Why Study with PlanetCert?
The Latest Questions
Practice questions and exam topics aligned with the current exam objectives.
Detailed Explanations
Go beyond the answer. Master the material with comprehensive learning and professional explanations for every concept.
AI-Powered Insights
Personalized preparation guidance that adapts to your performance and identifies weak spots automatically.
Exam Information
Official specifications published by EC-Council
Exam Format
120 min
50
70%
Specialist
Registration
$250 USD
EC-Council Store, ECC Exam Center, Pearson VUE, or online proctoring
English
Validity
Earn 120 ECE credits over 3 years; Pass a higher-level EC-Council certification; Retake the current version of the exam
212-81V3 Exam Topics and Domains
212-81V3 is organized into 6 weighted domains.
1
Introduction and History of Cryptography
15%
Cryptography Fundamentals
Gaps in Crypto KnowledgeWhat is CryptographyHistory of Cryptography
- Understand the fundamentals of cryptography
- Identify historical developments in cryptography
Classical Ciphers
Mono-Alphabet SubstitutionMulti-Alphabet SubstitutionOther Classical Methods
- Master various classical cipher techniques
- Understand strengths and weaknesses of each cipher type
- Learn cryptanalysis of classical ciphers
CrypTool
Using CrypTool
Use CrypTool for cryptographic operations
2
Symmetric Cryptography & Hashes
30%
Information Theory and Cryptographic Concepts
Information TheoryBasic Operations
- Understand information theory in cryptography context
- Master binary operations for encryption
Block Ciphers
Block vs Stream CiphersFeistel NetworkDES and VariantsAdvanced Encryption Standard (AES)Other Block Ciphers
- Master symmetric block cipher algorithms
- Understand Feistel networks and S-boxes
- Compare various block cipher implementations
Cipher Modes of Operation
Block Cipher Modes
- Understand different modes of operation
- Select appropriate mode for use case
Stream Ciphers
Stream Cipher Algorithms
- Understand stream cipher principles
- Implement stream cipher algorithms
Hash Functions
Hash Function BasicsHash AlgorithmsWindows HashingMAC and HMAC
- Master hash function concepts
- Implement various hash algorithms
- Understand MAC and HMAC usage
CryptoBench
Using CryptoBench
Use CryptoBench for algorithm testing
3
Number Theory and Asymmetric Cryptography
25%
Number Theory Foundations
Basic Number FactsMathematical ConceptsAlgebraic StructuresLogarithms
- Master number theory for cryptography
- Understand mathematical foundations
Cryptographic Principles
Birthday ProblemRandom Number Generation
- Understand birthday attacks
- Master random number generation
Asymmetric Algorithms
Diffie-HellmanRSADigital SignaturesElliptic Curve CryptographyOther Asymmetric AlgorithmsForward Secrecy
- Master asymmetric encryption algorithms
- Understand digital signatures
- Implement ECC and RSA
4
Applications of Cryptography
20%
Standards and Certificates
FIPS StandardsDigital CertificatesPKI Infrastructure
- Understand digital certificates
- Master PKI concepts
Authentication Protocols
Authentication MethodsKerberosPGP Certificates
- Master authentication protocols
- Understand Kerberos operation
Network Security
Wi-Fi EncryptionSSL/TLSVPN Technologies
- Implement secure network protocols
- Configure VPN solutions
Data Protection
File EncryptionDisk Encryption
Implement file and disk encryption
Steganography
Steganography TechniquesSteganalysis
- Understand steganography
- Perform steganalysis
NSA and Blockchain
NSA CryptographyBlockchain
- Understand government standards
- Apply blockchain cryptography
5
Cryptanalysis
5%
Cryptanalysis Techniques
Classical CryptanalysisModern CryptanalysisPassword Cracking
- Understand cryptanalysis methods
- Perform basic cryptanalysis
6
Quantum Computing and Cryptography
5%
Quantum Computing Impact
Quantum FundamentalsPost-Quantum Cryptography
- Understand quantum computing threat
- Know post-quantum solutions
How do I earn this certification?
Passing 212-81V3 earns the EC-Council Certified Encryption Specialist (ECES) certification. It sits in the Encryption and Cryptography track.
Current Level Exams
Next Level Options
- 312-50 - CEH - Certified Ethical Hacker Apply cryptography knowledge to ethical hacking
- 312-49 - CHFI - Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator Use encryption knowledge in forensics
- 312-76 - CND - Certified Network DefenderApply cryptography to network defense
- EC0-350 - CEH Practical Hands-on penetration testing with crypto knowledge
Alternative Paths
- 112-51 - CND - Certified Network DefenderNetwork security with encryption focus
- 212-82 - ECIH - EC-Council Certified Incident HandlerIncident handling with crypto forensics
- 312-38 - CND - Certified Network DefenderAdvanced network security
- 412-79 - ECSA - EC-Council Certified Security Analyst Advanced security analysis with crypto expertise
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for 212-81V3 is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2024-05-01
Updates
- Post-Quantum Cryptography NIST Standards 2024 Likely to be included in next exam update • Release date: 2024-08-13
- TLS 1.3 RFC 8446 Currently covered in exam • Release date: 2018-08-01
- WPA3 Wi-Fi Alliance Standard Included in current syllabus • Release date: 2018-06-01
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Security Professionals and Network Administrators.
- Basic understanding of information security concepts
- Familiarity with networking fundamentals
- Basic mathematics knowledge