If you’re new to the world of cybersecurity and wondering which certification to pursue first, you’re not alone. With so many acronyms floating around — CEH, OSCP, CISSP, CompTIA — it can feel overwhelming.
So let’s simplify it.
This article breaks down the top 5 ethical hacking certifications that beginners should consider in 2024. We’ll compare what they teach, how much they cost, how hands-on they are, and which ones employers love most.
🎯 1. CEH – Certified Ethical Hacker (by EC-Council)
Best for: Beginners looking for a structured, recognized starting point.
The CEH is one of the most well-known certifications in ethical hacking. It teaches you to think like a hacker — but act like a professional.
You’ll cover topics like:
- Network scanning and enumeration
- Malware threats and viruses
- Web app vulnerabilities
- Social engineering attacks
- Hacking tools like Nmap, Metasploit, and Burp Suite
✅ Why it’s great:
- Recognized by employers worldwide
- Structured syllabus and clear roadmap
- Includes labs and real-world scenarios
💰 Cost: Around $1,200–$2,000 depending on the package
⏳ Duration: ~4–6 weeks of focused study
🔗 Backlink: For hands-on CEH labs, explore SecureValley’s advanced modules.
2. OSCP – Offensive Security Certified Professional
Best for: Intermediate learners who want to be hands-on from day one.
OSCP is known as one of the toughest hacking certs out there. You won’t just learn theory — you’ll spend hours inside real-world labs and take a practical 24-hour exam.
You’ll learn:
- Advanced exploitation techniques
- Buffer overflows
- Post-exploitation
- Privilege escalation
- Custom scripting
✅ Why it’s great:
- Extremely hands-on
- Widely respected in the industry
- Great for penetration testing roles
💰 Cost: Starts at $1,599 (includes 90 days lab access)
⏳ Duration: 2–3 months minimum (depending on your level)
⚠️ Note: It’s not for total beginners — it’s best to get some basics first (like with CEH or Security+).
3. CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional
Best for: Professionals aiming for management or advanced roles.
Unlike CEH or OSCP, CISSP is less about tools and more about security leadership and design. Think of it as the MBA of cybersecurity certifications.
You’ll learn:
- Security architecture and engineering
- Risk management
- Cryptography
- Asset security
- Identity and access control
✅ Why it’s great:
- One of the highest-paying certs in cybersecurity
- Globally recognized
- Ideal for security analysts, consultants, and managers
💰 Cost: Around $749
⏳ Duration: ~3–4 months study
⚠️ Note: Requires 5 years of experience (or 1 year with a security degree)
4. CompTIA Security+
Best for: Absolute beginners to cybersecurity
Security+ is the ideal entry point into IT security. It covers broad fundamentals like:
- Threats and vulnerabilities
- Cryptography basics
- Secure networks and applications
- Risk management
✅ Why it’s great:
- No prior experience required
- Vendor-neutral
- Accepted by government and private sector employers
💰 Cost: ~$392 for the exam
⏳ Duration: 4–6 weeks for beginners
Great stepping stone before moving to CEH or OSCP.
5. eJPT – eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester
Best for: Beginners who want hands-on, practical training
The eJPT exam is lab-based and beginner-friendly. It focuses on:
- Network protocols
- Information gathering
- Basic exploitation
- Web app attacks
- Simple scripts and scans
✅ Why it’s great:
- Affordable
- Very hands-on
- No strict prerequisites
💰 Cost: ~$200
⏳ Duration: 2–4 weeks of study
Perfect for those who want to “test the waters” before diving into CEH or OSCP.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?
| Cert | Best For | Cost | Hands-On Level | Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEH | Structured beginner roadmap | $1,200+ | Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| OSCP | Intermediate penetration testers | $1,599+ | Very high | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| CISSP | Experienced pros & managers | $749 | Low | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security+ | Absolute beginners | $392 | Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| eJPT | Budget-friendly, practical start | $200 | High | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Pro Tip:
Start with Security+ or CEH to build your foundation. Once you’re confident, take the next leap into OSCP or CISSP, depending on your career goals.
🎓 Want to train for CEH with hands-on labs, expert guidance, and career support?
👉 Explore SecureValley’s CEH programs and start your journey today