Introduction
After earning the CompTIA Security+ certification, many professionals wonder how long the certification remains valid and what they must do to maintain it.
Security+ is not a lifetime certification. Like most modern IT certifications, it must be renewed periodically to ensure that certified professionals stay current with evolving cybersecurity technologies and practices.
If you are new to the certification, start with the full certification overview:
https://certmastery.org/blogs/comptia-security/comptia-security-certification-guide-sy0-701
This guide explains the certification path, exam structure, and career benefits of earning the Security+ credential.
How Long Security+ Certification Is Valid
The CompTIA Security+ certification is valid for three years from the date you pass the exam. (The Knowledge Academy)
Before the certification expires, candidates must complete CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program to keep their certification active.
If the certification expires without renewal, it cannot be renewed and you may need to retake the latest version of the exam. (CompTIA Help)
Security+ Renewal Requirements
To renew the certification through the Continuing Education program, candidates must:
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Earn 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
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Pay the Security+ renewal fee
Each CEU generally represents one hour of approved professional development activity related to cybersecurity. (The Knowledge Academy)
These activities help ensure that certified professionals maintain current security knowledge and skills.
Security+ Renewal Fees
The total renewal fee for Security+ is:
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$150 for the three-year renewal cycle
This fee can be paid in annual installments of $50 per year or as a single payment during the renewal period. (CompTIA Website)
The fee must be paid before submitting your CEUs for approval.
Ways to Earn Security+ CEUs
There are several ways to earn the 50 CEUs required for renewal.
Training and Courses
Completing cybersecurity training programs, online courses, or university classes can earn CEUs.
These programs must be relevant to Security+ exam objectives.
Industry Events
Attending cybersecurity conferences, workshops, or webinars can also provide CEUs.
Teaching or Mentoring
Teaching security topics, mentoring others, or creating training materials can qualify for CEU credit.
Publishing Content
Writing cybersecurity articles, blogs, white papers, or books can also contribute toward CEUs.
For example, publishing blog posts related to cybersecurity topics can earn CEU credits when submitted to CompTIA.
Relevant Work Experience
Some professional work experience in cybersecurity roles can count toward CEUs.
However, there are limits on how many CEUs can be claimed from work experience.
Alternative Ways to Renew Security+
Instead of earning CEUs, some candidates choose faster renewal options.
These include:
Earn a Higher-Level CompTIA Certification
Earning certifications such as:
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CySA+
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PenTest+
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CASP+
can automatically renew Security+. (Infosec Institute)
This is often part of CompTIA’s stackable certification pathway, where advanced certifications renew earlier ones.
Pass the Latest Version of the Security+ Exam
Taking the newest version of the Security+ exam also renews the certification.
Complete CompTIA CertMaster CE
CompTIA offers a self-paced renewal course called CertMaster CE, which automatically renews the certification when completed.
When Should You Start the Renewal Process?
Candidates should start earning CEUs during the three-year certification period rather than waiting until the certification is about to expire.
Uploading CEUs regularly makes the renewal process easier and ensures you do not lose your certification due to missed deadlines.
You can also review the Security+ exam format here:
https://certmastery.org/blogs/comptia-security/security-plus-exam-format
Understanding the exam structure can help if you plan to renew by retaking the exam.
Try a Free Security+ Practice Question
Test your knowledge with this sample question.
Question
Which type of control is designed to detect security incidents after they occur?
A. Preventive control
B. Detective control
C. Corrective control
D. Deterrent control
Want to practice more exam-style questions?
Start Free Security+ Practice Tests tại https://certmaster.study
Security+ Preparation Resources
Many professionals preparing for Security+ or renewing their certification use multiple learning resources.
These may include:
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Study guides
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Practice exams
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Cybersecurity labs
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Video training
You can explore curated Security+ learning materials here:
https://certmastery.org/collections/comptia-security
These resources help candidates strengthen their cybersecurity knowledge and maintain certification readiness.
Conclusion
The CompTIA Security+ certification must be renewed every three years through the Continuing Education program. To maintain the certification, professionals must earn 50 CEUs and pay a total renewal fee of $150 during the three-year cycle.
Alternatively, earning a higher-level CompTIA certification or completing CertMaster CE can also renew Security+ automatically.
Keeping your certification active ensures that your cybersecurity knowledge stays current and continues to be recognized by employers.
If you are preparing for the Security+ certification, explore additional study resources here:
https://certmastery.org/collections/comptia-security
You can also test your readiness by practicing realistic exam-style questions here:
Start Free Security+ Practice Tests tại https://certmaster.study
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