Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE) Practice Tests

Ethical Hacking Essentials (exam code 112-52) tests 12 modules, and EC-Council does not publish per-module weightings, so this bank of 627 practice questions spreads coverage across all 12 rather than guessing at a split: information security and ethical hacking fundamentals, threats and vulnerability assessment, password cracking, social engineering, network-level attacks, web application attacks, wireless, mobile, IoT and OT security, cloud computing threats, and penetration testing fundamentals. The heaviest lifting on the real exam comes from recognizing attack techniques and their countermeasures, so explanations here focus on why an attack works and what stops it, not tool-name trivia.

On test day you face 75 multiple-choice questions in 2 hours, delivered through the EC-Council Exam Center with remote proctoring. The passing score is a flat 70 percent, which means 53 of 75 correct, with no scaled scoring and no per-module minimums. There are no eligibility requirements: no prior IT or security experience, no application, no age of experience windows. That makes EHE one of the few security certifications you can register for on day one of a career change.

EC-Council sells the official EHE course as a $299 bundle: 12 modules of ecourseware (1-year access), lab access for 6 months with 47 labs including a CTF-style capstone, and an exam voucher valid for 1 year. A standalone exam voucher runs about $75 through EC-Council's exam portal if you prefer to self-study. The certification is valid for 3 years, and renewal is simply retaking the exam, with no CPE credits or annual maintenance fees during the term.

EHE is the entry point of EC-Council's Essentials Series, which now spans nine foundational certifications including Network Defense Essentials (NDE), Digital Forensics Essentials (DFE), and the newer AI Essentials. The intended ladder from here is Certified Ethical Hacker: CEH v13 jumps to 125 questions over 4 hours with a scaled cut score, so EHE is where you build the vocabulary and attack-lifecycle intuition first. Start with the 30 free questions, then work through the full 627-question bank until your accuracy holds steady across all 12 modules.

The Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE) is an entry-level cybersecurity certification from EC-Council, designed to validate foundational knowledge of ethical hacking principles, penetration testing concepts, and information security fundamentals. Delivered under EC-Council's Essentials Series, it covers a broad spectrum of attack surfaces and defensive countermeasures across 12 modules, including network-level attacks, web application vulnerabilities, social engineering, wireless security, IoT and operational technology (OT) threats, and cloud computing risks. The certification carries exam code 112-52 and is valid for three years, with no continuing education fees or EC-Council Continuing Education Credits (ECEs) required during that period.

EHE serves as a structured on-ramp for individuals new to the cybersecurity field, bridging the gap between general IT knowledge and the more advanced Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credential. The course includes 15 hours of premium learning content and 11 hands-on labs, ensuring candidates gain both conceptual understanding and practical exposure to real-world attack techniques and countermeasures.

EHE is aimed at individuals who are beginning their journey in cybersecurity and information security. There are no formal IT or cybersecurity experience requirements, making it accessible to career changers, recent graduates, and students exploring the field. Job roles that align with this certification include entry-level security analyst, junior penetration tester, IT support professional seeking to pivot into security, and cybersecurity student.

The credential is also well-suited for professionals in adjacent IT roles—such as system administrators or network technicians—who want to formalize their understanding of attacker methodologies and threat landscapes. It is frequently pursued as a first step before attempting the CEH or other intermediate-level certifications.

There are no formal eligibility requirements or prerequisites to register for the EHE exam. EC-Council explicitly states that no prior IT or cybersecurity experience is necessary, making this one of the most accessible credentials in the EC-Council portfolio.

However, candidates benefit from a basic understanding of how computers and networks operate, including familiarity with operating system concepts, IP addressing, and common internet protocols. Those with some exposure to IT fundamentals—through coursework, self-study, or personal projects—will find the material easier to absorb and retain during preparation.

The EHE exam (code 112-52) consists of 75 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 120 minutes. A passing score of 70% is required. The exam is administered through EC-Council's ECC Exam Center and can be taken online in a proctored environment. The exam cost is $49.99 for the exam voucher through select channels, though pricing may vary by region and training bundle.

The certification is valid for three years from the date of a successful attempt. Recertification is achieved by retaking the exam at the end of the three-year validity period. No continuing education credits or fees are required to maintain the credential during its active term.

Earning the EHE credential demonstrates to employers that a candidate possesses structured, vendor-validated knowledge of ethical hacking fundamentals, which can differentiate entry-level applicants in a competitive cybersecurity job market. The certification is recognized as a stepping stone toward higher-value EC-Council credentials, most notably the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), which is widely required or preferred for penetration tester, security analyst, and red team roles. EHE holders are positioned for roles such as junior security analyst, cybersecurity support specialist, and IT risk analyst.

While the EHE itself is a foundational credential and does not command the same salary premium as CEH or OSCP, it validates commitment to the field and provides a recognized credential for candidates building their first cybersecurity resume. Entry-level cybersecurity roles in the United States typically range from $55,000 to $85,000 annually, and holding a recognized certification from EC-Council can accelerate hiring and interview opportunities, particularly at organizations that already use EC-Council training for their security teams.