How I Cleared Both the CEH Exams: A Step-by-Step Guide: CEH Practical exam and theory exam
As a student who recently cleared the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) exam, I know the journey can be challenging but incredibly rewarding. In this article, I’ll walk you through my steps to prepare for the exam, including resources that helped me succeed. If you aspire to become a certified ethical hacker, this roadmap might help you achieve your goal.
Step 1: Understand the Exam Structure
The first thing I did was familiarize myself with the exam format. The CEH v13 exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions; you have four hours to complete it. It covers five main phases of ethical hacking: reconnaissance, scanning, gaining access, maintaining access, and covering tracks. Understanding these areas helped me focus my study plan effectively.
Step 2: Enroll in an Official Training Program
I opted for the official EC-Council training program, which offers comprehensive coverage of the exam topics. The course included instructor-led sessions and hands-on labs. These labs were crucial because they allowed me to practice my skills in a simulated environment, giving me confidence for the exam.
Step 3: Supplement with Additional Study Materials
While the official training was helpful, I knew I needed more practice and theory to fully prepare. Here’s what I used:
- CEH Official Study Guide: I studied this book extensively. It covers all the exam domains and includes practice questions.
- Practice Labs: Platforms like iLabs (EC-Council’s official lab environment) and TryHackMe provided hands-on experience in real-world scenarios.
- CEH Practice Exams: I found practice exams on various websites and used them to test my knowledge and identify weak areas.
Step 4: Focus on Key Topics
Some topics are more critical than others, so I spent extra time on these:
- Network Scanning & Enumeration: Tools like Nmap and Wireshark are important, so I practiced with these daily.
- Web Application Attacks: I used resources like OWASP to understand web vulnerabilities and how to exploit them.
- System Hacking Techniques: I focused on learning techniques like password cracking, privilege escalation, and malware analysis, using tools like Metasploit.
Step 5: Use Online Communities and Forums
Engaging with online communities was incredibly valuable. I joined forums like Reddit’s r/ceh and EC-Council’s discussion boards to ask questions, share experiences, and get tips from those who had already passed the exam.
Step 6: Leverage Free and Paid Online Courses
Platforms like Udemy, Cybrary, and LinkedIn Learning offer CEH courses. I found them useful, especially when I needed extra explanations or alternative approaches to certain concepts. I also used YouTube for quick tutorials and explanations of tools I struggled with.
Step 7: Practice, Practice, Practice
Hands-on practice was the most critical part of my preparation. I used the following:
- iLabs: EC-Council’s labs simulate real network environments and hacking scenarios.
- TryHackMe & Hack The Box: These platforms helped me gain practical experience. I practiced CTF (Capture The Flag) challenges to improve my skills in a competitive environment.
- Virtual Machines: I set up VMs using VirtualBox to test various tools and hacking techniques in a controlled setup.
Step 8: Review and Revise
I set up a revision plan a month before my exam. I reviewed my notes and practice questions and focused on the areas where I was less confident. Revisiting the official CEH guide and watching recorded videos from the training sessions helped reinforce my understanding.
Step 9: Take Mock Exams
I took several mock exams in the weeks leading up to the test. This allowed me to become familiar with the time pressure and question style. Mock exams also highlighted which topics needed more review. I aimed for a consistent 85% or higher score on these before booking my actual exam.
Step 10: Exam Day Preparation
On the day before the exam, I reviewed my keynotes but avoided cramming. Instead, I ensured I was well-rested and relaxed. I ensured I had everything ready — my exam voucher, ID, and a quiet environment for the proctored exam.
Additional Resources I Recommend
- EC-Council’s Official CEH Training Kit: Comprehensive and aligned with the exam syllabus.
- CEH v13 Exam Study Guide
- Nmap & Metasploit Cheat Sheets: Essential for quick reference.
https://quizlet.com/584667813/flashcards
How I Prepared for the CEH Practical Exam
After clearing the CEH multiple-choice exam, I decided to take on the CEH Practical exam to further validate my skills in a hands-on environment. The CEH Practical exam is a rigorous 6-hour test where you must solve real-life scenarios across 20 challenges. Here’s how I prepared for this intense exam:
Step 1: Set Up a Practice Environment
To prepare, I built my own virtual lab using tools like VirtualBox and VMware, simulating a network environment where I could test my hacking skills. I set up various virtual machines, including Linux, Windows, and vulnerable systems like Metasploitable. Practicing in a controlled environment was crucial, as the CEH Practical exam requires hands-on skills in exploiting systems without causing harm.
