Exam Overview

What is the 312-50 CEH Exam?

The CEH Certified Ethical Hacker (312-50v9) exam is designed to validate your skills in ethical hacking and penetration testing. It assesses your ability to use the same knowledge and tools as a malicious hacker—but in a lawful and legitimate manner—to identify and remediate vulnerabilities in target systems.

Exam Purpose

The exam ensures that candidates are proficient in:

Identifying vulnerabilities
Using advanced hacking tools and techniques
Performing penetration testing
Analyzing system and network weaknesses

Exam Details

Key Information

Exam Code: 312-50 (v9)
Duration: 4 hours
Format: Multiple-choice questions
Number of Questions: Approximately 125 (subject to updates)
Passing Score: Generally around 70% (with cut scores varying per exam form from 60% to 85%)
Delivery Mode: Available through the EC-Council Exam Portal

Eligibility and Requirements

Prerequisites: While there are no strict prerequisites, it is recommended that candidates have a basic understanding of networking, computer systems, and cybersecurity fundamentals. Many candidates also complete an official EC‑Council training course.
Experience: Typically, at least two years of experience in information security or a related field is beneficial.

Exam Topics

Core Domains Covered

Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing
- Footprinting, reconnaissance, and information gathering
- Network scanning, enumeration, and vulnerability assessment
System Hacking
- Password cracking, privilege escalation, and system exploitation
Malware & Social Engineering
- Analysis of malware, social engineering techniques, and countermeasures
Cryptography
- Encryption, decryption, and secure communication protocols
Web & Wireless Hacking
- Web application vulnerabilities, SQL injection, and wireless network attacks
Countermeasures
- Strategies for mitigating identified vulnerabilities and protecting systems

Additional Focus Areas

Legal and Ethical Considerations: Ensuring that testing and hacking practices are conducted within legal boundaries and ethical standards.
Hands-On Lab Experience: Practical application of techniques in a controlled lab environment to simulate real-world attack scenarios.

Preparation Tips

Study Resources

Official Study Guides and Books: Use materials provided by EC-Council and other reputable sources.
Video Training Courses: Enroll in instructor-led or self-paced courses that cover the exam syllabus.
Hands-On Labs: Build and practice in your own lab environment to get real-world experience.
Practice Exams: Regularly test your knowledge with practice questions and exam simulators.

Exam Strategy

Understand the Concepts: Focus on the methodologies behind ethical hacking rather than just memorizing tools.
Time Management: Practice managing the 4-hour exam duration through timed practice tests.
Ethical Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the ethical and legal aspects of penetration testing.

Career Opportunities

Roles for CEH-Certified Professionals

Ethical Hacker / Penetration Tester
Security Consultant
Vulnerability Analyst
Cybersecurity Analyst
Network Security Engineer