Thinking about getting CCT certified but the cost has you second-guessing? You’re not alone! Many aspiring cybersecurity professionals want to know how much the CCT certifications cost before making the leap. After all, no one likes surprise expenses, especially when it comes to exams. The EC-Council Certified Cybersecurity Technician (CCT) is a solid entry-level certification for those looking to break into the in-demand field of cybersecurity. However, is it worth the investment, and more importantly, how much will you actually have to spend?
In this complete guide, we will cover the CCT certification cost, including exam fees, training expenses, and even other hidden costs you might not have considered. In addition, we’ll share tips on how to save money while still getting the best preparation possible. By th end, you’ll know exactly what to expect and whether this investment is the right move for you!
What Is CCT Certification?
Before we break down the costs, let’s first talk about what the CCT certification actually is and why so many people are considering it.
The Certified Cybersecurity Technician (CCT) certification, offered by the EC-Council, is an entry-level certification designed for anyone looking to start a career in cybersecurity. It focuses on technical knowledge just as much as theoretical knowledge covering essential skills like ethical hacking, network defense, digital forensics, and risk management. With a primary focus on technical knowledge, it offers 85 hands-on labs. Basically, everything you need to get your foot in the door.
➤ Exam Structure
Here are some of the key essential details in relation to the exam structure:
Exam Code | 212-82 |
Exam Format | Multiple Choice Questions, Hands-On Practical |
Number Of Questions | 60 Questions |
Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
Passing Score | 60% to 85% |
Language | English |
Open Book? | No |
Exam Delivery | Online, Proctored |
➤ Major Domains
The CCT certification exam covers a wide range of foundational cybersecurity skills. Here are the key domains you’ll be tested on in the exam:
Key Domains | Weightage In The Exam |
Information Security Threats and Attacks | 11% |
Network Security | 7% |
Network Security Controls | 23% |
Application Security and Cloud Computing | 9% |
Wireless Device Security | 11% |
Data Security | 10% |
Network Monitoring and Analysis | 16% |
Incident and Risk Management | 13% |
➤ Eligibility Requirements
Since this certification is targeted at beginners, the EC-Council has not specified any prerequisites to take the CCT certification exam. However, having some foundational networking and cybersecurity knowledge may prove helpful.
Read More: Is Cybersecurity Hard To Get? A Deep Dive
Why Get CCT Certified? 5 Solid Reasons To Take The Leap
Still debating whether the CCT certification is worth your time and money? Understandable! Certifications aren’t cheap and you want to make sure you’re investing in something that will actually help you land a job. Good news: The EC-Council Certified Cybersecurity Technician (CCT) has plenty of benefits especially if you’re trying to break into cybersecurity. Here are 5 reasons why the CCT certification is a smart move.
⭕ Employers Love Seeing It On Resumes
Trying to land that first cybersecurity job? You’re not alone. The job market is packed with entry-level candidates, many of whom have zero certification or hands-on experience. That is where the CCT certification gives you an edge. It is issued by the EC-Council, the same organization behind the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) certifications.
Employers already recognize and trust EC-Council’s credentials which means having CCT certified on your resume can make hiring managers take you more seriously. In addition, it acts as proof of your skills, even if you don’t have years of professional experience yet. Instead of just telling an employer you “know cybersecurity”, you will have a respected certification to back it up.
⭕ You Get Hands-On Real World Training
Ever taken a course that was 90% theory and left you feeling underwhelmed about learning real-life skills, well, the CCT isn’t like that. This certification focuses on real-world hands-on training instead of just giving you theoretical knowledge.
The goal? To make sure you job ready when you walk into your first cybersecurity role. Instead of just reading about networking security, ethical hacking, and cyber defense, you actually get to practice these skills. From investigating security breaches to handling cyber threats, the CCT prepares you for real cybersecurity scenarios. This type of training is exactly what employers look for because it ensures that you’re not just certified but job-ready as well.
