The Fundamental Difference
The most important distinction between these two certifications is their scope. They don’t compete directly — they cover different aspects of cybersecurity.
CompTIA Security+ is a broad, foundational cybersecurity certification. It covers the full landscape: network security, threat management, risk assessment, identity and access management, cryptography, compliance, and incident response. It’s designed to prove you understand cybersecurity as a whole.
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) is a specialised, offensive-security certification. It focuses specifically on penetration testing methodology — how attackers think, how they exploit systems, and how to test defences by simulating real-world attacks. It’s narrower but deeper in its domain.
Think of it this way: Security+ proves you can defend the castle. CEH proves you can think like the people trying to break in. Both are valuable, but they serve different roles in a cybersecurity team.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s the complete breakdown across every factor that should influence your decision.
CompTIA Security+ vs CEH: Full Comparison (2026)
| Factor | CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) | CEH v13 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (Exam Only) | £310–£370 | £850–£1,200 |
| Cost (With Training) | £1,500–£3,000 | £2,500–£5,000 |
| Study Duration | 2–4 months (part-time) | 3–5 months (part-time) |
| Exam Format | 90 questions (MCQ + performance-based), 90 minutes | 125 MCQs, 4 hours |
| Pass Mark | 750/900 (83%) | 70% |
| Difficulty | Moderate — broad coverage, performance-based questions add challenge | Moderate to hard — technical depth, tool-specific knowledge |
| Prerequisites | None required (CompTIA Network+ and 2 years’ experience recommended) | 2 years’ information security experience (or attend official training) |
| Renewal | Every 3 years (50 CEUs + annual fee ~£50/yr) | Every 3 years (120 ECE credits + annual fee ~£65/yr) |
| Awarding Body | CompTIA (vendor-neutral, US-based non-profit) | EC-Council (vendor-neutral, US-based commercial) |
| DoD 8570 Compliant | Yes (IAT Level II, IAM Level I) | Yes (CSSP Analyst, Auditor, Incident Responder) |
| ISO/ANSI Accredited | Yes (ISO 17024) | Yes (ANSI 17024) |
Sources: CompTIA, EC-Council, Glassdoor UK
The Cost Gap Is Significant
This is the elephant in the room. CEH’s exam fee alone (£850–£1,200) is 3–4 times the cost of Security+. With official training, CEH can cost £3,000–£5,000 compared to £1,500–£3,000 for Security+. If budget is a constraint, that difference matters — especially early in your career when the return on investment hasn’t yet materialised.
Employer Recognition in the UK
What do UK employers actually look for? We analysed job listings across major UK job boards to see which certification appears more frequently.
UK Cybersecurity Job Listings Mentioning Each Certification
| Job Role | Security+ Mentioned | CEH Mentioned | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Analyst | Very frequently | Frequently | Security+ preferred |
| SOC Analyst | Frequently | Sometimes | Security+ preferred |
| Penetration Tester | Sometimes | Frequently | CEH preferred (but OSCP preferred over both) |
| Information Security Manager | Sometimes | Rarely | CISSP preferred; Security+ over CEH |
| Security Engineer | Frequently | Sometimes | Security+ preferred at entry; vendor certs at senior |
| GRC / Compliance | Sometimes | Rarely | Security+ or CISM preferred |
| UK Government / MoD | Frequently (often required) | Sometimes | Security+ has stronger government recognition |
| IT Support transitioning to Security | Very frequently | Rarely | Security+ is the standard entry point |
The pattern is clear: Security+ has broader recognition across more roles, particularly for defensive security, compliance, government, and entry-level positions. CEH is valued specifically for offensive security and penetration testing roles — but even in that space, experienced hiring managers often prefer OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) over CEH.
Career Paths: Where Each Certification Leads
The certification you choose should align with where you want your career to go, not just where you are now.
