CompTIA Security+ vs CEH: Which Cybersecurity Certification Should You Choose First?

CompTIA Security+: Building the Foundation

CompTIA Security+ is widely recognized as a foundational cybersecurity certification, ideal for individuals starting their journey into the field. It is a vendor-neutral certification that covers the core principles of network security, risk management, incident response, cryptography, and compliance.

Security+ is often recommended for students and beginners who are either pursuing IT education or making a career switch into cybersecurity. There are no mandatory prerequisites, but CompTIA suggests having at least two years of general IT experience. This makes it an accessible option for those new to the industry but eager to build a solid understanding of security principles.

At JanBask Training, we emphasize the importance of starting with the basics. Our blog on why CompTIA Security+ is the ideal starting point for a cybersecurity career explains how this certification helps create a strong knowledge base for long-term success in the industry.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Specializing in Offensive Security

The CEH certification, offered by EC-Council, is a more advanced and specialized credential. It focuses on offensive cybersecurity skills such as ethical hacking, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessment. CEH dives deep into real-world attack vectors, including footprinting, system hacking, malware threats, wireless security, and social engineering.

Unlike Security+, CEH is not designed for complete beginners. Candidates are expected to have at least two years of work experience in information security or must complete an official EC-Council training program before attempting the exam. This certification is ideal for professionals aiming for specialized roles like ethical hacker, penetration tester, or red team analyst.

If you're interested in understanding what it takes to become an ethical hacker, our in-depth guide on how to build a career in ethical hacking provides valuable insights into the required skills, certifications, and career path.

Which Certification Is Right for You?

To summarize:

• CompTIA Security+ is best for beginners who want to gain a broad understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals and explore entry-level roles like security analyst or IT auditor.

• CEH is better suited for professionals who already understand the basics and are ready to specialize in ethical hacking and offensive security techniques.

If you’re still unsure which path to take, consider reading our career path for cybersecurity professionals to help clarify your direction based on your experience and goals.

CompTIA Security+: A Practical, Entry-Level Approach

The Security+ certification exam (SY0-701 as of the latest version) is designed to test your grasp of core cybersecurity concepts through a mix of multiple-choice and performance-based questions. These simulations assess your ability to apply security knowledge in real-world scenarios, which makes the exam more practical than purely theoretical.

• Question Format: Approximately 90 questions
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Passing Score: 750 out of 900
• Exam Fee: Around $392 USD, depending on location and testing center
• Delivery: Online or in-person via Pearson VUE testing centers

This exam is ideal for candidates seeking roles like security analyst, systems administrator, or network security specialist. You can learn more about the exam structure and updated objectives in CompTIA’s official Security+ exam guide.

At JanBask Training, we walk you through the exam objectives, offer real-time case studies, and provide performance-based mock tests through our cybersecurity certification training program, helping you pass on your first attempt.

CEH: A Deeper, Tool-Based Assessment

The CEH exam (currently at version 12) focuses heavily on ethical hacking techniques, penetration testing tools, and real-world vulnerabilities. Unlike Security+, CEH is more intense and technical, meant for those pursuing roles like ethical hacker, penetration tester, or red team member.

• Question Format: 125 multiple-choice questions
• Duration: 4 hours
• Passing Score: Typically 60–85%, depending on question difficulty
• Exam Fee: Around $1,200 USD (may vary by region and whether you opt for training)
• Delivery: Online proctoring through ECC Exam Portal or Pearson VUE

In addition to the CEH theory exam, candidates also have the option to take the CEH Practical Exam, which tests hacking skills in a live lab environment. This practical version is available for an additional fee and is ideal for demonstrating real-world competence.

For those curious about the depth and cost of this certification, EC-Council provides a comprehensive breakdown in their official CEH exam overview.

Side-by-Side Comparison

While Security+ offers a more accessible entry point into cybersecurity, CEH commands a higher level of expertise and investment, both in time and money. If you're at the beginning of your journey, starting with Security+ provides a strong technical base, after which CEH becomes a natural next step for specialization.

Want to compare more certifications and see how they fit your career goals? Explore our full guide on top cybersecurity certifications to make an informed choice.

CompTIA Security+: Building a Broad Cybersecurity Base

The Security+ certification is structured to give learners a well-rounded understanding of core cybersecurity principles. Its curriculum aligns closely with real-world roles such as security analyst, systems administrator, or risk management associate, making it highly practical for entry-level professionals.

Key domains covered:

• Threats, Attacks & Vulnerabilities: Understanding malware types, phishing, ransomware, and other attack vectors.
• Security Architecture & Design: Concepts like secure network design, system hardening, and segmentation.
• Identity & Access Management (IAM): Managing permissions, access control models, and multi-factor authentication.
• Risk Management & Compliance: Policies, regulations (like GDPR and HIPAA), and governance strategies.
• Incident Response & Forensics: How to detect, contain, and respond to security incidents.

