CEH vs Security+ 2026: Which Cybersecurity Cert to Get First
CEH and Security+ sit at opposite ends of cybersecurity: one teaches you to attack, the other to defend. Here is the honest cost, difficulty, and salary comparison, plus which to take first.
Table of Contents
CEH and Security+ are the two certifications beginners most often weigh first in cybersecurity, but they are built for opposite jobs. Security+ proves you can defend systems; CEH proves you can attack them to find weaknesses. They differ sharply on cost, difficulty, and who should take them.
This comparison lays out the real numbers and ends with a clear verdict on which to get first.
CEH vs SY0-701 at a glance
The fast version: Security+ is cheaper, broader, and the standard first cert; CEH is pricier, offensive, and best after you have the fundamentals.
Certified Ethical Hacker
EC-Council's offensive / ethical hacking credential.
CompTIA Security+
The vendor-neutral defensive security baseline.
CEH vs Security+: full comparison
| Factor | CEH | Security+ |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Offensive / ethical hacking | Defensive / core security |
| Level | Intermediate | Entry / foundational |
| Exam cost | ~$1,199 (more with training) | $404 |
| Format | 125 questions, 4 hours | 90 questions, 90 minutes |
| Prerequisite | 2 yrs infosec OR EC-Council training | None (Network+ recommended) |
| DoD 8140 approved | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Pen testers, red teamers | First security job, SOC, analyst |
Which should you choose?
For almost everyone the order is the same, but here is the case for each.
Choose CEH if...
- You specifically want penetration testing or red-team work
- You already hold Security+ or have hands-on security experience
- Your target job posting names CEH explicitly
- Your employer will fund the higher cost (often $1,500-$3,000 with training)
Choose Security+ if...
- You are new to cybersecurity and need a recognised baseline
- You want the most affordable, broadly accepted entry cert
- You are targeting SOC analyst, security admin, or DoD-adjacent roles
- You want a stepping stone before specialising offensively
🏆 The verdict
Get Security+ first, then CEH if you want offensive security. Security+ is cheaper, broader, and the credential the most entry-level postings ask for. CEH only pays off once you have the fundamentals and are deliberately targeting penetration testing. Trying to start with CEH is an expensive way to learn material Security+ teaches for a quarter of the price.
Which is harder, CEH or Security+?
CEH is the harder exam. It covers specialised offensive tooling and methodology across 125 questions in four hours, and the content assumes networking and security fundamentals you may not yet have. Security+ is rated moderate and is designed to be passable by motivated beginners in two to three months. If you find Security+ a stretch, CEH will be a wall. See our Security+ study guide to gauge the foundation first.
Salary: does CEH pay more?
On paper CEH holders earn more ($70k-$110k vs $55k-$95k for Security+), but that reflects the more senior, specialised roles CEH targets, not the certificate alone. Early-career, Security+ gets you hired faster and cheaper. The real salary jump comes from offensive experience, which CEH signals but does not create on its own.
Should you get both?
Many security professionals do, in order. Security+ establishes the defensive baseline (and satisfies DoD requirements); CEH adds offensive credibility later. A common strong path is Security+ then CySA+ or CEH, depending on whether you lean blue team or red team. For the full picture, see our cybersecurity certification roadmap.
Frequently asked questions
Should I get CEH or Security+ first?
Get Security+ first. It is cheaper, broader, required by more entry-level roles, and teaches the fundamentals CEH assumes. Add CEH afterward only if you are targeting penetration testing or red-team work.
Is CEH worth the higher cost?
Only if you specifically want offensive security and ideally have employer funding. CEH can run $1,500-$3,000 with training versus $404 for Security+. For a first cert, that premium is hard to justify.
Which certification is harder?
CEH is harder. It covers specialised offensive tooling over a longer exam and assumes security fundamentals. Security+ is designed to be achievable by beginners in two to three months.
Do both certifications meet DoD requirements?
Yes. Both Security+ and CEH appear on the US DoD 8140/8570 approved list, though for different work roles. Security+ is the more common baseline requirement.
Can I skip Security+ and go straight to CEH?
You can, but it is rarely wise. CEH assumes networking and security fundamentals, so without Security+-level knowledge you will struggle and overpay to learn the basics.
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