Oscp vs Ceh: Which One is Better?

Cybersecurity offers an extensive array of certification options, a reflection of the diverse security strategies and tools needed to combat cyber threats. Within Penetration Testing, a crucial method to safeguard networks from malicious intrusions, two certifications have emerged: Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP). Securing a well-regarded Cybersecurity certification, such as the CEH from the EC-Council or the OSCP by Offensive Security.  

Our blog discusses and describes how CEH and OSCP hinge on your career aspirations, time, and financial considerations. Explore the differences between OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) and CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) certifications in the Cybersecurity field. Read more to learn more. 

Table of Contents 

1) What is OSCP? 

2) What is CEH? 

3) Key differences between OSCP and CEH 

4) Pros and cons: OSCP vs CEH 

5) Eligibility requirements 

6) Recognition and reputation 

7) OSCP vs CEH: Which one is better? 

8) Conclusion 

What is OSCP? 

The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) is a highly acclaimed and challenging certification program offered by Offensive Security, a leading organisation in the field of Cybersecurity training and certifications. OSCP is renowned for its hands-on approach to Penetration Testing and ethical hacking, making it one of the most sought-after certifications in the industry. 

The OSCP certification was created for professionals to showcase their capability to execute successful attacks and exhibit their expertise. Completing this examination entails the task of infiltrating and gaining control over 50 targets spread across three networks within a 24-hour timeframe. The exam environment replicates real-world scenarios, which adds to the authenticity and challenges candidates to apply their knowledge and problem-solving skills under pressure. 

To pass the OSCP exam, candidates are required to exploit a series of vulnerabilities within the exam environment and document their findings in a comprehensive report. The exam is not just a test of theoretical knowledge; it assesses practical skills and the ability to think like a professional Penetration Tester. 

OSCP syllabus 

The OSCP syllabus covers a broad spectrum of topics, including:
 

1) Network and web application Penetration Testing: Candidates learn how to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in network services and web applications. This includes techniques like SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and remote code execution. 

2) Privilege escalation: Candidates study methods to elevate their privileges on compromised systems. This is a crucial aspect of post-exploitation. 

3) Post-exploitation techniques: Understanding what to do after gaining access to a system is a crucial part of the OSCP syllabus. This includes tasks like maintaining access, data exfiltration, and covering one's tracks. 

4) Buffer overflow attacks: Candidates delve into the intricacies of buffer overflow vulnerabilities, a fundamental skill in the world of exploitation. 

5)  Exploitation tools: Familiarisation with a wide array of hacking tools and scripting is an essential component of OSCP training. 

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What is CEH? 

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is a globally recognised credential offered by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council). CEH is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, assess, and counteract vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks, thereby improving overall Cybersecurity. 

The CEH certification exam is a multiple-choice test crafted to assess a candidate's theoretical grasp of hacking techniques, tools, and methodologies. Unlike the OSCP, which emphasizes practical application, CEH vs CISSP primarily evaluates knowledge and conceptual understanding. Candidates must respond to questions covering various aspects of ethical hacking and information security.

CEH syllabus 

The CEH syllabus covers a broad spectrum of topics, including:
 

1) Information security and ethical hacking: Candidates learn the fundamental principles of information security, the legal and ethical aspects of hacking, and the importance of a code of ethics. 

2) Footprinting and reconnaissance: Understanding how attackers gather information about a target system or network is a critical skill. CEH covers techniques used in this phase of an attack. 

3) System hacking: Candidates delve into methods employed to compromise system security, including password cracking, privilege escalation, and session hijacking. 

4) Malware threats: CEH explores the world of malware, covering types of malwares, their characteristics, and how to defend against them. 

5) Network scanning and enumeration: This section focuses on network scanning techniques and the enumeration of system and network resources. 

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Key differences between OSCP and CEH 

Key differences between The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) are as follows: 

 

Aspect	OSCP	CEH
Who needs this certificate?	Individuals seeking foundational knowledge of ethical hacking and Cybersecurity. Those expanding their Cybersecurity skillset alongside their current job. Aspiring Cybersecurity professionals specialising in Penetration Testing.	Average IT professionals desiring a broad understanding of hacking and Cybersecurity. Beginners or those with a general interest in ethical hacking. Not suitable for advanced Penetration Testers.
Which course is better?	Ideal for deep diving into Penetration Testing and ethical hacking. Advanced Penetration Testers aim to refine their skills. Cybersecurity experts looking to excel in Penetration Testing.	-Suited for average IT professionals seeking a broad understanding of Cybersecurity. Those wanting a general grasp of hacking and Cybersecurity concepts. Considered the industry standard in Cybersecurity circles, though less ideal for advanced Penetration Testers.
Learning curve	Teaches a well-rounded curriculum covering various Cybersecurity aspects like cloud security, Cryptography, mobile testing, and IoT testing. Provides access to an instructor for guidance.	Focused on Penetration Testing but provides a thorough and high-quality understanding of the subject. Requires self-study and lacks real-time guidance from an instructor.
Career opportunities:	Offers career opportunities in a wide range of Cybersecurity domains, including business continuity, Cloud Security, compliance auditing, disaster recovery, Security Management, Risk Management, and more. Ideal for professionals looking to specialise in Penetration Testing and related fields like IoT testing and incident handling.	Primarily suited for roles in Penetration Testing, preparing professionals for more advanced Penetration Testing positions. Helps with career advancement within the Penetration Testing domain.
Required experience:	No prior experience required, making it suitable for beginners and those exploring ethical hacking.	Requires a minimum of five years of experience in Cybersecurity or prior training through CEH to provide a solid foundation for the certification.

