A 4-hour multiple-choice exam or a hands-on exam of nearly 24 hours: comparing CEH v13 and OSCP+ to choose, or combine, your pentest certifications.
CEH and OSCP+ do not measure the same thing: CEH v13 validates broad knowledge of attack techniques through a multiple-choice exam, with an optional practical exam, while OSCP+ relies entirely on a hands-on exam of nearly 24 hours followed by a report. CEH often works well as a first offensive certification, OSCP+ as proof of operational skill. Many penetration testers end up combining the two.
EC-Council's CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) is designed to give an overview of offensive security: reconnaissance, vulnerability analysis, and attacks on systems, networks, web applications, wireless, mobile, IoT and cloud. Version 13 also integrates the use of artificial intelligence tools throughout the curriculum. The emphasis is on understanding techniques and methodology.
OffSec's OSCP+, tied to the PEN-200 course, takes a practice-centered approach. Candidates must work out for themselves how to compromise machines, adapt public exploits, escalate privileges and document their work. The implicit motto is autonomy in an unfamiliar environment.
These two approaches are not in opposition: one builds a general knowledge of pentesting, the other puts it to the test.
The CEH knowledge exam has the code 312-50. According to EC-Council, it includes:
EC-Council also offers an optional practical exam, the CEH Practical: 20 challenges to solve in 6 hours in a cyber range environment. Candidates who pass both exams earn the CEH Master designation.
To be eligible, you can take official training with an EC-Council partner, or document at least two years of IT security experience and submit an eligibility application. EC-Council certifications are valid for three years and are maintained through the ECE continuing education program.
The OSCP+ exam is proctored and lasts 23 hours and 45 minutes. It takes place in a private network accessed over VPN. According to OffSec's exam guide, it consists of:
After the exam, you have an additional 24 hours to submit a professional report. An incomplete report can cause a candidate to fail even if they scored enough technical points.
Since November 1, 2024, passing the exam grants two credentials: the OSCP, which does not expire, and the OSCP+, valid for three years. The OSCP+ is renewed by retaking a recertification exam, passing another eligible OffSec exam, or through OffSec's continuing professional education (CPE) program, which requires 120 credits over a three-year cycle along with a membership or annual fees.
The two certifications cover common topics, but at different depths.
CEH requires a good understanding of networks, systems and security concepts. A system or network administrator with a few years of practice can prepare for it within a reasonable timeframe. The main difficulty lies in the volume of concepts to memorize and understand.
OSCP+ has no formal prerequisites, but OffSec recommends a solid grounding in networking and familiarity with Linux and Windows. In practice, preparation takes many hours of lab work. The difficulty lies in endurance, method and the ability to get past a technical dead end under time pressure.
In short, CEH is accessible earlier in a career, whereas OSCP+ rewards regular, already advanced practice.
CEH is well known to HR departments and buyers, particularly in tenders and competency frameworks. The knowledge exam is ANAB-accredited under the ISO/IEC 17024 standard, which matters to some organizations.
OSCP+ is recognized by technical pentest teams, who see it as proof of the ability to carry out a real intrusion and document it. It is frequently cited in penetration tester job postings.
The two certifications therefore do not occupy the same place: one opens administrative and commercial doors, the other reassures a technical manager.
Several paths make sense depending on your situation.
To place these certifications within an overall path, see our article on the cybersecurity certification roadmap for 2026.
Securevalley Training is an EC-Council Authorized Reseller: the CEH v13 training follows the official curriculum. For OSCP+, we offer certification preparation, with no partnership with OffSec.
No. No certification is required to take the OSCP+. CEH can, however, help structure the concepts before tackling a fully hands-on exam.
The OSCP+ credential expires after three years, but you keep the OSCP, which has no expiration date.
The main exam is multiple-choice. The optional CEH Practical adds 20 challenges in 6 hours; passing both earns the CEH Master designation.
It depends heavily on your starting level and your lab time. Assess yourself on practice machines before setting an exam date.
CEH and OSCP+ meet different needs: the first structures and certifies broad knowledge, the second proves the ability to carry out an intrusion independently. First choose the one that matches your current level and career goal, then consider the other as a complement.