CEH vs OSCP
Certified Ethical Hacker and Offensive Security Certified Professional compared with live job-market data: demand, salary, difficulty, and cost — updated weekly.
The short answer
CEH leads on market demand (42 vs 32 US job postings), while OSCPleads on average salary ($125,000). CEH is the more accessible starting point at 3/5 difficulty versus 5/5 for OSCP.
Side-by-Side Data
| CEH | OSCP | |
|---|---|---|
| Job Postings | 42leads | 32 |
| Market Share | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Demand Trend | Declining | Declining |
| Avg Salary | $118,000 | $125,000leads |
| Difficulty (1-5) | 3 / 5 | 5 / 5 |
| Exam Cost | $950-$1,199 | $1,749 |
| Study Time | 40-80 hours | 200-400 hours |
Job counts and market share from live US job postings, updated weekly. Want a different matchup? Use theinteractive comparison tool.
CEH
Certified Ethical Hacker
EC-Council offensive security certification teaching the 5-phase hacking methodology. The 4-hour exam has 125 questions; CEH Master adds a 6-hour practical with 20 live challenges. Requires 2 years security experience or official training.
OSCP
Offensive Security Certified Professional
Highly respected hands-on penetration testing certification. The grueling 24-hour exam requires exploiting live machines and writing a professional report. Includes PEN-200 course with 90 days lab access. Requires 70/100 points to pass.
CEH vs OSCP: FAQ
Which pays more, CEH or OSCP?+
OSCP is associated with the higher average salary: about $125,000 vs $118,000 for CEH, based on current US job market data.
Which is more in demand, CEH or OSCP?+
CEH currently appears in 42 US job postings versus 32 for OSCP. Data updates weekly from live job listings.
Is OSCP harder than CEH?+
Generally yes: we rate OSCP 5/5 difficulty versus 3/5 for CEH, reflecting exam depth and experience requirements.
Should I get both CEH and OSCP?+
Many professionals eventually hold both, but sequencing matters. A common path is starting with CEH (3/5 difficulty) and progressing to OSCP. Compare requirements on each certification's detail page before committing.