If you follow the Security+ roadmap, then Pentest+ or CySA+, and conclude with SecurityX, then you can rest assured that your certifications will be renewed for 5-7 years, as the new, higher-level certification will renew the older one. This is the path I followed to earn my CompTIA CSIE.
Passing Security+ is not the end. The certification is valid for 3 years from the exam date, and if it’s not renewed on time, it will expire — there’s no grace period, and no late submissions are accepted.
This article explains the mechanism and three ways to renew, along with common pitfalls.
CompTIA’s CE Mechanism
CompTIA calls this program CE — Continuing Education. The idea is simple: cybersecurity changes too quickly for an exam taken in 2026 to still be relevant in 2032.
For Security+, you need two things within the 3-year cycle:
1. Accumulate 50 CEUs. One CEU is equivalent to approximately one hour of valid activity.
2. Pay the maintenance fee. Paid annually or as a lump sum for the entire cycle.
The clock starts running from the day you pass the exam. You can accumulate CEUs at any time within the 3 years; they don't have to be evenly distributed each year.
Most Important Point: If You Hold Multiple CompTIA Certifications
This detail saves the most money and effort, and many people are unaware of it.
CompTIA operates on an "intent level" mechanism. You don't renew each certification individually. You select the highest-level certification you hold as your intent level, meet its requirements, and all lower-level certifications within the same system are renewed automatically.
For example: you have A+, Network+, and Security+. Choose Security+ as your intent level, accumulate enough CEUs for Security+, pay the fee at that level — all three will be renewed.
Fees are also only paid at the highest level, not for each individual certification.
Note: some certifications outside this hierarchy (such as Server+, Project+, and data branch certifications) still need to be renewed separately.
Three Ways to Renew
Method 1 — Accumulate 50 CEUs
The most common and flexible method.
Eligible activities:
| Activity | Notes |
|---|---|
| Courses, training related to Security+ objectives | Largest source of CEUs |
| Industry conferences, professional webinars | Many free eligible webinars |
| Work experience in cybersecurity | Limited CEU amount, requires supporting documentation |
| Teaching, presenting on cybersecurity topics | High CEU value |
| Writing articles, publishing professional content | Requires proof of publication |
| Other industry certifications (not CompTIA) | Depends on type, check approved list |
Key point: activities must be related to the Security+ objectives, and some types require submitting supporting documents for CompTIA approval. Don't do 50 hours of work and then try to figure out which ones count.
Tip: submit CEUs periodically over 3 years instead of saving them until the end of the cycle. If an activity is rejected, you'll still have time to replace it. Waiting until the last month and then having it rejected leaves you with no options.
Method 2 — Complete a CertMaster CE Course
CompTIA offers self-paced online courses specifically designed for renewal. Completing this course fulfills all 50 CEUs in one go, eliminating the need to submit individual activities.
Suitable for busy individuals who don't want to track CEUs or who don't have many professional activities to convert.
Method 3 — Earn a Higher-Level Certification
This is the method I recommend if you are still on your career path.
Passing a higher-level CompTIA certification — CySA+, PenTest+, or advanced certifications — will automatically renew Security+, without needing to accumulate separate CEUs.
Here's why this is the most logical choice for many:
- You enhance your skills while fulfilling renewal requirements, killing two birds with one stone.
- 50 CEUs translate to about 50 hours of study — investing that time in a new certification yields more tangible results.
- Higher-level certifications have real value in the job market, whereas renewal itself is not visible to employers.
Honest assessment: this method is more expensive than the other two. It's only worthwhile if the new certification aligns with your career direction. Earning PenTest+ just to renew Security+ when you work in compliance wouldn't be logical.
If Your Certification Expires
There is no grace period. You cannot submit CEUs retroactively.
The only way to regain it: retake the current version of the exam. This means paying the full exam fee again and re-studying from scratch, with content that may have changed since you last learned it.
This is why you should set reminders on your phone the day you pass the exam — three milestones: 12 months left, 6 months left, 3 months left.
Actual Renewal Process
- Log in to your CompTIA account, go to the certification management area.
- Check your expiration date and accumulated CEUs.
- Pay the maintenance fee — typically, you must pay the fee before you can submit CEUs.
- Submit each CEU activity with supporting documentation if required for that type.
- Wait for CompTIA approval — it's not instant, so don't wait until the deadline.
- Once enough CEUs are accumulated and fees are paid, your certification will automatically renew for another 3 years.
A common misconception: the new expiration date is calculated from the old expiration date, not from the date you renew. Renewing early doesn't cost you time.
Three Things to Do Immediately After Passing Security+
1. Set three calendar reminders as mentioned above.
2. Create a note to track CEUs. Whenever you attend a webinar, take a course, or work on a security project — record the date, activity name, hours, and save evidence. Three years from now, you won't remember.
3. Decide on your next steps early. If you plan to earn a higher certification within the next 3 years, you don't need to worry about CEUs at all. Knowing this upfront will save you from unnecessary tracking.
See also: What jobs can you get with Security+ in Vietnam? · What is CompTIA Security+?