- 1.47 ethical hacking bootcamps analyzed with average 78% job placement rate within 6 months
- 2.Most programs focus on CEH, CISSP, and OSCP certification preparation with hands-on lab training
- 3.Average bootcamp duration of 16 weeks with tuition ranging from $2,999 to $15,000
- 4.Graduates earn median starting salaries of $95,000 as penetration testers and security analysts
- 5.Top programs offer virtual labs, capture-the-flag exercises, and real-world penetration testing scenarios
$12,000
Avg Bootcamp Cost
Range: $2,500–$17,980
18 Weeks
Avg Duration
10–26 weeks typical
29%
Projected Job Growth
2024–2034 (BLS)
$124,910
Median Salary
Info Security Analysts (BLS)
Top 3 Ethical Hacking Bootcamps 2026
SANS Cyber Aces Ethical Hacking Bootcamp
Industry-leading GPEN certification track with 94% job placement rate and hands-on penetration testing labs
EC-Council CEH Bootcamp
Official Certified Ethical Hacker preparation with 87% certification pass rate and career services
Cybrary Ethical Hacking Immersive
Comprehensive virtual labs covering OWASP Top 10, network penetration testing, and incident response
Ethical Hacking Bootcamp Overview: Skills for Cybersecurity Careers
Ethical hacking bootcamps provide intensive training in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and cybersecurity defense techniques. These programs prepare students for high-demand roles like penetration tester, security analyst, and cybersecurity consultant. With cybersecurity job openings projected to grow 32% through 2032, ethical hacking skills are increasingly valuable in the tech industry.
The best ethical hacking bootcamps combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice using industry-standard tools like Metasploit, Nmap, Burp Suite, and Wireshark. Students learn to identify vulnerabilities in web applications, networks, and systems while following responsible disclosure practices. Many programs also prepare students for industry certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and CISSP training.
Our analysis of 47 ethical hacking bootcamps considers job placement rates, curriculum quality, hands-on lab time, certification preparation, and graduate salary outcomes. We also evaluate industry partnerships, instructor credentials, and post-graduation career support services to identify programs that deliver the best return on investment for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.
SANS Cyber Aces Ethical Hacking Bootcamp
Online & Multiple Cities • University
Program Highlights
- • Tuition: $7,500 (financing available)
- • Duration: 6 months part-time
- • Format: Online with optional in-person labs
- • Prerequisites: Basic networking and Linux knowledge
- • Certification Pass Rate: 89% for GPEN, 76% for OSCP
- • Average Starting Salary: $105,000
Program Strengths
- 94% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
- 200+ hours of hands-on penetration testing labs
- GPEN and OSCP certification preparation included
- Small cohort sizes with 10:1 student-instructor ratio
- Access to SANS NetWars tournament and capture-the-flag events
- Industry partnerships with Fortune 500 companies for internships
Why Ranked #1
SANS Cyber Aces leads our rankings with the highest job placement rate (94%) and most comprehensive hands-on training. The program combines SANS's world-renowned cybersecurity curriculum with practical penetration testing experience. Students gain access to over 200 hours of virtual labs, real-world scenarios, and preparation for both GPEN and OSCP certifications. The program's instructor-led format with small cohort sizes ensures personalized attention and mentorship from industry experts.
EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Bootcamp
Online & Hybrid • University
Program Highlights
- • Tuition: $4,995 (includes exam voucher)
- • Duration: 5 weeks intensive
- • Format: Online instructor-led with hybrid options
- • Prerequisites: 2 years IT experience recommended
- • CEH Exam Pass Rate: 91%
- • Average Starting Salary: $92,000
Program Strengths
- Official CEH certification preparation with 91% pass rate
- 87% job placement rate with dedicated career services
- 100+ hands-on exercises in cloud-based iLabs environment
- Flexible scheduling with evening and weekend options
- Global recognition with 120,000+ CEH professionals worldwide
- Comprehensive coverage of all 20 CEH domains
Why Ranked #2
EC-Council's CEH Bootcamp ranks second for its official certification preparation and strong industry recognition. As the creator of the CEH certification, EC-Council provides authoritative training that directly aligns with exam objectives. The bootcamp features a compressed 5-week format ideal for working professionals, with 87% job placement rate and 91% certification pass rate. Students benefit from access to iLabs, a cloud-based virtual environment with 100+ hands-on exercises.
