Certified Ethical Hacker Programs in Illinois

Becoming a Certified Ethical Hacker in Illinois: Your Complete Guide

Ready to launch your career as a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) in Illinois? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about earning your CEH certification and finding opportunities in the Prairie State.

What is a Certified Ethical Hacker?

A Certified Ethical Hacker is a cybersecurity professional trained to think like a malicious hacker but works to protect organizations by identifying and fixing security vulnerabilities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts, including ethical hackers, can expect job growth of 35% from 2021 to 2031, significantly faster than average occupations.

Why Choose Illinois for Your CEH Career?

Illinois offers excellent opportunities for cybersecurity professionals, particularly in Chicago’s thriving tech sector. The state’s diverse economy, including major financial institutions and healthcare organizations, creates strong demand for ethical hackers. Plus, competitive salaries make Illinois an attractive location for cybersecurity careers.

What Are the Prerequisites for CEH Certification?

To begin your CEH journey in Illinois, you’ll need to:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have 2 years of information security experience OR complete an EC-Council training course
• Have a strong background in computer science or related fields
• Adhere to the EC-Council’s Code of Ethics

How Do You Get Certified in Illinois?

The certification process involves several steps:

1. Complete Required Training

   • Choose from approved EC-Council training courses
   • Programs range from intensive boot camps to comprehensive courses
   • Training costs typically range from $1,000 to $4,000

2. Pass the CEH Exam

   • Cost: $1,899 for the base online instructor-led training package
   • Format: 4-hour exam with a required 70% passing score
   • Location: Available at various testing centers or through online proctoring

Where Can You Get CEH Training in Illinois?

Several institutions offer CEH training programs:

Illinois Valley Community College

• Location: 815 N Orlando Smith Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348
• Offers: 5-day Ethical Hacking Boot Camp
• Focus: CEH and PenTest+ certifications
• Prerequisites: Knowledge of Windows, Linux, and TCP/IP protocols

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Location: 601 E John St, Champaign, IL 61820
• Offers: Comprehensive cybersecurity program
• Focus: Ethical hacking and information security

DePaul University

• Location: 1 E Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604
• Offers: Master’s program in Cybersecurity
• Focus: Advanced ethical hacking and network security

What Job Opportunities Are Available?

Major employers in Illinois seeking CEH professionals include:

Motorola Solutions

• Location: Chicago, IL
• Focus: Mission-critical communications and cybersecurity solutions

Allstate Insurance

• Location: Northbrook, IL
• Focus: Insurance cybersecurity operations

Discover Financial Services

• Location: Riverwoods, IL
• Focus: Financial services cybersecurity

How Do You Maintain Your CEH Certification?

To keep your certification active:

• Renew every 3 years
• Complete 120 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits
• Stay updated with the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies

Where Can You Find Additional Resources?

State Resources:

• Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology
  • Website: DoIT Website
  • Phone: (217) 782-2700

National Resources:

• EC-Council: Official Website
• Department of Homeland Security: Cybersecurity Resources
• NIST: Cybersecurity Framework

How Do You Get Started?

1. Evaluate your current experience and education
2. Choose a training program that fits your schedule and budget
3. Register for EC-Council approved training
4. Prepare for and complete the CEH exam
5. Begin your job search through Illinois’s major employers

Start your journey toward becoming a Certified Ethical Hacker today by contacting one of the training providers listed above or visiting the EC-Council website for more information about certification requirements.