Ceh V13 Certification: Cost, Syllabus, Exam & Training Guide

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CEH v13 certification is EC-Council’s ethical hacking credential for professionals who assess systems lawfully, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend defenses. The knowledge exam contains 125 multiple-choice questions and lasts four hours. Candidates who pass it earn the CEH certification; the optional six-hour practical exam has 20 challenges and leads to CEH Master when both exams are passed. Eligibility is available through official training or approved self-study application based on information-security experience. Costs vary by voucher type, location, taxes, and training provider.
What Is a CEH Certification?
The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is awarded by EC-Council to candidates who demonstrate knowledge of ethical hacking methods, attack techniques, vulnerability assessment, security controls, and defensive countermeasures.
Ethical hacking means testing systems with documented authorization from the owner. A certified ethical hacker may use techniques associated with malicious attackers, but the purpose is to identify weaknesses, reduce risk, and improve security.
The latest ...
... version is commonly called CEH v13. EC-Council also presents the program as CEH AI because artificial intelligence skills are integrated into ethical hacking training and the five-phase hacking framework:
Reconnaissance
Scanning
Gaining access
Maintaining access
Covering tracks
EC-Council introduced CEH v13 in 2024 as an updated version with AI-related learning, newer attack techniques, and broader coverage of cloud, mobile, IoT, OT, and modern application security.
For the complete official program description, visit theofficial EC-Council CEH v13 program page.
CEH v13 Certification at a Glance
Feature
Details
Certification provider
EC-Council
Certification name
Certified Ethical Hacker
Version
CEH v13 / CEH AI
Knowledge exam
125 multiple-choice questions
Knowledge exam duration
4 hours
Exam code
312-50 through ECC Exam or Pearson VUE
Passing score
60% to 85%, depending on the exam form
Practical exam
20 practical challenges
Practical exam duration
6 hours
Practical delivery
Aspen/iLabs cyber range
Practical exam status
Optional for the standard CEH credential
CEH Master
Requires both the knowledge and practical exams

Passing the knowledge-based exam earns the CEH certification. The practical exam is an additional assessment. Candidates who pass both exams can earn the CEH Master designation.
What Makes CEH v13 Different?
CEH v13 is broader than a traditional network-security examination. It combines foundational security knowledge with attack methodology across multiple environments.
The training program includes:
20 learning modules
221+ hands-on labs
550 attack techniques
Access to thousands of hacking and security tools in EC-Council’s cyber range
AI-supported ethical hacking activities
Web, cloud, mobile, wireless, IoT, and OT security topics
A practical engagement environment for applying learned skills
The important distinction is that the knowledge exam is not the same as the practical exam. The knowledge exam measures understanding through multiple-choice questions. The practical exam measures application through timed cyber-range challenges.
CEH v13 Syllabus: All 20 Modules
The CEH syllabus follows the ethical hacking lifecycle, beginning with information gathering and continuing through exploitation, post-exploitation, cloud security, and cryptography.
Module
Main topics
1. Introduction to Ethical Hacking
Security fundamentals, hacker types, laws, ethics, risk management, MITRE ATT&CK, Cyber Kill Chain, and AI-driven hacking
2. Footprinting and Reconnaissance
OSINT, search engines, WHOIS, DNS, social networks, dark web research, and AI-powered reconnaissance
3. Scanning Networks
Host discovery, port scanning, service discovery, OS detection, banner grabbing, and scan countermeasures
4. Enumeration
NetBIOS, SNMP, LDAP, NFS, DNS, SMTP, RPC, SMB, FTP, and enumeration defenses
5. Vulnerability Analysis
Vulnerability databases, scoring systems, vulnerability research, scanning, reporting, and vulnerability-management processes
6. System Hacking
Password attacks, Metasploit, buffer overflow, privilege escalation, persistence, log clearing, and post-exploitation
7. Malware Threats
Trojans, viruses, ransomware, worms, fileless malware, APTs, and static and dynamic malware analysis
8. Sniffing
Packet capture, ARP poisoning, MAC flooding, DHCP starvation, VLAN hopping, DNS poisoning, and detection
9. Social Engineering
Phishing, impersonation, identity theft, mobile-based attacks, human vulnerabilities, and countermeasures
10. Denial-of-Service
DoS, DDoS, botnets, attack detection, protection tools, and mitigation services
11. Session Hijacking
Session IDs, TCP/IP hijacking, application-level attacks, network-level attacks, detection, and prevention
12. Evading IDS, Firewalls, and Honeypots
IDS/IPS, firewalls, tunneling, endpoint evasion, honeypots, and evasion countermeasures
13. Hacking Web Servers
Web-server architecture, reconnaissance, directory discovery, server attacks, DNS hijacking, and defenses
14. Hacking Web Applications
OWASP risks, APIs, web services, access-control attacks, fuzzing, encoding, and application testing
15. SQL Injection
Error-based, union, blind, inferential, advanced, and AI-assisted SQL injection techniques
16. Hacking Wireless Networks
Wi-Fi discovery, wireless traffic analysis, WPA2 security, rogue access points, and wireless defenses
17. Hacking Mobile Platforms
Android, iOS, rooting, jailbreaking, SMS phishing, OTP hijacking, MDM, and mobile security
18. IoT and OT Hacking
IoT protocols, industrial systems, IIoT, OT vulnerabilities, device traffic analysis, and attack methods
19. Cloud Computing
AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, containers, Kubernetes, serverless computing, IAM, cloud attacks, and controls
20. Cryptography
Symmetric and asymmetric encryption, hashing, PKI, digital signatures, cryptanalysis, blockchain, and quantum threats

