CompTIA Security+ Expiration Date and 3 Renewal Options

CompTIA Security+ expiration is a key concern for many certification holders. Is it valid for 1, 2, or 3 years? If you’re still unclear about the expiration timeline, don’t worry. In this article, we’ll break down exactly how long your CompTIA Security+ lasts and the steps you need to take to renew it. Let’s dive in!

How long does CompTIA Security+ last?

How long does CompTIA Security+ last?

The CompTIA Security+ certification remains valid for three years from the date you earn it. Once your certification expires, you cannot reactivate it. Instead, you’ll be required to retake and pass the entire CompTIA Security+ exam to regain your certified status. This process can be more time-consuming and costly than simply maintaining your current certification through available renewal options.

Renewing your certification not only helps you stay up to date with evolving cybersecurity practices, but also demonstrates your ongoing commitment to professional growth – making you better positioned for future career opportunities in the cybersecurity field.

How to check your CompTIA Security+ expiration date?

How to check your CompTIA Security+ expiration date?

To check the expiration date for your CompTIA Security+ certification, follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to your CompTIA account

• Go to the official CompTIA website: comptia.org
• In the top right corner, click on the “Log In” button and enter your credentials (username and password).

Step 2: Access your certification history

• Once you’re logged in, navigate to the “Certifications” tab, usually found under your account settings or in your dashboard.
• Look for a section called “My Certifications” or “Certification History”.

Step 3: Find your CompTIA Security+ certification

On your certification history page, locate your Security+ certification in the list of exams you’ve taken. You should see the status (Active/Expired) of your certification, as well as the date you passed the exam.

Step 4: Check expiration date

The expiration date for your Security+ certification will be three years from the date you passed the exam. For example, if you passed the exam on June 17, 2025, your certification will be valid until June 17, 2028.

What to do when CompTIA Security+ is about to expire?

What to do when CompTIA Security+ is about to expire?

Don’t wait until the last minute – renew your CompTIA Security+ certification before it expires. Being proactive not only saves you time, effort, and money but also keeps your skills current in a fast-evolving cybersecurity landscape. Here are three main options to renew your Security+ certification before it lapses:

• Option 1: Complete training programs: Enroll in CompTIA education courses or training programs. These are designed to refresh your skills, align with current exam objectives, and earn you Continuing Education Units (CEUs) that count toward renewal.
• Option 2: Earn a higher-level certification or retake the exam: Advance your career and renew Security+ automatically by earning a more advanced cert like CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), PenTest+, or CASP+. No need to track CEUs. You can also renew by retaking the latest Security+ exam, which resets your 3-year cycle and proves your skills are up to date.
• Option 3: Participate in industry-related activities: By engaging in professional activities such as: attending cybersecurity webinars or conferences, publishing relevant blog posts or whitepapers, teaching or mentoring in the field,..

For more details on the renewal process, read our post on renewing CompTIA Security+!

Conclusion

Understanding the CompTIA Security+ expiration timeline is crucial for maintaining your CompTIA Security+ and staying competitive in the cybersecurity industry. Don’t let your hard-earned certification expire. Stay informed, stay proactive, and ensure your CompTIA Security+ certification continues to reflect your up-to-date knowledge and professional growth.