Which Pentesting Cert Should You Get First? (PenTest+ vs eJPT vs CEH)

For beginners, eJPT is best for building real hands-on hacking skills. PenTest+ is the best middle ground, offering a solid methodology overview, respected HR recognition, and an affordable price. CEH has the highest HR recognition but is expensive and heavily theoretical. Most beginners should choose between PenTest+ and eJPT.

Evaluating CEH

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is the most famous certification on this list. It is a powerful tool for getting your resume noticed by recruiters.

However, its high cost and heavily theoretical, multiple-choice format make it less popular among technical practitioners who value practical skills.

Evaluating eJPT

eLearnSecurity's Junior Penetration Tester (eJPT) is the opposite of CEH. It has lower HR recognition but is beloved by the technical community. The exam is a practical lab where you actually hack machines.

It is an incredible learning experience for beginners wanting to build real confidence in their technical skills.

Evaluating PenTest+

CompTIA PenTest+ sits perfectly in the middle. It is affordable, highly respected by HR (including DoD compliance), and offers a better assessment of methodology than eJPT.

While not as practical as eJPT, its Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) offer more technical rigor than the standard CEH exam.

The Verdict

If you can only afford one, PenTest+ offers the best balance of cost, recognition, and educational value for a beginner entering the field.

When you are ready to prepare, relying on high-quality practice exams like Cert Sensei is the best way to study, ensuring you are ready for both the multiple-choice and PBQ sections.

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