Penetration testers command $125K average. AI security specialists earn 25% premiums. CEH v13 is the fastest entry point. 94% pass rate, 8 weeks, €950.
Reality check: The skills gap is your opportunity. Here's what employers actually want.
The Truth: Certifications signal commitment, but hands-on skills + proven impact get you hired. CEH v13's 220+ labs give you both.
Choose your track. CEH v13 is the optimal starting point for paths 1, 2, and 4.
Every breach starts with exploitation. Pentesters simulate attacks, find vulnerabilities before hackers. Demand exploding (41% skills gap).
70% of security teams need SOC analysts. Progression to threat hunting = $40K salary jump.
95% of breaches involve cloud. AWS/Azure security specialists earn 20% premiums.
AI = #1 skills gap 2026. Secure LLMs, detect AI-generated attacks. CEH v13 has unique AI modules.
Based on Trustpilot data and real salary outcomes. CEH wins on ROI + reviews + future-proofing.
| Certification | Trustpilot | Reviews | Salary ROI | Study Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CEH v13Best ROI | 4.5/5 | 1,367 | 6 months | 8 weeks | €950 |
Security+ | 3.7/5 | 2,100+ | 12 months | 6 weeks | €400 |
CISSP | 3.5/5 | 890 | 18 months | 6 months | €760 |
OSCP | N/A | N/A | 9 months | 6 months | €1,599 |
CEH v13 Wins: Best reviews + fastest ROI + AI content (future-proof) + lowest barrier to $100K+
From zero to $105K pentester in 3 months. Here's the exact roadmap.
Total: 3 months → $105K job. Start with CEH certification.
Start Your 90-Day PlanThe CISO perspective on hiring 200+ cybersecurity professionals.
CEH v13 + 3 solid lab reports + basic Linux/Python
CEH + PenTest+ + OSCP PWK + 2 years SOC/pentest
OSCP + cloud cert + leadership experience
The Pattern: CEH v13 is the fastest entry to penetration testing. 80% of junior pentesters started with CEH.
Don't make these mistakes that keep people stuck.
Technical must-haves for all cybersecurity paths.
CEH v13 covers all of these with 220+ hands-on labs. You'll graduate job-ready, not theory-loaded.
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) is the world's #1 ethical hacking certification. With 41% of companies reporting critical cybersecurity skills gaps in 2026, CEH-certified professionals are in massive demand. CEH v13 includes AI-driven security modules not found in other certifications.
CEH-certified penetration testers earn $95K-$200K+ depending on experience. Entry-level: $95-110K. Senior pentesters: $160K. Red Team leads: $200K+. AI security specialists with CEH earn 25% premiums.
With focused study, you can pass CEH v13 in 8 weeks. Our bundle includes 220+ hands-on labs, 1,500+ practice questions, and a structured study path. 94% of our students pass on their first attempt.
CEH has the best ROI for career starters: 4.5/5 Trustpilot (1,367 reviews), fastest salary ROI (6 months vs 12-18 for others), and AI content that future-proofs your career. OSCP is excellent but harder (24h exam). Security+ is entry-level only.
CEH opens doors to: Penetration Tester ($95-160K), Red Team Analyst ($120-200K), Security Consultant ($110-160K), SOC Analyst ($75-115K), Cloud Security Engineer ($110-175K), and AI Security Specialist ($130-200K+).
Yes. 80% of junior pentesters started with CEH. It's DoD 8570 approved, ANSI/ISO 17024 accredited, and recognized by Fortune 500 companies globally. The CISO perspective: CEH + lab portfolio = hired.
For penetration testing (highest ROI): Get CEH v13 certified in 8 weeks. Hands-on labs, AI-powered content, $95-150K career unlocked.
50,000+ professionals certified. 4.5/5 Trustpilot. Instant voucher delivery.