The Most Difficult Certification Exam, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the certification exam you think is the most difficult!
Updated on May 9, 2024 06:24
Deciding which certification exam to pursue can often be a daunting task, considering the time, effort, and resources involved. A comprehensive ranking, based on actual experiences and feedback, helps clear doubts by highlighting key challenges and requirements. Such insights are invaluable for candidates looking to prepare effectively and optimize their chances of success.
This is where your participation becomes crucial. By voting on the difficulty of various certification exams, you contribute to a dynamic resource that aids prospective takers in making informed decisions. Each vote helps refine the accuracy of the rankings, offering a clearer picture of what to expect from each certification challenge.
What Is the Most Difficult Certification Exam?
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162votes
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
Cisco Systems, Inc.This certification is considered one of the most difficult to obtain due to its comprehensive and rigorous nature, which covers various networking technologies, protocols, and configurations.The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) is one of the most advanced and prestigious certifications offered by Cisco. It is designed to validate expert-level skills in planning, designing, implementing, managing, and troubleshooting complex networking infrastructures.- Certification Level: Expert
- Required Exams: Written Exam and Lab Exam
- Track Options: Routing and Switching, Security, Data Center, Collaboration, Service Provider, Wireless, etc.
- Lab Exam Duration: 8 hours
- Hands-on Lab Exam: Candidates perform real-world tasks on live equipment
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219votesThis certification is designed for professionals who specialize in information security and requires a deep understanding of various security domains, including risk management, cryptography, and network security.The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a globally recognized certification for information security professionals. It validates an individual's expertise in designing, implementing, and managing a secure business environment.
- Credentialing Body: International Information System Security Certification Consortium, Inc. (ISC)²
- Certification Level: Professional
- Focus: Information Systems Security
- Target Audience: Information security professionals
- Experience Requirement: Minimum of 5 years of cumulative, paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular IT certification
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324votesThis certification is widely recognized as the gold standard in project management and requires a comprehensive understanding of project management principles, methodologies, and best practices.The Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized certification exam that validates the knowledge and skills of professionals in project management. It is widely pursued by individuals seeking a career in project management or those already working in the field who want to enhance their skills and receive recognition for their expertise.
- Difficulty Level: Considered one of the most difficult certification exams
- Eligibility: Minimum 35 hours of project management education, 7,500 hours leading and directing projects (with a bachelor's degree), or 4,500 hours with a secondary degree
- Exam Format: Multiple-choice questions, situational analysis questions, and drag-and-drop questions
- Number of Questions: 200 questions
- Duration: 4 hours
Project Management Professional (PMP) in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular IT certification
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418votesThis certification is designed for IT professionals who specialize in Microsoft technologies and requires a deep understanding of various Microsoft platforms, including Windows Server, Exchange Server, and SharePoint.The Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification program that validates the skills and knowledge required to design, implement, and manage IT infrastructure solutions based on Microsoft technologies.
- Certification Level: Expert
- Technology Focus: Microsoft technologies
- Required Experience: Several years of hands-on experience
- Certification Tracks: Multiple tracks available, including Cloud Platform and Infrastructure, Data Management and Analytics, Mobility, etc.
- Pre-requisite: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification
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55votesThis certification is designed for accountants who specialize in financial accounting and requires a comprehensive understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, and taxation.The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification is considered one of the most challenging accounting qualifications worldwide. It is a prestigious and globally recognized professional credential that validates expertise in accounting, auditing, and finance. CPAs are trusted advisors who excel in areas such as financial reporting, taxation, corporate governance, and ethical practices.
- Education Requirements: Candidates must possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.
- Examination: The CPA exam consists of four sections: Auditing and Attestation, Business Environment and Concepts, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Regulation.
- Passing Score: To pass the CPA exam, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 75 on each section.
- Experience: CPA candidates typically need to complete a certain number of hours of relevant work experience under the guidance of a licensed CPA.
- Licensing: After passing the CPA exam and meeting the experience requirements, individuals can apply for state licensing as a CPA.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most difficult accounting qualification
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613votesThis certification is designed for professionals who specialize in ethical hacking and requires a deep understanding of various hacking techniques, tools, and methodologies.The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a professional certification exam that validates the skills and knowledge required to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in computer systems and networks in order to protect them from malicious cyber attacks.
- Exam Duration: 4 hours
- Number of Questions: 125
- Passing Score: 70%
- Exam Format: Multiple Choice
- Focus Areas: Network security, System security, Web security, Mobile security, Wireless security, Ethical hacking techniques
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) in other rankings- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular IT certification
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710votesThis certification is designed for IT professionals who specialize in virtualization technologies and requires a deep understanding of various VMware products, including vSphere, ESXi, and VMware Workstation.The VMware Certified Professional (VCP) is a certification exam that validates an individual's expertise in VMware technologies and solutions. It is considered one of the most difficult certification exams in the field of virtualization and cloud computing.
