In the fast-paced cybersecurity industry, people are constantly on the lookout for what it means to have valid credentials that increase credibility, expand skills, and unlock lucrative career opportunities.
Two of the most popular certification options you hear about now are CompTIA’s Security+ and the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). But which should you go with — and why?
In this article, we’re going to differentiate between them, look at real statistics, how it may affect your career and ultimately help you make an informed decision for your cybersecurity journey.
Understanding the Basics
CompTIA Security+ is a widely recognized entry-level certification that would help demonstrate a candidate's core security skills along with network security, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, application, data, and host security. It’s the foundation for every cybersecurity job and a platform to specialize further down the line.
On the other hand, CEH covers ethical hacking and penetration testing — disciplines that require one to simulate cyberattacks in order to uncover vulnerabilities and correct them before adversaries can take advantage. It's geared towards players looking to break into the offensive security space -- becoming an ethical hacker, penetration tester, or red team member.
The Cost of Certification: A Trade-Off Between a Barrier to Entry and an Investment
One of the most straightforward variations between the two certifications is cost and what you receive for your investment.
Image source - https://cybersecuritycareer.academy/comptia-security-vs-ceh-choosing-your-first-certification
The price of the CompTIA security certification exam, which is quite affordable for a majority of learners, is one thing that cannot be overlooked. Exam vouchers can range between $369 and $425. This makes Security+ certification the perfect option for students, early career professionals, or anyone looking to switch things up.
In comparison, the exam alone in CEH can range from $950 to $1,199 USD, and this includes full training courseware and labs! Although CEH’s price tag is higher, it mirrors the level of specific knowledge and tools you gain for real-world penetration testing.
Exam Difficulty and Skill Level
New to cybersecurity?
The CompTIA Security+ course is a perfect blend of challenge and accessibility for you. The candidates train for a few months, learning such defence skills that are applicable across different security jobs.
CEH, however, is more advanced. Emphasizing the exploitation of real vulnerabilities and getting into the mindset of hacking frameworks, it requires a higher level of technical aptitude — and usually some prior experience or studying to get there. CEH often takes 6–12 months to prepare, given its difficulty and wide scope.
Image source - https://www.passguide.com/blog/ceh-vs-comptia-security-certification-complete-comparison-guide
Industry Demand and Career Opportunities
The demand for cybersecurity experts is exploding worldwide. Latest labor market data shows there are millions of open cybersecurity jobs, and job growth is expected to far exceed all other occupations.
In job postings, CompTIA certification remains in high demand — Security+, for example, was represented on thousands of job openings across industries, which is encouraging to see industry recognition around baseline skills.
CEH, on the other hand, still takes precedence in more specialized positions — mostly those related to ethical hacking, penetration testing, and security analysis. CEH Certified professionals earn higher salaries due to their advanced, in-depth expertise and skills.
Salary Expectations: Real Numbers
Though ultimately salary will depend on experience, location, and role type, the following data is a helpful guide:
Image source - https://www.techneeds.com/2025/11/03/what-jobs-can-you-get-with-a-security-certification
Security+ certified cybersecurity professionals typically make between $70,000-$95,000 and up per annum and see increases as they advance to mid-level or high-level positions.
Those qualified with a CEH certification frequently start well above this range and can extend into high-number ranges, particularly in positions that demand expertise in ethical hacking.
This reflects not just skill level but also the strategic value of offensive security expertise in today’s threat landscape.
Deciding Which Path to Take: What is Best for You?
So, what should your first cybersecurity credential be?
If you’re relatively new to IT or the world of cybersecurity and want a solid grounding that will open up many doors, then it makes sense to take the CompTIA Security plus certification, along with CompTIA Security Plus training, as your starting point. It helps boost your confidence, validates core security skills, and creates a stepping stone to more advanced tracks.
If you have some experience with cybersecurity and ethical hacking under your belt, CEH is a great next-level option for getting into ethical hacking, penetration testing, and offensive security strategy.
#ceh
#comptia
#cybersecurity
#cehv13
#cehv12
#securityplus
#securitycertification