How to Cut Your Security+ Exam Cost: Vouchers, Retakes, and Tips

Paying for certifications can feel like a balancing act. You want to invest in your career, but the Security Plus exam cost alone is enough to make you hesitate. Comparing exam expense with real earnings clarifies ROI; see security plus salary. Add in study materials, retake fees, and renewal costs, and suddenly it feels like you’re spending more time worrying about money than preparing for the test itself.

Planning for security+ renewal up front also helps you avoid surprise costs a few years down the line, especially when you start tracking CEUs and annual fees.

The good news is, there are ways to ease that pressure. With the right mix of planning and smart choices, you can cut unnecessary costs while still giving yourself the best shot at passing. Discounts, bundles, and even free resources can all help bring expenses down without sacrificing quality.

Up next, you’ll see a breakdown of where the real costs come from, plus practical strategies to manage them. The goal is simple: make Security+ more affordable while keeping your focus on getting certified.

Current CompTIA Security Plus Exam Cost for 2025

Thinking about your test budget? Security+ exam code SY0-701 is the active version in 2025. In the United States, the Security Plus exam cost is $425 when purchased directly from the CompTIA Store.

That price applies to a single exam voucher, which covers one attempt only, unlike higher-level exams such as the CISSP certification cost which involves both exam fees and endorsement steps.

To get a realistic picture of your total investment, remember that you’ll not only pay the initial test fee, but eventually need to renew Security+ certification as well, which adds ongoing CE and renewal costs to your long-term budget.

Quick note: Make sure you’re checking the North America storefront, since the system defaults to your location and shows regional pricing automatically.

What The Voucher Includes, Excludes, and Expiration Basics

A standard voucher includes just the exam. Training, labs, and practice tests are sold separately unless you buy a bundle that lists them. Vouchers expire 12 months after purchase and cannot be extended. They are also locked to the region and currency selected at checkout. 

Retake Policy And Costs

If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam right away. But a 14-day wait applies after the second. Every attempt needs a new voucher, unless you buy the SY0-701 bundle that includes a retake and offers ways to reduce exam voucher expenses by combining tools and attempts.

Regional Notes

CompTIA prices vouchers by region. Selecting your location sets both the currency and tax. A US voucher, for example, is valid only for North American testing programs. If you plan to move or travel, confirm the region before purchasing since vouchers usually can’t transfer across regions.

Travel Cost Note

Testing in person at a Pearson VUE center may add travel costs. As a rough guide, the IRS 2025 mileage rate is 70 cents per mile, often used to estimate per-mile driving expenses. Online proctored testing through Pearson OnVUE is another option. It runs 24/7, removes travel costs, and is accepted for all CompTIA certifications.

Total Cost Breakdown: Beyond the Exam Fee

You’ve seen the Security Plus exam cost, but that’s just the starting point. Getting ready involves more than buying a voucher. Here’s what else you’ll want to plan for.

Study Materials and Resources

Every solid prep plan begins with the official SY0-701 exam objectives, similar to how the CISSP exam requirements outline domains, task statements, and experience expectations for candidates.

The PDF spells out domains and task statements and confirms the test structure: up to 90 questions in 90 minutes across multiple-choice and performance-based formats. CompTIA also posts domain updates to keep your focus aligned.

At Destination Certification, we offer free videos, summaries, and a Cryptography Decoded mini masterclass. Covering SY0‑701 Domain 1.4 topics like PKI, hashing, key exchange, and more, it reinforces the core skills the exam measures.

Pair these with the official objectives and practice exams to spot gaps, then use cost‑effective exam preparation strategies to target your study without overspending.

Training Options and Their Costs

If you prefer to keep expenses down, self-study with the objectives PDF plus selective resources works. CompTIA bundles offer more structure. The Security+ Complete Bundle includes CertMaster Learn, Labs, and Practice. Instructor-led formats cost more but can speed progress if you learn best with live guidance and accountability.

Additional Expenses to Consider

Passing the exam is only the first step. Security+ requires 50 Continuing Education Units within three years, along with CE renewal fees, just like the CISSP renewal requirements that mandate CPEs and ongoing professional development.

