CISSP vs. CEH: Quick Comparison

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) are two of the most sought-after cybersecurity certifications. At first glance, they might seem like they offer the same career benefits, but they provide distinct paths for professionals looking to advance their careers.

As the co-founder of Destination Certification, one of the most common questions I get from students is how the CISSP compares to the CEH certification. To help you, I've written a quick summary of how these two differ to help you plan your career and pursue the one that aligns with your goals.

What is CISSP?

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a globally recognized certification in the field of cybersecurity, administered by ISC2. It is designed for experienced security practitioners, managers, and executives who are involved in planning and managing an organization’s cybersecurity posture.?

The CISSP certification covers a broad range of topics, including security and risk management, asset security, security architecture and engineering, communication and network security, and software development security. This certification is ideal for those looking to advance into senior and managerial roles within cybersecurity.

What is CEH?

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification, offered by the EC-Council, focuses on equipping professionals with the skills needed to identify and address security threats and vulnerabilities in systems and networks. The CEH certification is tailored for those who want to pursue a career in ethical hacking and penetration testing.?

It covers various hacking techniques and tools, malware threats, and the latest technologies used by hackers to compromise systems. CEH is ideal for individuals aiming to specialize in the technical, hands-on aspects of cybersecurity, focusing on offensive security measures and ethical hacking practices.

How Hard Are These Exams?

Now that you have a brief idea of these two certifications, let's talk about the difficulty level of the CISSP and CEH exams, as this is a crucial factor in deciding which path to take.

The CISSP exam is known to be very challenging because it covers a broad range of cybersecurity concepts. Often described as "a mile wide and an inch deep," it tests your knowledge across multiple domains, including risk management, asset security, and software development security.?

This means you'll need to have a solid understanding of various topics, making the exam particularly demanding. However, this doesn't mean that it's not achievable. With the right preparation and study materials (which I will briefly discuss in the next section), you'll be able to pass this exam.

On the other hand, the CEH exam is considered moderately difficult and focuses more on technical hacking tools and methodologies. It’s all about the practical side of cybersecurity, assessing your ability to identify and mitigate security threats. If you enjoy hands-on problem-solving and are interested in the offensive side of cybersecurity, you might find the CEH exam more aligned with your skills and interests.

How Should You Prepare for the CISSP and CEH?

Preparation is key to success in both the CISSP and CEH exams, and having the right study materials can make a significant difference.

For the CISSP, a comprehensive approach is essential due to the breadth of topics covered. At Destination Certification, we offer the CISSP MasterClass, an all-in-one training course designed to provide everything you need. This includes books, videos, resources, guides, practice tests, flashcards, and more.?

Our course is structured to adapt to your schedule, so you can study at your own pace without sacrificing work or personal commitments. Additionally, we provide solid support throughout your journey to ensure you are fully prepared to achieve your CISSP certification.

For the CEH, the EC-Council offers an exam package that includes a variety of study materials. This package typically includes official courseware, videos, labs, and practice questions, all focused on the technical aspects of ethical hacking. These resources are tailored to help you gain practical skills and knowledge, making your preparation more effective and targeted toward the specific requirements of the CEH exam.

What Will You Gain When You Take These Certifications?

The knowledge and skills you acquire from the CISSP and CEH certifications are distinct, reflecting their different focuses and intended career paths.

With the CISSP certification, you gain a deep understanding of organizational and policy-focused aspects of cybersecurity. This includes areas such as risk management, security architecture, and compliance. The CISSP prepares you for strategic and managerial roles, equipping you with the expertise to design, implement, and manage a comprehensive security program. It’s ideal for professionals aiming for leadership positions within the cybersecurity field, where policy creation and governance are key responsibilities.

In contrast, the CEH certification provides hands-on, attack-focused knowledge. This certification immerses you in the world of ethical hacking, teaching you the latest tools and techniques used by hackers to exploit vulnerabilities. You’ll learn how to identify, test, and mitigate security threats in real time, making the CEH highly practical for roles that involve penetration testing, red teaming, and incident response. It’s perfect for those who thrive on technical challenges and want to be on the front lines of cybersecurity defense.

How Much Will It Cost to Get These Certifications?

The cost of obtaining the CISSP and CEH certifications includes not only exam fees but also ongoing maintenance costs and preparation materials. It’s essential to consider these factors when planning your certification journey.

For the CISSP, the exam fee is approximately US $749. Beyond the initial exam cost, maintaining your CISSP certification requires earning Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits and paying an annual maintenance fee of US $125. These costs cover the resources provided by ISC2, including access to professional development opportunities, networking events, and other valuable member benefits.?

Additionally, the cost of preparation materials—such as study guides, practice tests, and training courses—should be factored into your budget. At Destination Certification, our CISSP MasterClass includes all the necessary study materials to help you prepare effectively.?

The CEH certification, offered by the EC-Council, has an exam fee of around US $1,199. This fee typically includes access to the official study materials and practice tests. To maintain your CEH certification, you must earn EC-Council Continuing Education (ECE) credits and pay an annual maintenance fee of US $80.?

These costs help ensure that you stay updated with the latest developments in ethical hacking and continue to benefit from the EC-Council's resources and community. Like the CISSP, the cost of additional preparation materials—such as books, online courses, and lab access—should also be considered.

If you'd like to read more about how these two certifications compare, you can check out our in-depth comparison here.

CISSP vs. CEH: Which Is for You?

Choosing between the CISSP and CEH certifications depends on your career goals and current level of experience. If you have a few years of experience and are interested in ethical hacking, the CEH can provide you with the hands-on skills needed to excel in technical roles. On the other hand, if you aim for managerial or strategic positions within cybersecurity, the CISSP's comprehensive and policy-focused coverage will be more beneficial.

At Destination Certification, we understand that deciding which certification to pursue can be challenging. If the CISSP aligns with your career aspirations, our CISSP MasterClass is designed to support your journey. We offer a flexible and comprehensive training program that adapts to your schedule, providing all the resources and support you need to succeed.

Ready to advance your career with a CISSP certification? Destination Certification is here to help you achieve your goals.