Best Hacker Training Certifications to Launch Your Career

In a world where cyber threats evolve daily, “hacker training” isn’t about causing harm - it’s about learning to think like an attacker so you can defend systems. If you’re serious about breaking into cybersecurity, the right certification can make all the difference. This guide covers the best hacker / ethical hacking certifications Cybrary supports, explains what they test, how they compare to each other, and how to choose the right one for your background.

Why Certifications Matter for Hacker Training

• Credibility & recognition: Certifications are proof to employers that you have verified, standardized skills.
• Structured learning: They give you exam objectives, labs, and a roadmap rather than haphazard experimentation.
• Career acceleration: People with hands-on ethical hacking credentials typically open more doors and command higher salaries.
• Skill gaps & multi-cloud environments: Employers often have blind spots in cloud, app, or infrastructure security. Earning certifications helps you fill those.
  
  

Top Certifications / Certification Prep Paths for Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing

Here’s a comparison of the main certs and prep paths Cybrary offers for hacker training, and what each one is best for. (These are all supported via Cybrary Catalog or specialized prep paths/labs.)

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How These Certs Compare to Other Top‑Ranking Hacker Training Offerings

Let’s look at how Cybrary’s certifications/prep paths stack up vs. other well-known programs:

• NetAcad Ethical Hacker courses: Often more foundational, hands-on with Cisco gear; good for networking-first learners. Cybrary’s CEH path or PenTesting path offers broader attack vector coverage (web, mobile, cloud).
  
• EC-Council CEH: The official version. Cybrary offers prep specifically designed to align with CEH exam objectives + labs. Using Cybrary’s materials can make CEH studies more cost- and time-efficient.
  
• Udemy ethical hacking courses: Many are lower cost, but often vary widely in lab access, quality, and alignment with certification exams. Cybrary offers curated prep paths with official lab simulations and instructor guidance.
  
  

How to Choose the Right Certification for You

Here are questions and criteria to help decide which path fits your goals, schedule, and skill level:

1. What’s your current background?
   
   • No experience? Start with foundational paths + basic networking / Linux fundamentals.
   • Some sysadmin or security work? You can aim straight for CEH or PenTest+.
     
     
2. Hands‑on vs theory balance
   
   • If you enjoy doing, breaking, fixing: lean into paths with labs (Penetration Testing & Ethical Hacking Path).
   • If you prefer structured concepts first, theory-heavy certs like CEH make sense, then follow up with labs.
     
     
3. Budget and commitment
   
   • Costs include exam fee, lab access, study time. Cybrary’s labs are included in subscription; that helps.
   • Compute how much time you can realistically invest per week and match the depth of the certification to that.
     
     
4. Career goals / employer expectations
   
   • If your target job posting lists CEH, PenTest+, etc., match those.
   • If aiming for more advanced red‑team, exploit dev, or R&D, you’ll need more than just one cert - stacking or a pathway with continuous learning helps.
     
     
5. Renewal and ongoing learning
   
   • Certifications like CEH require periodic renewal or continuing education credits. Check how exams change.
   • Cybrary’s labs and practice materials help you keep sharp.
     
     

Cybrary’s Edge: Why Cybrary’s Hacker Training Offerings Stand Out

• Certification-aligned paths: Cybrary’s Penetration Testing & Ethical Hacking Path explicitly prepares you for recognized certs (including CEH) with topic‑by‑topic exam alignment.
• Hands‑on labs: Courses like “CEH v12 Preparation” include relevant labs to simulate real-world attacks such as web app hacking, wireless attacks, OS evasion techniques, etc.
• Free & subscription content: Some prep content and labs are available under free or lower-tier access, allowing beginners to get started without huge up‑front costs.
• Community + feedback:  Cybrary’s learner base, forums, mentors, and lab environment collectively help you not just learn, but apply and get feedback.

Multi‑cert stacking paths: The platform supports starting with free / more accessible certs (like Security+, etc.), then moving towards CEH or PenTest+. This stacking can boost employability more than a single cert.

Sample Certification Path / Roadmap

Here’s a sample roadmap for someone starting out, through to becoming a capable hacker / pentester:

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Conclusion

If you’re trying to choose which hacker training certification to pursue first, here’s a quick summary:

• For well‑rounded, globally recognized credentials, CEH (via CEH v12 prep on Cybrary) is a solid choice.
• If you prefer more hands‑on pen testing work and want attack labs, the Penetration Testing & Ethical Hacking Prep Path is more aligned with real, technical hacker training.
• For those looking to get started quickly, stacking foundational certifications and progressing toward CEH or PenTest+ gives a strong trajectory.
  
  

Take your next step with confidence: explore Cybrary’s certification prep paths now, try out the free labs for CEH, and begin building your portfolio. The hacker training you invest in today can unlock roles defending critical systems tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is CEH better than PenTest+?
They serve slightly different audiences. CEH tends to have more theory + broader scope, while PenTest+ often emphasizes performance and vulnerability scanning. Which is “better” depends on the employer and your career path. On Cybrary, you can train for both.

Do I need to know programming?
Basic scripting (Python, Bash) helps a lot, especially for automating tasks and exploit chaining. Some CEH prep includes tools, but you don’t have to be a software engineer. Hands‑on labs help you grow.

How long does it take to prepare?
Depends on experience. If you’re starting fresh and study ~8 hours/week, expect several months for CEH or PenTest+. Cybrary’s labs, guided paths, and practice tests can accelerate this.

Are these certifications expensive?
There’s cost: exam fees, possibly lab access. Cybrary subscription or partial free content lowers some cost. Also plan for tools and time. But investing in a well‑aligned certification prep program often provides strong ROI in job prospects.