In-person testing can add travel costs, and time is also a resource. Block out study hours that match the exam’s length and format so performance-based tasks don’t catch you off guard.

7 Strategies to Reduce Your Security+ Certification Expenses

Wondering how to keep your certification prep affordable? The good news is there are plenty of ways to trim costs without cutting corners on readiness.

1. Use employer-funded training perks

Check with HR about educational assistance. Employers can provide up to $5,250 per year in tax-free support under IRS Section 127. Funds may cover courses, materials, or even certification expenses. Use internal platforms or lab access where available to avoid paying for outside subscriptions.

2. Hunt for voucher discounts and seasonal deals

CompTIA regularly runs promotions on vouchers and bundles. These deals often appear seasonally or during product refreshes. Academic pricing is also available if you qualify, but confirm eligibility and region rules before purchase so your code doesn’t go unused.

3. Stick to targeted study resources

Start with the official objectives PDF. Add only what you need to target actual exam domains. If you self-study, one solid resource often beats buying several overlapping ones. This keeps the Security exam cost manageable while staying aligned with the latest exam structure.

4. Tap into free practice tools

CompTIA shares sample questions and timing guidance. Free materials can help you prepare for the 90-minute exam format. Supplement these with reputable study refreshers to strengthen your coverage without extra cost.

5. Weigh self-study against paid training

Self-study is the cheapest route if you already have IT experience. Paid training, whether bundles or instructor-led, adds structure, labs, and analytics. Compare the total outlay with your available study time and retake risk before deciding how much does Security Plus exam cost for you in practice.

6. Treat the first attempt as the only attempt

Approach your first attempt as your only shot. Use practice exams and timing drills to reduce surprises. Retakes require a new voucher after the second failure and add both waiting time and cost.

7. Bundle wisely to get more for less

Discounted bundles can combine a voucher, retake, and study tools for less than buying separately. Just confirm voucher expiration and regional rules before committing.

Is the CompTIA Security+ Certification Worth It?

Security+ is approved by the U.S. Department of Defense under DoD 8140/8570 and listed on DoD COOL, giving it weight in federal and defense contracting roles. Beyond government, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 29% job growth for Information Security Analysts between 2024–2034, far faster than average, with a 2024 median salary of $124,910. To maintain that value over time, understanding how to renew Security+ is important for staying compliant.

Career benefits include:

• Recognition for federal and defense roles
• Portability across regulated industries
• Competitive edge for monitoring and incident response positions

Salary Potential For Security+ Certified Professionals

Salary data shows Security+ aligns with strong earning roles. National averages include:

• $95,489 per year (Indeed)
• $90,366 for analysts and $78,062 for level-I roles (Salary.com)
• $96,652 average nationwide (ZipRecruiter)

Pay varies by region, industry, and experience, but the certification consistently connects to solid entry-to-mid salaries.

Comparison With Other Entry-Level Certifications

Security+ is often compared with ISC2’s Certified in Cybersecurity (CC), and many candidates also weigh options like CCSP vs Security+ to decide which credential aligns best with their career goals.

Both have recognition under DoD 8140, but Security+ is explicitly listed on DoD COOL and has long been a standard for government and private-sector roles. CC has attracted attention with free training and exam offers, but it provides less operational depth.

Security+ emphasizes hands-on security operations, performance-based questions, and a broad mix of domains, which makes it a frequent employer requirement for analyst and incident-focused roles. Ultimately, the choice depends on your career goals, the recognition valued in your target industry, and the exam style that matches your strengths.

Frequently Asked Questions

Turn Exam Costs Into Career Gains

Worrying about the Security Plus exam cost is common, but the bigger risk is wasting money on retakes or materials that don’t prepare you well. Real savings come from getting it right the first time by using study methods that build the skills CompTIA actually tests and focusing only on what matters for exam day.

Destination Certification is here to make that preparation clear and effective. Our Live Online BootCamp breaks down complex topics into practical lessons and gives you lasting access to study materials, so your investment keeps working for you.

Don’t let exam fees hold you back. Train with Destination Certification and turn your Security+ prep into a career advantage.