Career Progression Paths
| Stage | Security+ Path (Defensive) | CEH Path (Offensive) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–2 yrs) | Security Analyst, SOC Analyst (£28K–£38K) | Junior Pen Tester, Security Analyst (£30K–£40K) |
| Mid (2–5 yrs) | Security Engineer, IR Analyst (£40K–£60K) | Penetration Tester, Red Teamer (£45K–£65K) |
| Senior (5–10 yrs) | Security Architect, CISO (£65K–£100K+) | Senior Pen Tester, Security Consultant (£60K–£95K) |
| Next Certifications | CySA+, CASP+, CISSP, CISM | OSCP, GPEN, CREST CRT |
Sources: Glassdoor UK, Reed Salary Guide
The Honest Truth About Penetration Testing
Pen testing is the “glamorous” side of cybersecurity, and CEH markets itself on that appeal. But here’s what most guides won’t tell you: dedicated pen testing roles make up less than 10% of all cybersecurity positions. The vast majority of cybersecurity jobs are in defence, monitoring, compliance, and architecture — areas where Security+ is more directly relevant. Choose CEH because you genuinely want to specialise in offensive security, not because it sounds more exciting.
When CompTIA Security+ Is the Better Choice
Security+ is the right certification in the following situations:
- You’re entering cybersecurity for the first time — Security+ provides the broad foundation that every cyber professional needs, regardless of eventual specialism
- You’re transitioning from IT support or networking — it builds directly on CompTIA A+ and Network+ knowledge, making it the natural next step
- You want the widest range of job options — more UK cybersecurity job listings mention Security+ than any other entry-level certification
- Budget is a concern — at roughly half the total cost of CEH (exam + training), it’s significantly more affordable
- You’re targeting UK government or defence roles — Security+ meets DoD 8570/8140 requirements and is widely recognised across UK government security teams
- You’re not sure which area of cybersecurity to specialise in yet — Security+ keeps all doors open, from defensive to governance to architecture
When CEH Is the Better Choice
CEH makes sense in these specific circumstances:
- You specifically want a career in penetration testing — CEH’s methodology aligns directly with pen testing roles and demonstrates offensive security knowledge
- You already have Security+ or equivalent foundational knowledge — CEH adds specialist depth on top of a broad base
- Your employer is paying — the cost objection disappears if your company funds the training and exam
- You’re targeting consulting or red team roles — clients and employers in offensive security consulting value CEH as a recognised credential
- You need a compliance-driven certification — some regulatory frameworks and government contracts specifically list CEH as an accepted credential
CEH vs OSCP: A Note for Aspiring Pen Testers
If your goal is penetration testing, be aware that many experienced hiring managers consider OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) more credible than CEH. OSCP requires a hands-on, 24-hour practical exam where you must actually compromise systems — while CEH is entirely multiple choice. However, OSCP is significantly harder and has no formal training requirement. Many people do CEH first as a stepping stone, then progress to OSCP once they have practical experience.
Which Should You Do First?
If you plan to pursue both certifications eventually, the order matters.
Security+ first, CEH second. This is the recommended sequence for almost everyone, and here’s why:
- Security+ builds the foundation that CEH assumes you already have. Concepts like encryption, network protocols, access control, and risk management are covered thoroughly in Security+ and tested obliquely in CEH.
- Security+ is faster and cheaper, giving you a credential on your CV sooner. You can be job-hunting with Security+ in 2–4 months while continuing to study for CEH.
- Security+ opens more entry-level doors, allowing you to gain practical experience that makes CEH’s offensive content more meaningful.
- CEH’s prerequisite of 2 years’ experience can be waived by attending official training, but the material is significantly easier to absorb with real-world context.
The exception: if you already have strong networking and security fundamentals (e.g., you’ve been in IT for 3+ years and have hands-on security experience), you could go directly to CEH. But for most career changers and newcomers, Security+ first is the smarter sequence.
The Qualify Nation® Perspective
Our cybersecurity programmes are designed to build your skills progressively, starting with the foundational knowledge that Security+ validates. We focus on practical, hands-on learning through our Labs platform, so you’re not just memorising answers — you’re developing genuine competence that transfers to real-world roles.
