Penetration Testing Certifications: OSCP, CEH, eJPT Compared
An in-depth comparison of Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (eJPT)
Introduction to Penetration Testing Certifications
Penetration testing certifications validate skills in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and applications. They are highly valued in cybersecurity, helping professionals demonstrate expertise to employers. This guide compares three popular certifications: OSCP, CEH, and eJPT, focusing on their structure, difficulty, focus, and career impact.
Overview of Certifications
| Certification | Provider | Level | Focus | Exam Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OSCP | Offensive Security | Intermediate | Hands-on penetration testing | 24-hour practical exam + report |
| CEH | EC-Council | Beginner to Intermediate | Theoretical and practical ethical hacking | 4-hour multiple-choice exam |
| eJPT | eLearnSecurity (INE) | Beginner | Foundational penetration testing | Practical exam (up to 3 days) |
Detailed Comparison
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
The OSCP, offered by Offensive Security, is widely regarded as the gold standard for penetration testers. It emphasizes hands-on skills through the Penetration Testing with Kali Linux (PWK) course and a rigorous practical exam.
Key Features
- Training: PWK course includes videos, labs, and a PDF guide covering network penetration testing, web applications, and privilege escalation.
- Exam: 24-hour practical exam requiring candidates to compromise a series of machines in a virtual lab, followed by a detailed report within 24 hours.
- Skills Tested: Enumeration, exploitation, privilege escalation, scripting, and report writing.
- Difficulty: High. Requires significant preparation and practical experience.
- Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of TCP/IP, Linux, and scripting recommended.
Pros
- Highly respected in the industry.
- Hands-on focus mirrors real-world penetration testing.
- Teaches self-reliance and problem-solving.
Cons
- Expensive (course and exam bundle starts at ~$1,499).
- Time-intensive preparation (often 3-6 months).
- Not beginner-friendly.
Ideal For
Intermediate professionals aiming for roles like penetration tester or red teamer.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
The CEH, provided by EC-Council, is one of the most recognized certifications for ethical hacking. It covers a broad range of topics but is primarily theoretical with some practical elements.
Key Features
- Training: Official CEH course covers 20 domains, including network security, web application testing, cryptography, and social engineering.
- Exam: 4-hour, 125-question multiple-choice exam testing theoretical knowledge.
- Skills Tested: Footprinting, scanning, enumeration, system hacking, malware analysis, and more.
- Difficulty: Moderate. Easier for those comfortable with memorization.
- Prerequisites: Two years of IT security experience or official training.
Pros
- Widely recognized by employers and government agencies.
- Covers a broad range of security topics.
- More accessible for beginners than OSCP.
Cons
- Heavy focus on theory over practical skills.
- Criticized for outdated content in some versions.
- Expensive training (~$1,200-$3,000 depending on provider).
Ideal For
Beginners or professionals in roles like security analyst or IT auditor seeking a broad ethical hacking foundation.
eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (eJPT)
The eJPT, offered by eLearnSecurity (now INE), is an entry-level certification designed for beginners. It focuses on foundational penetration testing skills with a practical exam.
Key Features
- Training: Penetration Testing Student (PTS) course covers networking, system security, and basic penetration testing techniques.
- Exam: Practical exam (up to 3 days) in a virtual lab, requiring candidates to complete penetration testing tasks.
- Skills Tested: Network scanning, basic exploitation, and vulnerability assessment.
- Difficulty: Low to moderate. Beginner-friendly.
- Prerequisites: None, though basic IT knowledge is helpful.
Pros
- Affordable (~$200-$400 for course and exam).
- Fully practical exam reinforces hands-on learning.
- Great starting point for beginners.
Cons
- Less recognized than OSCP or CEH.
- Limited scope compared to advanced certifications.
- May not suffice for senior roles.
Ideal For
Newcomers to cybersecurity or junior professionals looking to enter penetration testing.
Comparative Analysis
| Criteria | OSCP | CEH | eJPT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | High | Moderate | Low to Moderate |
| Practical Focus | Very High | Low | High |
| Cost | High (~$1,499) | High (~$1,200-$3,000) | Low (~$200-$400) |
| Industry Recognition | Very High | High | Moderate |
| Target Audience | Intermediate to Advanced | Beginner to Intermediate | Beginner |
| Exam Duration | 24 hours + report | 4 hours | Up to 3 days |
Choosing the Right Certification
Guidelines for Aspiring Pentesters:
- Beginners: Start with eJPT to build foundational skills and gain confidence in practical testing.
- Intermediate Professionals: Pursue OSCP for a challenging, hands-on certification that enhances technical expertise.
- Broad Knowledge Seekers: Choose CEH for a comprehensive overview of ethical hacking, suitable for diverse security roles.
- Career Goals: Research job postings in your region to identify which certifications are most valued by employers.
- Budget and Time: Consider cost and preparation time, as OSCP and CEH require significant investment, while eJPT is more accessible.
Preparation Tips
- OSCP: Practice on platforms like Hack The Box, TryHackMe, or Offensive Security’s Proving Grounds. Master Kali Linux and scripting (Python, Bash).
- CEH: Study EC-Council’s official materials, use practice exams, and focus on memorizing key concepts across all domains.
- eJPT: Complete the PTS course, practice in INE’s virtual labs, and understand basic networking and penetration testing tools.
- General: Join cybersecurity communities, read blogs, and participate in capture-the-flag (CTF) events to stay updated.
Conclusion
The OSCP, CEH, and eJPT are valuable certifications for penetration testers, each catering to different skill levels and career paths. OSCP excels in hands-on expertise, CEH offers broad theoretical knowledge, and eJPT provides an accessible entry point. By aligning your choice with your experience, goals, and resources, you can advance your career in cybersecurity.
