Understanding CompTIA Certification Expiration: A Detailed Look at Policy Changes, Renewal, and Learning Resources

 

Intro 

The world of IT certifications is undergoing continuous change, driven by the fast-moving nature of technology. As one of the most recognized vendors offering neutral certifications, CompTIA has revised its policies over time to keep its credentials aligned with industry demands and professional relevance. This article aims to clarify frequently asked questions about the expiration rules for CompTIA certifications—highlighting the transition in the Security+ policy, the current standing of certifications such as Server+, Project+, and Tech+, available renewal methods, and how learners can access official training materials through authorized partners like StarLearn (iICT).

The Evolution of CompTIA Security+ Expiration Policy

Many IT professionals who earned CompTIA certifications in the early 2000s, such as Security+ obtained in 2003, recall these credentials being "Good for Life" (GFL), meaning they did not expire. However, this policy underwent a significant change. Effective January 1, 2011, CompTIA introduced its Continuing Education (CE) program and revised the expiration policy for several key certifications, including A+, Network+, and Security+.

This change meant that these certifications, regardless of when they were initially earned, transitioned to a three-year validity period. Certifications earned from January 1, 2011, onwards were issued with this three-year expiration date. For those holding certifications earned before 2011, the policy change also applied, although specific transition details and initial expiration dates were provided at the time. This explains why a Security+ certification earned in 2003 was initially considered GFL, while one earned or renewed in 2024 requires renewal every three years.

The primary drivers behind this policy shift were:

• Alignment with International Standards: The change brought CompTIA's program in line with the requirements of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), specifically ISO/IEC 17024, which mandates periodic renewal for personnel certification bodies to ensure ongoing competence.

• Maintaining Relevance: The IT field changes rapidly. Requiring renewal ensures that certified professionals stay current with the latest technologies, threats, and best practices, thereby maintaining the value and credibility of the certification itself.

• Industry Practice: Many other major IT certification providers already had renewal requirements in place, and CompTIA's move aligned with this industry standard.

Current Expiration Status of CompTIA Certifications

Understanding which CompTIA certifications require renewal is crucial. Based on current CompTIA policies:

• Certifications Requiring Renewal (CE Certifications): CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Linux+, Cloud+, PenTest+, Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), and CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) are all part of the Continuing Education program. These certifications carry a "ce" designation and expire three years from the date they are earned. Your Security+ certification earned in 2024 falls into this category.

• Good for Life (GFL) Certifications: Several CompTIA certifications remain GFL and do not currently require renewal. This includes CompTIA Server+, CompTIA Project+, and CompTIA Tech+. Once earned, these certifications do not expire.

Regarding the possibility of Server+ and Project+ following the path of Security+ and becoming expiring certifications, CompTIA's official policy page states that the renewal policy currently only applies to the listed 'ce' certifications. While CompTIA reserves the right to update its policies, there is no official indication at this time that the GFL status of Server+, Project+, or Tech+ is set to change. These certifications are not currently accredited under the ISO 17024 standard which drives the renewal requirement for the others.

Renewing Expiring CompTIA Certifications

For certifications that do expire (like Security+, A+, Network+, etc.), CompTIA offers several pathways to maintain active status through its Continuing Education (CE) program:

• Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs): This is the most common method. Professionals must earn a specific number of CEUs within their three-year renewal cycle by completing qualifying activities. Examples include:

  • Earning other industry certifications (CompTIA or non-CompTIA)

  • Completing training and higher education

  • Participating in IT industry activities (e.g., conferences, workshops)

  • Publishing articles, white papers, blog posts, or books

  • Gaining relevant work experience

  The number of CEUs required varies by certification (e.g., Security+ requires 50 CEUs). Documentation for completed activities must be uploaded to the candidate's CompTIA certification account.

• Complete CertMaster CE: This is an online, self-paced eLearning course offered by CompTIA specifically designed for certification renewal. Successfully completing the CertMaster CE course for a specific certification automatically renews it.

• Pass the Latest Version of the Exam: Candidates can choose to retake and pass the most current version of the exam for their certification before it expires.

• Earn a Higher-Level CompTIA Certification: Passing a qualifying higher-level CompTIA certification automatically renews lower-level certifications. For example, earning CySA+ or PenTest+ would renew Security+.

Important Notes:

• Renewal Cycle: The three-year cycle begins on the date the certification is earned.

• Fees: Annual CE fees are typically required to maintain the certification, payable during the renewal cycle.

• Expiration: If a certification is not renewed by its expiration date, it becomes inactive. To regain certified status, the candidate must pass the latest version of the exam.

• Grace Period: While CompTIA does not offer a grace period for completing CE activities (they must be done within the 3 years), there is a 90-day grace period after expiration for paying outstanding CE fees and uploading documentation for activities completed before the expiration date.

CompTIA Learning Resources via StarLearn (iICT)

Preparing for CompTIA exams or renewal often involves using official training materials. StarLearn (starlearn.co) appears to be an authorized CompTIA partner (potentially linked with iICT, though the site primarily brands as StarLearn) offering various official CompTIA learning products, often at competitive prices. Based on browsing their website, here are some key offerings:

• CertMaster Learn: This is CompTIA's comprehensive, interactive eLearning platform. It includes instructional lessons, videos, performance-based questions (PBQs), practice questions, and assessments covering all exam objectives. StarLearn offers CertMaster Learn for various certifications, including Security+ (SY0-701), with different access durations (e.g., 12 months). Pricing varies; for example, Security+ Learn was listed at a sale price of $249.00 USD (originally $572.00 USD) at the time of research.

• CertMaster Labs: These provide hands-on experience through browser-based virtual labs, allowing candidates to practice real-world skills related to the exam objectives. StarLearn lists CertMaster Labs for certifications like Security+.

• CertMaster Practice: This is an adaptive online practice test tool. It assesses knowledge and exam readiness, identifies areas of weakness, and provides feedback. StarLearn offers CertMaster Practice, and at the time of research, the Security+ (SY0-701) version was featured in a flash sale at $107.50 USD (originally $215.00 USD).

• Exam Vouchers: StarLearn also offers CompTIA exam vouchers, potentially with discounts depending on the region and current promotions. The user mentioned that voucher prices vary by country/region, which is standard practice for CompTIA exams.

Recommendation: StarLearn appears to be a valid source for official CompTIA materials, potentially offering better pricing than purchasing directly from CompTIA, especially during sales events. When considering purchasing, it's advisable to:

• Verify the specific product version (e.g., SY0-701 for the current Security+ exam)

• Check the access duration (e.g., 12 months for CertMaster Learn/Labs/Practice)

• Compare bundle options (e.g., Learn + Labs) if available

• Confirm regional applicability and pricing by selecting the correct country/currency on the StarLearn website

• Check the StarLearn website directly for the most current pricing and promotions, as these can change.

The End

CompTIA's certification policies have evolved to ensure their credentials reflect the current state of the IT industry. While the move to a three-year renewal cycle for certifications like Security+ requires ongoing effort through the Continuing Education program, it ultimately enhances the value and recognition of these credentials. Certifications such as Server+, Project+, and Tech+ currently remain Good for Life, offering long-term validation without renewal requirements. For those pursuing or renewing certifications, resources like CertMaster Learn, Labs, and Practice, available through partners such as StarLearn, provide comprehensive preparation options, often with potential cost savings.