If you're debating between Security+ and CEH, you're standing at a career crossroads that could define your entire cybersecurity journey. One path leads to broad opportunities across the industry, while the other opens doors to specialized, high-paying roles that fewer professionals can access. The catch? Choose wrong, and you might find yourself either stuck in entry-level positions or struggling with advanced concepts you're not ready for. This decision affects everything from your daily responsibilities to your long-term earning potential, yet most professionals don't have the insider knowledge to make the right choice for their situation.
What Are Security+ and CEH Certifications?
CompTIA Security+ Foundation
CompTIA Security+ is a globally recognized early-career cybersecurity certification that validates essential skills in securing networks, detecting threats, and responding to cybersecurity incidents. Comparing cred paths often starts with reviewing what is security plus. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it serves as the first security certification tech professionals should earn, establishing core knowledge for any entry-level cybersecurity role.
The Security+ exam (SY0-701) requires a passing score of 750 out of 900 and covers five key domains: General Security Concepts (12%), Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations (22%), Security Architecture (18%), Security Operations (28%), and Security Program Management and Oversight (20%). This comprehensive coverage makes Security+ vendor-neutral and applicable across all industries.
EC-Council CEH Specialization
The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification focuses specifically on penetration testing and ethical hacking methodologies. Unlike Security+'s broad approach, CEH teaches professionals to think like malicious hackers to better defend against cyber attacks. This specialized certification covers advanced topics including vulnerability assessment, system penetration, web application hacking, and forensics investigation techniques.
CEH candidates learn hands-on hacking tools and techniques used by cybercriminals, making it ideal for professionals targeting red team, penetration testing, or security assessment roles. The certification demonstrates proficiency in identifying security weaknesses and conducting authorized security tests.
Defensive vs. Offensive Security Focus
The fundamental difference lies in approach: Security+ emphasizes defensive security strategies while CEH concentrates on offensive security techniques. Security+ teaches you to build secure systems, implement security controls, and respond to incidents. CEH trains you to actively test systems by simulating real-world attacks, finding vulnerabilities before malicious actors do.
Career Path Implications
General Security Professional Roles
Security+ certified professionals qualify for diverse cybersecurity positions across all industries. Common roles include Security Analyst, SOC Analyst, Security Administrator, Network Security Administrator, and IT Auditor. The certification satisfies DoD 8570/8140 requirements for Information Assurance Technical (IAT) Level II positions, opening stable government contractor opportunities.
According to current market data, Security+ holders earn approximately $88,000 average salary in the United States, with entry-level positions starting around $71,697 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in tech hubs like San Francisco or New York typically earn 20-30% more than the national average.
Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking
CEH certification specifically targets penetration testing roles with an average salary of $96,490. These specialized positions include Penetration Tester, Vulnerability Analyst, Security Consultant, and Ethical Hacker. While CEH opens doors to higher-paying specialized roles, the job market is narrower compared to Security+'s broad applicability.
CEH holders often work for consulting firms, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, or government agencies requiring regular security assessments. The certification demonstrates hands-on ability to identify and exploit vulnerabilities, making it valuable for organizations serious about proactive security testing.
Red Team and Security Assessment Careers
CEH serves as a stepping stone toward advanced offensive security certifications like OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional). Many CEH professionals eventually join red teams—specialized groups that simulate advanced persistent threats to test organizational defenses. These roles often command premium salaries due to their specialized nature and high demand.
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Should You Get Security+ Before CEH?
Foundation Knowledge Requirements
While not strictly required, Security+ provides essential foundational knowledge that makes CEH training more effective. Security+ covers network security, cryptography, and risk management concepts that CEH assumes you already understand. Without this foundation, CEH candidates often struggle with advanced penetration testing concepts.
CompTIA recommends Network+ or equivalent networking knowledge before Security+, and Security+ before advancing to specialized certifications. This progressive approach ensures you understand how systems work before learning how to break them.
Practical Experience Expectations
CEH certification assumes candidates have practical experience with networking concepts, operating systems, and basic security principles. The exam includes hands-on scenarios requiring familiarity with various hacking tools and techniques. Candidates without foundational knowledge often find CEH preparation overwhelming and expensive.
