Have you ever dreamed of becoming a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) but wondered about the CEH certification price? If yes, you’re not alone. Many cybersecurity enthusiasts want to know about the cost of CEH before starting their journey into ethical hacking.
This article will give you a clear, step-by-step breakdown of the CEH certification fee, including hidden costs, training options, and why this investment is worth it.
Why Pursue CEH Certification?
Imagine this: You’re working as an IT support technician, and your company faces frequent hacking attempts. You want to help but lack the skills. One day, your colleague, who is a CEH-certified penetration tester, stops a ransomware attack by identifying a critical vulnerability.
He tells you how the CEH certification gave him confidence, skills, and respect in the cybersecurity team.
That’s why people pursue CEH. It’s more than just a certificate – it proves you can think like a hacker to protect data and systems effectively.
What is the CEH Certification Price?
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the certified ethical hacker price:
1. CEH Exam Voucher Cost
Buying directly from EC-Council, the CEH exam voucher price is around $950. This voucher allows you to take the 125-question multiple-choice CEH exam, testing knowledge on:
- Reconnaissance techniques
- Vulnerability assessments
- System hacking phases
- Web application security
➡️ Check CEH exam objectives here.
2. Application and Administration Fees
If you haven’t taken official EC-Council training, you must pay a $100 application fee to prove your cybersecurity work experience. There is also a $100 administration fee per exam attempt.
3. Training Costs
While the exam voucher is fixed, training costs vary widely:
- On-Demand Training: $2,199
- Unlimited On-Demand Training: $2,999
- Live Bootcamp: $3,499
Training is offered through EC-Council or authorized training centers (ATCs) globally. Alternatively, you can use online platforms like StationX or Simplilearn for bundled prep courses.
💡 Anecdote: Sarah’s Story
Sarah, a cybersecurity analyst from Texas, was worried about the CEH certification price. But after a data breach at her firm, she convinced her manager to sponsor her CEH bootcamp.
She took a 5-day intensive bootcamp, passed the exam on her first attempt, and within six months, got promoted to penetration tester with a 30% salary hike. She says:
“CEH cost me thousands, but it returned tens of thousands in job growth and confidence.”
4. Retake Fees
If you fail the exam:
- Officially trained candidates pay $100 (administration fee)
- Self-study candidates pay $499 for a retake voucher
5. Certification Renewal Fees
Your CEH certification is valid for three years. To renew:
- Earn 120 continuing education credits (ECEs)
- Pay an $80 annual membership fee
You can earn credits by attending webinars, publishing research, or taking newer versions of the exam.
➡️ Learn about CEH renewal here.
Is CEH Certification Worth the Cost?
According to Infosec Institute, the average salary for CEH-certified professionals is $83,591 per year, with roles like:
- Penetration Tester – $99,218
- Security Consultant – $103,401
- Security Engineer – $101,228
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) – $228,000+
➡️ See CEH salary potential here.
How to Budget for CEH Certification (Step-by-Step)
- Choose your study approach – self-study, on-demand, or live bootcamp
- Calculate total costs – include exam voucher, training, application, administration, and retake fees
- Seek employer sponsorship – many companies reimburse certification fees
- Set a timeline – 2–4 months for self-study or five days for bootcamp learning
- Plan for renewal – budget for annual membership and ECE credits
CEH vs Other Certifications
| Certification | Cost | Focus |
| CEH | ~$950 + training fees | Ethical hacking, reconnaissance, and system hacking |
| CompTIA Pentest+ | ~$370 | Penetration testing, vulnerability management |
| OSCP | ~$1,499 | Advanced hands-on penetration testing |
While CompTIA Pentest+ is cheaper, CEH is often preferred by employers due to its comprehensive approach and global recognition. However, if you plan to become an advanced penetration tester, OSCP is a logical next step after CEH.
Final Thoughts: Should You Pay for CEH Certification?
If you’re serious about building a career in ethical hacking, the CEH certification price should be seen as an investment, not an expense. Employers hire CEH-certified professionals because they can think like hackers and protect systems proactively.
👉 “Before you pay the CEH certification price, it’s important to know all the requirements you need to meet.”
✅ Key Takeaway
Investing in CEH today can unlock better jobs, higher salaries, and stronger confidence in cybersecurity.
➡️ Enroll in CEH training and start your ethical hacking journey today.
FAQs about CEH Certification
What is the CEH v13 exam cost?
The CEH v13 exam cost is around $950 for the voucher, excluding training or retake fees.
What is the CEH retake fee?
Officially trained candidates pay $100 per retake, while self-study candidates pay $499 for a retake voucher.
Is CEH worth it?
Yes, it opens doors to ethical hacking jobs with higher salaries and better career growth.
Is a CEH certification worth it?
Yes, CEH certification is worth it if you want to build a career in ethical hacking or cybersecurity. It proves that you have strong skills to find and fix security problems in computer systems. Many companies look for CEH-certified professionals because they trust this certification to show that you know how to protect their data and networks. Also, CEH certification can help you get better jobs with higher salaries in the growing cybersecurity field.
What is the fees of CEH courses?
The fees of CEH courses vary based on the training provider and course type:
Self-paced online courses start from around $850 but often don’t include exam vouchers.
On-demand official EC-Council courses cost about $2,199.
Live instructor-led bootcamps can cost up to $3,499.
Always check what is included in the fee – some courses include the exam voucher, labs, and retake options, while others don’t.
Is the CEH course free?
No, the CEH course is not free. CEH is a professional certification offered by EC-Council, and you need to pay for:
The training course (if required by your eligibility)
The exam voucher
Application and administration fees
However, you can find free resources like YouTube videos, blogs, and practice questions to understand ethical hacking basics. But to get officially certified, you must pay for the exam and meet the training or experience requirements set by EC-Council.