 

Pros and cons: OSCP vs CEH 

OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional): 

Pros: 

1) Practical hands-on experience: OSCP is known for its practical approach, focusing on real-world skills and problem-solving rather than theory. 

2) High industry recognition: It is highly respected in the Cybersecurity community and valued by employers looking for hands-on expertise. 

3) Fosters problem-solving and critical thinking: OSCP encourages candidates to think critically, adapt to evolving scenarios, and develop creative solutions to hacking challenges. 

4) CEH syllabus The exam and training are designed to replicate real-world situations, preparing candidates for the challenges they will face in their careers. 

Cons: 

1) Challenging and time-consuming: OSCP is known for its difficulty, and the preparation process can be intense. It may require multiple attempts to pass. 

2) Requires self-motivation and discipline: OSCP is a self-paced course, which means candidates need to be self-motivated and disciplined in their study and practice. 

3) Limited multiple-choice questions: The OSCP exam has minimal multiple-choice questions, and there is no partial credit. It is a pass or fail based on the successful completion of the practical challenges. 

CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker): 

Pros: 

1) Global recognition: CEH is recognised worldwide and holds value in various Cybersecurity roles, making it beneficial for career advancement. 

2) Comprehensive coverage of hacking concepts: CEH provides a broad understanding of hacking concepts, tools, and techniques, giving professionals a well-rounded knowledge base. 

3) Suitable for beginners: It is a good starting point for individuals new to the field of ethical hacking, as it provides foundational knowledge in a structured manner. 

4) Theory-based exam format: If you thrive on theoretical knowledge and understanding, CEH aligns with this approach more than the practical nature of OSCP. 

Cons: 

1) Limited practical experience: While CEH imparts theoretical knowledge, it offers a different level of practical, hands-on experience than OSCP. Real-world expertise may be required to apply the concepts effectively. 

2) Theoretical exam format: CEH's multiple-choice exam format may only partially reflect real-world scenarios or challenges, as it primarily evaluates theoretical understanding. 

3) Less challenging: Some experienced professionals might find CEH less challenging compared to OSCP due to its focus on theory rather than practical application. 

Eligibility requirements 

CEH (ANSI) prerequisites 

To qualify for the CEH (ANSI) exam, EC-Council mandates that candidates must meet one of the following requirements: 

1) Successful completion of EC-Council's official CEH training course. 

2) Possession of a minimum of two years of practical work experience in the field of Information Security. 

Suppose you possess the relevant experience in information security and intend to bypass the official training course. In that case, you will need to submit an eligibility application form and remit a non-refundable fee, regardless of the outcome. 

CEH (Practical) prerequisites 

The CEH (Practical) examination is designed for candidates who have already passed the CEH (ANSI) and does not impose any additional prerequisites. 

OSCP prerequisites 

Offensive Security specifies the prerequisites for the OSCP exam as follows: 

1) A solid understanding of TCP/IP networking. 

2) Reasonable hands-on experience with Windows and Linux system administration. 

3) Familiarity with basic Bash and/or Python scripting. 

It is important to note that, unlike the CEH (ANSI) requirements, these are considered "soft" requirements. There is no need for an eligibility application, and the sole assessment of your experience is whether you successfully pass the OSCP exam. 

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Recognition and reputation 

The CEH (ANSI) certification holds a certain allure among potential employers due to its well-established reputation, ANSI accreditation, and endorsement from the Department of Defence. The ease with which one can obtain the CEH (ANSI) diminishes its appeal within the Cybersecurity community. 

When it comes to the CEH (Practical), it lacks both the level of rigour seen in the OSCP and the recognition that the CEH (ANSI) enjoys. 

The OSCP is renowned and highly regarded as an extremely demanding certification, even for seasoned Penetration Testers. It necessitates hands-on Penetration Testing rather than mere memorisation of terminology and tools. 

It mandates that the tester provides comprehensive explanations of the steps taken to execute the compromise—a skill often overlooked in the CEH but deemed crucial in the realm of Penetration Testing as a profession. 

OSCP vs CEH: Which one is better?            

If you are serious about embarking on a career as a Penetration Tester, your primary target should be attaining the OSCP certification. This credential is highly regarded in the industry and is your gateway to a role that demands practical expertise in offensive security practices. 

On the other hand, if you are contemplating a career transition, especially if you are moving from a general IT background to a Cybersecurity-focused role, pursuing the CEH (ANSI) certification could be a wise move. This certification can enhance your visibility and recognition among potential employers, bridging the gap between your existing IT knowledge and the specialised field of Cybersecurity. 

However, it is essential to note that the CEH (Practical) certification is not in high demand among employers, and thus, we do not recommend pursuing it beyond the CEH (ANSI). Its practical counterpart, the CEH (Practical), holds limited relevance in the job market. 

While both CEH (ANSI) and CEH (Practical) can serve as stepping stones to prepare for the OSCP certification, once you've achieved your OSCP, the CEH (Master) designation may hold little significance for you. The OSCP signifies a higher level of practical, hands-on expertise, making it a more compelling choice for those seriously considering a career in Penetration Testing.
 

 

Conclusion 

We have covered OSCP vs CEH certification and its differences in detail, which will help you understand which certificate is better for your role and experience. We hope this blog has aided in improving your understanding of the key differences between OSCP and CEH and its features. 

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