How to Get CEH Certified: A Step-by-Step Approach

If you're looking to break into the cybersecurity field, earning a CEH certification (Certified Ethical Hacker) is one of the smartest moves you can make. This globally respected credential, issued by EC-Council, validates your ability to think and act like a hacker—legally and ethically. Whether you're an aspiring cybersecurity professional or looking to upskill, this certification can significantly boost your career prospects and open the door to many roles in information security.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through a detailed step-by-step approach to becoming CEH certified and discuss the skills you'll gain, how to prepare, and what to expect during the process.

What is CEH Certification?

The CEH certification is one of the most recognized credentials in the information security industry. It is designed for IT professionals who want to gain a deep understanding of ethical hacking techniques, tools, and methodologies. Unlike traditional IT training, CEH focuses on thinking like a hacker to better understand how attacks happen and how to defend against them.

Developed by the EC-Council, the CEH credential covers multiple domains including reconnaissance techniques, system hacking, malware threats, sniffing, social engineering, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, session hijacking, and much more.

Why Choose CEH Certification?

Cybersecurity threats are on the rise, and organizations are constantly looking for skilled professionals who can identify vulnerabilities before malicious hackers do. That’s where CEH comes into play. With the CEH certification, you learn how to approach a system like a hacker—using the same tactics and tools—but with legal authorization and ethical intent.

Some key benefits include:

• Recognition in the industry as a certified cybersecurity expert

  
  
  
  

• Practical knowledge of hacking tools and techniques

  
  
  
  

• Increased job opportunities and earning potential

  
  
  
  

• A strong foundation for more advanced security certifications (e.g., CISSP, OSCP)

  
  
  
  

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting CEH Certified

Step 1: Understand the Prerequisites

Before you enroll in CEH training or attempt the exam, it's important to assess your current knowledge. While there's no strict educational requirement, EC-Council recommends at least two years of experience in information security or a related IT field. If you’re new, you can still qualify by completing official CEH training through an accredited training partner.

Step 2: Enroll in CEH Online Training

One of the most convenient ways to prepare for the exam is by enrolling in Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) online training. These courses are designed to give you both the theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience you need to succeed. Online programs are flexible, allowing you to learn at your own pace, and are often accompanied by virtual labs, practice exams, and instructor-led sessions.

Online CEH training also follows a structured learning path, typically covering:

• Information security basics

  
  
  
  

• Footprinting and reconnaissance

  
  
  
  

• Scanning networks

  
  
  
  

• Enumeration

  
  
  
  

• Vulnerability analysis

  
  
  
  

• Malware and attack vectors

  
  
  
  

• Sniffing and social engineering

  
  
  
  

• Firewalls and honeypots

  
  
  
  

• Web server and application hacking

  
  
  
  

• Cloud and IoT hacking fundamentals

  
  
  
  

Step 3: Practice in a Lab Environment

The CEH program emphasizes a practical, hands-on approach. Simply reading or watching videos isn’t enough—you need to apply what you’ve learned. Most online training includes access to virtual labs, which simulate real-world hacking scenarios. These environments are safe, legal, and specifically built for practice.

The CEH curriculum is designed to provide learners with a controlled setting where they can practice scanning, exploiting, and securing systems. This methodical, scenario-based learning model helps solidify your skills and prepares you for the kind of real-world tasks you’ll face in the field.

Step 4: Register for the CEH Exam

Once you feel confident with your training and practice, it’s time to schedule the exam. You can take the CEH certification exam either online via remote proctoring or at an approved testing center. The exam consists of:

• 125 multiple-choice questions

  
  
  
  

• A 4-hour time limit

  
  
  
  

• Topics covering all five phases of ethical hacking (Reconnaissance, Gaining Access, Enumeration, Maintaining Access, and Covering Tracks)

  
  
  
  

You need a score of at least 70% to pass, though the exact passing score can vary depending on the difficulty of your version of the exam.

Step 5: Maintain and Renew Your Certification

The CEH credential is valid for three years. To maintain your certification, you’ll need to earn EC-Council Continuing Education (ECE) credits by attending webinars, taking new courses, or engaging in other approved professional development activities. Staying current ensures you’re always up-to-date with evolving cybersecurity threats and solutions.

Midway Recap: Why the CEH Certification is Worth It

By the midpoint of your CEH journey, you’ll likely realize just how valuable the CEH certification can be. It doesn’t just help you pass an exam—it equips you with real, actionable skills you can use in the workplace. From learning how to detect vulnerabilities in a corporate network to understanding how attackers think, the CEH is a transformative experience for IT professionals looking to specialize in ethical hacking.

Who Should Pursue the CEH?

The CEH is ideal for:

• Security officers

  
  
  
  

• Network administrators

  
  
  
  

• IT professionals transitioning into cybersecurity

  
  
  
  

• Penetration testers

  
  
  
  

• Risk analysts

  
  
  
  

• Anyone with a strong interest in ethical hacking and cybersecurity

  
  
  
  

Even if you're not currently in a security-focused role, the CEH certification can help you pivot into a more advanced or specialized cybersecurity career.

Conclusion: Your Path to Ethical Hacking Starts Here

Pursuing the CEH certification is more than just earning a badge—it's a comprehensive learning journey that prepares you for one of the most exciting and in-demand careers in IT. From enrolling in CEH online training to passing the rigorous certification exam, each step helps build your expertise in ethical hacking and security defense.

Whether you're an IT professional looking to advance your career or a newcomer aiming to break into cybersecurity, the CEH provides a structured and effective pathway. With the right preparation, hands-on training, and commitment, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Certified Ethical Hacker.