Security+ vs CEH
Security+ is the baseline cybersecurity credential. CEH is the ethical hacking cert. Security+ should come first — it's required for most entry security roles and costs a fraction of CEH.
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Full Comparison: CompTIA Security+ vs CEH
# # 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 %>Get Security+ first. It's the DoD 8570 baseline, costs less, and is required by more entry-level security job postings. CEH is a step up for those already in security who want offensive skills.
| Factor | CompTIA Security+ | CEH |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $404 | $1,199 |
| Annual premium | +$13,000/yr | +$25,000/yr |
| Payback period | ~10 months | ~12 months |
| DoD 8570 | Yes (IAT Level II) | Yes (IAT Level II) |
| Entry-level friendly | Yes | No (experience req'd) |
| Study time | 60–90 hrs | 150–300 hrs |
Security+ Is the Door; CEH Is a Room Inside
Security+ appears in more cybersecurity job postings as a required credential than any other security cert. It validates foundational security knowledge: threats, attacks, cryptography, PKI, and incident response.
CEH is for practitioners who already have security experience and want to demonstrate offensive testing skills. Without Security+ or equivalent experience, CEH study is much harder.