Kev, Dean,

I think you both have valid points. I just took the class for the CEH since I am looking to make a career change. I'm currently military and do not work in the IT sector of it. I'm aircrew and the only time I use a computer at work is when I'm at my desk. That does not mean that I have no experience with the IT world or security. I have always been something of a geek and have tinker with the home PC for years, even building my own. While at my current job, I have taken advantage of my time to finish a BS in Software Engineering and a Masters in Information Systems Security. Does this make me an expert? No. Did it open my eyes to a whole new world? Yes. The certs that I have pursued are to help me learn more about networking and security because it is something that I want to get into. I took the CEH class because there is no way for me to get the two years experience that the EC-Council specifies on there web site to sit for the exam. After sitting through the class, do I think I'm an expert on pen testing? No, I have a lot to learn but it is a start.

Well that is just my thoughts and I think that most certs are best served as eye openers. As you study for then, you get your eyes opened to new ideas and perhaps it can spark a desire to learn more about that subject.

Hi Commgirl and welcome to EH-Net. Webdevil has only made 1 post, so the chance of receiving a reply is slim. I would suggest that you create a new thread of your own if you would like to question preparing for the CEH exam. You're likely to get plenty of responses. In addition, you may want to make use of the forum search feature as this is an often brought-up topic.

Best of luck.

Bill

oziko,

When I was training for the CEH exam, one of the instructors at New Horizons told me that to really get the material and pass the exam, you will spend 40 of training in the classroom, and 40 hours of study on your own time. If you've already spent the time in the classroom, and you've already paid for the courseware, then use it to get the best experience for your money.

Also, everyone is recommending the The Official CEH Review Guide (http://www.amazon.com/CEH-Official-Certified-Ethical-Hacker/dp/0782144373/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204298410&sr=8-1), which I also highly recommend before taking the exam.

Good luck!