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| Best Ethical Hacking Courses & Certifications for 2025 |
Discover top ethical hacking courses and certifications for 2025 CEH v13, OSCP/PWK, CompTIA Security+, eJPT/eCPPT, TryHackMe & HTB plus how to choose right path.
Cybersecurity training landscape keeps shifting new threats, cloud adoption, and AI are reshaping what employers expect from ethical hackers. In 2025, some credentials still anchor hiring (CEH, OSCP, CompTIA Security+), while hands on platforms (TryHackMe, Hack Box/HTB Academy) and practical certs (eJPT, eCPPT) close gap between knowledge and real world skill. Below I synthesize current offerings, explain who each is best for, and give a short roadmap to choose right path for your goals.
Training choices should match role you want. Broad, vendor neutral certificates (Security+) prove foundational knowledge. Role specific, hands on paths (OSCP, eCPPT) demonstrate practical penetration testing ability. And interactive platforms (TryHackMe, HTB) let you build a portfolio of labs and CTF scores that employers increasingly value. Good programs teach methodology, evidence/ reporting, and ethics not just a list of tools.
Beginner
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701)
A widely accepted starting point, Security+ covers core cyber concepts: network security, threat management, identity, and access. Recent SY0-701 objectives emphasize modern threat models and streamlined objectives to better reflect job roles. It’s ideal for those aiming for generalist security roles or preparing for more technical tracks later.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH v13)
CEH remains a recognizable entry credential for people starting in offensive security. EC-Council’s v13 refresh explicitly integrates contemporary topics AI threats, cloud attack surfaces, and expanded hands on labs so it’s positioned as a practical primer rather than just theoretical exam prep. CEH works well if you want a structured curriculum that balances technique awareness with lab exposure.
Ethical Hacking Essentials & Intro Courses
Short courses like EC-Council’s EHE (or beginner series on Coursera/Udemy) help newcomers learn safe lab setup, responsible disclosure basics, and how to think like a tester before committing to a longer program.
Intermediate
Offensive Security PWK / OSCP
OSCP is still one of most respected hands on certifications for penetration testing. PWK course (Penetration Testing with Kali) is study path; OSCP exam tests sustained problem solving under time pressure. Offensive Security has been iterating its labs and exam (notably updating Active Directory emphasis and exam structure in recent updates), so expect an emphasis on real world techniques and solid reporting. OSCP is best if you want to prove practical red team skills.
CompTIA PenTest+ & eJPT / eCPPT (INE)
CompTIA PenTest+ offers vendor neutral pentest fundamentals and is a sensible industry credential. For hands on practical tracks, eJPT (entry) and eCPPT (more advanced) from INE (formerly eLearnSecurity) provide lab centric certification paths with a reputation for practical, job relevant exercises. These are excellent choices for employers who care about demonstrable lab skills without high bar of OSCP.
TryHackMe & Hack Box (HTB Academy)
Platforms like TryHackMe and HTB let you learn by doing: guided learning paths, simulated networks, and role based curricula (pentester, blue team, SOC analyst). TryHackMe’s structured paths are excellent for incremental learning, while HTB Academy focuses on deeper, career oriented tracks and its own certification streams. Use these platforms to build a public facing skills record and practice exam style scenarios.
Advanced & specialised
OSCP Advanced Tracks & PWK updates
For senior offensive roles, look at advanced PWK modules, OffSec’s specialized tracks, or practical Red Team labs that emphasize Active Directory, post exploitation scaling, and complex engagement reporting. Continuous lab practice and real engagements (CTFs, freelance pentests) separate competent testers from experts.
CISSP & leadership certifications
CISSP targets experienced professionals moving into architecture, program management, or leadership. It’s less about hands on exploitation and more about security design, governance, and risk management valuable if you want to run a security program or lead teams. Recent ISC² updates continue to adapt content and outlines for senior roles.
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