CompTIA Security+: Requirements & Exam Details

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.

CompTIA Security+ is a vendor-neutral information security certification issued by CompTIA. There are no formal prerequisites to register for the exam, though CompTIA recommends that candidates hold the CompTIA Network+ certification or possess equivalent networking knowledge. The single-attempt exam fee is $425 as of June 2026; this price is subject to change. A retake bundle is available at approximately $474. Candidates should verify current fees and eligibility requirements directly on CompTIA's official website before registering, as pricing and policies may be updated.

The Security+ credential is valid for three years from the date of passing the exam. To maintain the certification beyond the initial three-year period, holders must renew their credential according to CompTIA's renewal requirements. The specific renewal procedures, associated costs, and any modifications to prerequisites, exam fees, or validity terms are established by CompTIA and may change. Individuals considering this certification should confirm all current requirements and policies on the issuing body's official page before proceeding.

Register with the issuer. Eligibility, fees and renewal rules are set by CompTIA and can change — confirm on the official page.

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