Our CompTIA Security+ course at JanBask Training includes real-time lab exercises, use-case scenarios, and performance-based questions that simulate on-the-job challenges. We focus on giving learners not just exam prep, but job-ready skills.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Offensive Tools & Tactics

 

The CEH certification, on the other hand, is intensely focused on how to think and act like a hacker so you can better protect systems by understanding how they are attacked. It teaches students how to ethically exploit systems and identify vulnerabilities before malicious hackers do.

Key domains covered:

• Footprinting & Reconnaissance: Learning how hackers gather intel about targets using public and private data sources.
• Scanning Networks & Enumeration: Tools and methods used to map systems and identify weaknesses.
• System Hacking & Malware Analysis: Understanding privilege escalation, backdoors, viruses, and Trojans.
• Hacking Tools: Hands-on experience with tools like Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Wireshark.
• Web & Wireless Hacking: Techniques for breaking into web apps and wireless networks.
• Social Engineering: Exploring how attackers manipulate human behavior to bypass security.

If you're aiming to specialize in ethical hacking or red teaming, CEH offers a strong entry point. For a deeper look at ethical hacking tools and how they're used in practice, check out our blog on top ethical hacking tools every cybersecurity learner should know.

CompTIA Security+: Ideal for Beginners & Career Changers

Security+ is specifically designed for individuals who are just starting out in cybersecurity or transitioning from a general IT background. It’s a great fit for:

• Recent graduates in IT or computer science
• Career switchers looking to move into cybersecurity from unrelated fields
• Entry-level IT professionals ready to specialize in security
• Anyone aiming for roles like:

1. Security Administrator
2. Security Analyst
3. Network Administrator
4. IT Support Specialist
5. Compliance or Risk Analyst

If you're exploring your very first cybersecurity credential, Security+ offers a low barrier to entry while still commanding respect from employers. It’s also often the first certification listed in job descriptions for junior security roles.

With CompTIA Security+: Start Strong in Entry-Level Cybersecurity Roles

The Security+ certification is often the first credential listed in cybersecurity job postings. It signals to employers that you're proficient in core areas like threat detection, risk management, network security, and compliance, making you a strong candidate for many entry- to mid-level roles.

Common job roles include:

• Security Analyst
• IT Auditor
• Systems Administrator
• Network Security Specialist
• Help Desk or Technical Support (with security focus)

Average salary range:
According to CompTIA’s salary survey, professionals with Security+ typically earn between $60,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on their experience and location.

If you're new to cybersecurity and want to explore job paths that align with Security+, our blog on cybersecurity career roadmap breaks down possible job titles and what employers are looking for.

With CEH: Transition Into Advanced, High-Paying Security Positions

Earning your Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credential positions you for more specialized and technical roles, especially in penetration testing and offensive security. CEH demonstrates hands-on expertise in simulating real-world cyberattacks, assessing vulnerabilities, and using tools like Metasploit, Nmap, and Wireshark.

Common job roles include:

• Ethical Hacker
• Penetration Tester
• Red Team Member
• Security Consultant
• Vulnerability Analyst or Engineer

Average salary range:
CEH-certified professionals often command salaries between $105,000 to $120,000+ per year, especially if paired with practical experience or additional certifications. According to PayScale, even junior ethical hackers with CEH can start in the six-figure range depending on region and industry.

For a detailed breakdown of the job market and how CEH can help you land a role in ethical hacking, check out our guide on how to become an ethical hacker.

Step 1: Start with Security+ to Build Your Cybersecurity Foundation

If you’re entering the field or transitioning from a non-security role, CompTIA Security+ should be your first milestone. It helps you develop a comprehensive understanding of core security concepts such as risk management, cryptography, and threat analysis.

This foundational knowledge prepares you for roles like IT security analyst, system administrator, or compliance officer, many of which are highlighted in our blog on entry-level cybersecurity jobs you can get with a Security+ certification.

Step 2: Advance to CEH for Specialization in Ethical Hacking

Once you’ve mastered the basics, the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is your next logical step, especially if you're interested in penetration testing or red teaming. CEH introduces real-world hacking tools and scenarios, including reconnaissance, enumeration, and vulnerability exploitation.

You’ll dive deeper into the offensive side of cybersecurity, making it perfect for learners aiming to move beyond defense and into attack simulation. To better understand the skills CEH teaches and how they’re applied in practice, check out our article on penetration testing vs vulnerability assessment.

Step 3: Combine Both to Maximize Your Employability

Many professionals find that holding both certifications—Security+ and CEH—makes them more attractive to employers. This combination shows you not only understand cybersecurity frameworks and compliance but also know how to actively test, evaluate, and secure systems.

As outlined in our detailed cybersecurity certification path guide, combining foundational and specialized credentials positions you for career growth into roles like security consultant, ethical hacker, or cybersecurity engineer.

Want help designing your personalized learning path? Our expert mentors at JanBask Training offer customized guidance to help you choose the certifications that match your experience, interests, and job goals.