An Ultimate Guide for CompTIA Security+ Certification Renewal Process

CompTIA Security+ is a global certification that covers fundamental security practices and functions. It establishes the core knowledge required in any cybersecurity role and helps beginners transition to intermediate-level jobs. However, the certification expires after three years, making CompTIA Security+ Certification Renewal important.  

Having a CompTIA Security+ certification can increase the chances of cybersecurity professionals securing a job. According to CompTIA, the number of jobs in the cybersecurity domain is expected to grow by more than six per cent by 2026. This blog will elaborate further on why you need to get your CompTIA Security+ Certification Renewal and how to achieve it.  

Table of Contents 

1) Why should you get the CompTIA Security+ certification? 

2) What are the CompTIA Security+ Certification Renewal Requirements? 

3) CompTIA Security+ Renewal Process 

   a) Earn CompTIA Security+ Continuing Education Units (CEU) 

   b) Pay CompTIA Security+ Renewal Fee 

   c) Submit CompTIA Security+ CEU 

4) How can you avail the CompTIA Security+ CEU Resources? 

5) Conclusion 

Why should you get the CompTIA Security+ certification? 

A CompTIA Security+ certification is a globally recognised certification that validates essential skills required for core security functions. Obtaining a Security+ certification helps aspiring cybersecurity professionals acquire necessary skills, includes technical skills like risk assessment and management, incident response, hybrid/cloud operations, and security control.  

The certification also enables professional to detect various types of security compromise, understand the concept of penetration testing and vulnerability scanning, install, handle, and deploy network components, implement secure network architecture concepts, and configure identity and access services and management controls. Additionally, professionals can implement best practices in risk mitigation, configure wireless security, and implement public key infrastructure.  

CompTIA endorses the certification as a “springboard into intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs,” and certified professionals can hold various IT and security professional job titles, such as security administrator, systems administrator, help desk manager, network/cloud engineer, security engineer, DevOps/software developer, IT auditor/project manager, information security manager, and security architect. 

Aspiring cybersecurity professionals should consider obtaining the certification as it demonstrates core knowledge and competency required for any information security role. The certification also counts as a stepping stone to other cybersecurity certifications, such as the Certified Information Systems and Security Professional (CISSP) certification.  

The certification exam can be taken in online mode or in person at a designated test centre, requiring a passing score of 750 out of a total 900 within 90 minutes. Upon passing the exam, professionals will receive the Security+ certification, valid for the next three years. However, upon expiration, many certified professionals opt to renew their certification. This blog provides details on the renewal process.

What are the CompTIA Security+ Certification Renewal Requirements? 

Like other globally recognised certifications, Security+ certification also has a renewal requirement. The CompTIA Continuing Education Program elaborates on these renewal requirements. The program helps certification holders maintain their certification and expertise in the domain. Renewal of the certification allows a holder to get the most out of their return on investment in terms of time and financial resources. This section of the blog will elaborate further on the requirements necessary to renew one’s Security+ certification.  

To embark on the renewal process, one needs to earn 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) within three years of the renewal cycle. Once up to date with the CEU requirements, one is required to pay a renewal fee to complete the renewal process. To obtain a core-level certification in Security+, one needs to earn 50 CEUs and pay close to £120. 

While holding the certification is a huge advantage, it is important to ensure that it is continually renewed and not allowed to expire. Renewing the current certification is necessary to maintain one’s cybersecurity credentials. The renewal proves that one has the worthy credentials and also shows continuing interest in the domain. A renewed, updated certification proves the desire to stay updated to the standards by fulfilling the certification’s continuing education requirements. 

The CompTIA Security+ Renewal Process


 

This section of the blog throws light on the three steps that one needs to go through for a CompTIA Security+ renewal. 

Earn CompTIA Security+ Continuing Education Units (CEU) 

To renew a Security+ certification, the initial step is to acquire Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Each CEU is equivalent to one hour of activity, and the process of renewal demands 50 CEUs in total. There are multiple ways to obtain CEUs, and some of them will be discussed as follows: 

Complete training or higher education 

To earn a CEU for Security+ certification renewal, one can take relevant courses or short trainings, either self-paced, classroom-based, or online. Attending relevant conferences or live webinars also helps. Note that there are limits on how many CEUs can be earned from each activity. For example, completing a relevant course earns 50 CEUs, while attending a conference or live webinar earns only 10 CEUs each. However, ensure that at least 50% of the training content is relevant to the exam objectives. Other ways to earn CEUs for Security+ certification renewal exist as well. 

Earn CompTIA Certifications 

Enrol in CompTIA certifications to fulfil CEU requirements for Security+ certification renewal. However, only high-level CompTIA certifications such as CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+), CompTIA CySA+, and CompTIA PenTest+ qualify. Obtaining another CompTIA certification also automatically renews Security+ certification, without any additional documents or formalities. Additionally, the Security+ renewal fee is waived. 

