How much does the CompTIA Security+ exam cost?
How much does the CompTIA Security+ exam cost?
$404 cost for exam voucher only
$560 – $2,499 total cost for exam & prep materials
CompTIA Security+ exam cost
The CompTIA Security+ exam costs $404 for the exam voucher only. The cost of Security+ exam prep tools ranges from $159 for a basic self-study guide to $2,499 for live, instructor-led training. CompTIA CertMaster exam prep options cost $211 to $561 each or $1,080 for the complete bundle including an exam voucher.
CompTIA Security+ exam cost
| Purchase options | Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Exam voucher | $404 | Exam voucher only |
| Exam voucher with student discount* | $209 | Exam voucher only |
| Official CompTIA Security+ Study Guide | $169 (print) $159 (eBook) |
Self-paced study guide |
| CertMaster Learn | $561 | E-learning suite |
| CertMaster Labs | $211 | Virtual equipment & software environment training tool |
| CertMaster Practice | $211 | Online practice exams |
| Basic Bundle | $565 |
|
| Exam Prep Bundle | $720 |
|
| eLearning Bundle | $977 |
|
| Complete Bundle | $1,080 |
|
| Live Online Training | $2,499 |
|
What is CompTIA Security+?
CompTIA Security+ certification is an industry-wide standard that demonstrates your knowledge of IT security fundamentals and your ability to perform core security functions. Security+ covers threats, risk analysis, data protection, and more, giving you the skills required to:
Identify, analyze, and respond to security threats, cyberattacks, and vulnerabilities
Monitor and secure hybrid environments, including cloud, mobile, Internet of Things (IoT), and operational technology
Understand applicable security regulations and policies, including the principles of risk, governance, and compliance
Assess the security of an enterprise environment, and recommend and implement appropriate security measures
The Security+ exam is 90 minutes long and features a combination of 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions and drag-and-drop activities. Performance-based questions test your ability to solve problems in simulated environments.
The table below provides a breakdown of the exam objectives:
| Objective / domain | Percentage of examination |
|---|---|
| General security concepts | 12% |
| Threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations | 22% |
| Security architecture | 18% |
| Security operations | 28% |
| Security program management and oversight | 20% |
| Total: | 100% |
How to study for the CompTIA Security+ exam
CompTIA offers a variety of study and exam prep tools ranging from a basic self-study guide to a full suite of interactive e-learning features, practice exams, and lab exercises to simulate real-world equipment and situations.
| Factors | CertMaster Learn | CertMaster Labs | CertMaster Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $561 | $211 | $211 |
| What is it? | E-learning suite featuring videos, flashcards, performance-based questions, and progress reports | Browser-based virtual environment designed to provide hands-on experience with real equipment and software | Online knowledge assessment tool and exam practice with adaptive learning features and personalized feedback |
| When to use it | 90 – 180 days prior to exam | 60 – 120 days prior to exam | 30 – 90 days prior to exam |
| How long it takes | 40 – 50 hours | 20 – 30 hours | 13 – 60 hours |
Preparing for the Security+ exam can take up to 6 months, depending on your existing IT and cybersecurity experience.
Security+ Study Guide
The Official CompTIA Security+ Study Guide costs $169 for the print book or $159 for the eBook. The study guide supports self-paced learning and teaches the information and essential skills required to pass the exam.
CertMaster Learn for Security+
CertMaster Learn for Security+ costs $561 and is an interactive e-learning tool designed to help you study for the exam in a flexible and engaging way. CertMaster Learn includes the following features:
Over 40 hours of content
Videos demonstrating key concepts and processes
16 lessons with flashcards and performance-based questions
160 practice questions
90-question self-assessments to simulate the exam experience
Learning progress reports and analytics
CertMaster Labs for Security+
CertMaster Labs for Security+ costs $211 and features hands-on learning to help you study the practical aspects of the exam objectives. The lab exercises use step-by-step activities to simulate real-world scenarios and include detailed instructions for accomplishing basic and advanced security tasks.
CertMaster Practice for Security+
CertMaster Practice for Security+ costs $211 and is designed to help you identify gaps in your knowledge to ensure you're fully prepared for the exam. This tool works best when used in the final stage of your learning process and includes:
Exam practice
Knowledge assessments to determine what you already know and identify gaps
Adaptive learning to reinforce existing knowledge
Real-time analytics
Security+ Live Online Training
CompTIA Security+ Live Online Training costs $2,499 and includes 10 days of hands-on, instructor-led training with two-way communication so you can ask questions and participate in discussions. Classes are from Monday through Friday for two weeks. The fee also includes an exam voucher, one free retake, and all three CertMaster products.
CompTIA offers a free set of practice test questions via their website. These questions are not part of the real exam but give you an idea of the type of questions to expect.
How to renew CompTIA Security+ certification
CompTIA Security+ certification is good for 3 years from the date you pass the exam. However, by earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs), you can renew your certification for additional three-year periods without having to retake the exam. A wide range of activities and training programs qualify for CEUs.
You must complete the activities and upload the required information to your certification account before your current certification expires. If you don't renew your certification before it expires, you'll have to retake the exam to get recertified.
CompTIA Security+ certification renewal process
To renew your CompTIA Security+ certification, you must demonstrate continued training and education by earning 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) before your current certification expires. Depending on which activities you choose, earning 50 CEUs may require only a single activity or multiple activities.
Renew with a single activity:
Complete any one of the following to earn 50 CEUs with only one activity:
Earn the CompTIA CySA+, PenTest+, or Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) certification.
Complete the CompTIA CertMaster CE for Security+ course.
Pass the latest version of the Security+ exam.
Renew with multiple activities:
Complete multiple activities from the list below to earn a total of 50 CEUs. At least 50% of the content of an individual activity must be related to one or more of the Security+ exam objectives.
Attend a live webinar.
Attend a conference.
Complete a college course.
Complete an American Council on Education (ACE) course.
Create instructional materials.
Earn additional CompTIA certifications.
Earn non-CompTIA IT industry certifications.
Participate as a CompTIA subject matter expert in an exam development workshop.
Publish a blog post.
Publish a book.
Publish an article or white paper.
Teach or mentor.
Work experience.
CompTIA Security+ FAQs
Is CompTIA Security+ worth it?
CompTIA Security+ certification is worth it if you are interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity. Earning this certification demonstrates your knowledge and skills to potential employers. Security+ certification can also help you obtain a job in related fields like network or systems administration.
How hard is the CompTIA Security+ exam?
Even though CompTIA Security+ is an entry-level cybersecurity certification, the exam covers complex concepts and can be challenging if you're new to IT or information security. There are many study materials and training tools available from CompTIA and third-party instructors to help you prepare for the exam.
How long is the CompTIA Security+ exam?
The CompTIA Security+ exam is 90 minutes and includes 90 questions. The 90-minute timeframe does not include the time it takes to check in at the testing center before starting your exam, so be sure to arrive early.
Can I retake the CompTIA Security+ exam?
If you fail your first attempt to pass the CompTIA Security+ exam, you can retake the exam immediately. There is no required waiting period between the first and second attempts. However, you must wait at least 14 days after your second attempt and each subsequent attempt before retaking the exam.
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