Two of my certs are good through 2031. I'm done retaking exams just because the version has changed.

[Gregory Childers]

My A+ and Network+ had expiration dates in 2028. This was due to my earning the CASP+ and then renewing it by passing the ISACA CISM.

I passed the fifth version of Network+, which extended my Net+ and A+ until 2031. My first Network+ certification was in 2005.

At this point, I don't really see the point of taking any of the certification exams again if I've already passed them. Especially if I've passed multiple versions already.

I didn't even study for the Net+ this time. Didn't even download the objectives. Just signed up and took it blind and passed easily. The exams don't change enough from one version to the next to justify constantly retaking them. Maybe 10%-15% changes, tops.

I'll just renew them with CEUs from now on because there is zero value to constantly retaking exams just because the version changes. They don't list the version number on the certificate. Just the date originally earned and the expiration date.

For the record, none of my clients require that I have the most current CISSP, CISM, CAPM, MS Azure, or any other certification. It makes no sense at all for me to retake any CompTIA exam that I've already passed before.

I've still got DataX and Linux+ left to pass, and then I'm done taking CompTIA exams.

 

[precious]

At this point, you probably deserve a CompTIA loyalty card, given your exam experience background and the degree of certifications you possess. Retaking the same exam can seem pointless once you have established a strong foundation and are keeping your certifications up to date with CEUs. I agree that there are frequently only minor version changes between releases-usually just enough to keep up with emerging technologies or trends.

That said, a retake could still be beneficial for someone who is still learning the basics or new to the field. But once you've passed several versions and earned higher-level certifications like CASP+ and CISM, it’s tough to justify the time and cost.. Using CEUs to renew is a wise choice particularly if your clients don't need the most recent versions.

Good luck finishing up Linux+ and DataX.

 

[TechTrainer11]

At this point, you probably deserve a CompTIA loyalty card, given your exam experience background and the degree of certifications you possess. Retaking the same exam can seem pointless once you have established a strong foundation and are keeping your certifications up to date with CEUs. I agree that there are frequently only minor version changes between releases-usually just enough to keep up with emerging technologies or trends.

That said, a retake could still be beneficial for someone who is still learning the basics or new to the field. But once you've passed several versions and earned higher-level certifications like CASP+ and CISM, it’s tough to justify the time and cost.. Using CEUs to renew is a wise choice particularly if your clients don't need the most recent versions.

Good luck finishing up Linux+ and DataX.

 

[TechTrainer11]

This year I will be recertification of CySA, Pentest+, Security X, and A+, I have been taking exams for 40 years and still get nervous each time I sit them

 

[precious]

This year I will be recertification of CySA, Pentest+, Security X, and A+, I have been taking exams for 40 years and still get nervous each time I sit them

I think being nervous it's just a sign you care about doing well.... Wishing you the best on your recertifications this year!

 

[VICTOR CHIDI OKPURUKA]

My A+ and Network+ had expiration dates in 2028. This was due to my earning the CASP+ and then renewing it by passing the ISACA CISM.

I passed the fifth version of Network+, which extended my Net+ and A+ until 2031. My first Network+ certification was in 2005.

At this point, I don't really see the point of taking any of the certification exams again if I've already passed them. Especially if I've passed multiple versions already.

I didn't even study for the Net+ this time. Didn't even download the objectives. Just signed up and took it blind and passed easily. The exams don't change enough from one version to the next to justify constantly retaking them. Maybe 10%-15% changes, tops.

I'll just renew them with CEUs from now on because there is zero value to constantly retaking exams just because the version changes. They don't list the version number on the certificate. Just the date originally earned and the expiration date.

For the record, none of my clients require that I have the most current CISSP, CISM, CAPM, MS Azure, or any other certification. It makes no sense at all for me to retake any CompTIA exam that I've already passed before.

I've still got DataX and Linux+ left to pass, and then I'm done taking CompTIA exams.

This is a rich and awesome certification series you have in your arsenal. Yes there comes a time when you no longer feel the need to keep recertifiy.

All the best in your DataX and Linux+ certs.

 

[Bruce Weaver]

...
I'll just renew them with CEUs from now on because there is zero value to constantly retaking exams just because the version changes. They don't list the version number on the certificate. Just the date originally earned and the expiration date.

This really annoys me - that they don't list the version or the date taken.
I retake the certifications no longer for validating my skills but to make sure I am up to speed with what CompTIA is focused on in the current version. And since my employer is paying there really is no reason for me not to take the core certifications each time they are refreshed.

 

[precious]

This really annoys me - that they don't list the version or the date taken.
I retake the certifications no longer for validating my skills but to make sure I am up to speed with what CompTIA is focused on in the current version. And since my employer is paying there really is no reason for me not to take the core certifications each time they are refreshed.

There is nothing quite as perplexing as a mystery certification - is it from 2025 or maybe even 2005? Who really knows! Nowadays, I retake the CompTIA certification exams to ensure I won't end up teaching DOS commands in the presence of cloud APIs, not because I doubt my skills.

 

[TechTrainer11]

This really annoys me - that they don't list the version or the date taken.
I retake the certifications no longer for validating my skills but to make sure I am up to speed with what CompTIA is focused on in the current version. And since my employer is paying there really is no reason for me not to take the core certifications each time they are refreshed.

