EC-Council (International Council of E-Commerce Consultants) certifications are professional credentials in the field of information security and cybersecurity. These certifications are designed to provide the skills and knowledge needed to protect organizations from cyber threats. Here’s an overview:

What EC-Council Certifications Do:

  1. Validate Cybersecurity Skills: EC-Council certifications confirm an individual’s expertise in various areas of cybersecurity, including ethical hacking, penetration testing, encryption, and information security management.

  2. Career Development: These certifications are beneficial for professionals pursuing careers in cybersecurity, as they demonstrate specialized skills and knowledge that are in high demand. Holding an EC-Council certification can lead to career advancement, higher-paying jobs, and recognition as a cybersecurity expert.

  3. Global Recognition: EC-Council certifications are recognized worldwide and are respected in the cybersecurity community. They provide a standardized measure of cybersecurity expertise.

  4. Skills Upgradation and Specialization: Pursuing these certifications helps professionals upgrade their skills and specialize in niche areas within cybersecurity, keeping them abreast of the latest security threats and countermeasures.

Why They Are Important:

  1. Addressing the Cybersecurity Skill Gap: With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks, there is a growing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals. EC-Council certifications help meet this demand by training individuals in critical security skills.

  2. Enhancing Organizational Security: Certified professionals are equipped to assess, implement, and manage an organization’s security posture effectively, protecting it from cyber threats and ensuring compliance with security regulations.

  3. Professional Credibility: Holding an EC-Council certification can enhance a professional’s credibility, showcasing their commitment to the field of cybersecurity and their expertise in protecting against cyber threats.

  4. Keeping Pace with Evolving Threats: Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field. EC-Council certifications ensure that professionals are up-to-date with the latest security technologies, threats, and mitigation strategies.

Popular EC-Council Certifications:

  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on ethical hacking tools and techniques to find and fix security vulnerabilities.

  • Certified Security Analyst (ECSA): Goes beyond hacking techniques and into the analytical phase of ethical hacking.

  • Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO): Tailored for high-level information security executives.

  • Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI): Focuses on detecting hacking attacks and extracting evidence to report the crime and conduct audits.

  • Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT): An advanced certification that builds on the knowledge and skills covered in the CEH and ECSA.

In summary, EC-Council certifications are essential for cybersecurity professionals looking to validate their skills, advance their careers, and contribute significantly to protecting organizations from cyber threats. They offer a pathway to understanding the latest in cybersecurity strategies and tools, essential in the constantly evolving landscape of information security.


What Certifications Does EC-Council Offer?

EC-Council offers a wide range of certifications that demonstrate knowledge of ethical hacking, cybersecurity, secure programming, encryption, and more. These certifications cover a variety of topics, including routing and switching, security, wireless, and collaboration. The certifications EC-Council offers include:

  • Certified Ethical Hacker - CEH

  • Certified Chief Information Security Officer - CCISO

  • Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator - CHFI

  • Certified Incident Handler - ECIH

  • Certified Network Defender - CND

  • Certified SOC Analyst - CSA

  • Certified Penetration Testing Professional - CPENT

  • Risk Management Approach and Practices - RM

  • Ethical Hacking Core Skills - EHCS

  • Certified Blockchain Professional - CBP

  • Dark Web Forensics

  • Malware and Memory Forensics

  • Mobile Forensics

  • Certified Cloud Security Engineer - CCSE

  • Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst - CTIA

  • STORM: Ethical Hacking Core Skills

  • STORM: Ethical Hacking Intermediate Skills

  • EC-Council Certified DevSecOps Engineer (ECDE)

  • Python Security (MicroDegree)

  • PHP Security (MicroDegree)

  • Certified Application Security Engineer - CASE .NET

  • Certified Application Security Engineer - CASE Java

  • Disaster Recovery Professional - EDRP

  • Certified Encryption Specialist - ECES

  • Network Defense Essentials

  • Digital Forensics Essentials

  • Ethical Hacking Essentials

  • Certified Secure Computer User - CSCU

  • Certified Project Management - CPM

  • ICS/SCADA Cybersecurity

  • Certified Cybersecurity Technician - CCT

  • Web Application | Hacking & Security


EC-Council FAQs


What is the EC-Council?

