CPE is required to keep the EC-Council CEH v12 certification. It ensures that certified individuals keep their knowledge and skills up to date by earning CPE credits for activities such as attending training or conferences, publishing articles or research, or teaching a course.

If a CEH certification holder does not meet their CPE requirements, their certification will expire. They may lose the certification permanently and will have to retake the exam if they wish to pursue this certification in the future.