Top 10 Ethical Hacking Courses & Certifications for Beginners

Breaking into cybersecurity starts with the right training. In this list of Top 10 ethical hacking courses for beginners, we’ll reveal the top 10 programs and certifications that deliver real-world skills. Each entry covers core topics, benefits, and where to enroll. Use this guide to choose a course that fits your budget, schedule, and career goals.

Why Choose Ethical Hacking Courses for Beginners?

Ethical hacking courses for beginners (Top 10 Ethical Hacking Courses) focus on fundamentals: networking, system security, and penetration testing. You’ll learn to:

• Identify vulnerabilities

• Exploit weaknesses safely

• Report findings professionally

According to CyberSeek, entry-level cybersecurity jobs grew by 25% in 2024. Quality training opens doors to roles like security analyst, junior penetration tester, and SOC analyst.

Ultimate Guide to Becoming an Ethical Hacker (Career Path 2025)

How We Selected These Ethical Hacking     Courses for Beginners

How We Selected These Ethical Hacking Courses for Beginners

We evaluated each program based on:

1. Curriculum Depth – Coverage of networking, web, and system hacking.

2. Hands-On Labs – Realistic environments for safe practice.

3. Certification Value – Industry recognition and job market demand.

4. Cost & Accessibility – Price, prerequisites, and delivery format.

Now, let’s explore the top ten ethical hacking courses for beginners.

1. CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701)

Overview: CompTIA Security+ offers foundational security concepts, including threat analysis and basic penetration testing.

Benefits:

• Vendor-neutral credential

• Entry-level requirement for many job postings

• Covers risk management and cryptography

Format: Self-paced online or instructor-led.
Cost: $381 exam voucher.
Duration: 3–4 months of study.

2. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Overview: The EC-Council’s CEH cert focuses on ethical hacking courses for beginners, teaching you how attackers think.

Benefits:

• In-depth coverage of footprinting, scanning, and exploitation

• Hands-on labs via iLabs platform

• Widely recognized by government and enterprise

Format: Instructor-led bootcamps or online self-study.
Cost: $1,199–1,899 (training + exam).
Duration: 5 days bootcamp or 6 months online.

3. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

Overview: OSCP from Offensive Security prioritizes hands-on penetration testing with PWK labs.

Benefits:

• Real-world lab environment

• Proof of concept required in exam report

• High industry respect and job value

Format: Self-paced, lab-intensive.
Cost: $1,499–2,499 (lab access + exam).
Duration: 3–6 months.

4. eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (eJPT)

Overview: eJPT by INE focuses on web app and network assessments for beginners.
Benefits:

• No prerequisites required

• Includes both practical labs and theory

• Lower cost than CEH or OSCP

Format: Online labs and quizzes.
Cost: $349 exam voucher.
Duration: 2–3 months.

5. CompTIA PenTest+ (PT0-002)

Overview: PenTest+ bridges fundamentals and advanced pentesting. It builds on Security+ knowledge.

Benefits:

• Covers planning, scoping, and vulnerability management

• Combines multiple-choice and performance-based questions

• Vendor-neutral, well-recognized

Format: Online or in-person.
Cost: $381 exam voucher.
Duration: 3–4 months.

6. SANS SEC560: Network Penetration Testing & Ethical Hacking (Top 10 Ethical Hacking Courses).

Overview: SEC560 teaches a broad spectrum of network and host exploitation

Benefits:

• Expert instructors and community support

• Virtual lab access included

• GIAC GPEN certification option

Format: Live online or in-person.
Cost: $8,460 (tuition and exam).
Duration: 6 days.

7. TryHackMe “Complete Beginner” Learning Path

Overview: TryHackMe offers bite-sized, gamified labs for absolute beginners in ethical hacking courses for beginners (Top 10 Ethical Hacking Courses).
Benefits:

• Interactive browser-based labs

• Guided learning paths and community support

• Affordable subscription model

Format: Monthly or annual subscription.
Cost: $10/month or $90/year.
Duration: Self-paced.

8. Hack The Box “Starting Point” Path

Overview: Hack The Box provides real-world machines for hands-on practice. The “Starting Point” path suits newcomers.
Benefits:

• Access to hundreds of vulnerable machines

• Community forums for hints and collaboration

• Free and paid tiers

Format: Online platform.
Cost: Free basic access; $25/month for VIP.
Duration: Self-paced.

9. Udemy “Learn Ethical Hacking From Scratch” (Top 10 Ethical Hacking Courses)

Overview: Udemy’s bestselling course covers essential tools and techniques, ideal for beginners.
Benefits:

• Affordable (~$20 with discounts)

• Lifetime access to lectures and labs

• Covers Kali Linux, Metasploit, Wireshark

Format: Video lectures and labs.
Cost: $20–$200 (depending on sales).
Duration: 15 hours of video.

10. Coursera “Introduction to Cyber Attacks” by NYU

Overview: This Coursera specialization introduces threat landscapes and basic defense strategies

Benefits:

• University-level curriculum

• Peer-graded assignments and projects

• Option to earn academic credit

Format: Online with deadlines.
Cost: Free to audit; $49/month for certificate.
Duration: 4 weeks.

Practical Tips for Choosing Ethical Hacking Courses for Beginners

1. Match Course to Experience
   Start with Security+ or TryHackMe if you’re new.

2. Budget vs. Value
   Free or low-cost paths suffice for fundamentals; invest in CEH or OSCP later.

3. Hands-On Practice
   Labs and CTFs cement your learning—pick courses with real environments.

4. Community and Support
   Forums, Discord channels, and mentor access speed up problem-solving.

5. Career Goals
   If you aim for penetration testing roles, target OSCP and GPEN.

Pair your learning with our ethical hacking services overview to see how pros apply these skills in real engagements.

Conclusion

Choosing the right ethical hacking courses for beginners sets you on the path to a rewarding cybersecurity career. From vendor-neutral Certs like Security+ to challenging OSCP labs, this top 10 list offers options for every learner. Combine structured training with hands-on practice, community engagement, and guidance from seasoned professionals. Start today to acquire the skills that employers demand and protect organizations from evolving cyber threats.

Ready to elevate your skills? Explore our tailored ethical hacking services and training at Hire a Hacker Expert to complement your course journey.