4 Ethical Hacking Certifications to Boost Your Career - Coursera

4 Ethical Hacking Certifications to Boost Your Career Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on Jun 12, 2026 Share Compare and contrast four ethical hacking certifications to determine which one is right for your cybersecurity career. Key takeaways Ethical hacking certifications can validate your skills and open new cybersecurity career paths. Ethical hacking certifications can demonstrate your ability to identify and address system vulnerabilities like a real-world attacker. Options like CEH, CompTIA PenTest+, and OSCP offer different paths depending on your experience level. You can pursue roles like penetration tester, malware analyst, or red team specialist with the right certification. Learn what sets each certification apart and how to choose the best one for your goals. If you're ready to get started right away, learn and earn credentials with an industry leader by enrolling in IBM's Ethical Hacking with Open Source Tools Professional Certificate program. In as little as one month, you could learn the fundamentals of penetration testing, reporting, and how to execute simulated attacks using the Metasploit framework. IBM Ethical Hacking with Open Source Tools professional certificate Intermediate level · 2 month(s) Skills you'll build: AI Security, Anomaly Detection, Bash (Scripting Language), Cyber Security Assessment, Cyber Security Policies, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Exploit development, Incident Management, Incident Response, Linux Administration, Network Analysis, Network Monitoring, Network Security, Penetration Testing, Information Systems Security, Threat Detection, Vulnerability Assessments, Vulnerability Management, Vulnerability Scanning, Technical Writing, Emergency Response, Security Strategy, Risk Mitigation, Vulnerability, Human Factors (Security), Data Persistence, Digital Forensics, Network Protocols, Computer Security, Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Technical Communication, System Configuration, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Security Testing, Data Ethics, Cyber Risk, Risk Analysis 4.6 (201 ratings) professional certificate IBM Ethical Hacking with Open Source Tools Master key ethical hacking tools in just 2 months. Explore Kali Linux, Wireshark, Metasploit & OpenVAS for pen testing & vulnerability assessment. 4.6 (201 ratings) 17,194 already enrolled Intermediate level Learn More Average time: 2 month(s) Learn at your own pace Skills you'll build: AI Security, Anomaly Detection, Bash (Scripting Language), Cyber Security Assessment, Cyber Security Policies, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Exploit development, Incident Management, Incident Response, Linux Administration, Network Analysis, Network Monitoring, Network Security, Penetration Testing, Information Systems Security, Threat Detection, Vulnerability Assessments, Vulnerability Management, Vulnerability Scanning, Technical Writing, Emergency Response, Security Strategy, Risk Mitigation, Vulnerability, Human Factors (Security), Data Persistence, Digital Forensics, Network Protocols, Computer Security, Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Technical Communication, System Configuration, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Security Testing, Data Ethics, Cyber Risk, Risk Analysis 4 popular ethical hacking certifications These four well-respected cybersecurity certifications are particularly relevant for careers in ethical hacking, penetration testing, and other areas of offensive cybersecurity.   1. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification This ethical hacking certification from the EC-Council ranks among the top cybersecurity certifications companies are hiring for. The CEH is designed to help you think like a hacker and build skills in penetration testing and attack vectors, detection, and prevention.  Requirements: To qualify for the CEH exam, the EC-Council recommends you have at least two years of work experience in information security. You can waive this recommendation by completing an official EC-Council training. How much does CEH certification cost? Take a look below. Cost: Price available upon inquiry [1] Salary: $109,000 [2] Tip for passing the exam: The EC-Council offers a free CEH Exam Blueprint, which outlines the topics covered in the multiple-choice test. Previous test takers have reported success using the practice exams from Boson to get a feel for what the actual test questions are like. 2. GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) If you’re interested in penetration testing, a task within the umbrella of ethical hacking, then the GPEN certification could be a good fit. Earning your GPEN demonstrates your ability to perform penetration tests with the latest techniques and methodologies. Topics covered include test planning, scoping, and recon; scanning and exploitation; password attacks; and web application pen testing. Requirements: You don’t have any prerequisites for taking the GPEN exam. Cost: $999 [3] Salary: $118,000 [4] Tip for passing the exam: Take advantage of the two practice tests included when you register for the exam. They design these tests to simulate the actual exam environment. This can help you know what to expect and assess areas that might need more study. 