The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification from EC-Council is the most widely recognised offensive security credential globally, covering penetration testing methodology, vulnerability assessment, and ethical hacking techniques across networks, web applications, wireless systems, and cloud environments. In Australia, CEH appears in cybersecurity job listings at ASD-aligned organisations, consulting firms, and enterprise security teams conducting internal red team operations.
Cybersecurity professionals with two or more years of experience who want to move into offensive security, penetration testing, red teaming, or vulnerability assessment roles. Security analysts who want to understand attacker methodology to improve defensive capabilities. IT professionals targeting senior security roles where offensive security knowledge is required. CEH requires at least two years of information security work experience or completion of an official EC-Council training program.
Ethical hacking phases — reconnaissance, scanning, enumeration, exploitation, and post-exploitation. Footprinting and reconnaissance — OSINT, Google dorking, Shodan, Maltego. Network scanning — Nmap, Nessus, vulnerability identification. System hacking — password attacks, privilege escalation, covering tracks. Social engineering — phishing techniques and countermeasures. Web application attacks — SQL injection, XSS, CSRF. Session hijacking and man-in-the-middle attacks. Wireless network attacks — WPA2 cracking, rogue access points. Cloud security assessment. Mobile and IoT security testing.
Penetration testers in Australia earn $110,000–$160,000 AUD. Senior pentesters and red team operators earn $150,000–$200,000+ AUD. Consulting firms (Deloitte Cyber, PwC Cyber, KPMG Security), Australian government agencies, and large financial institutions are the primary employers of certified ethical hackers.
CEH exam fee: approximately USD $500 (~$760 AUD) for the exam-only pathway (requires two years experience proof). Official training adds USD $850–$1,850 AUD. The TryHackMe and HackTheBox platforms ($14–$20 USD/month) provide essential hands-on practice. Total cost: approximately $800–$1,000 AUD for exam-only pathway with supplementary practice platforms. Study time: three to six months.
Pros: Globally recognised. Strong brand in enterprise security. Covers a comprehensive breadth of offensive techniques. Cons: More theoretical than OSCP (the gold standard for technical penetration testers). Expensive. Requires proof of experience — not accessible to complete beginners. OSCP is generally more respected by technical hiring managers than CEH.
CEH vs OSCP — which is better? OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) is more respected by technical penetration testing teams. CEH is more recognised in non-technical management and procurement contexts. If your goal is a hands-on pentesting role, work toward OSCP. If your goal is a senior advisory or consulting role, CEH is more broadly recognised.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission
Compare with OthersThe world's most vendor-neutral, universally recognised cybersecurity certification. Prepares for the SY0-701 exam with 25+ hours of video, practice exams and hands-on security labs.
IBM's eight-course cybersecurity analyst program — covering threat intelligence, network security, SIEM tools, and penetration testing fundamentals. An alternative to the Google Cybersecurity certificate for learners who want IBM's enterprise security perspective.
Become job-ready for cybersecurity in 6 months. Hands-on labs in Linux, Python and SIEM tools — built by Google for Australia's most critically understaffed profession.