There is no doubt that if you’re a beginner in ethical hacking, you will need considerable training before becoming proficient in this cybersecurity field. You will need to know how to find and exploit weaknesses in systems, how to use tools to carry out attacks, and how to interpret the data that you gather.
All of this takes time and effort to learn. And one of the best ways to learn the foundations of everything you need to know is to take a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) training course and obtain the CEH EC Council certification, a cybersecurity certification widely regarded as one of the best for aspiring ethical hackers.
In this blog post, we’ll look at the cost of CEH training, how you can expect to benefit from a course, how long it will take you to complete the training, and more.
Types of CEH training
Before diving deeper into particulars, let’s take a brief overview of the types of CEH training available.
Based on the pace of learning and the level of interaction with an instructor, CEH training can be broadly classified into three types:
- Self-paced training: In self-paced training, learners have the flexibility to study at their own pace and time. This type of training is best suited for those who want to learn at their own convenience, such as people who work full-time or otherwise have busy schedules.
- Instructor-led training: In instructor-led training, learners are given scheduled lessons and assignments by an expert trainer. This type of training is best suited for those who want to receive more direct guidance and feedback from an experienced professional, as well as people who can set aside dedicated time for classes and learning.
- Bootcamp: Bootcamp-style training is a combination of self-paced and instructor-led training. In a boot camp, learners are given some flexibility to study at their own pace, but they also have regular check-ins and lessons with an instructor. Cybersecurity boot camp is best suited for those who want a more immersive and structured learning experience.
Based on the location you’re learning at, CEH certification training can also be classified into two types:
- Online training: Online CEH training courses are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer the flexibility to learn from anywhere in the world. They’re great for people who might not be able to make it to a physical training location.
- On-site training: On-site CEH training courses are typically held at a physical location, such as a classroom or office. They’re great for people who want the benefits of a more traditional learning environment.
Now that we’ve looked at the different types of CEH training available, let’s explain all the costs of CEH training.
How much does CEH training cost?
The CEH certification cost can vary widely depending on the type of course you take and the provider you take it from.
Self-paced CEH training courses can cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000, while instructor-led courses can cost between $1,500 and $3,500. Bootcamp-style courses can cost between $2,500 and $4,000.
On-site CEH training courses are typically more expensive than online courses, as they incur additional costs for things like classroom rental and instructor travel. On-site courses can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000.
It may seem like these prices are quite high, but it’s important to keep in mind that the CEH certification is a globally recognized information security credential that can help you land a high-paying job in the cybersecurity field. The average salary for a certified ethical hacker is $115,353 per year.
So, while the upfront cost of CEH training may be significant, it’s important to consider the long-term return on the investment.
Additionally, when choosing a CEH training course, it’s important to consider the course’s quality and the instructors’ experience. You may be tempted to go for the cheapest option, but there is no guarantee that you will receive the same quality of education.
A high-quality, ethical hacking course will give you the knowledge and skills you need to pass the certification exam and become a successful ethical hacker.
What are the benefits of CEH training?
If you’re wondering whether CEH training is worth it, the answer is a resounding yes. CEH training courses offer a wealth of benefits, including:
- A comprehensive understanding of ethical hacking: CEH training courses cover all the essential concepts of ethical hacking, from social engineering to cloud security to hacking mobile platforms. Even if you are a beginner in ethical hacking, by the end of a course, you will have a firm understanding of the basics of ethical hacking and be able to put your knowledge into practice.
- Recognition from peers and employers: CEH certification is recognized and highly regarded by both peers and employers. With a CEH certification, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers, which can give you a leg up in the job market.
- An opportunity to work in a dynamic role: Ethical hacking is a dynamic and ever-changing field. By becoming an ethical hacker, you will have the chance to work in a constantly evolving position that offers new challenges. One thing is for sure: you will never be bored as an ethical hacker.
- Improved career prospects: CEH training can open up a new world of career opportunities. With your unique skills and knowledge, you will be able to pursue ethical hacking jobs in a variety of industries. The CEH certification is also a great way to boost your resume and stand out.
- Increased salary: As we mentioned earlier, the average salary for a certified ethical hacker is $115,353 per year. With CEH training, you can expect a significant increase in your earnings potential.
These are just a handful of advantages that CEH training can offer. The bottom line is that this offensive security training is an investment that will pay off handsomely in the long run. If you’re serious about pursuing a career in ethical hacking, this type of training is essential.
How long does CEH training take?
The length of CEH training can vary greatly depending on the type of course you take.
Self-paced Certified Ethical Hacker certification courses can be completed in as little as two weeks, but it typically takes four to six weeks to complete a course. Instructor-led courses are typically three to five days long, while boot camp courses can last anywhere from one week to one month.
The important thing to remember is that, even if you go with the instructor-led training route, you will still need to put in some time outside of class to complete the coursework and practice your new skills. There is a lot of ground to cover for the CEH v11 of the exam, so you must be prepared to commit the time and effort required to learn everything you need to know.
Taking the time to grasp the material outlined in the CEH exam blueprint and mastering the skills is essential to getting the most out of your CEH training.
Another factor that impacts how long it takes you to complete CEH training is your prior experience and knowledge. If you already have a solid understanding of some of the topics covered in CEH training, you may be able to move through the material at a faster pace. On the other hand, if you are starting from scratch, it will take longer to complete the training.
How to choose the best training provider
There are dozens of factors to consider when choosing a certified ethical hacking training provider, from the course’s quality to the instructors’ experience.
To help you narrow down your options, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Check reviews: One of the best ways to gauge the quality of a CEH training provider is to read reviews from past students. Try to find reviews from a variety of sources, such as online forums and independent review websites.
- Compare prices: CEH training courses can vary widely in price, so it’s important to compare your options before making a decision. As we mentioned above, remember the cheapest option is not always the best option.
- Compare offers: Some providers offer way more than just CEH training. For example, The Cyber Agility Academy provides training for the CEH certification exam and the CEH Practical exam. By passing both, you become a CEH Master, which can lead to even more job opportunities (such as ultimately becoming a Chief Information Security Officer).
- Accreditation: When choosing a CEH training provider, be sure to check that they are approved by the EC Council. This accreditation is your assurance that the provider meets the high standards set by the EC Council.
Once you’ve taken all of these factors into account, you should have a good idea of which CEH training provider is right for you.
Conclusion
CEH training is an important investment for anyone serious about pursuing a career in the ethical hacking segment of the information technology industry. The training provides you with the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this field and can lead to increased job opportunities and earning potential. It is also an excellent starting point for obtaining more advanced cybersecurity certifications.
When choosing a cyber security training provider, compare your options carefully to find the best fit for your needs. And remember, even if you choose the most expensive option, CEH training will still be a worthwhile investment in your future.
The Cyber Agility Academy is a leading provider of CEH training, offering both instructor-led and self-paced courses. Our CEH Master program is approved by the EC Council, and our team of expert instructors are passionate about helping students succeed. Look at the upcoming training schedule and find a course that works for you.