Certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP) vs. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) v12
Quick Verdict
Both the PMP and CEH v12 certifications are valuable, but cater to different career paths. PMP is ideal for those in project management roles seeking formal recognition and higher earning potential. CEH v12 is better suited for individuals aiming for cybersecurity roles, particularly in ethical hacking and penetration testing. The choice depends on individual career goals and interests.
- Both certifications are globally recognized and enhance career prospects.
- PMP focuses on project management skills applicable across industries, while CEH v12 focuses on cybersecurity and ethical hacking.
- PMP requires significant project management experience as a prerequisite, while CEH v12 offers training for all skill levels or requires 2 years of information security experience.
- The PMP exam costs less than the CEH v12 exam, but PMP has more structured renewal requirements with PDUs.
- CEH v12 is supported by NSA, CNSS, and DoD, adding to its credibility in the cybersecurity field.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Project Management Professional (PMP) | Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) v12 |
|---|
| Name | — | — |
| Target Audience | — | — |
| Prerequisites | — | — |
| Exam Difficulty | — | — |
| Exam Cost | — | — |
| Renewal Requirements | — | — |
| Industry Recognition | — | — |
| Job Role Alignment | — | — |
| Study Materials Availability | — | — |
| Hands-on Experience Required | — | — |
| Salary Expectations | — | — |
| Continuing Education Requirements | — | — |
| Geographical Relevance | — | — |
| Exam Pass Rate | — | — |
Overall Comparison
PMP: Exam cost from $405, 65-70% pass rate, $120,000 median salary. CEH v12: Exam cost from $950, 60-65% pass rate, $70,000-$130,000 annual salary.
Pros and Cons
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Pros:
- Globally recognized certification
- Applicable across industries
- Demonstrates project leadership
- Enhances career prospects
- Potential salary increase
Cons:
- Difficult exam
- Renewal requirements (60 PDUs every 3 years)
- Exam and renewal fees
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) v12
Pros:
- Globally recognized certification
- Aligns with high-demand job roles in cybersecurity
- Supported by NSA, CNSS, and DoD
- Enhances penetration testing and cybersecurity expertise
Cons:
- Challenging exam with a 60-65% pass rate
- Renewal requires continuing education and fees
- Exam costs can be high, especially with bundled packages
- Continuing education accessibility may vary
User Experiences and Feedback
Project Management Professional (PMP)
What Users Love- Globally recognized
- Enhances capabilities and career prospects
- Can lead to a significant salary increase
- PDUs can be earned through various activities, including online courses, webinars, and volunteering.
Common Complaints- The PMP exam is considered challenging
- Renewal requires earning 60 PDUs every three years and paying a renewal fee
Value Perception- Assess your education and experience against the prerequisites
- Research how it's perceived in your specific industry and geographic location
- Consider your current or desired job role and how project management skills and the PMP certification can enhance your capabilities and career prospects.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) v12
What Users Love- Prepares for roles such as ethical hacker, penetration tester, security analyst, and cybersecurity consultant.
- Globally recognized and valued, especially within the IT, banking, healthcare, and government sectors.
Common Complaints- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception- No value feedback reported.