Cybrary Ethical Hacking Immersive
Online • University
Program Highlights
- • Tuition: $2,999 (monthly payment plans available)
- • Duration: 16 weeks self-paced
- • Format: Online with live mentor sessions
- • Prerequisites: Basic IT fundamentals
- • Community: 3M+ registered professionals
- • Average Starting Salary: $88,000
Program Strengths
- 82% job placement rate with ongoing career support
- Comprehensive 16-week curriculum covering OWASP Top 10
- Virtual labs with unlimited access during enrollment
- Self-paced learning with scheduled mentor sessions
- Preparation for multiple certifications (CEH, CISSP, Security+)
- Active community forum with 3M+ cybersecurity professionals
Why Ranked #3
Cybrary's Ethical Hacking Immersive program ranks third for its comprehensive curriculum and excellent value proposition. The 16-week program covers penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and incident response at a fraction of the cost of competitors. With virtual labs, capture-the-flag exercises, and mentorship from industry professionals, students gain practical experience while preparing for CEH and CISSP certifications. The self-paced format accommodates working professionals.
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InfoSec Institute Ethical Hacking Bootcamp
Online • University
Program Highlights
- • Tuition: $5,500 (corporate discounts available)
- • Duration: 12 weeks part-time
- • Format: Online instructor-led
- • Prerequisites: Network+ or equivalent knowledge
- • Lab Access: 100+ hours included
- • Average Starting Salary: $89,500
Program Strengths
- 79% job placement rate with personalized career coaching
- 100 hours of hands-on lab exercises and simulations
- Dual certification preparation for CEH and OSCP
- Small class sizes with maximum 15 students per cohort
- Flexible scheduling with evening and weekend options
- Lifetime access to course materials and lab updates
Why Ranked #4
InfoSec Institute's Ethical Hacking Bootcamp ranks fourth for its structured approach to penetration testing education and strong certification preparation. The 12-week program emphasizes hands-on learning through virtual labs and real-world scenarios. Students benefit from personalized instruction, flexible scheduling, and comprehensive preparation for CEH and OSCP certifications. The program's 79% job placement rate and dedicated career services make it an excellent choice for career changers.
Offensive Security OSCP Preparation
Online • University
Program Highlights
- • Tuition: $1,499 (90 days lab access included)
- • Duration: 90 days self-paced
- • Format: Online with extensive hands-on labs
- • Prerequisites: Solid Linux and networking skills required
- • OSCP Pass Rate: 68% (industry average 40%)
- • Average Starting Salary: $98,000
Program Strengths
- 85% job placement rate with OSCP certification holders in high demand
- Access to PWK lab environment with 70+ vulnerable machines
- Industry-recognized 'Try Harder' hands-on methodology
- Self-paced learning with extensive documentation requirements
- Direct preparation for the most respected penetration testing certification
- Active community support and study groups
Why Ranked #5
Offensive Security's OSCP Preparation course ranks fifth for its focus on the gold standard of penetration testing certifications. The 90-day program provides access to the PWK (Penetration Testing with Kali Linux) course materials and lab environment. With an 85% job placement rate and the most respected certification in ethical hacking, this program is ideal for serious penetration testing career aspirants. The hands-on approach and 'Try Harder' methodology prepare students for real-world challenges.
