CEH study resources: Essential materials for exam success
The Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH) certification created by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) in 2003 remains one of the most sought-after credentials in cybersecurity. This guide compiles the best CEH study resources available to help you prepare effectively for this valuable certification. The CEH demonstrates a professional's competence in identifying IT infrastructure vulnerabilities and protecting organizations from malicious attacks through ethical hacking techniques.
A CEH professional plays a key role in protecting businesses from cybercrime by using the same tools, techniques and methodologies that hackers employ, but in a legal way to combat active threats that could lead to network compromise. This certification helps security professionals expand their career opportunities in roles such as security officers, IT auditors and network administrators who have direct oversight of network infrastructure.
To become CEH-certified, professionals must pass a four-hour exam containing 125 multiple-choice questions based on the nine CEH v13 objectives. Cut scores can range from 60% to 85% depending on the exam difficulty. Before starting your preparation, you may want to review the CEH exam eligibility requirements to ensure you qualify.
Earn your CEH, guaranteed!
What are the best books to help prepare for the CEH?
If you're ready to transition into an ethical hacking role through EC-Council's certification, quality CEH study materials are essential. Here are some of the most comprehensive books available for exam preparation.
CEH Certified Ethical Hacker All-in-One Exam Guide, Fifth Edition, by Matt Walker
This book provides coverage of many topics on the CEH exam. Although this edition covers v11 rather than the current v13, it serves as a valuable foundation for understanding ethical hacking concepts. IT security expert Matt Walker provides in-depth explanations, exam tips and 300 practice exam questions. Many professionals find this guide useful as an on-the-job reference even after passing the exam.
CEH v13 Certified Ethical Hacker Study Guide by Ric Messier
This updated text offers a comprehensive overview of the current CEH v13 certification requirements and thoroughly covers all exam objectives. It helps identify knowledge gaps through chapter review questions and "Exam Essentials" sections. The book includes practical hands-on exercises and typically provides access to online learning resources with additional practice materials.
What are the best online resources and labs to prepare for the CEH?
Hands-on practice is crucial for mastering ethical hacking study guide concepts and methodologies. These resources provide practical experience in a controlled environment.
iLabs CEH
This cloud-based subscription service (six months of access to the EC-Council virtual lab environment for CEH) delivers effective hands-on practice for certification concepts in a secure platform. Professionals can safely practice hacking, penetration testing, computer forensics and secure coding through over 400 complete exercises that align with the current CEH v13 study materials.
Penetration Testing Cyber Range in Infosec Skills
The Infosec Skills platform offers a full CEH learning path as well as a Penetration Testing Cyber Range where you can develop your ethical hacking knowledge base. The online cyber range includes 30 labs covering topics such as abusing protocols, scanning for vulnerabilities, identifying exploits and delivering payloads, as well as 4 capture-the-flag (CTF) exercises that reinforce penetration methodology resources.
Beginner ethical hacking course from Infosec
In this free 1-hour course, you will learn how to hack into a system and participate in the process every step of the way. Infosec’s Keatron Evans, a 20-year cybersecurity veteran, provides students with hands-on training and step-by-step guidance. After hacking the system, you will learn how to cover your tracks to hide the intrusion and then use AI to find proof of the hack.
What are the best practice exams for the CEH?
Practice tests are essential CEH preparation materials that help you gauge your readiness and identify areas needing further study. Here are some of the most effective CEH practice tests available:
CEH exam prep
Start with the official practice test by EC-Council. There are 50 questions in this test; the answers and score will be displayed at the end. In the EC-Council store, you can purchase access to a full year of simulated assessments to help you experience real exam scenarios. Measuring your proficiency in each objective allows you to identify knowledge gaps easily so you can focus your cybersecurity exam preparation efforts effectively.
Infosec Skills CEH practice exam
The Infosec Skills CEH learning path includes a 226-question CEH practice exam. You can also create a customizable practice exam from a pool of more than 1,000 questions. Adjust the number of questions and the domains of the practice exam to target specific areas of your exam prep, making it one of the most flexible CEH exam preparation resources available.
CEH v13: Certified Ethical Hacker practice tests
Updated preparation tools aligned to the topics covered by the CEH v13 exam typically include multiple complete practice tests that help professionals direct their study efforts and work with realistic versions of the test. These resources often provide coverage of all sections of the exam blueprint, giving you the confidence and skills needed to pass the CEH test. For additional guidance, check out these tips for CEH exam success.
CEH practice questions on Cyber Work Hacks
In an episode of Infosec's Cyber Work Hacks, boot camp instructor Akyl Phillips walks through four sample CEH questions, explaining both the logic behind the correct answer and the process of elimination for the incorrect options.
What are the best online ethical hacking forums?
Although these forums are not related directly to the CEH cert exam, they offer valuable material for candidates who want to further develop their hacking techniques learning and find free CEH study materials:
These communities provide opportunities to discuss challenges, share resources and learn from experienced professionals in the field of penetration testing education.
Training for the CEH certification exam
Several formal training options exist for those seeking structured preparation for the CEH exam and a deeper understanding of the CEH exam domains overview.
CEH official printed courseware
You can purchase this comprehensive textbook from EC-Council's official online store. If you opt to purchase a course from EC-Council, you can add this book onto your purchase at a discounted price as part of your security certification practice materials.
EC-Council Learning
EC-Council Learning offers flexible online training options for students seeking quality CEH study resources. You can choose between the following modalities:
- iClass is a training platform that offers solutions catering to various learning styles and schedules. It includes live video training courses and tools such as the EC-Council's Mobile SecurityTool Kit (aka STORM), a pentest platform equipped with STORM Linux on a portable touchscreen device.
- The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Single Video Course option is an online, self-paced package of recorded live courses. It offers one-year access to training modules and e-courseware, a virtual lab platform (six months of access), an exam voucher and an attendance certificate. This asynchronous, self-study environment is available via EC-Council's ASPEN portal at aspen.eccouncil.org and delivers EC-Council's sought-after ethical hacking learning materials.
Accredited Partner Training
EC-Council has numerous training partners, including Infosec. Infosec offers both a self-paced CEH course and live online CEH Boot Camp training. Both offerings include access to CEH practice exams, hands-on labs, and other training resources mentioned above, providing comprehensive CEH preparation materials.
EC-Council IT Security Conference
Hacker Halted 2025 is part of the annual series of computer and information security conferences presented by EC-Council. This year's theme is Order from Chaos, which builds upon last year's Cyber Dystopia theme. The event provides over 20 presentations from guest speakers, two days of networking and various cybersecurity trainings. Attending MasterClass Training at Hacker Halted builds on the educational foundation of EC-Council's courses in all topics covered by the CEH exam: ethical hacking, computer forensics, pentesting and more.
Earn your CEH, guaranteed!
Conclusion
This article has examined some of the best CEH study resources available for preparing for the Certified Ethical Hacker certification, including books, online study resources, practice exams, forums and conferences. Whether you prefer self-study with CEH v13 study materials or instructor-led training with hands-on labs, there are options available to suit your learning style and schedule. By utilizing these best CEH resources, you can build the knowledge and skills needed to pass the CEH exam and advance your career in ethical hacking and cybersecurity.
EC-Council CEH
EC-Council CEH
EC-Council CEH
