CompTIA Security+ Cost
At a glance
- Exam fee
- $425
- Issuing body
- CompTIA
- Domain
- IT, cloud & cybersecurity
- Validity
- 3 years
Informational only — not financial or career advice. Exam fees and certification requirements change, and the figures here are accurate only as of the listed verification date. Confirm the current fee and rules directly with the certifying body before you register or budget. We report the official-body exam fee for a single attempt; it excludes prep courses, materials and retakes, and is not the total cost of certifying.
The CompTIA Security+ examination carries a base fee of $425 for a single attempt, as verified in June 2026. This fee covers the exam voucher only and does not include third-party training courses, study materials, practice tests, or retake attempts. Candidates who do not pass on their first attempt may pursue a retake; bundled retake options are available at approximately $474. Fees are subject to change, and individuals should verify the current cost directly with CompTIA's official website before budgeting or registering for the examination.
Information Security Analysts, the occupation most commonly associated with the Security+ certification, earned a median annual wage of $124,910 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This figure represents the midpoint wage for the occupation and does not constitute a guarantee of salary, promotion, or financial return from obtaining the certification. Individuals should consult CompTIA's official eligibility requirements and renewal policies for complete details on certification standards and maintenance.
Related pay (occupation median). The U.S. BLS reports a median annual wage of $124,910 (typically $69,660–$186,420 from the 10th to the 90th percentile) for Information Security Analysts, the occupation this certification most often targets. That is the occupation’s pay, not a guaranteed lift from the certificate — actual pay depends on role, employer, location and experience. Source: BLS OEWS national file.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Certification | CompTIA Security+ |
| Issuing body | CompTIA |
| Base exam fee | $425 |
| Fee notes | single voucher; +retake bundle ~$474 |
| Prerequisites | None (Network+ recommended) |
| Validity / renewal | 3 years |
What this fee does and doesn’t include
The figure here is the official-body exam fee for a single attempt. It does not include third-party training, prep courses, study materials, or retake fees — those are separate and vary by provider. Membership-tiered bodies may offer a lower member rate (noted above). Confirm the live fee on the issuer’s registration page before budgeting.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the CompTIA Security+ exam?
Does this include a prep course?
Exam fee compiled from issuer’s registration page →, verified June 2026. How we compile this. Confirm the current fee before you pay — bodies re-price periodically.
Prerequisites & how to register → · Prep guide → · Compare IT, cloud & cybersecurity certs →