By Quick answer: CEH or Security+: which should I choose in 2027?
- Choose CEH — you're aiming at penetration testing and have basics.
- Choose Security+ — you're getting your first security job.
- Verdict — Security+ first for most; CEH for pentesting.
- Before you pay — take a free practice test.
Key takeaways
- Choose CEH if you're aiming at penetration testing and have basics.
- Choose Security+ if you're getting your first security job.
- Check job posts in your target market before deciding.
CEH and Security+ are often compared, but they suit different people. Here's a side-by-side comparison and a clear way to choose.
The options at a glance
Ranked for this reader. Costs and formats come from each issuer's own page, checked on 3 November 2026; prices change, so confirm before you book.
| # | Certification | Cost | Time | Prove it free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)EC-Council | Check the official page1 | 125 multiple-choice questions, 4 hours | Free test |
| 2 | CompTIA Security+CompTIA | Voucher price on the CompTIA store2 | V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk | Free test |
| 3 | CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security ProfessionalISC2 | See ISC2 page3 | Check issuer | Free test |
| 4 | CompTIA Network+CompTIA | Voucher price on the CompTIA store4 | 90 minutes | Free test |
Prove it free before you pay for an exam
Take the free test first. Pay for an exam only when you pass.
Every pick above has a matching free practice test on Science of Apps, one of the world's largest libraries of free certification tests (1,200+). Check your level before you pay for an exam, or add a verifiable credential to LinkedIn while you study. (Disclosure: we publish these tests; the certifications above earn us nothing.)
- CEH Practice TestPractise for Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) before you pay.Start free test →
- CompTIA Security+ Practice TestPractise for CompTIA Security+ before you pay.Start free test →
- CISSP Practice TestPractise for CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional before you pay.Start free test →
- CompTIA Network+ Practice TestPractise for CompTIA Network+ before you pay.Start free test →
Each option, and who should choose it
- EC-CouncilCertified Ethical Hacker (CEH)PentestingCheck the official page
- CompTIACompTIA Security+Entry securityVoucher price on the CompTIA store
- ISC2CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security ProfessionalSeniorSee ISC2 page
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Cost
- Check the official page1
- Format
- 125 multiple-choice questions, 4 hours
125 questions, four hours; ANAB-accredited. EC-Council's ethical hacking exam has 125 multiple-choice questions in four hours, covering attack techniques and tools. It's ANAB-accredited and often named in penetration testing posts; check EC-Council for the fee.
Best forpentesting
CompTIA Security+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store2
- Format
- V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk
ANAB-accredited entry credential. CompTIA's vendor-neutral security exam covers threats, architecture, operations and governance, and the new version adds AI-related risk. It's listed in ANAB's ISO/IEC 17024 directory; voucher prices vary by country.
Best forentry security
CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional
- Cost
- See ISC2 page3
- Entry
- 5 years of paid security work experience
Senior credential. ISC2's senior credential covers eight broad security domains and requires five years of paid security experience. It's ANAB-accredited, and US holders averaged $168,060 in Skillsoft's 2025 survey, the highest of any IT certification there.
Best forsenior
CompTIA Network+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store4
- Format
- 90 minutes
- Entry
- CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of networking experience
Networking. CompTIA's Network+ covers networking concepts, infrastructure, operations and troubleshooting in a 90-minute exam. It's vendor-neutral and ANAB-accredited; CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of networking experience.
Best forfoundation
CEH vs Security+ side by side
| CEH | Security+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Offensive security, ethical hacking | Broad security fundamentals |
| Level | Intermediate | Entry |
| Accredited | Yes (ANAB) | Yes (ANAB) |
| Best for | Pentesting roles | First security job |
Table: CEH vs Security+
How to choose
- Choose CEH — you're aiming at penetration testing and have basics.
- Choose Security+ — you're getting your first security job.
- Still unsure — search job posts in your city for each name.
How we ranked these picks
We compared both options on cost, format, prerequisites and fit using official pages, checked 3 November 2026. Science of Apps has no commercial relationship with either issuer.
Frequently asked questions
Which is harder?
CEH covers more offensive tools.
Which do employers ask for?
Security+ more often overall.
Which first?
Security+.
Are both accredited?
Yes, both are in ANAB's directory.
Is there a free practice test for both?
Yes. Science of Apps offers free practice tests for both, instantly graded with a verifiable certificate.
Sources
- EC-Council — Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- CompTIA — CompTIA Security+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- ISC2 — CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- CompTIA — CompTIA Network+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Checked November 4, 2026. Figures that change — fees, salaries, prices — are reviewed every six months; if something is out of date, tell us.
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