⭕ It Helps You Stand Out In A Competitive Job Market
Cybersecurity jobs are in high demand right now but that does not mean that landing one is easy. With so many candidates applying for entry-level roles, you need something that makes you stand out. A certification like the CCT does exactly that. Hiring managers skim through resumes quickly and having a well-known certification like CCT immediately grabs their attention.
It proves that you have put in the effort to learn cybersecurity fundamentals and meet industry standards. Some employers even require certifications for specific roles so having one can keep you from being disqualified before you even get a chance to interview. In a job market where first impressions matter, the CCT can give you a competitive edge.
⭕ More Affordable Than Other Cybersecurity Certifications
Some cybersecurity certifications cost an arm and a leg (we’re looking at you CISSP). The CCT, on the other hand, is a budget-friendly alternative for those starting out. Compared to certifications like CompTIA Security+, the CCT exam and training options are more affordable while still being widely recognized. That means you can start your cybersecurity journey without breaking the bank.
Learn More: Is Cybersecurity Fun Or Boring? A Detailed Breakdown
CCT Certification Cost: What’s The Damage?
Let’s get to the question that has been on your mind this whole time: how much does the CCT certification cost? Whether you are on a tight budget or just want to know if it is worth the investment, breaking down the cost is key before taking the plunge.
The total price of getting CCT certified depends on a few factors like whether you’re purchasing just the exam voucher or opting for a training package. Here is a closer look at what you can expect to pay.
Here is a look at the different costs involved:
CCT Certification Options | Cost |
Exam Voucher only | $499 |
CCT training | $999 |
Other Costs Of The CCT Certification: What Else You Need To Know
You’ve seen the base price of the CCT certifications and it looks affordable, especially compared to other cybersecurity certifications. But before you swipe that card, let’s talk about the extra costs that might sneak up on you. The last thing you want is to think you’re done paying only to realize there is more to pay for.
To save you from this, here is a look at some of the additional costs you should be aware of before diving in:
➥ Exam Retake Fees
What if you don’t pass? Not everyone passes certification exams on their first attempt. Cybersecurity exams can be tricky and if you do not pass, you will have to pay again. Unfortunately, the EC-Council doesn’t have any retake policy in place that offers free retakes. Instead, you will be required to pay for your retake in full price which is $499 USD.
According to the retake policy a candidate who is unable to pass their exam on the first attempt can retake the exam immediately, without any waiting period. A waiting period of 14 days is then required in between each event subsequently. More than five attempts in one month, however, are not allowed.
This means that you will have to pay the exam fee in full each time you retake the exam.
➥ Recertification Costs
Staying certified isn’t free! Getting certified is one thing, staying certified is another. The CCT certification is valid for 3 years and when this time is up, you will need to renew it. EC-Council requires professionals to maintain their certification by earning Continuing Education Units (CE) and retaking the exam.
Under the ECE policy, candidates are required to pay annual CE fees of $80 USD. Some employers cover these costs.
➥ Training Costs
The EC-Council provides an official CCT course. If you choose to take this course package. There are different learning methods that are offered such as on-demand, live, and other options.
The CCT training package offering includes:
- e-Courseware that covers 22 immersive modules which you can access for one year.
- 85 hands-on labs to give you a rounded practical experience that you can access for six months
- About 200 hours of premium learning experience
- 2,400 pages of course content that includes over 900 pages of lab guides for theoretical knowledge.
- 1 exam voucher that you can use within one year for a proctored CCT performance-based exam.
If you decide to opt for the full course experience, you will have to pay $999 USD. The duration of the course is 5 days and there are three different options to take it:
- Instructor-Led Training
- iWeek (Synchronous Online Learning)
- iLearn (Asynchronous Online Learning)
However, if you choose not to take the full package, here is the cost dissection of these training materials:
Training Material | Cost |
$299 | |
$199 | |
$49 |
➥ Study Resources
We’ve covered a lot of the training resources and materials that you might need in order to prepare for the Certified Cybersecurity Technician exam. While we have covered the official training material, you might require some supplementary resources to boost your preparation.