The CEH v13 syllabus includes both attack techniques and countermeasures. A strong candidate should understand how an attack works, what evidence it creates, how to detect it, and how to reduce the risk.
CEH v13 Exam Format
CEH Knowledge Exam
The knowledge exam is the main certified ethical hacker test. It measures your understanding of ethical hacking concepts, attack vectors, detection methods, prevention techniques, procedures, and methodologies.
Exam element
Details
Questions
125 multiple-choice questions
Duration
4 hours
Delivery
ECC Exam or Pearson VUE
Exam code
312-50
Passing score
60% to 85%
Credential earned
CEH certification

The passing score is not always a fixed percentage because EC-Council uses different exam forms and scoring standards. Candidates should use the score guidance provided for their specific examination form rather than relying on an unofficial “fixed pass mark.”
CEH Practical Exam
The CEH Practical is a separate, hands-on exam delivered through the Aspen/iLabs cyber range.
Exam element
Details
Practical challenges
20
Duration
6 hours
Format
Performance-based cyber-range assessment
Delivery
Aspen/iLabs
Passing score
60% to 85%
Purpose
Demonstrate practical ethical hacking ability

The practical assessment can include network scanning, vulnerability detection, system attacks, web-server testing, web-application security, SQL injection, wireless security, malware analysis, cryptography, and log analysis.
CEH v13 Exam Cost and Ethical Hacker Certification Cost
The total ethical hacker certification cost depends on whether you choose ECC Exam, Pearson VUE, RPS delivery, practical testing, training, taxes, and preparation materials.
The following prices were listed by the official EC-Council Store when checked:
Purchase option
Listed price
What it covers
CEH Pearson VUE exam voucher
$1,199
Knowledge exam at a Pearson VUE testing center
CEH RPS exam voucher
$950
Remotely proctored knowledge exam
CEH Practical exam
$550
Six-hour practical cyber-range exam
ECC Exam + CEH Practical package
$1,250
Knowledge exam and practical exam
Pearson VUE + CEH Practical package
$1,499
Pearson VUE knowledge exam and practical exam