Security+ provides this practical foundation through performance-based questions ensuring candidates can apply knowledge practically, not just memorize theories. This hands-on approach better prepares professionals for specialized training.
Industry Credibility Building
Starting with Security+ establishes credibility in the cybersecurity community. The certification is widely recognized by employers and often serves as a prerequisite for advanced security roles. Many organizations prefer candidates who demonstrate progression through recognized certification paths rather than jumping directly to specialized credentials.
Exam Structure and Content Analysis
Security+ Comprehensive Coverage
The Security+ exam contains maximum 90 questions with 90 minutes to complete, featuring multiple-choice and performance-based questions. The current SY0-701 version emphasizes practical scenarios requiring candidates to configure security tools, analyze security incidents, and implement security solutions.
CompTIA recommends a minimum two years of experience in IT administration with security focus, hands-on experience with technical information security, and broad knowledge of security concepts. The exam cost is $425 with various bundle options available.
CEH Hands-on Hacking Focus
The CEH exam is significantly more technical and hands-on compared to Security+. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency with penetration testing tools like Nmap, Metasploit, Wireshark, and various exploitation frameworks. The exam includes practical scenarios requiring actual vulnerability exploitation and report generation.
CEH training typically requires more expensive lab environments and specialized software, increasing overall certification costs. Many candidates invest in dedicated practice labs or virtual environments to gain necessary hands-on experience.
Experience and Skill Prerequisites
Security+ serves as an entry-level certification suitable for professionals with basic IT knowledge and two years of relevant experience. The exam focuses on fundamental concepts applicable across various security roles.
CEH assumes deeper technical knowledge and hands-on experience with networking, operating systems, and basic security tools. Candidates often need additional training or practical experience beyond Security+ to succeed with CEH preparation.
Difficulty and Preparation Differences
Security+ Study Approach
Security+ preparation typically involves 2-4 months of study using books, video courses, practice exams, and hands-on labs. The certification requires memorizing security concepts, understanding compliance frameworks, and applying security principles to practical scenarios.
Many candidates successfully prepare using self-study approaches with official CompTIA resources, third-party training materials, and practice environments. The learning curve is manageable for professionals with basic IT experience.
CEH Practical Lab Requirements
CEH preparation demands extensive hands-on practice with hacking tools and techniques. Candidates need access to vulnerable systems, penetration testing tools, and safe lab environments to practice exploitation techniques legally and safely.
The certification requires understanding both theoretical concepts and practical application of hacking methodologies. Many candidates invest in expensive bootcamps or specialized training programs to gain necessary practical experience.
Tool Proficiency Expectations
Security+ requires familiarity with common security tools but doesn't demand expert-level proficiency. The focus remains on understanding security concepts and applying them appropriately.
CEH requires hands-on proficiency with dozens of hacking tools, including vulnerability scanners, exploitation frameworks, password crackers, and forensics tools. Candidates must demonstrate ability to use these tools effectively in practical scenarios.
Market Demand and Salary Comparison
Security+ Job Market Breadth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts (often Security+ holders) show 33% projected job growth from 2023-2033, much faster than average. This creates approximately 17,300 job openings annually with a median salary of $124,910.
Security+ opens doors across all industries—healthcare, finance, manufacturing, government, and technology. The certification's broad applicability provides career flexibility and numerous advancement opportunities.
CEH Specialization Premium
CEH holders typically earn higher salaries at $96,490 average due to specialized skills, but the job market is narrower. Penetration testing roles are concentrated in cybersecurity consulting firms, large enterprises, and government agencies requiring regular security assessments.
While CEH commands premium compensation, career progression often requires additional specialized certifications or extensive practical experience. The path is more focused but potentially more lucrative for dedicated professionals.
Career Growth Trajectories
Security+ serves as a foundation for various advanced certifications including CISSP, CISM, CySA+, or specialized cloud security credentials. This flexibility allows career pivoting as interests and market demands evolve. For professionals seeking executive-level security leadership roles, our CISSP Certification Guide provides detailed information about advancing to this prestigious credential.
CEH typically leads toward advanced penetration testing certifications like OSCP, GPEN, or GCIH. While these paths offer high earning potential, they require continuous technical skill development and specialization.