Third-party study guides and books can cost anywhere from $30 to $80 USD. In addition, practice resources can cost you anywhere close to $50 or above. While these may not look like a lot, these costs can add up.
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CCT vs Other Cybersecurity Certifications Cost: How Does It Compare?
Now that we have covered the CCT certification cost, you might be wondering how it compares to other cybersecurity certifications. Is it really the best option or are there better alternatives for your career goals? Let’s put the CCT side by side with other entry-level cybersecurity certifications and see how it stacks up.
There is no shortage of beginner-level cybersecurity certifications but not all of them serve the same purpose. Some focus on fundamental IT security concepts while others go deeper into penetration testing and ethical hacking. Here is how the CCT compares to some of the most recognized cybersecurity certifications:
Certifications | Exam Cost | Target Audience | Difficulty Level |
CCT (Certified Cybersecurity Technician) | $499 | Beginners looking for hands-on cybersecurity skills | Moderate |
CompTIA Security+ | $404 | Those who want a well-rounded cybersecurity foundation | Moderate |
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) | $850 – $1,119 | Aspiring penetration testers and ethical hackers | Hard |
Cisco CyberOps Associate | $300 | Individuals interested in cybersecurity operations | Moderate |
As you can see, while CCT may not be the most affordable option, it still stacks pretty well against the other certifications, especially with its focus on practical experience. If you’re just starting out, it is a great way to gain hands-on experience without committing to a more expensive certification.
Explore Further: Step-by-Step Guide to Launch Your Career as a Certified Cisco CyberOps Associate
🔔 Verdict: Is the CCT Certification Cost Worth The Investment?
At $499, the CCT certification isn’t the cheapest cybersecurity certification but it does offer hands-on training, industry recognition, and a good technical foundation. If you’re starting out and want practical experience, it can be a worthwhile investment especially if you plan to build it with more advanced certifications. That said, cost alone shouldn’t be the deciding factor.
If your goal is to land higher-paying cybersecurity roles, you may want to consider alternatives like CompTIA Security+ which is more widely recognized by employers. Ultimately, CCT is a good option if you want a certification with a strong technical focus but before committing, make sure it aligns with your career goals and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What is the cost of the CCT Certification?
The Certified Cybersecurity Technician (CCT) certification costs $499 USD. This fee includes the exam voucher it does not cover any additional expenses like study materials, practice tests, or hands-on labs. If you decide to opt for EC-Council’s CCT training package, it may cost you $999 USD.
Is there any retake fee for the CCT Certification exam?
Yes! In order to retake the exam, a candidate will have to repay the exam voucher fee in full. This will be applied Therefore it is best to prepare thoroughly before preparing for the test.
Are there additional costs apart from the exam?
Yes! Besides the exam voucher cost, you may need to budget for study materials, training courses, hands-on labs, and practice exams. Depending on how you prepare, these extra costs can range from $100 to $500 or more. If you require an official training package from the EC Council, the total cost may be significantly higher.
Does the EC-Council offer discounts on the CCT Certification?
EC-Council occasionally offers promotional discounts, member pricing, and corporate training bundles. If you’re a student or part of a government or military organization, you may qualify for special pricing. It is also a good idea to check for season discounts on the EC- Council’s official website or through authorized training providers.
Is the CCT certification cost worth it?
For those looking to enter cybersecurity with hands-on experience, the cost of $499 can be a worthwhile investment. The certification provides important practical skills, more recognition in the IT industry, and a strong technical foundation. However, if you’re aiming for government-level cybersecurity roles, you may want to compare CCT with alternatives like CompTIA Security+ which is often more widely recognized by employers.
How much does a CCT-certified professional earn?
With certifications like CCT backing you up, Certified Cybersecurity Technicians earn anywhere from $30,500 to $85,000 USD per year but the median salary falls around $55,500 annually in the United States.