These are official store prices shown at the time of writing. Prices may change based on region, currency, taxes, delivery method, promotions, and EC-Council policy. The combined exam packages listed by EC-Council do not include study material.
Additional Costs to Consider
Your final CEH v13 exam cost may include:
Training or a live instructor-led course
Study material and official courseware
Practice tests and lab access
Exam retake fees
Taxes or regional charges
Travel costs for a Pearson VUE testing center
The $100 non-refundable eligibility application fee for certain self-study candidates
Candidates should confirm the current price directly with EC-Council or an authorized training provider before payment.
CEH v13 Eligibility Requirements
There are two primary routes to the knowledge exam.
Route 1: Complete Official Training
Candidates who complete an approved EC-Council training course may attempt the exam without applying through the self-study eligibility route. Official training is available for different experience levels and does not require previous cybersecurity experience.
Training may be delivered through:
EC-Council-authorized training centers
Instructor-led online training
Academic institutions
Approved learning platforms
Candidates may need to submit a Certificate of Attendance or other training documentation before purchasing the exam voucher.
Route 2: Apply as a Self-Study Candidate
Candidates who do not attend official training generally need:
At least two years of information-security experience
A completed exam eligibility application
Evidence supporting the claimed experience
A $100 non-refundable eligibility application fee
Approval from EC-Council before purchasing the official voucher
Relevant experience may include network security, vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, security operations, cloud security, or related information-security work. Review the latest candidate handbook before applying because eligibility procedures may be updated.
Eligibility for CEH Practical
EC-Council states that there are no predefined eligibility criteria for candidates interested in attempting the CEH Practical. However, self-study candidates may still need to satisfy applicable eligibility requirements when purchasing a voucher through a particular route.
Is CEH v13 Suitable for Beginners?
Yes. The certified ethical hacker v13 program can suit beginners, but “no mandatory experience” does not mean “no preparation is needed.”
Before beginning, beginners should understand:
TCP/IP networking
Common ports and protocols
Windows and Linux basics
Authentication and access control
Web applications and databases
Basic scripting concepts
Security terminology
The difference between vulnerability assessment and penetration testing
A beginner can learn these foundations during a structured course. However, candidates who already understand networking and operating systems will usually progress faster through the technical modules.
Certified Ethical Hacker Training Course Options
A certified ethical hacker training course should combine theory, demonstrations, labs, review questions, and exam-focused revision.
Common options include:
Self-Paced Training
Self-paced learning works well for candidates with flexible schedules and previous IT experience. It allows you to repeat difficult topics and study at your own speed.
The main risk is inconsistency. Without a study schedule, learners often complete videos but do not practice enough.
Live Online Training
CEH training online provides instructor guidance, scheduled lessons, demonstrations, question-solving sessions, and support from anywhere with an internet connection.
This format is useful when you need:
A fixed study timetable
Direct explanations
Help with difficult modules
Guided lab practice
Accountability before the exam
CEH Bootcamp
A CEH bootcamp compresses the core curriculum into an intensive schedule. EC-Council describes its official course as a five-day, 40-hour program, although individual providers may use different formats.
Bootcamps are useful for experienced IT professionals who can study full-time. They may be difficult for beginners because 20 modules cannot be mastered through attendance alone.
Instructor-Led or In-Person Training
In-person training can provide direct collaboration, group discussions, and immediate troubleshooting. EC-Council also lists instructor-led online, self-study, masterclass, and training-partner delivery options.
How to Prepare for the CEH v13 Exam
Use a preparation method that connects every concept to a security decision.
Step 1: Build the Technical Foundation
Review networking, Linux, Windows, web applications, databases, and authentication before starting intensive exam preparation.
Step 2: Follow the Syllabus in Order
The early modules support the later ones. Reconnaissance, scanning, enumeration, and vulnerability analysis form the foundation for system, web, wireless, mobile, cloud, and IoT testing.
Step 3: Use a Concept-Lab-Defense Cycle
For each topic:
Learn the security concept.
Reproduce it in an authorized lab.
Identify the evidence created by the activity.
Study the defensive control.
Complete practice questions.
Explain the topic without looking at your notes.
This method is more reliable than memorizing tool names or command syntax without understanding the underlying process.
Step 4: Use a Practical Study Schedule
A focused eight-week plan may look like this:
Weeks
Study focus
1–2
Ethical hacking fundamentals, reconnaissance, scanning, enumeration, vulnerability analysis
3–4
System hacking, malware, sniffing, social engineering, DoS, session hijacking, perimeter security
5–6
Web servers, web applications, SQL injection, wireless, mobile, IoT, and OT
7
Cloud computing, cryptography, AI topics, and weak areas
8
Full-length practice tests, timed revision, error review, and exam readiness

