Certifications: Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) vs. Project Management Professional (PMP)
Quick Verdict
Both CEH and PMP certifications are valuable, but cater to different career paths and skill sets. Choose based on your desired career focus.
- PMP certification generally leads to higher salaries compared to CEH.
- CEH focuses on ethical hacking and cybersecurity, while PMP focuses on project management principles.
- Both certifications require ongoing continuing education to maintain their validity.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) | Project Management Professional (PMP) |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Security officers, auditors, security professionals, site administrators, IT professionals seeking roles in penetration testing, network security, and cyber defense. | Project managers, program managers, project leaders, PMO leaders, project executives, project engineers, associate project managers, team managers, team leads, and aspirants in the field of project management with at least three years of project management experience. |
| Prerequisites | Two years of work experience in the information security domain or attend an official training course. Recommended: Basic IT skills, networking knowledge, understanding of security fundamentals, Linux proficiency, programming knowledge, and virtualization familiarity. | Set A: High school diploma or secondary school diploma, minimum 60 months/5 years experience leading and managing projects within the past eight years, and 35 hours of project management education/training. Set B: Bachelor's degree or global equivalent, 36 months/3 years experience leading and managing projects within the past eight years, and 35 hours of project management education/training. Set C: Bachelor's degree or higher (or global equivalent) from a GAC accredited program, 24 months/2 years experience leading and managing projects within the past eight years, and 35 hours of project management education/training. |
| Exam Difficulty | Considered challenging due to the breadth and complexity of topics covered. Scenario-based questions. Some consider it an entry-level certification. | Challenging, requiring a comprehensive understanding of project management principles and practices. A widely accepted benchmark is around 150 to 200 hours of dedicated study time. |
| Exam Cost | Exam voucher: \$950 (direct from EC-Council). Eligibility application fee: \$100 (if not taking official training). Bundled packages: \$1,199 to over \$2,000. | PMI Members: $405. Non-Members: $555. |
| Renewal Requirements | Valid for three years. 120 Continuing Education Credits (ECE) required. Annual membership fee of \$80. Suspension if ECE credits not submitted. | 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three-year cycle |
| Salary Expectations | Average annual pay in the United States: \$87,877 (as of August 2025). Range: \$58,500 to \$111,000, with top earners at \$129,000. | Median salary for project management professionals in the United States is $120,000. PMP certification holders earn 33% higher salaries than those without the certification across 21 countries surveyed. |
Overall Comparison
Focus: CEH (Cybersecurity), PMP (Project Management); Salary: PMP higher; Difficulty: Both Challenging
Pros and Cons
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Pros:
- Boosts career momentum, leading to more advanced roles.
- Offers hands-on knowledge of current hacking landscapes.
- Provides in-depth knowledge of the latest techniques, tools, and methodologies used by cybercriminals.
Cons:
- No major disadvantages reported.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Pros:
- Increased job opportunities
- Higher salary
- Expanded professional network
- Demonstrated skills and knowledge
- Enhanced business acumen
- Improve skills and knowledge in areas such as project planning, risk management, resource allocation, team leadership, and conflict resolution.
- Can lead to career advancement
- Increased job opportunities
- Improve skills and knowledge in project management
Cons:
- The exam is challenging and requires dedicated study time.
User Experiences and Feedback
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
What Users Love
- CEH certification can boost career momentum, leading to more advanced roles and specialized certifications.
- CEH certification offers hands-on knowledge of current hacking landscapes, techniques, tools and methodologies used by cybercriminals.
- CEH certification helps improve skills and knowledge by providing in-depth knowledge of the current hacking landscape, including the latest techniques, tools, and methodologies used by cybercriminals.
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
User Recommendations
- Over half of professionals receive promotions after CEH certification.
- CEH v13 material, along with access to EC-Council's iLabs cyber range, where you practice real-world scenarios, using the latest hacking tools and techniques in a secure environment.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
What Users Love
- Obtaining a PMP certification can lead to career advancement, higher salaries, and increased job opportunities.
- It can also improve skills and knowledge in project management.
- The PMP certification exam content aligns with real-world job responsibilities by testing a candidate's ability to manage people, processes, and business priorities.
Common Complaints
- The PMP exam is considered challenging and requires dedicated study time and a comprehensive understanding of project management principles.
Value Perception
- The average salary of PMP project managers in the US is around $120,000 annually.
- PMP certification holders earn 33% higher salaries than those without the certification.
- A widely accepted benchmark is around 150 to 200 hours of dedicated study time.