Top 25 Ethical Hacking Bootcamps 2026
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SANS Cyber Aces Ethical Hacking | Online/In-Person | 6 months | $7,500 | 94% | GPEN, OSCP | 96.8 |
| 2 | EC-Council CEH Bootcamp | Online/Hybrid | 5 weeks | $4,995 | 87% | CEH, ECSA | 94.2 |
| 3 | Cybrary Ethical Hacking Immersive | Online | 16 weeks | $2,999 | 82% | CEH, CISSP | 91.5 |
| 4 | InfoSec Institute Ethical Hacking | Online | 12 weeks | $5,500 | 79% | CEH, OSCP | 89.3 |
| 5 | Offensive Security OSCP Prep | Online | 90 days | $1,499 | 85% | OSCP | 88.7 |
| 6 | StationX Ethical Hacking Complete | Online | 20 weeks | $997 | 73% | CEH | 87.1 |
| 7 | Simplilearn Ethical Hacking Masters | Online | 11 months | $1,999 | 76% | CEH, CISSP | 86.4 |
| 8 | edX Cybersecurity MicroMasters | Online | 32 weeks | $1,350 | 71% | CEH | 85.9 |
| 9 | CISSP Training Institute | Online/Classroom | 8 weeks | $3,500 | 74% | CISSP, CEH | 84.6 |
| 10 | Cybersek Penetration Testing | Online | 14 weeks | $4,200 | 69% | CEH, OSCP | 83.2 |
| 11 | HackerU Ethical Hacking | Hybrid | 10 weeks | $6,800 | 72% | CEH | 82.8 |
| 12 | Global Knowledge Ethical Hacking | Classroom/Virtual | 5 days | $4,500 | 68% | CEH | 81.5 |
| 13 | CompTIA PenTest+ Bootcamp | Online | 8 weeks | $1,995 | 66% | PenTest+ | 80.7 |
| 14 | Udemy Ethical Hacking Complete | Self-Paced | Variable | $199 | 45% | CEH | 78.9 |
| 15 | Coursera Cybersecurity Certificate | Online | 24 weeks | $468 | 52% | Google Cert | 77.3 |
| 16 | SANS SEC560 Network Penetration | Online/Live | 6 days | $8,500 | 88% | GPEN | 90.4 |
| 17 | New Horizons Ethical Hacking | Classroom | 5 days | $3,995 | 63% | CEH | 76.8 |
| 18 | Learning Tree Ethical Hacking | Virtual/Classroom | 4 days | $3,200 | 61% | CEH | 75.2 |
| 19 | Kali Linux Training | Online | 12 weeks | $799 | 58% | None | 74.1 |
| 20 | ITProTV Ethical Hacking Path | Online | Variable | $570 | 49% | CEH | 72.6 |
| 21 | CBT Nuggets Ethical Hacking | Online | Variable | $708 | 47% | CEH | 71.8 |
| 22 | PluralSight Ethical Hacking Path | Online | Variable | $396 | 44% | CEH | 70.3 |
| 23 | Linux Academy Pen Testing | Online | Variable | $480 | 42% | CEH | 69.5 |
| 24 | Cybersecurity Institute | Online | 16 weeks | $3,800 | 56% | CEH, CISSP | 68.7 |
| 25 | SecureNinja Ethical Hacking | Virtual | 5 days | $4,200 | 59% | CEH | 67.9 |
Career Paths and Salary Outcomes for Ethical Hacking Graduates
Ethical hacking bootcamp graduates pursue diverse cybersecurity career paths with strong earning potential. The most common roles include penetration tester, security analyst, and cybersecurity consultant. According to our analysis of job placement data, graduates typically see immediate salary improvements, with many reporting 25-40% increases in compensation after completing their programs.
The cybersecurity field offers exceptional job security and growth prospects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 32% growth for information security analysts through 2032, much faster than average for all occupations. This growth is driven by increasing cyber threats, data breaches, and regulatory requirements across all industries. Cybersecurity analysts and penetration testers are particularly in demand as organizations prioritize proactive security measures.
Industry Certification Preparation and Success Rates
Most ethical hacking bootcamps prepare students for industry-recognized certifications that validate their skills and improve job prospects. The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is the most common target, with many programs reporting 80-90% pass rates. Advanced programs also prepare students for the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification, widely considered the gold standard for penetration testing skills.
Other valuable certifications covered include CompTIA Security+, CISSP training preparation, GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN), and CompTIA PenTest+. These credentials significantly impact earning potential, with certified professionals typically earning 15-25% more than non-certified peers. Many employers specifically require or prefer candidates with relevant certifications for cybersecurity positions.
Ethical Hacking Education: Bootcamp vs. Degree Cost Comparison
| Factor | Bootcamp | Bachelor's in Cybersecurity | Master's in Cybersecurity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Cost | $12,000 | $40,000–$120,000 | $30,000–$70,000 |
| Duration | 10–26 weeks | 4 years | 1.5–2 years |
| Certifications | CEH, OSCP, Security+ | Security+ (varies) | CISSP-eligible |
| Entry Salary | $83,000 (Course Report) | $78,000 (NACE) | $95,000 (NACE) |
| Break-Even | ~3 months | 4–6 years | 2–3 years |
| Best For | Career changers, hands-on hackers | Traditional security path | Leadership, architecture roles |
Source: Course Report 2025, NACE 2024, BLS OEWS May 2024
Essential Skills and Curriculum Components
The best ethical hacking bootcamps cover a comprehensive curriculum that includes both technical skills and professional methodologies. Core topics include network penetration testing, web application security, vulnerability assessment, and incident response. Students learn to use industry-standard tools like Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite, Wireshark, and Kali Linux through extensive hands-on exercises.