3. CompTIA PenTest+ The PenTest+ exam from CompTIA is unique in that it features both multiple-choice and performance-based questions (questions that test your ability to solve problems in a simulated environment). The exam covers your ability to perform penetration tests in a variety of situations, including cloud, hybrid, web application, onsite, and Internet of Things (IoT) environments. Requirements: Although you don’t need prerequisites, CompTIA recommends that you have three to four years of information security experience and that you’ve mastered the materials covered in the Network+ and Security+ exams. Cost: $439 [5] Salary: $103,782 (for penetration tester) [6] Tip for passing the exam: The PenTest+ exam tests your knowledge in different ways, so it’s a good idea to prepare using a variety of different study resources. Take a look at a few resources that are recommended by previous test takers: Dr. Michael Solomon’s CompTIA PenTest+ video training CompTIA PenTest+ Study Guide by Mike Chapple and David Seidl CompTIA PenTest+ Practice Tests by Crystal Panek and Robb Tracy Consider the Preparation for CompTIA A+ Certification Specialization on Coursera to gain fundamental skills in cybersecurity and learn about the challenges and opportunities of an entry-level cybersecurity support specialist. Preparation for CompTIA A+ Certification specialization Intermediate level · 1 month(s) Skills you'll build: Cloud Computing, Command-Line Interface, Computer Hardware, Data Storage, Hardware Troubleshooting, Information Technology Operations, Mac OS, Microsoft Windows, Network Infrastructure, Network Security, Network Support, Network Troubleshooting, Operating Systems, Operating System Administration, Peripheral Devices, Security Controls, System Configuration, Information Systems Security, Virtualization, Virtualization and Virtual Machines, Software Installation, Active Directory, Technical Support and Services, Data Storage Technologies, General Networking, End User Training and Support, Networking Hardware, Technical Support, Network Administration, Configuration Management, Information Technology, Hardware Architecture, Mobile Security, Linux, Malware Protection, Firewall, Help Desk Support, Encryption, System Support 4.6 (287 ratings) specialization Preparation for CompTIA A+ Certification Prepare for CompTIA A+ Core 1 & 2 certifications. Explore Core 1 and Core 2 elements, which will provide basic IT knowledge and skills and prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification. 4.6 (287 ratings) 25,770 already enrolled Intermediate level Learn More Average time: 1 month(s) Learn at your own pace Skills you'll build: Cloud Computing, Command-Line Interface, Computer Hardware, Data Storage, Hardware Troubleshooting, Information Technology Operations, Mac OS, Microsoft Windows, Network Infrastructure, Network Security, Network Support, Network Troubleshooting, Operating Systems, Operating System Administration, Peripheral Devices, Security Controls, System Configuration, Information Systems Security, Virtualization, Virtualization and Virtual Machines, Software Installation, Active Directory, Technical Support and Services, Data Storage Technologies, General Networking, End User Training and Support, Networking Hardware, Technical Support, Network Administration, Configuration Management, Information Technology, Hardware Architecture, Mobile Security, Linux, Malware Protection, Firewall, Help Desk Support, Encryption, System Support 4. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) Another highly sought-after certification for pen testers, ethical hackers, and other offensive-minded security pros, the OSCP tests your ability to breach a series of target machines and produce detailed reports for each attack. Requirements: In order to take the OSCP exam, you need to first enroll in the Penetration Testing with Kali Linux (PWK/PEN-200) course. The course offers instruction in various aspects of penetration testing, such as cybersecurity, information gathering, vulnerability scanning, and structured query language (SQL) injection attacks. Upon completion of the course and passage of the exam, you will receive OSCP certification. Cost: $1,749 (course and certification bundle) [7] Salary: $103,000 [8] Tip for passing the exam: Practice taking technical notes as you work through boxes or challenges during your preparation. Organize your notes with a table of contents so you can quickly access what you need on test day if you encounter a challenge that looks familiar. It’s also a good idea to prepare a report template for exploits ahead of the exam. How to learn ethical hacking To learn ethical hacking, you may first want to pursue a degree in cybersecurity or a related subject. Then, consider getting an entry-level role in information technology (IT) to gain experience before continuing your education through certifications and more advanced roles. Roles that might request or require an ethical hacker certification The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that information security analyst roles will grow 29 percent between 2024 and 2034, much faster than the average growth across all occupations [9]. As demand increases for cybersecurity professionals, so does the demand for specialized skills like those needed for ethical hacking. Some of the job roles that often request or require these ethical hacking certifications include: Ethical hacker Penetration tester Red team  Malware analyst Code auditor Read more: 5 Cybersecurity Career Paths (And How to Get Started) Explore our free cybersecurity resources Keep your finger on the pulse by subscribing to Coursera's LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat. Explore industry trends, transferable skills, and more with our other free digital resources: Discover career paths:  Cybersecurity Career Progression: Job Levels & Skills to Advance Hear from an insider: Meet the IT Support Tech Advancing Toward a Cybersecurity Career Bookmark this page: Cybersecurity Glossary: Key Terms & Definitions Whether you want to develop a new skill, get comfortable with an in-demand technology, or advance your abilities, keep growing with a Coursera Plus subscription. You’ll get access to over 10,000 flexible courses.  Build essential skills with one of our best deals Save now Article sources 1.  EC-Council. “Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), https://www.eccouncil.org/train-certify/certified-ethical-hacker-ceh-v13-north-america/.” Accessed May 26, 2026. View all sources Keep reading 5 Cybersecurity Threats to Know in 2026 7 min read · December 4, 2025 Types of Phishing and How to Protect Yourself April 10, 2026 Cybersecurity Job Description: What to Expect 7 min read · April 18, 2026 What Does a Cybersecurity Analyst Do? 2026 Job Guide 6 min read · October 28, 2025 What Is InfoSec? Meaning, Jobs, Certification, and More 10 min read · October 24, 2025 What Is Cloud Computing? 15 FAQs for Beginners May 23, 2025 Updated on Jun 12, 2026 Share Written by: Coursera Staff Editorial Team Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact... This content has been made available for informational purposes only. 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