CEH vs a Practical Ethical Hacking Course

The Short Answer

• Choose CEH if you need a recognised credential for a job application, a client or an employer requirement, and you want a broad map of attack techniques.
• Choose a practical course if you want to be able to do the work: test a web application, break into a lab network, and write the report.
• Do both if you want the skill and the credential. Many students take the course first, then prepare for CEH.

What Each One Teaches

CEH v13 is built around 20 modules that cover the ethical hacking methodology widely, including areas our practical courses do not go deep on, such as wireless, mobile, IoT, OT and cloud security, sniffing and social engineering. It is issued by EC-Council, not by us.

• Our Application Security course goes deep on web, API, Android and thick-client testing over 6 weeks and 90 hours.
• Our Network and Active Directory course goes deep on reconnaissance, exploitation, privilege escalation, pivoting and Active Directory attacks.

How Each Is Assessed

CEH is assessed by an EC-Council exam, and CEH Practical is a separate hands-on exam; read CEH Practical and CEH Master explained for the difference. In our practical courses you are assessed on an unseen environment in a capstone, with a written report and an oral exam on your findings. You receive a Hacking Trainer course certificate, which is not an EC-Council credential.

Cost and Time

CEH v13 training is ₹36,000 + GST. Each practical course is ₹20,000 + GST for 6 weeks and 90 guided hours, or ₹30,000 + GST for the two-course Offensive Security Track. Check each certification page for what the fee includes before you decide.

A Simple Way to Decide

• Is a credential required for the job or client you have in mind? Start with CEH.
• Will you be asked to demonstrate skills in an interview or on the job? Start with the practical course.
• New to networking and Linux? Take the SOC and DFIR course first, or ask a counselor for a starting point.
• Want both? Read CEH vs OSCP: which first and plan the order.

Try Before You Pay

You can attend 3 to 5 classes of a running batch free, in Ameerpet or online, and then decide. A counselor can compare the options against your background and goals. Hacking Trainer does not provide job placement or placement assistance.

Questions to Ask Any Institute Before You Pay

• Does the fee include the exam voucher, and how many attempts?
• How many hours are hands-on, and for how long can you use the lab?
• Who teaches, and what have they done outside a classroom?
• How large is a batch?
• What is the refund policy, in writing?

Ours are answered on the CEH page, the syllabus and the refund policy. Batches are 15 to 20 students.

Preparing for Both

A common plan is the practical course first, for the skill, then CEH preparation for the credential. See the 8-week CEH preparation plan, and check the EC-Council CEH page for the current exam details before you book.