CEH Retake Policy & How to Pass Next Time

Failed the CEH exam? Don't worry - many successful professionals failed on their first attempt. Here's everything you need to know about retaking the exam and strategies to pass.

Quick Answer: CEH Retake Policy

You must wait 15 days between CEH exam attempts and pay a $499 retake fee for each new attempt. There's no limit to how many times you can retake the exam. The average pass rate is around 60-70%, so failing on the first attempt is common.

CEH v13 Retake Policy Details

15-Day Waiting Period

You must wait a minimum of 15 days between exam attempts. This gives you time to study and prepare properly.

$499 Retake Fee

Each retake attempt costs $499 USD. This is slightly less than the original $550 exam voucher price.

Unlimited Retakes

There's no limit to how many times you can retake the CEH exam. However, each attempt requires a new voucher and waiting period.

Voucher Validity

Retake vouchers are valid for 12 months from purchase. Schedule your exam before the voucher expires.

How to Retake the CEH Exam

1

Review Your Score Report

Analyze which domains you scored lowest on. EC-Council provides a breakdown by exam objective.

Focus your study on the weakest areas first.
2

Wait 15 Days

The mandatory waiting period starts from your exam date. Use this time productively for focused study.

Don't rush - proper preparation is key to passing.
3

Purchase Retake Voucher

Buy a new exam voucher ($499) from EC-Council or an authorized training center.

Some training providers offer retake guarantees with their bundles.
4

Schedule Your Retake

Book your exam through Pearson VUE once you feel confident in your preparation.

Schedule when you're ready, not just when the waiting period ends.
5

Take the Exam Again

Apply your learnings and pass on your next attempt!

Arrive early and stay calm - you've prepared for this.

Common Reasons for Failing CEH

Insufficient Hands-on Practice
Use iLabs extensively and practice with real tools like Nmap, Wireshark, and Metasploit
Weak in Specific Domains
Review your score report and focus on the lowest-scoring domains
Time Management Issues
Practice with timed mock exams (125 questions in 4 hours = ~2 min per question)
Not Using Practice Exams
Take multiple practice exams to get familiar with question format and difficulty
Outdated Study Materials
Ensure your materials cover CEH v13 content including AI security and updated tools

Tips to Pass on Your Next Attempt

Focus on the 20 CEH domains and understand each concept thoroughly
Practice with hands-on labs - the exam tests practical knowledge
Take at least 3-5 full practice exams before scheduling your retake
Review EC-Council's official CEH exam blueprint document
Join CEH study groups and forums for tips from those who passed
Get adequate rest before the exam - fatigue leads to mistakes
Read each question carefully - some have multiple correct-sounding options
Flag difficult questions and return to them after completing easier ones

Retake Cost Breakdown

AttemptWaiting PeriodCost
First AttemptN/A$550
Second Attempt (Retake)15 days$499
Third Attempt15 days$499
Total if 3 attempts30+ days$1,548

Tip: Invest in proper preparation and practice exams to pass on your first attempt!

Remember: Failing is Part of Learning

Many successful cybersecurity professionals failed the CEH exam on their first attempt. What matters is how you respond. Use the waiting period wisely, identify your weak areas, and come back stronger. The knowledge you gain from this certification will be invaluable throughout your career.

Related Questions

How hard is the CEH exam?Where can I find CEH practice exams?How much does CEH cost?What topics are on the CEH exam?

Prepare to Pass This Time

Our CEH v13 practice exams simulate the real exam experience and help identify your weak areas before you retake.

Get CEH v13 Practice Exams

Related Resources

Practice Exams

Prepare with realistic practice tests

CEH Topics

Review all 20 exam domains

Exam Difficulty

Understand what makes CEH challenging

Study Guides

Comprehensive study resources

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