CPENT vs CEH vs OSCP – Which One Should You Choose in 2025?
CPENT vs CEH vs OSCP:
Cybersecurity is evolving rapidly, and professional certifications play a crucial role in proving your skills. But with so many options available, choosing the right certification can be overwhelming. Among the most popular certifications, CPENT (Certified Penetration Testing Professional), CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), and OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) stand out. Each certification serves a different purpose, making it essential to pick the one that aligns with your career goals.
In this guide, we’ll compare CPENT vs CEH vs OSCP in terms of difficulty, career opportunities, syllabus, and more, to help you decide the best choice for 2025.
1. Understanding CPENT, CEH, and OSCP
What is CPENT?
EC-Council and Accredited Training Partner Axximum Infosolutions offer the advanced certification known as Certified Penetration Testing Professional (CPENT). It emphasizes useful penetration testing skills in a controlled online setting. For students who want to study offensive security techniques, CPENT is a great choice because it focuses on network and online application security.
What is CEH?
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is an entry-level certification also offered by EC-Council and Accredited Training Partner Axximum Infosolutions. It teaches the fundamentals of ethical hacking, including tools and techniques used by cybercriminals. CEH is best suited for beginners who want to step into the cybersecurity field.
What is OSCP?
One of the most prestigious credentials for penetration testing is the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP). The hands-on OSCP, which is offered by Offensive Security, asks candidates to break into a group of computers during a 24-hour exam. It is renowned for being both tough and practical, which makes it an excellent option for penetration testers and ethical hackers.
2. CPENT vs CEH vs OSCP – Key Differences
| Feature | CPENT | CEH | OSCP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Advanced | Beginner to Intermediate | Advanced |
| Hands-on Requirement | High | Low | Very High |
| Exam Format | 24-hour practical exam | Multiple-choice | 24-hour practical exam |
| Ideal for | Penetration testers, Red Team professionals | Beginners, Security Analysts | Penetration testers, Red Team professionals |
| Focus Areas | Network, Web App, Cloud, IoT security | Ethical hacking fundamentals | Real-world penetration testing |
| Career Scope | High | Moderate | Very High |
3. Which Certification Should You Choose in 2025?
- Choose CPENT if you want an advanced-level certification with real-world penetration testing challenges covering cloud, IoT, and web security.
- Choose CEH if you are a beginner in cybersecurity and want to learn the fundamentals of ethical hacking.
- Choose OSCP if you are looking for a highly respected, hands-on penetration testing certification that demonstrates deep practical skills.
4. Career Opportunities After CPENT, CEH, and OSCP
Each certification opens doors to different cybersecurity roles:
- CPENT Careers: Penetration Tester, Security Consultant, Red Team Expert
- CEH Careers: Ethical Hacker, SOC Analyst, Security Analyst
- OSCP Careers: Penetration Tester, Exploit Developer, Security Researcher
Frequently Asked Questions (CPENT vs CEH vs OSCP)
1. Is CPENT harder than CEH?
Yes, CPENT is more challenging than CEH because it involves a hands-on 24-hour exam, whereas CEH has a multiple-choice format.
2. Can a beginner take OSCP?
While it’s possible, OSCP is extremely difficult for beginners. It is recommended to gain some penetration testing experience before attempting OSCP.
3. Does CEH help in getting a job?
Yes, CEH is widely recognized and helps in entry-level cybersecurity roles, but hands-on experience is also necessary to stand out.
4. Is CPENT better than OSCP?
CPENT and OSCP are both advanced certifications. OSCP is well-known for hands-on penetration testing, while CPENT covers a broader range of topics including cloud and IoT security.
5. What is the salary difference between CPENT, CEH, and OSCP?
Salaries vary by experience and location, but on average:
- CEH holders earn ₹5 lakhs to ₹6 lakhs per year.
- CPENT holders earn from ₹4.5 Lakhs for entry-level positions to ₹10.2 Lakhs for senior roles.
- OSCP holders earn ₹11.6 Lakhs to ₹12.6 Lakhs.
Conclusion
The choice between CPENT, CEH, and OSCP depends on your career goals and experience level. If you are a beginner, CEH is a great starting point. want a challenging hands-on certification, go for OSCP. If you want a balance of real-world skills and broad security knowledge, CPENT is the best choice.
No matter which certification you choose, continuous learning and hands-on practice are key to becoming a successful cybersecurity professional.