- Certification level: Entry-level
- Exam format: Multiple choice
- Passing score: 300 out of 500
- Exam duration: 120 minutes
- Prerequisites: Completion of a required training course
VMware Certified Professional (VCP) in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular IT certification
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87votesThis certification is designed for professionals who specialize in information systems auditing and requires a comprehensive understanding of various auditing principles, methodologies, and best practices.The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a globally recognized certification for professionals in the field of information systems auditing, control, and security. It is designed to demonstrate the individual's expertise in evaluating and managing an organization's information systems and ensuring their integrity, confidentiality, and availability. The CISA certification is widely considered as one of the most difficult accounting qualifications due to its rigorous requirements and comprehensive exam.
- Eligibility: Minimum five years of professional work experience in information systems auditing, control, or security.
- Exam: A four-hour exam consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions.
- Passing Score: A scaled score of 450 or higher (on a scale of 200 to 800) is required to pass the exam.
- Domains: The exam covers five domains: 1) Information Systems Auditing Process, 2) Governance and Management of IT, 3) Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation, 4) Information Systems Operations, Maintenance, and Service Management, and 5) Protection of Information Assets.
- Continuing Professional Education: Certified professionals must earn continuing professional education credits to maintain their certification. At least 20 CPE hours are required annually and 120 CPE hours during a three-year period.
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) in other rankings- Position 10 of 10 in Most difficult accounting qualification
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92votesThis certification is designed for professionals who specialize in Six Sigma methodologies and requires a deep understanding of various statistical tools, techniques, and methodologies.The Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and expertise in the Six Sigma methodology, a disciplined approach to process improvement and quality management. It is considered one of the most difficult certification exams due to its comprehensive coverage and rigorous requirements.
- Certification Level: Advanced Level
- Eligibility: Minimum of three years of experience in one or more areas of the Six Sigma Body of Knowledge.
- Exam Format: Computer-based exam with 165 multiple-choice questions.
- Exam Duration: Four hours.
- Passing Score: A scaled score of at least 550 out of 750 points.
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109votesThis certification is designed for professionals who specialize in data management and requires a comprehensive understanding of various data management principles, methodologies, and best practices.The Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) is a challenging certification exam that focuses on validating the knowledge and skills of professionals in the field of data management. It aims to assess the competency and expertise required for effective data management practices.
- Certification Level: There are three levels of CDMP certification: Practitioner, Master, and Fellow.
- Prerequisite: Candidates must have at least three years of professional experience in data management.
- Topics Covered: The exam covers various topics including data governance, data modeling, data quality, data integration, and data warehousing.
- Exam Format: The CDMP exam is a multiple-choice exam, consisting of approximately 150 questions.
- Passing Score: The passing score for the CDMP exam is 70%.
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Ranking factors for difficult certification exam
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Exam pass rateThe percentage of candidates who successfully pass the exam in comparison to the total number of candidates who attempt it. A lower pass rate would indicate a difficult exam.
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Exam content and scopeThe breadth and depth of subject matter covered in the exam, as well as the complexity of the concepts and skills tested. A wider scope and more in-depth material would make the exam more difficult.
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Question format and complexityThe types of questions asked on the exam, such as multiple-choice, short answer, essay, or problem-solving, as well as the complexity of the question. More complex question formats and higher cognitive level questions would contribute to a higher level of exam difficulty.
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Time constraintsThe amount of time allowed for completing the exam. If candidates are required to answer a large number of questions in a short amount of time, this can add to the difficulty of the exam.
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Pre-requisites and eligibility criteriaThe qualifications and experience required before a candidate is allowed to take the exam can contribute to the overall difficulty. More challenging pre-requisites would generally result in a higher difficulty of the exam.
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Preparation effortThe amount of time and effort candidates need to invest in studying for the exam, in terms of attending classes, self-study, practice exams, etc. Exams that require more extensive and rigorous preparation are considered more difficult.
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Certification or exam authorityThe credibility and reputation of the organization responsible for the certification exam. Higher credibility and reputation would suggest higher quality and potentially more challenging exams.
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Industry recognition and valueThe degree to which the certification is recognized and valued within the industry and job market. Certifications that are in high demand and demonstrate advanced skills and knowledge are likely to be more difficult.
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Recertification or renewal requirementsThe frequency of and requirements for maintaining the certification after the initial exam. Exams that require regular renewals and ongoing professional development can be considered more difficult.
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Candidate feedback and reviewsReal-world experiences from candidates who have taken the exam, including their opinions on the difficulty level, can provide valuable insights into the exam's overall difficulty.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult certification exam. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or exam is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
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- 165 votes
- 10 ranked items
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A participant may cast an up or down vote for each exam once every 24 hours. The rank of each exam is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most difficult certification exam
Certification exams are designed to test the knowledge, skills, and expertise of individuals in a specific field. These exams are often considered to be the ultimate test of one's proficiency in a particular subject matter, and are required by many employers to verify the competency of their employees. However, not all certification exams are created equal, and some are notoriously difficult to pass.
The most difficult certification exams typically require extensive preparation and study, and often have low pass rates. These exams may cover highly technical or specialized topics, require practical skills demonstrations, or have lengthy and complex exam formats. Some examples of notoriously difficult certification exams include the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exams.
Whether you're looking to advance your career or simply test your knowledge, taking on a difficult certification exam can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. With the right preparation and dedication, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve your certification goals.
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