If you a trainer then most companies will insist you have the current version of exam taken irrespective of being up to date with credits

 

[Gregory Childers]

If you a trainer then most companies will insist you have the current version of exam taken irrespective of being up to date with credits

I work as an independent contractor, so some clients will pay for retests while others won't. I get several free vouchers by attending the TTTs or passing inexpensive beta releases of the exams.

However, none of my clients has asked me to retake the ISC2, ISACA, or PMI exams, even though they all revise their exams periodically. My clients ONLY require that I retest for CompTIA. And I can honestly tell you that NONE of the exams change more than 10%-15% from one exam version to the next. I didn't even study for Net+ when I passed the FIFTH version of it a month ago. I can only vaguely remember some of the topics or styles of questions from that day.

Retesting, instead of getting CEUs, seems to have no value whatsoever. CEUs FORCE people to keep their skill sets current. Retesting every three years doesn't work because the exams don't change enough from version to version.

 

[Mark Anthony French]

My A+ and Network+ had expiration dates in 2028. This was due to my earning the CASP+ and then renewing it by passing the ISACA CISM.

I passed the fifth version of Network+, which extended my Net+ and A+ until 2031. My first Network+ certification was in 2005.

At this point, I don't really see the point of taking any of the certification exams again if I've already passed them. Especially if I've passed multiple versions already.

I didn't even study for the Net+ this time. Didn't even download the objectives. Just signed up and took it blind and passed easily. The exams don't change enough from one version to the next to justify constantly retaking them. Maybe 10%-15% changes, tops.

I'll just renew them with CEUs from now on because there is zero value to constantly retaking exams just because the version changes. They don't list the version number on the certificate. Just the date originally earned and the expiration date.

For the record, none of my clients require that I have the most current CISSP, CISM, CAPM, MS Azure, or any other certification. It makes no sense at all for me to retake any CompTIA exam that I've already passed before.

I've still got DataX and Linux+ left to pass, and then I'm done taking CompTIA exams.

The exception is that if you are teaching students to master the material and pass the exam then you need to know about the current exam.

 

[Gregory Childers]

The exception is that if you are teaching students to master the material and pass the exam then you need to know about the current exam.

Unless you have photographic memory, passing the new exam does absolutely nothing to prepare you to teach the updated exam to students.

All I need to know about the current version of the exam is the exam objectives.

Plus, I've taken six versions of Security+ and five versions of Network+. The exams rarely change much from one version to the next.

And NO ONE requires trainers to take the updated ISC2, ISACA, PMI, OffSec, EC-Council, or GIAC exams every time they update.

No, you cannot convince me that continually retesting for CompTIA exams serves any benefit over obtaining CEUs to maintain a certification.

 

[Mitch Garvis]

And NO ONE requires trainers to take the updated ISC2, ISACA, PMI, OffSec, EC-Council, or GIAC exams every time they update.

No, you cannot convince me that continually retesting for CompTIA exams serves any benefit over obtaining CEUs to maintain a certification.

There is one training organization that asked me recently to prove that I have the latest A+ Net+ Sec+... they told me that unless I do, they will mark me as ineligible to teach those classes. I told the broker that based on the pay rate (which is abysmal) I would spend neither the money for the exam nor the time to prepare, but if they provided me vouchers I would gladly re-take the exams.

In my not-so-humble opinion, and I say this with respect: a trainer who passed CISSP, CCSP, and SecurityX in the last year is qualified to teach the latest version of Security+... no matter which version of the Sec+ exam he passed.

 

[baylis]

There is one training organization that asked me recently to prove that I have the latest A+ Net+ Sec+... they told me that unless I do, they will mark me as ineligible to teach those classes. I told the broker that based on the pay rate (which is abysmal) I would spend neither the money for the exam nor the time to prepare, but if they provided me vouchers I would gladly re-take the exams.

In my not-so-humble opinion, and I say this with respect: a trainer who passed CISSP, CCSP, and SecurityX in the last year is qualified to teach the latest version of Security+... no matter which version of the Sec+ exam he passed.

Sec+ is a foundation course and I don't think you need much to teach it. Industry experience should be good enough to teach it.

 

[Mitch Garvis]

Sec+ is a foundation course and I don't think you need much to teach it. Industry experience should be good enough to teach it.

While I agree, I was making a point

 

[Gregory Childers]

There is one training organization that asked me recently to prove that I have the latest A+ Net+ Sec+... they told me that unless I do, they will mark me as ineligible to teach those classes. I told the broker that based on the pay rate (which is abysmal) I would spend neither the money for the exam nor the time to prepare, but if they provided me vouchers I would gladly re-take the exams.

In my not-so-humble opinion, and I say this with respect: a trainer who passed CISSP, CCSP, and SecurityX in the last year is qualified to teach the latest version of Security+... no matter which version of the Sec+ exam he passed.

It's ridiculous to require a trainer to pass the most recent version of any exam, unless it's vendor-specific like Cisco, Microsoft, AWS, or Google.

As long as someone has an active certification, they shouldn't have to pass the most recent version.

I've got 30+ years of IT experience, 25+ years of technical training experience, 20+ years of cybersecurity experience, along with a CISSP, CISM, SecurityX, PenTest+, CySA+, Security+, Cloud+, Network+, A+, and a few dozen other certifications. If a client still thinks I need to spend a few hundred bucks to pass the latest version of an exam that I have already passed (some multiple times), then I don't want to work for that client. They clearly do not know what they're talking about.