The Top 5 Ethical Hacking Certifications
Ethical hacking certifications are critical for anyone looking to build a career in cybersecurity. With the increasing demand for skilled penetration testers and ethical hackers, certifications help professionals stand out in a competitive field. Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to advance, the right certification can open doors to exciting opportunities.
These certifications not only provide a validation of your skills, but they also open the doors to lucrative job opportunities in cybersecurity consulting and penetration testing. With the number of hacking episodes on the rise and the constantly evolving nature of cyber threats, the demand is growing for skilled ethical hackers to protect against cyberattacks.
Let’s dive into the top five ethical hacking certifications.
1. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification remains the most recognized and respected credential in the ethical hacking world. Offered by EC-Council, the CEH has been a go-to certification for aspiring penetration testers and cybersecurity professionals for over a decade. Its broad curriculum covers everything from network scanning and system hacking to cryptography and web application vulnerabilities, making it a solid foundation for anyone serious about ethical hacking.
One of CEH’s strengths lies in its comprehensive approach to ethical hacking techniques. You’ll learn how to identify vulnerabilities in various systems and applications, exploit weaknesses, and recommend remediation techniques. The CEH curriculum also dives into the latest hacking tools and methodologies used by malicious attackers—skills that are essential for staying one step ahead of cyber threats.
Why CEH is Still Relevant in 2024
In 2024, CEH remains a top choice due to its regular updates to reflect the latest hacking techniques and industry trends. The certification has adapted to cover emerging threats, including cloud security vulnerabilities, IoT device hacking, and modern social engineering attacks. Its global recognition and alignment with industry frameworks like NICE (National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education) ensures that CEH continues to be a benchmark for ethical hacking certifications.
2. CompTIA PenTest+
The CompTIA PenTest+ certification has quickly gained recognition as a valuable, hands-on credential for penetration testers. Designed for cybersecurity professionals with intermediate skills, PenTest+ focuses on practical, real-world penetration testing techniques. It strikes a balance between theory and practice, equipping you with the ability to perform vulnerability assessments, exploit systems, and craft comprehensive reports that clearly communicate findings to stakeholders.
PenTest+ is one of the few penetration testing certifications that covers the entire process, from planning and scoping to legal and compliance considerations, through to testing, analysis, and reporting. The certification is particularly valuable for those who need to work within organizational frameworks, where presenting findings and working collaboratively with IT teams is just as important as finding the vulnerabilities themselves.
Who Should Get PenTest+?
This certification is ideal for IT professionals looking to expand their skill set into penetration testing or for security professionals who want to validate their practical knowledge. Since PenTest+ includes performance-based questions, it’s perfect for those who want a mix of theory and hands-on assessments. Moreover, it’s a great option for individuals who prefer a vendor-neutral certification that focuses on methodologies applicable across different industries.
3. Certified Penetration Tester (C|Pent)
The Certified Penetration Tester (C|Pent) is an advanced certification offered by EC-Council, designed for professionals who are ready to tackle complex penetration testing scenarios. Unlike entry-level certifications, C|Pent focuses heavily on real-world environments, multi-layered networks, and perimeter defenses, preparing candidates for the challenges of sophisticated cyber-attacks. The hands-on nature of this certification ensures that you’ll not only learn how to exploit vulnerabilities but also how to navigate advanced defense mechanisms in live environments.
C|Pent stands out because it goes beyond the basics of penetration testing. Its curriculum emphasizes network segmentation testing, privilege escalation, pivoting between networks, and evasion techniques—all necessary skills when dealing with modern enterprise networks. The certification also includes a practical exam where candidates must demonstrate their expertise in a live, proctored environment, providing added credibility for those who earn it.
Why C|Pent Stands Out
One of the key reasons C|Pent has gained popularity is its focus on hands-on skills, which gives professionals a deeper understanding of how to bypass complex security systems. This makes C|Pent particularly valuable for those looking to pursue roles in penetration testing or red teaming, where advanced technical knowledge is a must. Its practical emphasis sets it apart from certifications that are more theory-based, ensuring that holders are job-ready in environments with sophisticated defenses.
4. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification is one of the most respected credentials in the ethical hacking world. Offered by Offensive Security, OSCP is renowned for its rigorous, hands-on approach to penetration testing. Unlike many certifications that include multiple-choice questions, OSCP requires candidates to demonstrate their skills in a live, proctored exam by hacking into a series of vulnerable machines within a 24-hour window. This real-world, high-pressure environment gives OSCP holders a level of credibility that few other certifications can match.
The OSCP exam isn’t just about knowing tools and techniques; it requires a deep understanding of the methodology behind ethical hacking. Candidates must research, plan, execute attacks, and ultimately produce a detailed report outlining their findings and remediation suggestions. These skills make OSCP holders highly sought after by organizations looking for penetration testers who can effectively identify and exploit vulnerabilities in their networks.
Why OSCP is Highly Regarded
The OSCP is considered a rite of passage for senior level penetration testers. Its practical nature ensures that only those with real, hands-on hacking skills can pass. Employers particularly value OSCP-certified professionals because they know these individuals can perform under pressure, think critically, and apply what they’ve learned to real-world security challenges. The certification’s focus on self-learning, coupled with Offensive Security’s challenging training labs, makes it one of the most respected qualifications in the ethical hacking space.
5. GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
The GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) is a certification offered by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) and is highly respected in the cybersecurity community. Unlike some other certifications aimed at beginners, GPEN is geared toward professionals with hands-on penetration testing experience. It focuses on practical skills such as planning and scoping penetration tests, performing vulnerability scanning, conducting password attacks, and exploiting vulnerabilities in both Windows and Linux environments.
GPEN is an excellent choice for those who want a well-rounded understanding of penetration testing while also preparing to handle web application security and network-based attacks. The certification exam includes hands-on tasks that simulate real-world penetration testing environments, making it a valuable credential for professionals working in offensive security roles.
Why GPEN is a Strong Choice
GPEN is particularly useful for individuals working in enterprise environments where they need to demonstrate expertise in advanced penetration testing techniques. Its recognition by employers as a credible credential for both red and blue teams means that certification holders can expect better career opportunities. Moreover, GIAC certifications are known for their rigorous content, ensuring that professionals who hold GPEN are well-equipped to tackle modern cybersecurity challenges.
Cyberkraft Can Get You Certified TODAY
Cyberkraft offers comprehensive bootcamps for several key ethical hacking certifications. For the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Bootcamp, they provide a 40-hour live instruction course covering everything from reconnaissance to cloud hacking, alongside access to official EC-Council materials, hands-on labs, and a First Time Pass Guarantee. The course also includes lifetime access to recorded sessions, 6 months of lab access, opportunities to participate in global hacking competitions and meets DOD 8140 requirements.
The CompTIA PenTest+ Bootcamp is similarly structured, offering 40 hours of live instruction, hands-on labs, and official CompTIA materials. It features simulation exams and a fully paid exam voucher, with a guarantee for free retakes if needed. Students also receive career assistance and lifetime access to video lessons.
Cyberkraft provides strong support for exam preparation, ensuring students are well-equipped to pass and advance in their cybersecurity careers.
Get Your Ethical Hacking Certification Today
In the rapidly evolving field of ethical hacking, the right certification can make a world of difference for your career. The top certifications in 2024 each offer distinct advantages and reflect different levels of expertise. By pursuing one of these certifications, you can elevate your ethical hacking skills and open the door to new opportunities in cybersecurity.
And Cyberkraft can help.
Sitting down for your official exam is NOT the time to wonder if you should have put in more study hours or read the book one more time.
You should be 100% ready to go when test day rolls around. Go into your next certification exam feeling calm, cool and most importantly-confident. With Cyberkraft’s support, you’ll know you’ve done everything possible to prepare your skills for the trial ahead.
Our in-depth training courses combine video modules, review sessions, and practice exams to give you all you need to feel confident in your knowledge of the material.
It’s the perfect way for busy professionals to receive structured training that will talk you through important concepts so you can be prepared for your exam.
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