What is the CEH-V13 Exam?

The Certified Ethical Hacker Version 13 exam is EC-Council’s flagship cybersecurity penetration testing certification. It validates that you can legally and systematically test networks, applications, and systems for security weaknesses. The v13 update reflects the latest attack vectors, cloud and IoT threats, AI-powered exploits, and modern defensive countermeasures.

Who should take this exam?

Certified Ethical Hacker Version 13 is built for professionals who identify and remediate vulnerabilities. Typical candidates include:

• Security analysts and SOC staff
• Penetration testers and red-team members
• Network and system administrators wanting to shift to security roles
• Cybersecurity consultants and auditors

It suits people with 2+ years of IT or security experience who want to prove hands-on offensive security skills.

Prerequisites and recommendations

Official prerequisite: No mandatory certification, but EC-Council recommends at least two years of information security experience.

Training options: Either complete official EC-Council training (CEH course) or submit an eligibility form with proof of experience.

Practical preparation: Strong understanding of TCP/IP, operating systems (Windows/Linux), common network services, and basic scripting (Python, Bash). Many candidates hold Network+, Security+, or equivalent experience before attempting CEH.

Exam objectives and domains

The exam blueprint covers five major domains. Each domain is weighted roughly as shown (percentages are approximate and may vary slightly by region).

Objective details by domain

1. Information Security and Ethical Hacking Fundamentals

• Core concepts of ethical hacking, penetration testing types
• Legal and compliance considerations (cyber laws, GDPR, privacy acts)

2. Footprinting and Reconnaissance

• Active and passive intelligence gathering
• OSINT tools, DNS and WHOIS lookups, social engineering basics

3. Scanning, Enumeration, and Vulnerability Analysis

• Network scanning with Nmap, Nessus, and other scanners
• Service enumeration, SNMP, SMB, and directory enumeration
• Analyzing and prioritizing vulnerabilities

4. System Hacking and Post-Exploitation

• Password attacks, privilege escalation
• Malware, rootkits, trojans, and backdoors
• Maintaining access and clearing logs

5. Web, Cloud, IoT, and Emerging Technologies

• IoT device exploitation and AI/ML attack scenarios
• Web server and web application attacks (SQLi, XSS, CSRF)
• Cloud infrastructure attacks and container security

What changed in this version of CEH-V13?

Compared to v12, v13 introduces:

• Revised weightings: heavier emphasis on cloud and post-exploitation, lighter on traditional on-premise scanning
• Expanded cloud and container security coverage
• AI/ML-powered attack techniques and defenses
• New modules on operational technology (OT) and industrial systems
• Updated lab exercises with current real-world malware samples

Registration and scheduling for CEH-V13

• Register through EC-Council Exam Portal or authorized Pearson VUE testing centers.
• Choose online remote proctoring or onsite test center.
• Create an EC-Council account, buy a voucher, schedule your exam date and time.

Pricing and vouchers

Typical cost: USD 1,199–1,199 for exam voucher.

Official training packages cost extra.

Regional pricing varies (currency exchange, local taxes).

Discounts: student vouchers, government/military discounts, and corporate partner deals are common.

Policies you should know about CEH-V13

• Valid government photo ID required
• Reschedule or cancel at least 24 hours in advance
• Retake policy: free retake only if purchased with an “Exam Insurance” add-on; otherwise retake fee applies
• Code of Ethics: any policy breach may void results

Scoring and results for CEH-V13

Scored on a 0–100% scale, with passing score between 60% and 85% depending on the question pool for CEH-V13.

Results are typically available immediately on-screen, with an official digital certificate delivered within days.

Questions include MCQs and interactive items; partial credit is not given.

Exam day and test experience

On-site: Arrive 30 minutes early, present ID, follow center rules.

Online: Room scan via webcam, government ID check, continuous proctoring.

Allowed items: None, no notes, phones, or watches.

Breaks: Unscheduled breaks allowed, but clock keeps running.

Interface tips: Flag questions to revisit, watch the timer (4 hours total).

Study plan and resources

Below is a sample 8-week plan for beginners and a 4-week fast-track for experienced pros.

Beginners (8 weeks)

• Weeks 1-2: Network basics, Linux/Windows command line, TCP/IP review
• Weeks 3-4: Study official CEH courseware or an equivalent structured course
• Week 5: Lab work with Metasploit, Nmap, Burp Suite
• Week 6: Practice exams and targeted review of weak areas
• Week 7: Two full-length timed mock exams
• Week 8: Light review, rest day before exam

Experienced Candidates (4 weeks)

• Week 1: Skim fundamentals, focus on new v13 topics (AI, cloud, OT)
• Week 2: Deep dive into vulnerable apps and cloud labs
• Week 3: Intensive practice tests and scenario labs
• Week 4: Final review and readiness assessment

Key Resources

• Reference books like “CEH v13 Certified Ethical Hacker Study Guide”
• Official EC-Council CEH v13 courseware and labs
• CEH practice questions and exam simulators
• Community labs: TryHackMe, Hack The Box

Certification validity and renewal for CEH-V13

Validity: 3 years

Renewal: Earn 120 EC-Council Continuing Education (ECE) credits or pass the latest CEH exam. Training, conferences, and publishing security research all count toward credits.

Career outcomes for CEH-V13

Common job roles include:

• Ethical Hacker / Penetration Tester
• Security Analyst or SOC Engineer
• Red Team Operator
• Security Consultant

Salary range: typically USD 80,000–130,000+ depending on region and experience (sources: Payscale, Indeed, Glassdoor 2025).

Related or next-step certifications

EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA) – for advanced penetration testing

Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT Master) – expert level

Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) – hands-on penetration testing alternative

How this exam compares to similar certifications

OSCP: more hands-on, lab-intensive, but narrower in theory.

CompTIA PenTest+: broader entry level; CEH is more globally recognized and compliance-friendly (DoD 8570/8140).

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the exam format?

Multiple-choice with practical scenario-based questions, 125 items, 4 hours.

Is official training mandatory?

No. You can self-study if you meet the two-year experience requirement and submit an eligibility form.

How many times can I retake the exam?

Unlimited, but each retake requires a new voucher unless you buy the optional retake package.

Can I take the exam online from home?

Yes. EC-Council’s remote proctoring lets you test from anywhere with a webcam and stable internet.

How quickly will I get my certificate?

Digital certificates are usually available within a few business days of passing.

Do CEH credits count for other certifications?

Yes. Many professional bodies accept CEH continuing education credits toward their own renewals.

How do I maintain the certification?

Accumulate 120 ECE credits within three years or retake the latest CEH exam.

Are there student discounts?

Yes. EC-Council frequently offers reduced pricing for full-time students and military personnel.

Is CEH v13 recognized by employers?

Yes. CEH is on the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD 8570/8140) approved baseline list and widely valued by global security teams.