Earn Non-CompTIA IT industry certifications  

To renew your Security+ certification, you can earn a non-CompTIA certification recognised by organisations such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and others listed on CompTIA's website. Note that not all certifications from these organisations count toward Security+ renewal. Check CompTIA's list of approved certifications, as certifications from non-listed organisations will not qualify for Security+ renewal. 

Participation in IT industry activities 

Earn CEUs for Security+ certification renewal by teaching, mentoring, or creating instructional material related to IT. To earn credit for teaching activities, submit a lesson plan, syllabus, and content description, including the date taught. For mentoring, submit objectives and a statement of relevance to the Security+ exam, signed by the mentee, including date and time specifications. When creating instructional material, include a lesson plan or syllabus, a copy of the material, and the creation date. 

Publish an article, a blog or a book 

To renew a CompTIA Security+ certification, publishing articles, books, documents, or blogs related to IT can also earn CEUs. There are maximum limits for CEUs earned from each activity, with articles earning a maximum of 16 CEUs, books earning up to 40 CEUs, and blogs earning up to 16 CEUs. After publishing, submit a copy or URL of the article along with a description of its contents to CompTIA to secure a Security+ renewal. 

Gain any relevant work experience 

To renew a Security+ certification, relevant work experience can also be counted towards CEUs. One can claim a total of 9 CEUs from work experience, with a maximum of 3 CEUs per year. At least 50% of the work experience must be relevant to the exam objectives. A letter from the employer must be submitted to claim CEUs, which should include the employee's name, job title, corresponding year, activities performed, and manager/supervisor signature. Other documents, such as a work order or performance report, are not accepted. Holding multiple CompTIA certifications only requires renewing the highest-level certification to renew all lower-level certifications. 

Pay CompTIA Security+ Renewal Fee 

One must pay the Security+ renewal fee before submitting the CEUs they have earned through the aforementioned methods. However, they do not need to pay the fee if they are renewing their certification by passing the CertMaster CE or completing a higher-level CompTIA certification. The total fee needed to renew a certification is roughly £120 over three years.  

Submit CompTIA Security+ CEU 

The final step in the process of renewing a Security+ certification is the submission of the earned CEUs. After paying the renewal fee, individuals must submit the CEUs they have earned. Once the process is completed, the certification will be renewed for another three years, and the process must be repeated at the end of the period.   

How can you avail the CompTIA Security+ CEU Resources? 

The previous sections of this blog discussed the renewal requirements as well as the different steps in the renewal process. The next question that most readers ask is about the options that one can avail to fulfil the Security+ CEU requirements. As it turns out, there are several methods by which one can obtain the necessary training. This section of the blog will go through each of these methods one by one. 

Training courses 

A training course is a solid choice to earn CEUs. It can provide up to 50 CEUs, with one hour of training equating to one CEU. But to claim these CEUs, the course must be completed within the three-year renewal cycle and must be relevant to the certification. Submitting the completion certificate, registration, and course outline is also necessary. 

Live webinars 

A live webinar is another option to earn CEUs. Attending one can earn a maximum of 10 CEUs, covering part of the renewal cycle requirement. Each hour of attendance earns one CEU, but it must be done within the three-year renewal cycle and be relevant to the certification. Submitting the completion certificate, registration, content, date, and duration is also necessary. 

Conference 

Attending a conference is a good option to earn multiple CEUs for Security+ renewal. One can earn a maximum of 10 CEUs, with one CEU for each hour of attendance. The conference must be attended within the three-year renewal cycle and be relevant to the certification. Submitting a completion certificate, content, date, and duration is also required. 

College course 

Completing a college course is another option to earn the necessary CEUs for Security+ renewal. A college course can earn a maximum of 50 CEUs, covering the full renewal requirement. One can earn 10 CEUs for every 3 to 4 credit-hour class completed. The course must be completed within the three-year renewal cycle and be relevant to the certification. Submitting a transcript, semester, course name, and credit hours is also required to claim CEU credits. 

American Council on Education (ACE) course 

An ACE course is another option to earn CEUs for Security+ renewal, with the same credit system as a regular college course. One can earn a maximum of 50 CEUs, with 10 CEUs for each 3 to 4-credit hour class completed. The course must be finished within the three-year renewal cycle and be relevant to the certification. Submitting a transcript, semester, course name, and credit hours is also required to claim the CEUs.   

Understand CompTIA Network+ better by enrolling in our CompTIA Network+ Certification Training Course. 

Conclusion 

In summary, holding a CompTIA Security+ certification is a significant advantage for a cybersecurity professional. It sets them apart from competitors and demonstrates their expertise in the field. Renewing the certification ensures that their skills are up-to-date with the latest standards and technologies, making them more valuable to their employer and increasing their chances of success in the industry. 

Become a CompTIA Security+ wizard by signing up for our CompTIA Certification Training Course!