How to Become a Certified Ethical Hacker in 2025 – Step-by-Step Guide
With rising cyber threats and increasing data breaches worldwide, ethical hackers are more in demand than ever. The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification by EC-Council continues to be one of the most respected credentials in cybersecurity.
This blog walks you through the step-by-step roadmap to become a CEH in 2025, including prerequisites, exam format, costs, and career potential.
Explore Ethical Hacking Courses at Red9Systech
What is a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)?
A Certified Ethical Hacker is a cybersecurity professional trained to think and act like malicious hackers—but legally. They identify vulnerabilities in systems and fix them before attackers can exploit them.
CEH-certified professionals work with:
Organizations
Government agencies
IT companies
Cybersecurity firms
Their job is to protect sensitive data and digital infrastructures from hackers.
Why Become a CEH in 2025?
Cybersecurity has become a top career priority due to:
Global ransomware attacks
Rise in IoT and cloud security risks
Mandatory compliance (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.)
Stats to Note:
Average salary of CEH-certified professionals: $90,000+ per year
Over 3.5 million cybersecurity jobs will be unfilled by 2025
CEH is globally recognized and respected
Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Certified Ethical Hacker
Step 1: Build a Strong Foundation in IT
You should first understand:
Networking (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/S)
Operating Systems (Windows & Linux)
Databases and basic programming (Python preferred)
Recommended Learning Areas:
CCNA or CompTIA Network+
Basic cybersecurity knowledge
Step 2: Learn the Basics of Cybersecurity
Before CEH, familiarize yourself with:
Threat types (Malware, Ransomware, Phishing)
Firewalls and antivirus tools
Security policies and risk management
You can explore basic cybersecurity modules on platforms like:
Cybrary
Red9Systech
Coursera
Step 3: Choose a CEH Training Provider
To prepare for the CEH v12 exam in 2025, pick an EC-Council-accredited training center or platform.
We recommend Red9Systech Ethical Hacking Training
Training options include:
Online Instructor-Led
Self-paced videos
Classroom Bootcamps
Most training covers:
Footprinting & Reconnaissance
Scanning Networks
Vulnerability Analysis
System Hacking
Social Engineering
Web & Wireless hacking
Cryptography
Step 4: Study CEH v12 Syllabus & Use Labs
CEH v12 has a practical lab component with real-world simulations.
Study Materials:
CEH v12 Official Courseware
Practice Labs (iLabs)
Exam Prep books (by EC-Council or authors like Sean-Philip Oriyano)
Step 5: Register & Pass the CEH Exam
CEH v12 Exam Format:
Duration: 4 hours
Questions: 125 MCQs
Passing Score: 60–85% (varies by difficulty)
Mode: Online proctored or Pearson Vue center
Also includes a CEH Practical Exam (6 hours) to test real-world skills.
Certification Cost:
CEH v12: ~$1,199 (may vary by country)
CEH Practical (optional): ~$550
Job Opportunities After CEH Certification
Once certified, you can apply for roles like:
Penetration Tester
Security Analyst
Cybersecurity Engineer
SOC Analyst
Top recruiters include:
Accenture
Deloitte
Infosys
IBM
Startups and Govt Agencie
Conclusion
If you’re passionate about cybersecurity and want a career fighting digital crime, becoming a Certified Ethical Hacker in 2025 is the right path.
Start learning today, build hands-on skills, and get CEH-certified to enter one of the highest-paying and fastest-growing fields in tech.
