How to Renew Your CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Certification

Your CompTIA Security+ certification is valid for three years from the date you passed your exam. To maintain your certification, you need to participate in CompTIA's Continuing Education (CE) program. Failing to renew before your expiration date means you'll have to pass the current Security+ exam again to regain your certification.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the renewal process:

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1. Understand Your Renewal Timeline

• Certification Date: The date you passed your SY0-701 exam.
• Expiration Date: Three years from your certification date.
• CEU Earning Window: You can earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the day you earn your certification until your expiration date.
• Renewal Deadline: You must complete all renewal requirements, including earning CEUs and paying any applicable fees, by your certification's expiration date.

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2. Choose Your Renewal Option

CompTIA offers several ways to renew your Security+ certification:

Option A: Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) This is the most common method.

• CEUs Required: You need to earn 50 CEUs during your three-year renewal cycle.
• Relevance: At least 50% of the CEU activities must relate to one or more of the Security+ (SY0-701) exam objectives.

Option B: Complete CompTIA CertMaster CE for Security+

• This is a self-paced online course offered by CompTIA specifically designed for renewal.
• Successfully completing the CertMaster CE course for Security+ will automatically renew your certification and fulfill the CEU requirement.
• Typically, the CE fees are included in the price of CertMaster CE.

Option C: Pass the Latest Version of the Security+ Exam

• You can choose to take and pass the latest version of the Security+ exam (which would be SY0-701 or a newer version if available at your time of renewal).
• This automatically renews your certification.

Option D: Earn a Higher-Level CompTIA Certification

• Passing a higher-level CompTIA certification (e.g., CompTIA CySA+, CompTIA PenTest+, CompTIA CASP+) will automatically renew your lower-level certifications, including Security+.

Option E: Earn Certain Non-CompTIA IT Industry Certifications

• CompTIA recognizes certain other industry certifications that can fully or partially satisfy your CEU requirements.
• You must submit documentation for these certifications through your CompTIA certification account.
• Check the official CompTIA website for the list of pre-approved certifications and the number of CEUs they provide. Some may fully renew Security+, while others provide partial CEUs.

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3. How to Earn CEUs (If Choosing Option A)

If you opt to earn 50 CEUs, here are common qualifying activities:

• Complete Training Courses:
  • Courses from CompTIA or other recognized providers.
  • 1 CEU per hour of instruction (e.g., a 10-hour course gives 10 CEUs).
  • Documentation: Certificate of completion.
• Attend Live Webinars:
  • Webinars related to cybersecurity topics.
  • 1 CEU per hour of attendance.
  • Documentation: Proof of attendance, email confirmation.
  • Maximum: 10 CEUs for Security+.
• Attend Industry Conferences/Events:
  • Events like RSA, Black Hat, or local cybersecurity conferences.
  • 1 CEU per hour of attendance.
  • Documentation: Badge, registration confirmation, session list.
  • Maximum: 10 CEUs for Security+.
• Complete College/University Courses:
  • Courses related to IT or cybersecurity.
  • 10 CEUs per 3-4 credit hour course; 20 CEUs per 5+ credit hour course.
  • Documentation: Transcript.
  • Maximum: 40 CEUs.
• Work Experience:
  • If your job role involves tasks directly related to the Security+ exam objectives.
  • 3 CEUs per year (total of 9 CEUs for the 3-year cycle).
  • Documentation: Letter from employer detailing relevant job responsibilities.
  • Maximum: 9 CEUs.
• Create Content:
  • Writing relevant articles, blog posts, books, or creating training materials.
  • Varies (e.g., a blog post might be 1-2 CEUs, a book could be up to 40 CEUs).
  • Documentation: Copy of content, publication details.
• Teach or Mentor:
  • Teaching courses or mentoring others on Security+ related topics.
  • 1 CEU per hour of instruction.
  • Documentation: Letter from institution or mentee.
  • Maximum: 20 CEUs.
• Participate in CompTIA Exam Development Workshops:
  • Up to 50 CEUs.
  • Documentation: Provided by CompTIA.

Important for CEU Activities:

• Relevance: Ensure activities align with Security+ (SY0-701) exam objectives.
• Documentation: Keep meticulous records and proof for all activities. CompTIA may audit your submissions.

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4. Continuing Education (CE) Fees

• If you renew by earning CEUs (Option A) or through some non-CompTIA certifications (Option E, if it doesn't fully renew), you will need to pay CE fees.
• The CE fee for Security+ is $50 USD per year, totaling $150 USD for the three-year cycle.
• You can pay this fee annually or as a lump sum before your certification expires.
• Fee Waivers: CE fees are generally waived if you renew by:
  • Completing CompTIA CertMaster CE.
  • Passing the latest Security+ exam.
  • Earning a qualifying higher-level CompTIA certification.

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5. Step-by-Step Renewal Process (Primarily for CEU Submission)

1. Log in to your CompTIA Certification Account: Go to https://login.comptia.org.
2. Navigate to the "Continuing Education" section.
3. Submit Your CEU Activities:
   • Click on "Submit CEUs" or a similar option.
   • Choose the activity type from the dropdown menu.
   • Enter the details of your completed activity (e.g., course name, provider, completion date, hours).
   • Upload the required supporting documentation for each activity.
   • Indicate how the activity relates to the Security+ exam objectives.
4. Pay Your CE Fees (if applicable):
   • Once you have submitted enough CEUs, or if you are ready to pay, navigate to the payment section.
   • Fees must be paid before your certification can be officially renewed (unless waived).
5. Track Your Progress: Your account dashboard will show your CEU progress and certification status.
6. Confirmation: Once you have met all requirements (earned 50 CEUs or completed an alternative renewal path, and paid any applicable fees), CompTIA will process your renewal. Your certification expiration date will be extended by three years. You should receive an email confirmation.

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6. Key Reminders & Best Practices

• Start Early: Don't wait until the last minute. Begin planning your CEU activities and earning them throughout your three-year cycle.
• Understand SY0-701 Objectives: Familiarize yourself with the official CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) exam objectives to ensure your CEU activities are relevant.
• Keep Documentation: Store all your CEU documentation in a safe place, even after your renewal is complete, in case of an audit.
• Check CompTIA’s Website Regularly: Policies and approved activities can change. Always refer to the official CompTIA Continuing Education page for the most up-to-date information.
• What if My Certification Expires? If you let your Security+ certification expire, you will need to retake and pass the current version of the Security+ exam to become certified again. There is usually no grace period after the expiration date for earning CEUs.

By following these steps and planning, you can successfully renew your CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) certification and maintain your valuable credential. Good luck!