Ethical Hacking Course Fees | How Much Does It Cost? – A Complete Guide to Pricing and Certification Costs

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What Is Ethical Hacking?
• Factors That Affect Ethical Hacking Course Fees
• Ethical Hacking Course Fees Breakdown
• Popular Ethical Hacking Courses and Their Fees
• How to Choose the Right Ethical Hacking Course?
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Introduction

Ethical hacking has become one of the most in-demand skills in the cybersecurity industry. Many professionals and students are looking for ethical hacking courses to enter this field. However, the cost of these courses varies depending on the certification, training platform, and level of expertise required. In this blog, we will explore the different types of ethical hacking courses, their fees, and factors that influence their pricing.

What Is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hacking involves legally testing and identifying vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications. Ethical hackers help organizations strengthen their cybersecurity by identifying and fixing security loopholes before malicious hackers can exploit them.

Why Take an Ethical Hacking Course?

• To gain practical skills in penetration testing
• To qualify for ethical hacking certifications like CEH, OSCP, CISSP, GPEN, etc.
• To improve job opportunities in cybersecurity
• To understand how hackers exploit systems and learn how to prevent attacks

Factors That Affect Ethical Hacking Course Fees

The cost of an ethical hacking course depends on several factors:

1. Type of Certification

Some ethical hacking courses come with globally recognized certifications, which makes them more expensive. For example, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) and OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) are among the most sought-after certifications in the industry.

2. Training Provider

Different platforms and institutions charge different fees. Courses from EC-Council, Offensive Security, SANS Institute, and Coursera have varying pricing structures.

3. Course Mode

• Self-paced online courses: Generally cheaper than instructor-led training
• Live instructor-led training: More expensive due to interactive sessions
• Classroom training: Costs more due to infrastructure and instructor fees

4. Course Content and Duration

Advanced courses with hands-on labs and real-world scenarios usually cost more than beginner-level courses.

5. Additional Costs

Some courses require additional costs for exam vouchers, study materials, and lab access.

Ethical Hacking Course Fees Breakdown

Here’s an estimated cost breakdown for different ethical hacking courses:

Popular Ethical Hacking Courses and Their Fees

1. CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) – EC-Council

• Fees: ₹50,000 - ₹1,20,000 ($600 - $1,500)
• Mode: Online and Classroom
• Best for: Beginners and professionals looking for a structured ethical hacking course

2. OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) – Offensive Security

• Fees: ₹1,25,000 - ₹1,50,000 ($1,499 - $1,699)
• Mode: Online, Hands-on Labs
• Best for: Professionals interested in penetration testing and red teaming

3. CompTIA Security+

• Fees: ₹30,000 - ₹50,000 ($400 - $700)
• Mode: Online and Instructor-led
• Best for: Beginners starting in cybersecurity

4. Bug Bounty & Web Hacking Courses – Udemy, Coursera, Cybrary

• Fees: ₹1,500 - ₹10,000 ($20 - $120)
• Mode: Online, Self-paced
• Best for: Those interested in web application security and bounty hunting

How to Choose the Right Ethical Hacking Course?

When selecting an ethical hacking course, consider the following:

1. Your Career Goals – If you want to become a penetration tester, go for OSCP; if you want a cybersecurity analyst role, start with CEH or Security+.
2. Your Budget – Choose courses that fit your budget without compromising quality.
3. Mode of Learning – Decide between self-paced, instructor-led, or classroom training.
4. Hands-on Training – Ensure the course includes practical labs and real-world exercises.
5. Certification Recognition – Pick globally recognized certifications to improve job prospects.

Conclusion

The cost of ethical hacking courses varies widely based on factors like certification, training provider, course content, and learning mode. While some courses like Udemy or Coursera offer affordable learning options, globally recognized certifications like CEH, OSCP, and CISSP can be expensive but highly valuable. Before enrolling, research your options, compare costs, and choose a course that aligns with your career goals.

Investing in an ethical hacking course is a stepping stone to a successful cybersecurity career, and selecting the right one can significantly impact your job prospects.

 FAQs 

What is the cost of an ethical hacking course?

The cost ranges from ₹1,500 to ₹3,00,000 ($20 to $4,000) depending on the certification and provider.

Which is the cheapest ethical hacking course?

Online courses on Udemy and Coursera start from ₹1,500 ($20).

Why do some ethical hacking courses cost more than others?

Advanced courses include lab access, certification exams, and live training, which increase the cost.

How much does the CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) certification cost?

The CEH certification costs between ₹50,000 - ₹1,20,000 ($600 - $1,500).

Is OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) worth the price?

Yes, OSCP is highly valued for penetration testing careers and costs ₹1,25,000 - ₹1,50,000 ($1,499 - $1,699).

Are there free ethical hacking courses available?

Yes, websites like Cybrary and TryHackMe offer free ethical hacking courses.

Which ethical hacking certification is better: CEH or OSCP?

CEH is beginner-friendly, while OSCP is more advanced and hands-on.

What is the cost of the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification?

The CISSP exam costs around ₹80,000 - ₹1,50,000 ($999 - $1,500).

Do companies pay for ethical hacking certifications?

Some employers reimburse certification costs for employees.

Which ethical hacking certification is best for beginners?

CEH and CompTIA Security+ are good choices for beginners.

Can I get a job with just an ethical hacking certification?

Yes, but hands-on experience is also recommended.

Is self-study cheaper than instructor-led ethical hacking training?

Yes, self-study is more affordable than instructor-led training.

Do online ethical hacking courses provide valid certificates?

Yes, platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and EC-Council provide certificates.

How much do bug bounty and web hacking courses cost?

Courses on platforms like Udemy range from ₹1,500 - ₹10,000 ($20 - $120).

Is CEH certification required for ethical hacking jobs?

It is widely recognized, but not always mandatory.

What is the cost of a practical ethical hacking course?

Courses with hands-on labs cost ₹30,000 - ₹2,00,000 ($400 - $2,500).

Which ethical hacking course offers lifetime access?

Udemy offers lifetime access for purchased courses.

How much does an ethical hacking diploma course cost?

Diploma courses cost between ₹40,000 - ₹1,00,000 ($500 - $1,200).

Do ethical hacking courses include lab practice?

Advanced courses like OSCP and CEH include lab access.

Can I get financial aid for ethical hacking courses?

Some platforms like Coursera offer financial aid options.

How much does EC-Council training cost for CEH?

EC-Council training costs between ₹80,000 - ₹1,20,000 ($999 - $1,500).

Do ethical hacking courses include real-world scenarios?

Yes, high-quality courses include practical penetration testing exercises.

Is there an ethical hacking course for government jobs?

CEH and CISSP are often preferred for cybersecurity government roles.

How much do corporate ethical hacking training programs cost?

Corporate training costs between ₹1,00,000 - ₹5,00,000 ($1,200 - $6,000).

What is the best budget-friendly ethical hacking course?

Udemy and Cybrary offer affordable ethical hacking courses.

Are there ethical hacking courses for beginners in India?

Yes, CEH and CompTIA Security+ are popular among beginners.

Do online ethical hacking courses offer job placement?

Some institutions offer placement assistance, but not all.

How much does SANS GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester) cost?

The GPEN certification costs around ₹3,00,000 ($4,000).

Is it worth paying for an ethical hacking course?

Yes, if you choose a recognized certification like CEH or OSCP.

Which ethical hacking certification has the highest ROI?

OSCP and CISSP provide excellent career growth opportunities.