Security+ Renewal Guide: Keep Your Certification Active

Recognized around the world and approved by the United States Department of Defense, the CompTIA Security+ certification proves that you can identify, manage, and respond to a wide range of security threats. In simpler terms, it’s a fast way to tell employers that you actually know your stuff.

However, this credential typically comes with an expiration date. To stay relevant and competitive in this field, renewing is a must. But retaking the Security+ exam isn’t your only option. Let’s break down the other Security+ renewal methods you can consider.

Understanding Security+ Renewal Requirements

A renewal doesn’t just keep your certification active, but also your knowledge current and skills sharp. Here’s a quick rundown of essentials you’ll need to know before proceeding.

CEU Requirements for Security+ Renewal

Your Security+ certification has a validity of three years from the date you passed the exam. After this time lapses, then you’ll need to renew in order to retain the benefits that come with being certified.

Taking the exam again isn’t the only pathway to Security+ renewal. If you’d rather explore alternatives, you can consider participating in CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program, through which you will be required to earn 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) within the same three-year window.

CEUs are designed to reflect your ongoing professional development. You can earn them through a variety of activities through which you practice cybersecurity. These activities must be logged through CompTIA’s CE portal before your certification expires.

If you prefer an even more streamlined option, CompTIA also offers CertMaster CE course, a fast-track renewal option that automatically fulfills the full 50 CEU requirement upon passing.

Renewal Timeframe and Deadlines

The clock starts ticking the day you obtain your Security+ certification, as you’ve got limited time to meet all CE requirements. If you miss the deadline after the three years of validity, you’ll be given a 90-day grace period to finalize your CEU submission and pay the renewal fee. However, you can no longer receive new CEUs during this time. You can only submit what you’ve already completed.

If you let this window close without completing your renewal, your certification will expire, and you’ll need to retake the exam to get certified again. 

The Importance of Staying Current in Cybersecurity

One thing will always be true: Cybersecurity doesn’t sit still. New threats emerge, along with new tools and new best practices to learn and adopt.

This is exactly why CompTIA updates the Security+ exam every three years and requires regular renewal. Doing so ensures that you remain informed about current security trends and technologies, positioning you as a credible cybersecurity professional.

In addition, this also helps CompTIA maintain ISO/ANSI accreditation, which is essential for meeting high industry standards and remaining valid for government roles. 

Exploring Security+ Renewal Methods

Whether you prefer to stay flexible, get things done fast, or advance your career while working on your Security+ renewal, there’s a path that fits your goals, along with your personal timeline and budget. Learn more about the three main alternatives to retaking the exam, and how to choose the one that’s right for you.

Earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

For those whose top priority is flexibility, earning CEUs may be the most suitable choice. For this, you’ll need to accumulate no less than 50 CEUs within your three-year renewal cycle.

The good news is you probably already have qualifying activities under your belt if you’ve been active in the field. You can log any of the following for CEU credit:

• Attending industry conferences, webinars, or IT training courses
• Publishing articles, white papers, or books on cybersecurity topics
• Participating in the IT industry as an expert
• Gaining hands-on work experience in IT

The only rule to follow is that activities must be at least 50% relevant to Security+ exam objectives, and you’ll need to provide documentation for each CEU you submit.
CE fees apply when using this method, with a total amount of $150 over three years.

Taking a Higher-Level CompTIA Certification

If you’re looking to advance your cybersecurity career while taking care of your Security+ renewal, this option hits two birds with one stone. Passing a higher-level CompTIA certification, such as CySA+, PenTest+, or CASP+, will automatically renew your Security+ cert, as well as any lower-level certifications you may have.

Choosing this method means you no longer need to log CEUs or pay for CE fees, plus it strengthens your resume with an even more advanced credential. Timing may be a concern, however, since you need to earn your higher-level certification before your Security+ expires.

Also be wary that not all certifications qualify for automatic renewal, so double-check their eligibility before you commit.

