OSCP vs CEH: Which Ethical Hacking Certification Is Right for You in 2025?

In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand. As cyberattacks grow more complex, organizations are seeking skilled ethical hackers to safeguard their digital assets. Two of the most sought-after credentials in this field are the OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) and the CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker). 

If you’re wondering “Which ethical hacking certification is right for me in 2025?” — this detailed comparison of OSCP vs CEH will help you make the right choice. 

What is CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)? 

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification, offered by EC-Council, is one of the best cybersecurity certifications for beginners. It teaches candidates to think and act like hackers — but for ethical and defensive purposes. 
Key Highlights: 

• Exam Format: Multiple-choice (125 questions) 
• Duration: 4 hours
• Focus Area: Theoretical knowledge and cybersecurity tools 
• Skills Covered: Reconnaissance, scanning networks, system hacking, cryptography, web application security 
• Best For: Entry-level cybersecurity professionals 

Why Choose CEH Certification? 

Recognized globally by government and private organizations 

Builds a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles 

Easier entry point for IT and networking professionals 

Covers 20+ real-time hacking domains 

The CEH certification training is perfect for professionals who want to learn ethical hacking skills step by step before diving into advanced penetration testing. 

What is OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)? 

The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), provided by Offensive Security, is widely regarded as the most challenging penetration testing certification. It focuses entirely on hands-on hacking experience and tests your ability to find and exploit vulnerabilities under real-world conditions. 

Key Highlights: 

• Exam Format: 24-hour practical exam 
• Duration: 24 hours for hacking + 24 hours for reporting 
• Focus Area: Advanced penetration testing and exploit development 
• Skills Covered: Buffer overflow, privilege escalation, Linux/Windows exploitation, and network attacks 
• Best For: Experienced cybersecurity professionals 

Why Choose OSCP Certification? 

• Highly respected by cybersecurity employers worldwide 
• 100% practical and lab-based 
• Proves advanced hacking and penetration testing skills 
• Excellent for those aiming to become penetration testers or red team experts 

The OSCP certification course is ideal for professionals who want to push their technical limits and showcase real-world cybersecurity skills. 

OSCP vs CEH: Detailed Comparison for 2025 

Feature	CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)	OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)
Certification Body	EC-Council	Offensive Security
Exam Type	Multiple Choice	24-hour Practical Exam
Difficulty Level	Beginner to Intermediate	Advanced
Focus Area	Cybersecurity concepts & tools	Real-world hacking and exploitation
Learning Style	Theoretical with some labs	100% hands-on practical
Career Path	Ethical Hacker, Security Analyst	Penetration Tester, Red Team Expert
Best For	Beginners in cybersecurity	Experienced ethical hackers

 

OSCP vs CEH – Which Ethical Hacking Certification is Better? 

Your decision between OSCP and CEH depends on your background and goals:

•  If you are new to cybersecurity or coming from an IT or networking background, CEH certification training is the best place to start. It gives you a strong understanding of ethical hacking fundamentals and introduces key tools used by hackers.
• If you already have hands-on experience in cybersecurity and want to specialize in penetration testing, OSCP certification training is the perfect next step. It’s more challenging but also more rewarding for those who want to prove real-world hacking expertise. 

Many professionals choose to earn both certifications — starting with CEH for foundational knowledge, then advancing to OSCP for practical mastery. 

Career Opportunities After CEH and OSCP 

 

Both ethical hacking certifications open doors to high-paying roles in cybersecurity. 

Job Role	Average Salary (India)
Ethical Hacker	₹6–12 LPA
Penetration Tester	₹8–18 LPA
Security Consultant	₹10–20 LPA
Cybersecurity Analyst	₹5–10 LPA
Red Team Specialist	₹15–25 LPA

Whether you aim to become an ethical hacker, penetration tester, or cybersecurity consultant, having either CEH or OSCP on your resume gives you a strong advantage in 2025’s competitive job market. 

Final Thoughts 

Both OSCP and CEH are powerful stepping stones in a cybersecurity career. 

• Choose CEH if you want to build a strong foundation in ethical hacking tools and concepts. 
• Choose OSCP if you’re ready to prove your real-world hacking and problem-solving skills. 

No matter which certification you choose, practical knowledge, continuous learning, and real-world lab experience are key to success in ethical hacking

Advance Your Career with Securium Academy 

If you’re serious about mastering ethical hacking, Securium Academy offers expert-led training for both CEH and OSCP certifications. At Securium Academy, you’ll get:

• Certified instructors with real-world experience 
   
• Hands-on lab practice for both CEH and OSCP exams 
   
• Doubt-solving sessions and exam preparation support 
   
• Globally recognized cybersecurity courses 

Get started with your cybersecurity career today! 
Visit Securium Academy to learn more about our ethical hacking training courses and become a certified cybersecurity professional in 2025.