Ethical hackers play a vital role in the fight against intellectual property theft, and they are one of the fastest-growing segments of the technology industry. This fast-growing industry is multiplying that it is now the largest growing sector in the Information Technology Industry. However, this fast-growing industry is also home to many uncertified or poorly educated workers who cannot achieve the certification required to secure a career as an ethical hacker. To reduce this demand for uncertified workers, the United States Information Security Management Association (USISMA) has developed the ECCouncil.
The ECCouncil is the foundation for aspiring ethical hackers and security professionals to attain certification. The ECCouncil consists of a testing procedure and written examinations for ethical hackers and other information security professionals. The exams are categorized into two areas: written and hands-on.
ECCouncil Written Exams must be passed by the individual to gain certification. On the other hand, hands-on exams are more active and include a lot of practical experience.
The examination process is divided into two parts: the written exam and the field test. The written examination consists of multiple-choice questions, written applications, and interactive questions that require the candidate to demonstrate knowledge in a specific area of expertise or experience. The examination is not based on previous examination results but on knowledge gained from actual work. For the field test, security professionals are required to demonstrate their expertise through actual fieldwork.
Both examination processes are comprised of multiple-choice questions that are built around the USISMA examination model. Candidates must complete all three parts of the examination to become certified. While the written exam can be pretty involved, the field tests usually come down to a few simple choices. In the written portion, most
CEH exam questions are about Vulnerability Assessment and Identification, or VADA. The areas that the questions cover vary by test.
The first two sections of the exam measure experience. They gauge skills such as vulnerability assessment and identification, or VADA. The third section measures knowledge and skills in computer repair. The experience portion is intended to give candidates an idea of what it takes to be an ethical hacker in the real world. There are typically about eight to twelve hours of classroom time allotted for the exam.
The third section, which is the field test, is usually given after about two to four weeks of classroom work. It requires about eight hours of work. This portion of the exam assesses skills in computer repair and vulnerability assessment, or VADA. Security professionals who successfully pass the exam to get certified and earn CEH status. The CEH designation is not a guarantee of future employment, but it does help give prospective employers a good look at a prospective sec-servant's skills and experiences.
Becoming an ethical hacker is not a simple process. It takes knowledge, experience, and professional certification to become prepared for the exam. Becoming certified is one step closer to career success.
Most security professionals will receive a CEH certification upon successful passing of the exam. This certification will provide employers with a better understanding of the candidate's level of expertise. Those who choose to take the exam may find the preparation process helpful, and the knowledge gained may provide a foundation for further study. The exam questions and answers may also prove to be valuable preparation for future employment.