CEH vs CompTIA PenTest+
CEH costs 3x more than PenTest+ but commands a higher premium. PenTest+ pays back faster due to lower entry cost. CEH wins on brand recognition; PenTest+ wins on ROI efficiency.
Compare ROI at Your Salary
Full Comparison: CEH vs CompTIA PenTest+
# # Guidelines: # - 50-70 words (AI Overviews cite 50-70 word blocks most reliably — shorter gets skipped) # - Start with a direct answer sentence containing a specific number or fact # - Include at least 2 specific data points (dollar amounts, percentages, comparisons) # - Include location/context where applicable # - End with a personal-context hook ("use the calculator below to...") # - Do NOT use for H2s that label interactive form sections (calculator inputs, results) # - DO use for H2s that pose or imply a question readers would search for %>PenTest+ pays back faster ($392 vs $1,199 exam fee). CEH commands a larger premium but the longer payback makes PenTest+ the better pure ROI play unless your target employer specifically requires CEH.
| Factor | CEH | CompTIA PenTest+ |
|---|---|---|
| Exam fee | $1,199 | $392 |
| Annual premium | +$25,000/yr | +$18,000/yr |
| Payback period | ~12 months | ~8 months |
| DoD 8570 approved | Yes (IAT Level II) | Yes (IAT Level II) |
| Hands-on labs | Optional (iLabs) | Performance-based Qs |
| Brand recognition | High (EC-Council) | Moderate |
CEH's High Cost Is Its Biggest Problem
At $1,199 for the exam alone (plus $500–$1,500 in training materials), CEH requires a significant upfront investment. Employers sometimes sponsor CEH for roles that require it, but self-funding is a tough math.
PenTest+ at $392 covers much of the same material and satisfies the same DoD 8570 requirements. For most candidates without an employer paying, PenTest+ is the smarter first offensive security cert.