Professional certifications: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) vs. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) v12
Quick Verdict
Both CISSP and CEH v12 are valuable cybersecurity certifications, but they cater to different career paths and experience levels. CISSP is ideal for experienced professionals seeking leadership roles in security management, while CEH v12 is better suited for those interested in ethical hacking and penetration testing. The choice depends on individual career goals, experience, and preferred area of specialization within cybersecurity.
- CISSP is geared towards experienced security professionals aiming for management and leadership roles, while CEH v12 focuses on ethical hacking and penetration testing skills.
- CISSP requires a minimum of five years of experience, whereas CEH v12 offers an alternative path through official training without prior experience.
- CISSP exam is known for its difficulty and uses Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT), while CEH v12 includes both a multiple-choice exam and a practical hands-on exam.
- Both certifications are globally recognized and vendor-neutral, enhancing career prospects in the cybersecurity field.
- CEH v12 has a wider range of pricing options depending on the inclusion of training materials and exam retake options.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) | Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) v12 |
|---|
| Name | — | — |
| Target Audience | — | — |
| Exam Difficulty | — | — |
| Prerequisites/Experience Requirements | — | — |
| Exam Cost | — | — |
| Continuing Education Requirements | — | — |
| Job Roles Supported | — | — |
| Salary Expectations | — | — |
| Curriculum Focus | — | — |
| Industry Recognition | — | — |
| Vendor Neutrality | — | — |
| Exam Format | — | — |
| Study Resources Available | — | — |
| Price | — | — |
| Ratings | — | — |
| Pros | — | — |
| Cons | — | — |
Overall Comparison
CISSP: Exam Cost $749, 5 Years Experience Required, Average Salary $127,000. CEH v12: Exam Cost $950-$2,199, Experience Optional with Training, Average Salary $70,000 - $130,000+
Pros and Cons
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Pros:
- Globally recognized and highly respected
- Vendor-neutral
- Curriculum is regularly updated to align with current cybersecurity trends and threats
- Supports leadership roles in security management, architecture, or consulting
Cons:
- Considered one of the toughest cybersecurity certification exams
- Requires a minimum of five years of relevant work experience
- Requires 120 CPEs every three years and an annual maintenance fee
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) v12
Pros:
- Globally recognized and respected in the cybersecurity industry.
- Vendor-neutral, covering a wide range of tools and techniques.
- Supports roles such as Ethical Hacker, Penetration Tester, Security Analyst, and other cybersecurity positions.
- Curriculum incorporates the latest tools, techniques, and methodologies used by ethical hackers.
Cons:
- No major disadvantages reported.
User Experiences and Feedback
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
What Users Love- Widely recognized and respected in the cybersecurity industry
- Curriculum aligns with current cybersecurity trends and threats
Common Complaints- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception- No value feedback reported.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) v12
Common Complaints- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception- No value feedback reported.