Not sure which cybersecurity path suits your background? Our free Career Assessment analyses your existing skills and experience to recommend the most suitable starting point — whether that’s defensive security, offensive security, or a different path entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CompTIA Security+ enough to get a cybersecurity job?
Yes, for entry-level roles. Security+ combined with demonstrable practical skills is sufficient to land roles such as Security Analyst, SOC Analyst, or Information Security Associate. It’s the most commonly requested certification in entry-level UK cybersecurity job listings. However, career progression will eventually require additional certifications (CySA+, CISSP, or specialist certs) and hands-on experience.
Is CEH worth the money?
It depends on your career goals. If you’re specifically targeting penetration testing or offensive security consulting, CEH is a recognised credential that opens doors. If you’re entering cybersecurity broadly, Security+ offers better value at roughly half the cost with wider employer recognition. The cost-benefit equation also changes significantly if your employer is paying for the certification.
Can I get a penetration testing job with just CEH?
CEH alone is unlikely to land you a dedicated pen testing role without practical experience. Most pen testing employers want to see hands-on skills, often validated through OSCP, CREST CRT, or a portfolio of CTF (Capture the Flag) achievements. CEH demonstrates theoretical knowledge of offensive methodology, but the industry increasingly values practical demonstration over multiple-choice exam results.
Do I need CompTIA Network+ before Security+?
It’s not required but strongly recommended. Security+ assumes a solid understanding of networking concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, routing, firewalls). If you already have networking experience or have completed IT support training, you can go directly to Security+. If networking is completely new to you, spending 4–6 weeks on Network+ fundamentals first will make Security+ significantly easier.
Which certification pays more in the UK?
At entry level, salaries are similar (£28K–£40K). At mid-career, dedicated penetration testers (often CEH-certified) can earn £45K–£65K, while defensive security professionals (often Security+-certified progressing to CISSP) earn £40K–£60K. At senior levels, CISSP-holding security architects and CISOs typically out-earn pen testers, with salaries of £80K–£120K+ compared to £60K–£95K for senior pen testers.
How hard is the CompTIA Security+ exam?
Security+ has a reputation as challenging for beginners, with a pass mark of 750/900 (approximately 83%). The performance-based questions (PBQs) — where you must perform tasks in a simulated environment — add practical difficulty beyond simple memorisation. With structured study over 2–4 months and plenty of practice questions, most candidates pass on their first attempt. The key is understanding concepts, not just memorising terms.
Do both certifications need to be renewed?
Yes. Both Security+ and CEH must be renewed every 3 years. Security+ requires 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and an annual fee of approximately £50. CEH requires 120 EC-Council Continuing Education (ECE) credits and an annual membership fee of approximately £65. Renewal can be achieved through training courses, conferences, publishing, or higher-level certifications. Earning a higher certification (e.g., CySA+ or CASP+) automatically renews Security+.
Are there better alternatives to CEH?
For offensive security, many professionals consider OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) more credible due to its hands-on practical exam. For UK-specific pen testing roles, CREST certifications (CRT, CCT) carry strong weight, particularly with CHECK-accredited companies. However, CEH remains more accessible than OSCP (which has no formal training and a notoriously difficult 24-hour practical exam) and is more internationally recognised than CREST.
The Bottom Line
For the vast majority of people entering cybersecurity in 2026, CompTIA Security+ is the better first certification. It’s cheaper, faster, more broadly recognised, and opens doors to the widest range of cybersecurity roles. It’s the foundation that everything else builds on.
CEH is a solid second certification for those who want to specialise in offensive security. But it’s a specialism, not a foundation. Doing CEH without Security+ (or equivalent knowledge) is like trying to break into buildings before understanding how they’re constructed.
The smartest investment for most aspiring cybersecurity professionals: Security+ first, practical experience second, then specialise (CEH, OSCP, CySA+, CISSP) based on where your career takes you. With a global workforce gap of 4.76 million and UK cyber salaries averaging £52,000, both certifications lead to excellent career outcomes — the question is simply which path gets you there most efficiently.
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