Certification in 1 Week
Study everything you need to know for the Security+ exam in a 1-week bootcamp!
Investment and Certification Costs
Exam Fees and Training Expenses
Security+ exam costs $425 with total certification expenses ranging from $600-$3,500 depending on training approach. That cost becomes more meaningful when viewed alongside compensation data in security plus salary. Budget-conscious candidates can achieve certification for under $800 using books and free resources, while comprehensive bootcamps cost at $399-$3,500.
CEH certification typically costs more due to specialized training requirements and hands-on lab expenses. Many candidates invest $2,000-$5,000 in preparation including exam fees, training materials, and practice environments.
Continuing Education Requirements
Both certifications require ongoing maintenance. Security+ remains valid for three years and requires 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for renewal, with a $150 renewal fee. CEH has similar continuing education requirements but may have different fee structures.
Decision Framework by Career Goals
Broad Security Career Foundation
Choose Security+ if you want maximum career flexibility across cybersecurity roles. The certification opens doors in security operations, compliance, risk management, and various technical security positions. It's ideal for professionals uncertain about their specific cybersecurity specialization or those seeking government contractor opportunities.
Security+ provides the foundational knowledge needed for most cybersecurity roles and serves as a stepping stone to advanced certifications. The broad job market ensures numerous opportunities across industries and geographic locations.
Penetration Testing Specialization
Choose CEH if you're committed to penetration testing and ethical hacking careers. The certification provides specialized skills for red team operations, vulnerability assessments, and security consulting roles. It's ideal for technically-minded professionals who enjoy hands-on hacking and problem-solving.
CEH works best for candidates with solid networking and security fundamentals who want to specialize immediately. The higher earning potential justifies the increased preparation investment for dedicated professionals.
Compliance and Risk Management Focus
Security+ better supports compliance-focused careers in risk management, audit, and regulatory roles. The certification covers governance frameworks, compliance requirements, and risk assessment methodologies essential for these positions.
Organizations in regulated industries often prefer Security+ holders for compliance-related roles due to the certification's comprehensive coverage of security governance and risk management principles.
Frequently Asked Questions
While not strictly required, Security+ provides valuable foundational knowledge that makes CEH preparation more effective. Many successful CEH candidates have Security+ or equivalent foundational knowledge before attempting the specialized ethical hacking certification.
CEH typically commands higher salaries due to specialized penetration testing skills. CEH holders earn an average of $96,490, with potential total compensation reaching $150,000. However, Security+ offers broader job market opportunities with its $88,000 average salary. The choice depends on whether you prefer specialized high-paying roles (CEH) or diverse career options with steady growth potential (Security+).
CEH focuses on specialized penetration testing rather than broad cybersecurity fundamentals, making it less suitable for general entry-level security roles. Most employers prefer Security+ for foundational security positions due to its comprehensive coverage of essential cybersecurity concepts.
Conclusion
Your choice between Security+ and CEH should align with your career goals, technical interests, and risk tolerance. Security+ provides the broader foundation with more diverse opportunities, while CEH offers specialized skills for higher-paying but narrower roles. Consider starting with Security+ to build essential knowledge, then advancing to CEH if penetration testing appeals to you. Either path can lead to rewarding cybersecurity careers—the key is matching your certification strategy with your long-term professional objectives. Ready to start your certification journey? Explore comprehensive training programs that can accelerate your path to cybersecurity success.
John is a major force behind the Destination Certification CISSP program's success, with over 25 years of global cybersecurity experience. He simplifies complex topics, and he utilizes innovative teaching methods that contribute to the program's industry-high exam success rates. As a leading Information Security professional in Canada, John co-authored a bestselling CISSP exam preparation guide and helped develop official CISSP curriculum materials. You can reach out to John on LinkedIn.
Rob is the driving force behind the success of the Destination Certification CISSP program, leveraging over 15 years of security, privacy, and cloud assurance expertise. As a seasoned leader, he has guided numerous companies through high-profile security breaches and managed the development of multi-year security strategies. With a passion for education, Rob has delivered hundreds of globally acclaimed CCSP, CISSP, and ISACA classes, combining entertaining delivery with profound insights for exam success. You can reach out to Rob on LinkedIn.