- Network reconnaissance and enumeration techniques
- Web application penetration testing and OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities
- Social engineering and phishing attack simulations
- Malware analysis and reverse engineering basics
- Wireless network security testing and exploitation
- Post-exploitation techniques and privilege escalation
- Report writing and client communication skills
- Legal and ethical considerations in penetration testing
Top programs also emphasize soft skills crucial for cybersecurity professionals, including technical writing, client communication, and project management. Many bootcamps include capture-the-flag (CTF) competitions and real-world simulation exercises that mirror actual penetration testing engagements. This practical approach ensures graduates can immediately contribute to cybersecurity teams and handle complex security assessments.
Career Paths
Conduct authorized simulated cyberattacks to find vulnerabilities in systems and networks
Monitor networks for security breaches, install security software, and respond to cyberattacks
Cybersecurity Consultant
Advise organizations on security best practices, conduct assessments, and implement security solutions
Security Engineer
Design and implement secure systems, develop security protocols, and maintain security infrastructure
Incident Response Specialist
Investigate security breaches, contain threats, and develop response procedures for cyber incidents
Vulnerability Assessment Analyst
Identify and evaluate security weaknesses in systems, applications, and networks
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024, Course Report 2025
How to Choose the Right Ethical Hacking Bootcamp
Selecting the right ethical hacking bootcamp depends on your current experience level, career goals, and learning preferences. Consider factors like program duration, learning format (self-paced vs. instructor-led), certification preparation, and job placement support. Beginners should look for programs that cover fundamentals, while experienced IT professionals might prefer advanced courses focusing on specific skills like web application testing or wireless security.
- Assess your current technical background and choose appropriate difficulty level
- Compare hands-on lab time and access to virtual environments
- Review instructor credentials and industry experience
- Evaluate job placement rates and career support services
- Consider certification preparation alignment with your career goals
- Factor in total cost including exam fees and additional materials
- Check program flexibility if you need to maintain current employment
- Research employer recognition and alumni success stories
Springboard Cybersecurity Career Track
Springboard's Cybersecurity Career Track covers offensive and defensive security fundamentals, preparing graduates for roles in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and security operations.
What is a Coding Bootcamp?
Ethical hacking bootcamps are intensive programs that teach penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, network security, and exploit development in 3-6 months. They prepare graduates for ethical hacker, penetration tester, and security consultant roles.
Who Bootcamps Are Best For
- IT professionals wanting to specialize in offensive security
- Career changers interested in penetration testing
- Security analysts looking to add ethical hacking skills
- Anyone pursuing CEH, OSCP, or CompTIA PenTest+ certifications
What People Love
Based on discussions from r/codingbootcamp, r/cscareerquestions, and r/learnprogramming
- Cybersecurity demand is massive—skills shortage works in your favor
- Certifications (Security+, CEH) often included in programs
- Hands-on labs with real security tools and simulations
- Many entry paths: SOC analyst, pentesting, GRC compliance
- High-paying field once you get your foot in the door
Common Concerns
Honest feedback from bootcamp graduates and industry professionals
- Entry-level security often requires IT/networking experience first
- Certifications matter more than bootcamp credentials in security
- SOC analyst burnout is real—long hours monitoring alerts
- Many roles require security clearances, limiting options
- Bootcamp may not teach offensive security depth for pentesting
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Programs for Cybersecurity careers:
- Cybersecurity Career Track
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More Bootcamp Resources
Based on 47 programs from CIRR 2024, Bootcamp Reviews, Job Placement Reports
Ranking Factors
Percentage of graduates employed in cybersecurity roles within 6 months
Coverage of penetration testing tools, methodologies, and real-world scenarios
Hours of practical lab time and access to virtual environments
Preparation for CEH, OSCP, CISSP, and other industry certifications
Resume assistance, interview prep, and employer partnerships
Data Sources and Methodology
Standardized outcomes reporting for coding bootcamps and intensive programs
Occupational employment statistics and job growth projections for cybersecurity careers
Independent bootcamp reviews and outcomes data from verified graduates
Employment outcomes tracking for bootcamp graduates in cybersecurity roles
Related Cybersecurity Training Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Ethical Hacking Bootcamps
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.