Certified Ethical Hacker Programs in St. Petersburg, Florida

Becoming a Certified Ethical Hacker in St. Petersburg, Florida

With the rise of cyber threats and data breaches, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been higher. Among these professionals, Certified Ethical Hackers (CEHs) play a critical role in safeguarding sensitive information by identifying and fixing vulnerabilities in systems. If you’re in St. Petersburg, Florida, and considering a career in ethical hacking, this guide will provide you with the essential information to get started.

What is a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)?

A Certified Ethical Hacker is a cybersecurity professional trained to think like a malicious hacker but act as a defender. By anticipating potential attacks and addressing vulnerabilities, CEHs protect organizations from cyber threats. Becoming a CEH involves completing specialized training and passing a certification exam through the EC-Council, a globally recognized organization in cybersecurity certifications.

St. Petersburg offers access to various resources, schools, and organizations that can help you achieve your goal of becoming a CEH.

About St. Petersburg, Florida

Located in Pinellas County, St. Petersburg is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant arts scene, and thriving business community. Often referred to as “The Sunshine City,” St. Petersburg boasts an ideal environment for both professional and personal growth. For more information about the city, visit the official St. Petersburg website.

St. Petersburg’s proximity to Tampa and other tech hubs makes it an excellent location for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. With a growing tech industry and access to educational institutions, the city provides a conducive environment for pursuing a career in ethical hacking.

CEH Training Programs in St. Petersburg, Florida

While St. Petersburg itself offers limited options for Certified Ethical Hacker training programs, several excellent programs are located nearby. Here’s a list of available programs both in and near the city:

1. St. Petersburg College – Cybersecurity A.S. Degree

• Location: St. Petersburg, FL
• Program Overview: Though not a direct CEH program, St. Petersburg College offers a Cybersecurity Associate in Science degree that provides foundational knowledge in cybersecurity. This program is a great starting point for those looking to pursue CEH certification later.
• Website: St. Petersburg College Cybersecurity

2. Access Computer Training

• Location: Tampa, FL (approximately 25 miles from St. Petersburg)
• Program Overview: Access Computer Training offers Certified Ethical Hacker courses with instructor-led training and hands-on labs. This program is ideal for individuals looking for practical, in-depth CEH preparation.
• Website: Access Computer Training CEH Program

3. University of Florida’s Office of Professional and Workforce Development Cybersecurity Bootcamp

• Location: Online (accessible from St. Petersburg)
• Program Overview: This bootcamp offers an intensive, instructor-led CEH preparation course with real-world case studies and hands-on training.
• Website: University of Florida CEH Certification

4. ATG Learning

• Location: Clearwater, FL (approximately 15 miles from St. Petersburg)
• Program Overview: ATG Learning provides comprehensive CEH bootcamps led by expert instructors. This program includes practical labs and exam preparation.
• Website: ATG Learning CEH Bootcamp

CEH Employment Opportunities in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is home to several companies and organizations with a focus on cybersecurity, making it an excellent place to find employment as a Certified Ethical Hacker. Below are some notable employers:

1. Raymond James

• Location: Carillon area, St. Petersburg, FL
• Overview: A major financial services firm with a significant emphasis on cybersecurity to protect client assets and data.
• Website: Raymond James Careers

2. Tech Data (A TD SYNNEX Company)

• Location: Clearwater, FL (approximately 10 miles from St. Petersburg)
• Overview: One of the world’s largest IT distributors, Tech Data has robust cybersecurity initiatives and offers opportunities for CEHs.
• Website: Tech Data Careers

3. KnowBe4

• Location: Clearwater, FL (approximately 15 miles from St. Petersburg)
• Overview: A world leader in cybersecurity training and simulated phishing platforms, KnowBe4 is a growing company with opportunities for ethical hackers.
• Website: KnowBe4 Careers

Prerequisites for CEH Programs

Before enrolling in a CEH program, prospective students should meet the following prerequisites:

• Educational Background: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required.
• Experience: Two years of experience in information security or completion of an authorized EC-Council training program.
• Skills: Basic knowledge of networking, operating systems, and cybersecurity principles.
• Age Requirement: Most programs require participants to be at least 18 years old.

CEH Certification Requirements

To earn the CEH certification, candidates must:

1. Fulfill Prerequisites: Have either two years of professional experience in information security or complete an official EC-Council training program.
2. Pass the CEH Exam: A 125-question multiple-choice test with a required passing score of 70%. The exam is administered by the EC-Council.
3. Recertify Every Three Years: Recertification requires earning 120 Continuing Education Credits and paying annual membership fees.

For more information on CEH certification, visit the EC-Council website.

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Ethical Hacker is an excellent step toward a rewarding career in cybersecurity. St. Petersburg and the surrounding areas offer a variety of resources to help you achieve your goals. Contact a school or training provider today to begin your journey toward CEH certification and a fulfilling career protecting organizations from cyber threats.