When evaluating certifications for cybersecurity professionals, particularly in penetration testing and ethical hacking, both CompTIA PenTest+ and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) are prominent options. The suitability of one over the other depends on various factors, including career goals, industry recognition, and the specific skills one aims to acquire.
CompTIA PenTest+
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Focus: Emphasizes hands-on penetration testing and vulnerability assessment, covering the entire testing lifecycle from planning and scoping to reporting and communication.
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Exam Structure: Consists of up to 85 questions, including multiple-choice and performance-based items, over a duration of 165 minutes.
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Experience Level: Geared towards intermediate-level professionals with 3-4 years of hands-on experience in cybersecurity.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
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Focus: Provides a broad understanding of ethical hacking concepts, tools, and methodologies, aiming to think like a hacker to better defend against threats.
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Exam Structure: Features 125 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 240 minutes.
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Experience Level: Considered an entry-level certification, suitable for individuals with at least two years of experience in the cybersecurity field.
Key Differences and Considerations
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Practical Skills Assessment: CompTIA PenTest+ includes performance-based questions that evaluate practical, hands-on skills in penetration testing, which can be advantageous for roles requiring direct application of these skills.
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Industry Recognition: CEH has been established since 2003 and is widely recognized in the industry, often being a prerequisite for certain job roles. However, CompTIA PenTest+ is gaining recognition for its practical focus.
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Content Depth: CEH offers a comprehensive overview of ethical hacking, covering a wide range of topics, while PenTest+ delves deeper into the specifics of penetration testing and vulnerability management.