Completing the CertMaster CE Program

If you want speed and simplicity, CompTIA’s CertMaster CE is hard to beat. This self-paced online course is designed specifically for renewing Security+ without retaking the full exam. It takes about eight to 10 hours and is fully online.

You’ll need to complete all assessments in the course with a 100% score, but don’t worry, because you can retake them as many times as needed. Once you finish the course, your certification is automatically renewed — no need to submit extra paperwork.

Keep in mind, though, that you must use a version of CertMaster CE that’s newer than the Security+ exam version you originally passed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Renewing Your Security+ Certification

If Security+ renewal sounds overwhelming at this stage, don’t fret. Let’s break the process into clear steps, you can choose the path that works best for you and keep your certification active without last-minute stress.

Assessing Your Renewal Options

Start planning by first deciding how you’d like to approach your Security+ renewal. You have the option to combine multiple qualifying activities to meet your CEU requirements, or fulfill them in one go by completing the CertMaster CE or getting a higher-level certification.

If you'd rather not rely on a single large task, consider taking a proactive approach by spreading your CEU activities across the entire certification cycle rather than cramming them at the end.

On the other hand, if you already have multiple CompTIA certifications, renewing your highest-level certification will automatically renew all lower-level ones. If you're planning to earn something like CASP+, for example, this could be an efficient way to update all your other eligible CompTIA certifications at once.

None of these options appeals to you? You can always retake the Security+ exam to maintain your certification.

Earning and Documenting CEUs

If you're renewing through CEUs, you’ll need to submit proof of every activity you’ve completed. Each activity type has specific documentation requirements, so review them thoroughly and ensure everything is in order. 

Work Experience
Hands-on work experience in IT security can earn you a maximum of three CEUs per year. You can submit your work experience once annually throughout the three-year window, for a total of nine CEUs.

To submit this as a CEU activity, upload a signed letter from your employer on company letterhead detailing your role, responsibilities, and the CE year for which your work experience is being submitted. Keep in mind that work orders, work performance reports, and resumes will not be accepted as valid documentation.

Publishing
Publications are another guaranteed way to collect CEUs. To log any article, blog, or book on cybersecurity that you’ve published, submit your work in its entirety or a URL where it can be purchased. The page must state your name and the publication date.
 
IT Industry Participation
If you have experience building knowledge in topics related to cybersecurity, activities such as teaching, serving as a subject-matter expert, or creating instructional materials may qualify for CEUs.

To document your experience in teaching, mentoring, or developing instructional materials, submit a copy of the lesson plan or syllabus with your name listed as the instructor or author, along with any materials you created (if applicable). Include the content coverage, the dates and duration of the sessions, and a signed statement from the mentee confirming the dates and times (for mentoring only).

For SME participation in a CompTIA workshop, submit a signed letter from the workshop coordinator confirming that you’ve actually participated.

Training Courses, Conferences, or Webinars
You can also collect CEUs by attending different educational activities, such as training courses, live webinars, conferences, college courses, and American Council on Education (ACE) courses. Earning selected non-CompTIA certifications also qualifies for CEUs.

To log any training or educational activity for CEU credit, submit a detailed description or outline of the training content. Also attach a completion certificate containing your name, the course title, the training provider’s name, the date of completion, and the total number of hours required to complete it.

Submitting Your Renewal Application

To fulfill the CE program, you’ll need to submit your application manually. Simply log into your CompTIA certification account to document your completed activities to get your 50 CEUs. Be careful when processing your CEU documentation, as incomplete files can delay your approval.

On the other hand, if you’ve completed the CertMaster CE course, earned a higher-level certification, or passed the latest Security+ exam, you can expect CompTIA to automatically renew your certification.

Paying Renewal Fees

If you're renewing your Security+ certification through CEUs, you'll need to pay a $150 CE fee. The cost covers your three-year certification period, but you have the flexibility to pay in full or in installments at any point during the cycle. Just make sure the total amount is paid before your certification expires, as CompTIA does not offer a grace period.

