Do I need to take Network+ before Security+?

While not strictly required, CompTIA certification paths often suggest a logical progression. Building a foundation in networking concepts can provide the necessary context to better understand the security material covered in Security+.

Is CEH better for getting a higher salary?

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including experience, role, and geography. While specialized certifications like CEH are associated with specific offensive roles, they are typically pursued after a professional has established a baseline of experience.

Are CompTIA certifications recognized globally?

Yes, CompTIA is a recognized industry organization that has awarded millions of certifications, and their pathways are designed to help individuals start or advance their IT careers globally.

CompTIA Security+ vs. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) for Entry-Level Cybersecurity

Question: Should a professional pursue a CompTIA Security+ or a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification for an entry-level security role?

Prepared by the ChoiceScore Research Desk · Editor-approved for the curated library · Reviewed July 17, 2026

Recommended Choice Score: 70/100

Direct answer

Summary

Selecting between CompTIA Security+ and the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification requires an objective assessment of one's professional maturity and career objectives. CompTIA Security+ is widely recognized as a foundational certification that establishes a baseline understanding of security concepts, terminology, and risk management. It is frequently cited in professional development pathways as a starting point for those entering the cybersecurity field. In contrast, the CEH is a specialized credential that emphasizes offensive security tactics and penetration testing methodologies. For the entry-level professional, the primary objective is to demonstrate a broad, vendor-neutral grasp of security principles, which aligns more closely with the scope of the Security+ certification. This report evaluates the structural differences between these credentials, providing a framework for decision-making based on industry-standard progression models.

Choice Score breakdown

Security+ Suitability 95/100 — Highly aligned with foundational entry-level requirements.
CEH Suitability 60/100 — Valuable for specialization, but often requires more advanced experience.

Best for / Not best for

Best for

Individuals with 0-2 years of IT experience.
Professionals seeking a broad, vendor-neutral security foundation.
Those looking to build a career in general security administration or defense.

Not best for

Professionals without any prior IT or networking background who may benefit more from foundational IT certifications first.
Those looking exclusively for advanced penetration testing roles without first establishing a defensive security baseline.

Scenarios

The 'Foundation First' Path (0.7% likely)
Candidate pursues Security+ to establish a baseline, gains 1-2 years of experience, then evaluates specialized certifications. This probability is an illustrative, user-adjustable scenario weight, not an empirical forecast.
The 'Specialist Early-Adoption' Path (0.2% likely)
Candidate pursues CEH immediately to focus on offensive security. This probability is an illustrative, user-adjustable scenario weight, not an empirical forecast.
The 'Concurrent Development' Path (0.1% likely)
Candidate attempts to study for both certifications simultaneously. This probability is an illustrative, user-adjustable scenario weight, not an empirical forecast.

Calculations

Metric	Result	Formula
Illustrative Security+ Investment	550 USD	exam_fee + study_materials
Illustrative CEH Investment	2000 USD	exam_fee + training_materials
Illustrative Study Time Ratio	1.5x	ceh_study_hours / sec_plus_study_hours

Pros & cons

Pros

Security+ provides a broad, vendor-neutral understanding of essential security concepts.
CompTIA certifications are widely recognized in the IT industry as a means to demonstrate mastery in computer technology.
Security+ serves as a logical entry point for individuals beginning their cybersecurity career path.

Cons

CEH focuses on specialized offensive tactics, which may be less applicable to general defensive or administrative entry-level roles.
The depth of specialized knowledge required for CEH may be premature for individuals lacking foundational security experience.
Security+ is a generalist certification and may not satisfy the requirements for advanced, role-specific technical tasks.

Assumptions

Illustrative scenario probability — The 'Foundation First' Path: 0.7% — A user-adjustable modeling weight used to compare scenarios; it is not a measured probability or forecast.
Illustrative scenario probability — The 'Specialist Early-Adoption' Path: 0.2% — A user-adjustable modeling weight used to compare scenarios; it is not a measured probability or forecast.
Illustrative scenario probability — The 'Concurrent Development' Path: 0.1% — A user-adjustable modeling weight used to compare scenarios; it is not a measured probability or forecast.

Practical next steps

Assess current IT knowledge: If foundational networking or systems administration knowledge is lacking, consider foundational certifications first.
Review industry certification pathways: Utilize resources like CompTIA’s certification roadmap to understand how Security+ fits into a broader career trajectory.
Identify target role requirements: Research job descriptions for entry-level positions to determine which certifications are preferred by employers in your specific region or sector.
Prepare for the certification: Utilize available training resources, such as video-based instruction, to build the necessary knowledge base.
Evaluate progress: After gaining 1-2 years of practical experience, reassess your career goals to determine if specialized certifications like CEH are necessary for your chosen path.

Methodology

This report synthesizes information from official certification bodies and educational resources. Calculations are provided as illustrative, user-adjustable scenarios to assist in financial planning. The decision-making framework is based on the standard industry progression of moving from foundational knowledge to specialized expertise.

Sources

Sources support specific claims; they do not replace our analysis. Read the research and source standards.

FAQ

Do I need to take Network+ before Security+?: While not strictly required, CompTIA certification paths often suggest a logical progression. Building a foundation in networking concepts can provide the necessary context to better understand the security material covered in Security+.
Is CEH better for getting a higher salary?: Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including experience, role, and geography. While specialized certifications like CEH are associated with specific offensive roles, they are typically pursued after a professional has established a baseline of experience.
Are CompTIA certifications recognized globally?: Yes, CompTIA is a recognized industry organization that has awarded millions of certifications, and their pathways are designed to help individuals start or advance their IT careers globally.

Related decisions

Disclaimers

All financial figures are illustrative and user-adjustable; they do not represent current vendor quotes.

Scenario probabilities are modeling weights and are not empirical data.

Certification requirements are subject to change; verify current requirements with the respective certifying bodies.