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Security+ CEU's

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Z

zarymanning

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Feb 14, 2026
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#1
Hi everyone,

New instructor here, posting on behalf of a student who just passed her Security+ SY0-701 — very proud of her!

CompTIA's website states that the Security+ CertMaster CE CEU program is only good for the Security+ V6 (SY0-601):
www.comptia.org

Continuing Education | CompTIA

Renew your CompTIA certification with continuing education. Learn about CEUs, CE fees, CertMaster CE, and all approved renewal options to stay certified.
www.comptia.org www.comptia.org

Does anyone know how a student might renew the SY0-701? It looks like they just buy the $50 CE token in a quantity of 3 — or purchase it 3 times? I'm not clear on how that verifies that they actually completed any continuing education. Does a student pay these fees and then still have to turn around and pay for an approved program separately? In other words, after paying the fees, do they then also have to submit proof of continuing education?

Additionally, if they pay for a continuing education program outside of CompTIA, do they still owe CompTIA $150 in renewal fees on top of that?

Any clarity would be greatly appreciated — I want to make sure I'm pointing her in the right direction.

(Note: First post in the community here. I apologize if this has been answered previously. I tried to find an answer but I unfortunately was unable to turn up anything.)
 
Solution
Z
Bruce Weaver said:
I advise when the 3 years are nearly up for this student that they use CertMaster CE for Security+. Short answer: Do the short course, and you get 3 more years. As for the CEU route, it is a good deal of work to save approximately $50 USD. They pay the $150 and yes they do have to submit qualifying activities in addition to the payement. As for an outside CE program, unless they charge her for the CertMaster CE (at a higher rate obviously) yes they would still owe the $150 CE fee. (This also assumes that this activity provides enough CEUs -Continuing Educcation Units)!
Here is the CE page you will want to examine: https://www.comptia.org/en-us/certifications/continuing-education/


Keep in mind this student should NOT try and...
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#2
I advise when the 3 years are nearly up for this student that they use CertMaster CE for Security+. Short answer: Do the short course, and you get 3 more years. As for the CEU route, it is a good deal of work to save approximately $50 USD. They pay the $150 and yes they do have to submit qualifying activities in addition to the payement. As for an outside CE program, unless they charge her for the CertMaster CE (at a higher rate obviously) yes they would still owe the $150 CE fee. (This also assumes that this activity provides enough CEUs -Continuing Educcation Units)!
Here is the CE page you will want to examine: https://www.comptia.org/en-us/certifications/continuing-education/


Keep in mind this student should NOT try and do the CertMaster CE until their certification is somewhat close to expiring. I suggest 6 months before at most. Their is no CE path from 701 to MORE 701. She will need to wait until the 801 exam is released at minimum.

Details from https://www.comptia.org/en-us/certifications/security/#buy-now

Renew your Security+ certification quickly and efficiently with CertMaster CE. This self-paced eLearning course builds on your existing knowledge and aligns with the latest exam objectives. It allows you to renew your certification without retaking the Security+ exam. You are eligible to take this course if you passed Security+ V6 (SY0-601) and your certification has not yet expired.
  • Single activity renewal: Complete one course to automatically renew your certification.
  • Efficient learning: Fulfill Continuing Education requirements in just 8 to 10 hours.
  • Automatic renewal: Enjoy hassle-free certification renewal upon course completion.
  • Year-long access: Study anytime with 12 months of training, redeemable within 12 months of purchase, through CompTIA Central.
Hope this helps!
 
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#3
Bruce Weaver said:
I advise when the 3 years are nearly up for this student that they use CertMaster CE for Security+. Short answer: Do the short course, and you get 3 more years. As for the CEU route, it is a good deal of work to save approximately $50 USD. They pay the $150 and yes they do have to submit qualifying activities in addition to the payement. As for an outside CE program, unless they charge her for the CertMaster CE (at a higher rate obviously) yes they would still owe the $150 CE fee. (This also assumes that this activity provides enough CEUs -Continuing Educcation Units)!
Here is the CE page you will want to examine: https://www.comptia.org/en-us/certifications/continuing-education/


Keep in mind this student should NOT try and do the CertMaster CE until their certification is somewhat close to expiring. I suggest 6 months before at most. Their is no CE path from 701 to MORE 701. She will need to wait until the 801 exam is released at minimum.

Details from https://www.comptia.org/en-us/certifications/security/#buy-now

Renew your Security+ certification quickly and efficiently with CertMaster CE. This self-paced eLearning course builds on your existing knowledge and aligns with the latest exam objectives. It allows you to renew your certification without retaking the Security+ exam. You are eligible to take this course if you passed Security+ V6 (SY0-601) and your certification has not yet expired.
  • Single activity renewal: Complete one course to automatically renew your certification.
  • Efficient learning: Fulfill Continuing Education requirements in just 8 to 10 hours.
  • Automatic renewal: Enjoy hassle-free certification renewal upon course completion.
  • Year-long access: Study anytime with 12 months of training, redeemable within 12 months of purchase, through CompTIA Central.
Hope this helps!
Click to expand...

Sending many thanks! This is a thorough response and please know I greatly appreciate your help. You’ve answered my question.
 
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Solution
#4
1. The CEU fee is $150 to renew for three years. I have no idea why CompTIA decided to sell it in $50 1-year increments.
2. The CertMaster program only applies if it covers the objectives for the NEXT VERSION of the cert. You CANNOT use CertMaster if it is the same version as your current cert. Continuing education means learning something new.
3. Never wait until the three-year time limit is close to expiration because it severely limits your options on how to renew. Most of my CompTIA certs are good through 2028 to 2031. I get all my CEUs out of the way as early as I can and then pay the fee, and CompTIA adds on an additional three years.
4. Higher level CompTIA certs in the cybersecurity track automatically renew lower level certs. SecurityX renews CySA+/PenTest+ which renew Security+ which renews Network+ which renews A+.
5. CompTIA also accepts other approved vendor certs. I used my ISACA CISM to renew my SecurityX, and everything underneath it.
 
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