You can settle the CE fee through multiple payment methods, including credit card, PayPal, and CE tokens (which may be provided by employers or training partners).

For Security+ renewals via CertMaster CE or a higher-level CompTIA certification, you no longer have to worry about this extra cost, as these alternative options waive the CE fee.

Maximizing Efficiency in Your Security+ Renewal Process

Instead of viewing your Security+ renewal as an administrative burden, align the process with your professional development goals to get more value out of the experience and manage costs wisely. 

Planning Your Renewal Strategy

The most efficient Security+ renewals start with early planning. As soon as you earn your certification, take note of when your certification expires and map out a renewal strategy that fits your goals and workload. Decide whether you’ll pursue CEUs, CertMaster CE, or a higher-level certification.

From there, create a loose timeline for when and how you’ll earn credits, gather documentation, and pay fees. Make tracking your CE progress easier by regularly updating and checking your CompTIA certification account.

Leveraging Work Experience for CEUs

One of the most underused but highly efficient renewal options is documenting IT work experience. If your current role involves security-related tasks, you can receive up to three CEUs per year. This is a great way to passively accumulate credits without extra time or cost.

Combine this with occasional webinars or courses, and you can build a strong portfolio of CEUs with very minimal disruption to your schedule.

Combining Renewal with Career Advancement

Make your Security+ renewal efforts dual-purpose. If you're eyeing a promotion or career shift, consider completing a higher-level certification like CySA+ or PenTest+. Not only does this method automatically renew your Security+, but it also expands your skills and job prospects.

Similarly, you can explore opportunities adjacent to your work, such as creating technical content, mentoring, or teaching, all of which count as CEUs and can greatly enhance your professional visibility.

Costs Associated with Security+ Renewal

Renewing your Security+ certification isn’t free, but with a clear strategy, it can be both manageable and cost-effective.

Renewal Fees Breakdown

CompTIA charges a total CE fee of $150 for Security+ renewal, which you can settle at any point within the three-year window. Fortunately, you're not locked into an annual payment. You can pay the full amount at any point during the cycle, as long as it’s completed before your certification expires. 

Cost Comparison of Renewal Methods

Your renewal method plays a major role in your total cost:

• Earning CEUs: The base cost is $150 for the CE fees, plus any additional expenses related to earning the 50 qualifying CEUs you need to fulfill. This could include fees for training, conferences, or courses (some of which may be free or sponsored by your employer).
• Higher-Level Certifications: Passing a more advanced CompTIA exam will also auto-renew your Security+ with no CE fees required. However, these exams typically cost at least $400, and you'll need to factor in the time and expenses you’ll need for exam prep and training.
• CertMaster CE: This self-paced online course costs around $199. While it’s a higher upfront cost, it renews your certification instantly and waives the CE fee, making it a practical choice for streamlining the process.

Budgeting for Ongoing Certification Maintenance

To avoid any surprises, start budgeting early in your certification cycle. Consider paying your CE fee in partial amounts each year, or saving up for a one-time option like CertMaster CE or a higher-level certification, depending on your career trajectory. Some employers may cover these costs, so it’s worth checking if reimbursement or training support is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the most common questions cybersecurity professionals ask about the Security+ renewal process.

Conclusion

Simplify your Security+ renewal by ensuring that the method you choose aligns well with your professional goals, schedule, and budget.

You can leverage your current work experience and learning opportunities by collecting CEUs, or opt for a more streamlined route via a higher-level certification or the CertMaster CE course. For some, simply retaking the latest Security+ exam might be the most straightforward path — and that’s a valid strategy in itself.

Whatever path you choose, maintaining an active Security+ certification is a commitment to staying relevant, competitive, and credible as a cybersecurity professional.

If retaking the exam is your method of choice, let Destination Certification make the experience more streamlined. Our long-proven Security+ training courses, including a five-day immersive bootcamp and a self-paced masterclass, are designed to boost your confidence and make sure you face examination day with the readiness to get certified. We’re here to support your success in cybersecurity.