Certified Ethical Hacker (Practical)
CEH (Practical) is the hands-on companion to the multiple-choice CEH exam. Candidates solve 20 real-life scenarios on live virtual machines, networks and applications in the iLabs cyber range, applying techniques such as network scanning, enumeration, vulnerability analysis, system hacking, packet sniffing, web application attacks, SQL injection and cryptography attacks. EC-Council presents it as the next step after the CEH certification, and passing both exams earns the CEH Master designation.
Updated
Exam Details
- Issuer
- EC-Council
- Level
- Intermediate
- Exam type
- Hands-on practical
- Questions
- 20 practical challenges
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Passing score
- 60% to 85%, depending on the exam form
- Exam fee
- $550
- Validity
- 3 years
- Tracks
- Offensive Security
Open-book exam in the iLabs cyber range, taken online and proctored remotely by EC-Council. Sessions are booked at least 3 days in advance through the ASPEN dashboard.
EC-Council lists the CEH (Practical) voucher at $550 for the online proctored exam, bought after the application is approved. All candidates pay a $100 non-refundable application fee, which is included in the fee for official CEH training.
Requirements and Renewal
Prerequisites
Either at least two years of work experience in information security or attendance at official EC-Council CEH training. Candidates without training submit an application for approval. EC-Council recommends attempting the exam only after the current CEH course or equivalent.
Renewal
EC-Council Continuing Education (ECE): 120 credits per certification within each three-year cycle and an annual ECE fee of $80. Members who miss the requirements are suspended and have 12 months to comply before revocation.
Current Version
Exam blueprint v1.
Exam Domains
9 domains| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Information Security and Ethical Hacking | 5% |
| Reconnaissance Techniques | 15% |
| System Hacking Phases and Attack Techniques | 15% |
| Network and Perimeter Hacking | 25% |
| Web Application Hacking | 15% |
| Tools/Systems/Programs | 5% |
| Mobile Platform, IoT and OT Hacking | 10% |
| Cloud Computing | 5% |
| Cryptography | 5% |
DoD 8140 Work Roles
3 work rolesThe DoD 8140 Qualification Matrix V2.1 lists CEH (Practical) as a foundational qualification option for these DoD Cyber Workforce Framework work roles, up to the proficiency level shown. Lower levels of the same work role are also covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CEH and CEH (Practical)?→
CEH is a multiple-choice knowledge exam, while CEH (Practical) is a proctored, hands-on exam of up to 6 hours with 20 challenges in the iLabs cyber range. Passing both earns CEH Master.
How much does the CEH (Practical) exam cost?→
EC-Council lists the voucher at $550 for the online proctored exam. All candidates also pay a $100 application fee, which official CEH training includes.
Is CEH (Practical) an open-book exam?→
Yes. EC-Council states that CEH (Practical) is an open-book exam, taken as a 6-hour session with EC-Council remote proctoring.
Does CEH (Practical) expire?→
CEH (Practical) is part of the EC-Council Continuing Education scheme. Holders need 120 credits every three years and pay an $80 annual fee to stay certified.
Exam details are checked against official EC-Council pages. Fees, exam versions, and renewal rules change; confirm with EC-Council before registering. CEH (Practical) is a trademark of its owner. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by EC-Council.