Learn with CertInstructor: Your Roadmap from CompTIA Tech+ to EC-Council CEH

Most people do not fail IT certifications because the material is too hard. They fail because they start in the wrong place, or study without a plan.

CertInstructor is built around three steps: Learn, Practice, Certify. This first post covers Learn: which certifications to take, in what order, and how to study for each one. The next two posts cover Practice (hands-on labs) and Certify (the exam itself).

Step 1: Pick a direction before you pick a certification

You do not need every certification. You need a path that matches the job you want.

• Support and infrastructure: help desk, desktop support, systems and network administration.
• Cybersecurity, defensive: security analyst, SOC analyst, incident responder.
• Cybersecurity, offensive: penetration tester, ethical hacker, red team.

The first half of every path is the same. That is why the CompTIA roadmap below works for almost everyone.

The CompTIA roadmap

CompTIA certifications are vendor-neutral, which means the skills transfer between employers and technologies. Here is a sensible order. Always confirm the current exam code on CompTIA's website before you buy anything, because versions change.

1. CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71): the starting point

Tech+ covers IT fundamentals: hardware, software, networking basics, databases, security concepts, and how IT supports a business. It is the right first step if you are new to IT, changing careers, or still in school. It is also a low-pressure way to learn how a proctored certification exam feels.

CompTIA Tech+ CertMaster Learn · Tech+ CertMaster Labs · Tech+ CertMaster Practice

2. CompTIA A+ (Core 1: 220-1201, Core 2: 220-1202): the job-ready baseline

A+ is the standard entry credential for support roles. It is two exams: Core 1 focuses on hardware, networking and mobile devices, and Core 2 focuses on operating systems, security, and troubleshooting. Take them in whichever order suits you.

3. CompTIA Network+ (N10-009): how networks actually work

Every security role depends on understanding networks. Network+ covers IP addressing, routing and switching, wireless, and network troubleshooting. If you plan to work in security, do not skip this one. It is the single most useful foundation for everything that follows.

4. CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701): the gateway to cybersecurity

Security+ is the most widely requested entry-level security certification. It covers threats and vulnerabilities, security architecture, security operations, and governance and risk. It is also the natural bridge into the EC-Council path later in this post.

Search Security+ products at CertInstructor · Security+ CertMaster Labs

5. Specialize

After Security+, choose a branch based on the role you want:

CertInstructor carries official CertMaster Labs for these, for example CySA+, PenTest+, SecurityX and Linux+. You can browse them all in the CompTIA CertMaster Labs collection.

You do not have to take every step. If you already work in IT, you can often start at Network+ or Security+. Tech+ and A+ are there when you need them, not a toll you must pay.

The EC-Council roadmap

EC-Council certifications are focused on offensive and defensive security skills. They fit best after you have a solid base, which is why we place them after Security+ in the roadmap.

Entry point: C|CT (Certified Cybersecurity Technician)

An option for people who want an EC-Council foundation with a hands-on flavor before moving on. Many learners skip it and go straight to CEH after Security+, which is also reasonable.

Core credential: CEH v13 (Certified Ethical Hacker, 312-50)

CEH is EC-Council's flagship. It teaches you to think like an attacker so you can defend better: reconnaissance, scanning, system hacking, malware, web application attacks, cloud and IoT security, and more. The current version includes AI-driven content, and the course is organized into 20 modules.

An important point: CEH is knowledge-based (a multiple-choice exam), while CEH Practical is a separate hands-on exam. Candidates who pass both can go on to earn the CEH Master designation. CEH is much easier to learn with labs than with reading alone.

CEH v13 AI Hands-On Labs (Official EC-Council iLabs + lab guide videos) · CEH v13 AI Complete Learning Bundle

Specializations after CEH

Pick based on the role you want:

• CHFI (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator): digital forensics and evidence handling.
• CND (Certified Network Defender): defending and hardening networks.
• ECIH (EC-Council Certified Incident Handler): incident response.
• CSA and CTIA: SOC analysis and threat intelligence.
• CCISO: executive-level security leadership, for experienced professionals.

A sample combined path

1. Absolute beginner: Tech+ → A+ → Network+ → Security+ → CEH → a specialization.
2. Working in IT already: Network+ → Security+ → CySA+ or PenTest+ → CEH or CHFI.
3. Aiming for ethical hacking: Security+ → PenTest+ and CEH (they complement each other) → advanced offensive certifications.

How to study each certification

Whatever you choose, the study loop that works is the same:

1. Learn the objectives with a structured course (CertMaster Learn, official courseware, or a study plan).
2. Practice in a lab until the commands and tools feel familiar. That is the topic of the next post.
3. Test yourself with practice questions, review every explanation, and repeat the topics where you are weak.
4. Certify when your practice scores are consistently comfortable. That is the topic of the third post.

Not sure where you are on the roadmap? Browse all certifications at CertInstructor or message us and we will point you to a sensible starting step.

Next in this series: Practice with CertInstructor: Hands-On Labs That Build Real Skills.

CertInstructor is a CompTIA and EC-Council partner. CompTIA, Tech+, A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+, PenTest+, SecurityX, Linux+ and Cloud+ are trademarks of CompTIA, Inc. EC-Council, CEH and related certification names are trademarks of EC-Council. Exam codes and versions change, so always confirm the current exam objectives with the certification body before you buy.