 months
Target Audience	Red team members and penetration testers	IT security managers and strategists
Certification Renewal	Every three years	Every five years
Continuing Education Requirement	Yes, 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every three years	Yes, 60 professional development hours (PDHs) every two years

payments Pricing

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

$4,400 total (training + certification)

Good Value

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

$5,600 total (training + certification)

Fair Value

difference Key Differences

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

CEH focuses on hands-on ethical hacking techniques, including network scanning, system penetration, and vulnerability analysis. This makes it highly relevant for those looking to specialize in offensive security.

Core Strength

CISSP covers a wide range of topics such as risk management, asset security, and security engineering. It is ideal for professionals who need a broad understanding of information security frameworks and standards.

CEH candidates must pass a hands-on lab exam that tests their ability to perform penetration testing on simulated systems, demonstrating practical skills in ethical hacking.

Performance

CISSP certification is based on a multiple-choice exam covering 8 domains of information security. It evaluates theoretical knowledge and strategic planning abilities.

CEH training costs around $3,500, with the certification itself priced at approximately $900. The value is in gaining practical skills that can be directly applied to real-world scenarios.

Value for Money

CISSP training and exam fees are higher, typically costing between $4,000 and $6,000. However, it offers a broader scope of knowledge and strategic insights into information security management.

CEH training is intensive but practical, with a focus on hands-on labs and real-world scenarios. The learning curve can be steep for beginners.

Ease of Use

CISSP training is more theoretical, requiring extensive study of security frameworks and standards. It may be easier to understand for those with prior IT experience.

CEH is best suited for individuals who want to specialize in ethical hacking and penetration testing, particularly those working in red teams or security consultants.

Best For

CISSP is ideal for experienced IT professionals looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of information security frameworks and standards, especially those in management roles.

help When to Choose

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

If you prioritize hands-on experience and practical skills in ethical hacking
If you need to specialize in penetration testing
If you choose Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) if your role involves red team activities

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

If you prioritize a broad understanding of information security frameworks and standards
If you need to manage IT security strategies
If you choose Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) if your role involves strategic planning in cybersecurity

description Overview

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

The CEH certification focuses on ethical hacking and penetration testing. It provides hands-on experience in identifying vulnerabilities, exploiting them, and providing recommendations for remediation. The course is ideal for those interested in cybersecurity defense.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The CISSP certification is designed for experienced IT security professionals. It covers a broad range of topics including risk management, asset security, and security assessment methods. The exam requires extensive knowledge and practical experience in information security.