Best Ethical Hacking Certifications for Beginners | A Complete Guide to Kickstart Your Cybersecurity Career
Ethical hacking is a crucial field in cybersecurity, and earning the right certification can help beginners break into this industry with confidence. Certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (eJPT), CompTIA Security+, Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), and GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) provide validation of skills, hands-on experience, and career advancement opportunities. These certifications cater to different levels of expertise, from complete beginners to those who want to specialize in penetration testing. For beginners, CEH is one of the most recognized certifications, covering hacking methodologies and tools. The eJPT is a more practical approach for hands-on learning, while CompTIA Security+ provides a broad understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals. OSCP and GPEN are for those who want advanced penetration testing knowledge. Choosing the right certification depends on factors like career goals, hands-on p
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Get Certified in Ethical Hacking?
- Best Ethical Hacking Certifications for Beginners
- How to Choose the Right Certification?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Introduction
Ethical hacking is one of the most in-demand skills in cybersecurity today, offering exciting career opportunities for those who want to protect digital systems. One of the best ways to prove your skills as an ethical hacker is by earning a recognized ethical hacking certification. These certifications validate your knowledge, help you gain credibility, and improve your chances of landing a job in cybersecurity.
If you're new to ethical hacking and wondering which certification is best for beginners, this guide will help you understand the most valuable options, their requirements, and how they can boost your career.
Why Get Certified in Ethical Hacking?
Earning an ethical hacking certification is crucial for multiple reasons:
- Proves Your Skills – Employers trust certified professionals over self-learners.
- Boosts Career Opportunities – Certifications make you eligible for ethical hacking and penetration testing jobs.
- Improves Salary Prospects – Certified professionals earn higher salaries than non-certified ones.
- Provides Structured Learning – Certification courses guide you through essential cybersecurity concepts.
Now, let’s explore the best ethical hacking certifications for beginners.
Best Ethical Hacking Certifications for Beginners
1. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – EC-Council
The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) by EC-Council is one of the most recognized ethical hacking certifications worldwide. It provides a strong foundation in penetration testing, cybersecurity threats, and hacking tools.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Provider | EC-Council |
| Difficulty Level | Beginner to Intermediate |
| Prerequisites | No prior experience required (self-study option available) |
| Topics Covered | Footprinting, scanning, enumeration, exploitation, cryptography |
| Exam Cost | Around $1,199 |
| Validity | 3 years |
Best For: Those looking to enter ethical hacking and penetration testing careers.
2. CompTIA Security+
While CompTIA Security+ is not purely an ethical hacking certification, it provides a strong foundation in cybersecurity, which is essential for ethical hackers.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Provider | CompTIA |
| Difficulty Level | Beginner |
| Prerequisites | No experience required |
| Topics Covered | Security concepts, network security, risk management |
| Exam Cost | Around $392 |
| Validity | 3 years |
Best For: Beginners who want a broad cybersecurity certification before specializing in ethical hacking.
3. eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (eJPT)
The eJPT by eLearnSecurity is a hands-on penetration testing certification, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Unlike CEH, which focuses on theoretical concepts, eJPT emphasizes practical skills.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Provider | eLearnSecurity |
| Difficulty Level | Beginner |
| Prerequisites | Basic knowledge of networking and Linux |
| Topics Covered | Network security, web application penetration testing, information gathering |
| Exam Cost | Around $200 |
| Validity | No expiry |
Best For: Beginners who prefer hands-on learning in ethical hacking.
4. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
The OSCP is a highly respected ethical hacking certification that tests your ability to perform penetration testing in real-world scenarios. It is more advanced than CEH but is highly recommended for those serious about ethical hacking.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Provider | Offensive Security |
| Difficulty Level | Intermediate to Advanced |
| Prerequisites | Strong networking, Linux, and scripting knowledge |
| Topics Covered | Advanced penetration testing, exploit development, privilege escalation |
| Exam Cost | Starts at $1,599 (includes lab access) |
| Validity | No expiry |
Best For: Beginners with some prior experience in cybersecurity and penetration testing.
5. GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
The GPEN by GIAC is an industry-recognized penetration testing certification designed for security professionals who want to gain hands-on ethical hacking skills.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Provider | GIAC |
| Difficulty Level | Intermediate |
| Prerequisites | Networking and security basics |
| Topics Covered | Penetration testing techniques, exploitation, post-exploitation |
| Exam Cost | Around $2,499 |
| Validity | 4 years |
Best For: Those who want a recognized penetration testing certification with real-world application.
How to Choose the Right Certification?
Choosing the right ethical hacking certification depends on several factors:
- If you are completely new to cybersecurity: Start with CompTIA Security+ or eJPT.
- If you want a well-recognized certification: CEH is the best choice.
- If you prefer practical hands-on learning: Go for eJPT or OSCP.
- If you want an advanced penetration testing certification: Consider OSCP or GPEN.
Conclusion
Ethical hacking is a promising career, and obtaining a certification is the first step toward becoming a cybersecurity expert. Whether you choose CEH, Security+, eJPT, OSCP, or GPEN, each certification will help you build credibility and improve your job prospects. Focus on hands-on practice, continuous learning, and ethical hacking challenges to strengthen your skills.
FAQs
What is the best ethical hacking certification for beginners?
The best certifications for beginners include CEH, eJPT, and CompTIA Security+.
Is CEH certification worth it?
Yes, CEH is widely recognized and helps beginners get jobs in ethical hacking.
Which is better: CEH or OSCP?
CEH is beginner-friendly, while OSCP is more advanced and hands-on.
Can I become an ethical hacker without certification?
Yes, but certifications increase credibility and job opportunities.
How long does it take to complete CEH?
It typically takes 2-3 months with dedicated study.
What is the cost of CEH certification?
CEH costs around $1,199, depending on the training provider.
Is OSCP certification good for beginners?
OSCP is challenging and better suited for those with prior knowledge of networking and Linux.
What is the cheapest ethical hacking certification?
eJPT is one of the most affordable, costing around $200.
Is CompTIA Security+ enough for ethical hacking?
It provides a strong foundation but does not focus solely on hacking techniques.
Can I get a cybersecurity job with just CEH?
Yes, but hands-on experience will significantly improve your chances.
What is the most practical ethical hacking certification?
OSCP and eJPT are considered the most practical and hands-on.
Is GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) worth it?
Yes, GPEN is a respected certification for penetration testing.
Which certification is best for penetration testing?
OSCP, eJPT, and GPEN are great choices for penetration testing.
Do I need programming skills for ethical hacking certifications?
Basic programming knowledge (Python, Bash, etc.) helps but is not always required.
Which ethical hacking certification is recognized worldwide?
CEH, OSCP, and GPEN have strong global recognition.
Can I get an ethical hacking certification for free?
There are free learning resources, but most certifications require a paid exam.
What jobs can I get with an ethical hacking certification?
You can become a penetration tester, security analyst, SOC analyst, or bug bounty hunter.
Do ethical hackers need a degree?
A degree is not mandatory; certifications and skills matter more in cybersecurity.
What is the highest-paying ethical hacking certification?
OSCP and GPEN lead to higher salaries due to their advanced level.
How much does OSCP cost?
OSCP costs start at $1,599, including lab access.
Which ethical hacking certification requires no experience?
CEH, eJPT, and CompTIA Security+ do not require prior experience.
Is ethical hacking a good career?
Yes, ethical hacking is in high demand, with excellent job prospects and salaries.
Which certification is better for beginners: CEH or eJPT?
CEH is more theoretical, while eJPT provides hands-on penetration testing experience.
Are ethical hacking certifications difficult?
Some are beginner-friendly (CEH, eJPT), while others (OSCP, GPEN) require advanced knowledge.
How often do I need to renew my CEH certification?
CEH certification must be renewed every three years.
Can I study for an ethical hacking certification online?
Yes, all major certifications offer online study materials and exams.
What are the best resources to prepare for ethical hacking certifications?
Books, online courses, hands-on labs, and practice exams are recommended.
Does ethical hacking certification guarantee a job?
No, but it significantly improves your chances of getting hired.
What are the best websites for ethical hacking certification training?
Websites like WebAsha Technologies, Cybrary, Udemy, and Coursera offer excellent training programs.
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