CEH vs OSCP: Which Cybersecurity Certification is Better for Beginners?

When starting a career in cybersecurity, choosing the right certification can feel overwhelming. Among the most popular and respected credentials are the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP). Both certifications carry strong value in the industry, but they serve different purposes. If you are a beginner, you may be asking: Should I start with CEH, or go directly for OSCP?

What is CEH? (Certified Ethical Hacker)

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is one of the most recognized certifications for entry-level professionals in ethical hacking. It covers essential topics like reconnaissance, scanning, enumeration, malware, web application vulnerabilities, and introduces you to many industry-standard tools.

CEH is often given priority in job applications, especially for freshers applying to roles like SOC Analyst, Security Executive, or Junior Penetration Tester. Recruiters and HR departments frequently use CEH as a benchmark when shortlisting candidates.

For beginners, CEH works as a strong foundation:

  • It provides awareness of how cyberattacks happen.

  • It introduces different phases of hacking in a structured way.

  • It builds the necessary vocabulary and concepts required to enter the cybersecurity job market.

While CEH is more conceptual than hands-on, it is an excellent first step for those who want to enter the cybersecurity field quickly and meet job eligibility requirements.

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What is OSCP? (Offensive Security Certified Professional)

Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) is a completely practical, hands-on certification in penetration testing. It is widely respected because candidates are required to exploit real machines, perform privilege escalation, and submit a professional penetration testing report — all under strict time limits during the exam.

OSCP demonstrates:

  • Real penetration testing skills.

  • Deep understanding of enumeration, exploitation, and privilege escalation.

  • The ability to approach real-world systems like a professional hacker.

However, OSCP is challenging for beginners who lack strong knowledge of Linux, networking, or scripting. It is one of the toughest certifications in cybersecurity, but also one of the most rewarding.

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CEH vs OSCP: Which One Should Beginners Choose?

For freshers and beginners, CEH is generally the best first step. It provides the basic knowledge and recognition needed to secure an entry-level job. Once you have that foundation, OSCP becomes much more manageable.

That said, if you already have hands-on experience with Linux, networking, and lab environments such as TryHackMe or HackTheBox, you can attempt OSCP directly. Just be prepared for a steep learning curve.

Can You Do CEH and Then OSCP?

Absolutely. In fact, many professionals follow this path:

  1. Start with CEH to build your foundation and improve your chances of landing your first cybersecurity job.

  2. Move on to OSCP once you are ready for a deep, hands-on penetration testing challenge.

CEH helps you understand what the tools and attacks are, while OSCP teaches you how to execute them in real-world scenarios.

Final Verdict: CEH First, OSCP Next

Both certifications play an important role in a cybersecurity career:

  • CEH: Best for beginners, provides recognition, and often serves as a gateway to jobs.

  • OSCP: Proves advanced practical penetration testing skills and is highly respected by employers.

For most beginners, the smartest path is to start with CEH and then pursue OSCP. This way, you’ll gain both the industry recognition and the hands-on expertise needed to grow in your career.

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