Step 2: Focus on the Five Phases of Ethical Hacking
I reviewed the five phases of ethical hacking — reconnaissance, scanning, gaining access, maintaining access, and covering tracks. However, for the practical exam, it was more about applying these concepts with precision. I focused on the following key areas:
- Network Scanning & Enumeration: Tools like Nmap, Nikto, and Netcat became essential in finding vulnerabilities. I practiced scanning networks, identifying open ports, and mapping attack surfaces.
- Exploitation: I honed my skills with tools like Metasploit and practiced exploiting common vulnerabilities such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS) using web applications hosted in my lab.
- Privilege Escalation: Understanding how to escalate privileges was vital, so I explored techniques and scripts to elevate access within both Linux and Windows systems.
- Maintaining Access & Covering Tracks: I practiced setting up backdoors and clearing logs to simulate real-world scenarios of persistence and hiding activities.
Step 3: Utilize Hands-On Platforms
To further sharpen my skills, I used platforms like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and EC-Council’s iLabs. These platforms offered scenarios similar to what I would face in the CEH Practical exam. iLabs, specifically, was beneficial as it provided an environment aligned with the CEH curriculum, helping me practice on networks and systems that mirror the exam’s setup.
Step 4: Study Advanced Tools and Techniques
The practical exam tests knowledge beyond basic tool usage. I explored and practiced with:
- Wireshark for network analysis and packet capturing.
- Burp Suite for web application testing.
- Metasploit Framework for creating and deploying payloads.
Step 5: Time Management and Practice Tests
Time management is critical during the 6-hour exam. I practiced mock labs to simulate the exam conditions, ensuring I could complete tasks efficiently without compromising accuracy. I timed myself while working through challenges, aiming to solve each task within a set timeframe.
Step 6: Familiarize Yourself with CEH Engage
The CEH Engage initiative was an excellent opportunity to experience real-world hacking scenarios before the exam. I participated in these engagements to gain hands-on experience, as they mirrored the practical exam environment closely.
Final Tips
- Document Everything: I maintained detailed notes on each attack technique, tool usage, and scripts I developed or modified. This was crucial for the practical exam, where clear, precise action is required.
- Stay Calm and Focused: The 6-hour duration can be intense, so staying calm and focused is key. I practiced maintaining my concentration over long sessions to prepare for this.
Exploring AI in CEHv13
In addition to the traditional topics covered in the CEH v13 exam, there’s an exciting integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that adds a new dimension to ethical hacking. During my preparation, I delved into various AI tools, including ShellGPT, which leverages AI to assist in tasks like automating repetitive commands and enhancing decision-making in complex scenarios. Understanding how to harness AI in cybersecurity improves efficiency and allows ethical hackers to anticipate and counteract threats more effectively.
Moreover, I focused on learning AI-driven skills, particularly in how AI systems can be attacked or manipulated. This included understanding the vulnerabilities within AI algorithms and exploring techniques for ethical hacking against AI-based systems. As AI continues to evolve, being well-versed in these skills is essential for modern ethical hackers.
The CEH program also emphasizes practical engagement through initiatives like CEH Engage, where participants can apply their skills in real-world scenarios. Additionally, CEH Compete encourages friendly competition among ethical hackers to solve challenges and enhance their abilities. These components foster a deeper understanding of ethical hacking and promote collaboration and innovation in the cybersecurity community.
By incorporating AI into my learning process, I equipped myself with valuable skills that go beyond the exam, preparing me for the future of cybersecurity and its evolving challenges.
Final Thoughts
Clearing the CEH exam is no small feat, but it's achievable with the right resources and a structured approach. I advise focusing on hands-on practice, understanding the tools, and staying engaged with the cybersecurity community. Remember, the journey is as valuable as the destination — each step equips you with the skills needed to excel as an ethical hacker.
Good luck on your journey to becoming a Certified Ethical Hacker!