EC-Council Continuing Education (ECE)


All legitimate certifications have a re-certification program. In fact, ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024, which is the standard for accreditation, requires credible certification providers to have a re-certification program. Requirement 6.5.1 states, “The certification body shall define recertification requirements according to the competence standard and other relevant documents, to ensure that the certified person continues to comply with the current certification requirements.” Continued competency can be demonstrated though many methodologies such as continuing profession education, examination (often not re-taking the original exam but an exam that would be at a higher level), or portfolios (when there is a product involved). The fact is there needs to be a time limit for the certification to ensure the consumers that the person has up-to-date knowledge. This is why several governmental agencies are mandating accreditation of certifications in fields such as IT, Crane Operators, and Selling of Securities to the elderly.

Certification’s main purpose is to “protect the public/consumers” NOT to protect the profession. When health, safety and security are at risk, certification is needed and it cannot be given for a “lifetime”. It is generally noted that, if professionals are not required to maintain their knowledge and skills in their profession, they won’t. Today, credible organizations within professional domains require their members to provide evidence of a continuous learning as a basis for maintaining their license. This is why several governmental agencies are mandating accreditation of certifications in fields such as IT, Crane Operators, and Selling of Securities to the elderly. Certification’s main purpose is to “protect the public/consumers” NOT to protect the profession. When health, safety and security are at risk, certification is needed and it cannot be given for a “lifetime”. It is generally noted that, if professionals are not required to maintain their knowledge and skills in their profession, they won’t. Today, credible organizations within professional domains require their members to provide evidence of a continuous learning as a basis for maintaining their license.

The ECE will brand, differentiate and distinguish dedicated IT Security professionals who are willing to continuously learn and share knowledge to keep themselves abreast of the latest changes in technology that affects the way security is viewed, deployed and managed. This is a key requirement of employers internationally and EC-Council being a major certification organization supports it.


The age requirement for attending the training or attempting the exam is restricted to any candidate that is at least 18 years old. If the candidate is under the age of 18, they are not eligible to attend the official training or eligible to attempt the certification exam unless they provide the accredited training center EC-Council a written consent of their parent/legal guardian and a supporting letter from their institution of higher learning. Only applicants from nationally accredited institution of higher learning shall be considered.
EC-Council reserves the right to impose additional restriction to comply with the policy. Failure to act in accordance with this clause shall render the authorized training center in violation of their agreement with EC-Council. EC-Council reserves the right to revoke the certification of any person in breach of this requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 How does it work?: Penetration testers today have been certified by different agencies. But are they trusted? Do they follow a code of ethics? The answer is no. The Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) program offered by EC-Council gives certified penetration testers the opportunity to practise their skills so that they are able to function as a licensed penetration tester. EC-Council’s licensed penetration testers use hands-on penetration testing methodologies and are trained by experts and specialists who are licensed penetration testers from EC-Council.
For members holding multiple certifications, credits earned will be applied to all the certifications.

The credits can be earned in many ways including attending conferences, writing research papers, preparing for training classes in a related domain (for instructors), reading materials on related subject matters, taking an exam of a newer version of the certification, attending webinars, and many others. ECE credits are earned on a per annum basis, between January 1 – December 31 of each calendar year. Certified professionals must register their ECE credits earned by 1 February of the following year to maintain their certification status.
2 Are there any annual fees payable?: To encourage continuous learning and development in our industry, EC-Council takes a leadership role in waiving ECE Annual Fees. We hope that this benefit to our members will be a catalyst in driving their enthusiasm to constantly learn and remain engaged in their industry.
3 How do I register my ECE credit?: Please log on to the ECE Delta Portal to register your ECE credits
4ECE Qualifying Activities: For more information on ECE activities please visit the ECE Announcement page at http://portal.eccouncil.org/delta/announcement.htm
5Can I publish articles on magazines, trade publications etc or should I submit it to EC-Council to publish it?: Yes you can publish it in any reputable third party site provided your name and description identifies your EC-Council certification/s. Please note that these articles will not gain you the credits given to articles published onto EC-Council's member site's. EC-Council will advise on the credits given for articles published in a non-EC Council journal soon. If you need further details, please contact ece@eccouncil.org
6Can I be exempted from the ECE system?: No one is exempt from the system.
7What certifications from EC-Council are included in the ECE system?: ENSA, CEH, CHFI, ECSA/LPT, ECVP, ECSP, CNDA, EDRP, CCISO, CEI, ECIH and ECES.
8I have recently participated in an EC-Council endorsed event prior to Jan 1, 2008; will you consider giving me credits in the ECE program?: Yes. We will provide credits for your participation in any EC-Council ‘Endorsed’ event from the period of Jan 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007.
9Who can I speak to if I need more help?: If the particular event or activity is not listed on our Member website, you can contact our Administrator at ece@eccouncil.org for assistance.
10Can I use the certification name and logo after I pass my exams?: Yes, members can use the respective logos and labels of the certifications they hold.
11Where do I go to download the logos and guidelines?: Members can go to the EC-Council Certification portal to download the logos and usage guidelines (go to http://portal.eccouncil.org)
12Revocation & Appeal: EC-Council members who fail to meet certification requirements will have their certification revoked and will not be allowed to continue usage of the certification. Individuals whose certification has been revoked will need to take and pass the certification exam again to achieve certification.
Members whose certification has been revoked due to non-compliance of certification requirements may send in an appeal in writing to EC-Council. This appeal letter must be received by EC-Council within forty-five (45) days of the revocation notice, providing details of the appeal and reason(s) for non-compliance.
13Audit Requirements: Members are required to maintain sufficient evidence to show their involvement in activities that earn them ECE credits. There is no requirement to submit evidence until it is requested for specifically.
14Important Notice: Please note that the above is subject to change from time to time without prior notice. EC-Council reserves the right to make changes as required in order to maintain the reputation and recognition of its certifications and credentials. However, best effort will be used in informing members of changes via the website and the members’ portal.

EC-Council Continuing Education Certification

EC-Council Continuing Education (ECE) Sample Certificate