The EC-Council, or International Council of E-Commerce Consultants, is a global leader in cybersecurity certification programs. The organization specializes in offering certifications that focus on cybersecurity skills such as ethical hacking, penetration testing, encryption, and incident handling. EC-Council's certifications are designed to provide the skills and knowledge necessary to protect organizations against cyber threats and breaches. Their most notable certification, the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), aims to educate IT professionals in identifying and countering vulnerabilities and weaknesses in a network or system. EC-Council plays a significant role in cybersecurity training, helping to develop a skilled workforce capable of addressing and preventing security threats.


Which is better, CompTIA or EC-Council?

Choosing between CompTIA and EC-Council depends on your specific career goals and interests in IT and cybersecurity. CompTIA offers a wide range of foundational to advanced certifications across various IT domains, making it ideal for those seeking a broad understanding of IT. On the other hand, EC-Council focuses primarily on cybersecurity, with certifications like CEH designed for specialized roles in this field. CompTIA's Security+ is a great starting point for foundational security knowledge, while EC-Council's certifications are more suitable for those seeking advanced, practical skills in ethical hacking and cybersecurity.


Is EC-Council trusted?

EC-Council is widely trusted and recognized in the field of cybersecurity. Its certifications, particularly the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), are respected and valued in the industry. EC-Council’s programs are accredited and comply with ANSI standards, which adds to their credibility. However, like any certification body, its reputation can vary among different IT communities and regions. It’s always recommended to research and evaluate based on specific industry needs and regional job market demands.


Are EC-Council certifications recognized?

EC-Council certifications are globally recognized, especially in the cybersecurity community. Their certifications are often listed as preferred qualifications for various cybersecurity roles in government and private sectors. The CEH certification is particularly renowned for its comprehensive coverage of ethical hacking methodologies and tools. EC-Council’s certifications are known for equipping professionals with practical, applicable skills to confront real-world cybersecurity challenges.


How much does the CEH exam cost?

The cost of the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) exam can vary depending on your location and the mode of training you choose. As of my last update, the exam fee is typically around $1,199, although this can vary. Additionally, candidates often incur costs for preparatory courses or study materials. Some training providers offer packages that include both training and the exam fee.


Who is EC-Council's competitor?

EC-Council’s main competitors include other cybersecurity certification bodies such as CompTIA, ISC², and Offensive Security. These organizations also offer various cybersecurity certifications; for example, CompTIA offers Security+, ISC² is known for its Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification, and Offensive Security is renowned for the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification. Each organization has its specialties and focuses within the cybersecurity domain



How long does EC-Council certification last?

EC-Council certifications typically have a three-year validity period. To maintain the certification, professionals must earn EC-Council Continuing Education (ECE) credits within this period and pay an annual membership fee. The number of ECE credits required varies based on the certification. For example, CEH certification holders must earn 120 ECE credits within three years to renew their certification.


Is the CEH test hard?

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) exam is challenging, especially for those new to cybersecurity. It requires a comprehensive understanding of various hacking techniques and tools, as well as knowledge of network security and threats. The exam tests not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills. Proper preparation, including hands-on practice and familiarity with a wide range of cybersecurity concepts, is essential for success.


Does CEH certification expire?

Yes, the CEH certification expires after three years. To maintain the certification, holders are required to participate in continuing education activities and earn ECE credits. This is part of EC-Council’s effort to ensure that professionals stay current with evolving cybersecurity trends and technologies.


Which is better, CEH or CySA+?

Choosing between CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) and CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst) depends on your career focus. CEH is more focused on offensive security skills, particularly ethical hacking and penetration testing, while CySA+ emphasizes defensive security skills like threat detection and response. CEH is suitable for those interested in hands-on hacking techniques, whereas CySA+ is designed for cybersecurity analysts who want to