Step 5: Keep an Error Log
Record every missed question under one of these categories:
Knowledge gap
Misread question
Confused terminology
Incorrect defensive control
Weak attack sequence
Guessing under time pressure
Reviewing the error pattern is more valuable than repeatedly taking the same practice test.
How to Use AI While Preparing for CEH v13
CEH v13 includes AI-related ethical hacking topics, but candidates should use AI carefully.
AI can help you:
Summarize complex security concepts
Generate revision questions
Compare attack methods
Explain unfamiliar commands
Create defensive checklists
Review a lab report for clarity
AI should not replace:
Hands-on lab practice
Independent reasoning
Authorization checks
Source verification
Secure handling of sensitive information
Never paste real credentials, private company data, production logs, or confidential vulnerability details into an external AI system.
Is CEH v13 Certification Worth It?
CEH v13 can be valuable when you need a broad ethical hacking foundation and a recognized certification from EC-Council.
It may be a good fit if you are:
Beginning a cybersecurity career
Moving from networking or system administration into security
Preparing for vulnerability-assessment work
Working toward a SOC, security analyst, or junior penetration-testing role
Required to hold a recognized baseline certification
Looking for structured EC-Council ethical hacking training
However, the certification alone does not prove that you can independently conduct a complex penetration test. Employers may also evaluate your experience, communication skills, lab work, reporting ability, scripting, and knowledge of cloud and application security.
To strengthen your profile, build a small portfolio containing:
Authorized lab findings
Remediation reports
Network-security diagrams
Web-application testing notes
Secure scripts
Vulnerability prioritization examples
Clear executive summaries for nontechnical readers
CEH Certification vs CEH Master
Credential
Requirement
What it demonstrates
CEH certification
Pass the four-hour knowledge exam
Understanding of ethical hacking concepts and methodologies
CEH Master
Pass the knowledge exam and six-hour practical exam
Knowledge plus performance in practical cyber-range challenges

The practical exam is not required to earn the standard CEH credential. It is required for the CEH Master designation.
CEH Certification Validity and Renewal
EC-Council certifications generally operate on a three-year certification cycle. CEH holders must earn the required ECE credits during the cycle to renew their credential. The current candidate handbook states a requirement of 120 ECE credits per certification within three years.
Check the latest EC-Council ECE policy for current renewal fees, credit categories, and submission requirements.
Common CEH v13 Preparation Mistakes
Memorizing Tools Without Understanding the Attack
The exam tests methodology and decision-making, not only tool names. Understand why a tool is selected, what it reveals, and how defenders detect its activity.
Ignoring Legal and Ethical Topics
A security test without permission can become an unauthorized intrusion. Study authorization, scope, rules of engagement, privacy, evidence handling, and reporting.
Treating the Practical Exam as Mandatory
The practical exam is valuable, but it is separate from the standard CEH certification. Decide whether you need only CEH or the additional CEH Master designation.
Trusting an Outdated Passing Score
Passing scores can vary by exam form. Do not rely on old articles that claim one universal percentage.
Buying the Wrong Voucher
Check the delivery method, exam type, expiration period, testing location, and eligibility requirements before purchasing.
Practicing on Real Targets
Use only systems you own or have explicit written permission to test. Use labs, sandboxes, and authorized cyber ranges for practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CEH certification?
CEH certification is an ethical hacking credential from EC-Council. It validates knowledge of reconnaissance, scanning, vulnerability analysis, system hacking, web security, wireless security, mobile security, cloud security, IoT/OT security, and cryptography.
What is the CEH v13 exam cost?
The CEH v13 exam cost depends on the voucher type. The official store currently lists prices such as $1,199 for Pearson VUE, $950 for RPS delivery, and $550 for the separate practical exam. Prices can change.
How much is the ethical hacker certification cost?
The total cost may include training, courseware, exam vouchers, taxes, practical testing, retakes, and self-study eligibility fees. A training package may cost more than the exam voucher alone.
How many questions are on the CEH exam?
The knowledge exam contains 125 multiple-choice questions and lasts four hours.
What is the CEH passing score?
EC-Council lists a passing-score range of 60% to 85%, depending on the exam form. The exact score should be confirmed for your scheduled examination.
Is the CEH Practical exam required?
No. Passing the knowledge exam earns the standard CEH certification. The practical exam is optional and is required for the CEH Master designation.
Does CEH v13 require previous cybersecurity experience?
Official training does not require previous cybersecurity experience. Candidates applying through the self-study route generally need at least two years of information-security experience and approval from EC-Council.
Is CEH v13 good for beginners?
Yes, but beginners should first develop basic networking, Linux, Windows, web, and security knowledge. A structured training course can make the learning process easier.
What topics are included in the CEH syllabus?
The syllabus includes 20 modules covering reconnaissance, scanning, enumeration, vulnerability analysis, system hacking, malware, sniffing, social engineering, web security, SQL injection, wireless, mobile, IoT, OT, cloud computing, and cryptography.
How long is CEH certification valid?
The CEH credential generally follows a three-year cycle and requires continuing education credits for renewal. Review the current EC-Council ECE policy for exact requirements.
Start Your CEH v13 Preparation
Choose your exam route first: official training or approved self-study. Then confirm the current voucher price, eligibility rules, exam delivery method, and syllabus before booking.
For structured preparation, updated study resources, mock tests, and guided online support, exploreCEH v13 certification training with PassYourCert.

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