CEH vs OSCP: Exam Format, Difficulty, and Preparation Tips

Many people considering ethical hacking or cybersecurity might already know about CEH and OSCP. There are many certifications available and these two are very popular, but they are quite different. 

Here, we understand the CEH vs OSCP debate in a simple and friendly way. We’ll look at their exam formats, how tough they really are, and how you can prepare for each. 

What’s the difference between CEH vs OSCP anyway?

Think of CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) as the “classroom version” of ethical hacking. It’s designed to teach you the basics of what hacking is, what tools are used, and how different attacks happen. You’ll learn about viruses, phishing, password attacks, and more. It’s a mix of theory and some practical ideas but mostly focuses on understanding concepts.

Now, OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) is the “hands on, real deal” certification. Instead of just learning about hacking, you get to actually do it. OSCP puts you in the driver’s seat and makes you solve hacking challenges on live systems. You’ll be tested on your ability to think critically and use real tools to exploit vulnerabilities.

When it comes to CEH vs OSCP, if you like theory and step-by-step learning, CEH might feel more comfortable. But if you want to roll up your sleeves and prove you can hack for real, OSCP is the way to go.

What are the differences between the ceh vs oscp exams? 

Here are some tips on what is included in every part of the exam. 

CEH Exam

The CEH test is a multiple choice exam with about 125 questions. You get 4 hours to complete it. It mostly tests your knowledge of hacking techniques, tools, and concepts. During the exam, you won’t be doing any actual hacking, it’s about selecting the right answers from the options.

You might see questions like:

• Which tool is best for capturing network traffic?
• What are the actions a man in the middle might carry out?

OSCP Exam

The OSCP exam is completely different. It’s a 24 hour hands on test where you get access to a lab filled with vulnerable machines. Your job? Try to access as many systems as possible, identify where they are weak and seize control.

When your hacking is done, make sure to produce a well explained report covering your approach, any weaknesses uncovered and some options to fix them.

This exam tests real skills, no multiple choice here. It’s intense, and it shows whether you can put knowledge into action under pressure.

Which one is harder?

Most of CEH is about memorizing numerous details and getting to know several attack and hacking tools. It becomes easier if you’re strong in studying and test taking. Even so, don’t think it will be easy; the questions may be difficult and you have to know the details.

OSCP is more about practical ability. You need to:

• Be comfortable with Linux and command line tools
• Know some basic scripting (like Python or Bash)
• Think creatively to find and exploit weaknesses
• Manage your time well during the long exam

When we talk about difficulty between ceh vs oscp many people find OSCP difficult on their first attempt.

How to prepare for CEH and OSCP?

Getting ready for CEH:

• Start with the official EC Council study guide or course
• Watch free or paid videos to reinforce concepts
• Use practice exams to test your knowledge regularly
• Join online groups or forums to ask questions and learn tips

CEH is mostly about reading, understanding, and remembering info. If you study steadily, you’ll be ready by exam day.

Getting ready for OSCP:

• Study the fundamental parts of Linux and become comfortable with using commands from the command line.
• Learn how important features such as IPs, ports and protocols are in computer networks
• Try working on hacking issues that are available from Hack The Box, TryHackMe or VulnHub.
• Begin with the PWK (Penetration Testing with Kali) course, as it is the official OSCP training.
• Practice writing detailed reports for every exercise you do report writing is part of the exam!

Most people spend 2-3 months or more preparing for OSCP.

Which one should YOU decide to work on?

When deciding between certifications, understanding CEH vs OSCP can be an easy method to find the right one for your needs and learning stage.

• Select CEH if you need a good introductory course on the principles of ethical hacking. If HR departments play a role in your career, this is a good certification to have to improve your resume.

• Choose OCSP if you already have basic knowledge and want to demonstrate your skills in hacking situations. You’ll enjoy studying for this if you want to work as a penetration tester, red teamer or just hands on problem solving.

A lot of people start with CEH for basic knowledge and then continue with OSCP to get real work experience. If you’re serious about ethical hacking, doing both eventually is a smart move.

The CEH vs OSCP question really depends on your goals and style of learning. CEH gives you knowledge and understanding, while OSCP pushes you to apply that knowledge under real conditions.

Whether you’re deciding between CEH vs OSCP, remember that success in cybersecurity comes down to persistence. Always try to learn, practice, and ask about anything you’re not sure of. Eventually, the skills and confidence you build will allow you to take action and help improve things.