Renewing Your Security+ CE: A Continuing Education Overview

In the rapidly evolving world of information technology, professionals must continuously update their skills and knowledge to remain effective and competitive. What you learn when you initially earn a certification may become outdated over time, especially as new security threats, technologies, and regulations emerge. Continuing education ensures that certified individuals remain current with industry standards and practices. Certifications such as CompTIA Security+ are highly valued in the cybersecurity field, but simply earning the certification is not enough. Maintaining its validity through the Continuing Education program allows professionals to demonstrate ongoing competence in their field.

CompTIA Security+ and Security+ CE: Key Differences

CompTIA Security+ is a foundational cybersecurity certification that validates the basic skills necessary to perform core security functions. However, there are two classifications of this certification: those granted before January 1, 2011, which are good-for-life, and those earned after that date, which fall under the Continuing Education program and must be renewed every three years. The good-for-life version recognizes fundamental security knowledge, but the CE version aligns with current industry requirements. As a result, many employers prefer or even require the CE version. Continuing Education reflects ongoing professional development, which is critical in a field where technologies and threats evolve constantly.

Overview of the CompTIA Continuing Education Program

The Continuing Education program was introduced to ensure that professionals holding CompTIA certifications remain current and capable of applying up-to-date knowledge in real-world scenarios. For certifications such as Security+, the program requires holders to renew their credentials every three years. Failure to renew within this window results in certification expiration, requiring the candidate to retake the exam to regain certified status. The renewal process involves earning a specific number of Continuing Education Units and paying a renewal fee. This structured process supports lifelong learning and helps employers feel confident in the technical skills of their employees.

Certification Expiration and Renewal Obligations

Each CompTIA certification under the CE program remains valid for three years from the date it was earned or last renewed. To keep a certification active, professionals must either complete approved CE activities that add up to the required number of CEUs or participate in alternative renewal paths. These include passing a newer version of the certification exam, completing a CertMaster CE course, or earning a higher-level certification. Letting a certification lapse has serious implications. Not only might it affect job opportunities, but the holder will also have to retake and pass the full certification exam to regain the credential, which can be time-consuming and costly.

The Role of Continuing Education Units in Certification Maintenance

Continuing Education Units are the cornerstone of the CompTIA CE program. These units quantify professional development activities that contribute to a certified professional’s growth and relevancy. For CompTIA Security+, 50 CEUs are required every three years. These CEUs can be earned through a wide variety of methods, including attending security-related webinars, completing college courses, engaging in relevant work experience, publishing technical content, and more. Each activity must meet specific criteria and be approved by CompTIA. Documentation is required for submission and validation of CEUs. This ensures the integrity of the program and confirms that all reported activities are legitimate and applicable to cybersecurity.

Activities That Qualify for CEU Credit

The CEU program offers flexibility in how professionals can meet renewal requirements. Common qualifying activities include participating in industry conferences, earning higher-level security certifications such as CASP+, completing online courses or webinars focused on security topics, and working in a security-related role. CEUs may also be earned by authoring articles or whitepapers on security subjects, developing instructional content, or teaching relevant courses. To maintain clarity and fairness, CompTIA defines the maximum number of CEUs that can be earned for specific activity types. For example, no more than nine CEUs per year can be earned through professional work experience. Candidates must consult the official CEU guidelines to ensure they meet the minimum requirements through acceptable activities.

Understanding the CEU Assessment Tool

To make the CEU process easier to navigate, CompTIA provides a CEU assessment tool that helps professionals evaluate whether their activities qualify for CE credit. This tool allows users to select from a predefined list of activities, input relevant details, and determine whether those activities meet the criteria for specific certifications. It serves as a planning resource, enabling professionals to track progress toward renewal over the three-year cycle. By using the tool early and regularly, certification holders can avoid last-minute stress and ensure all activities are compliant with CompTIA’s requirements.

Department of Defense Requirements for CE Renewal

For personnel working under the United States Department of Defense, there are additional requirements to consider when renewing the CompTIA Security+ certification. These include the use of payment tokens and submission of maintenance records through the Defense Manpower Data Center. These extra steps are part of the DoD’s compliance with specific directives regarding information assurance and cybersecurity personnel. Since these procedures may differ from standard CE processes, DoD employees and contractors must consult their department’s guidelines to ensure full compliance. Failure to meet DoD-specific renewal requirements may impact job eligibility or security clearance.

The Cost of Renewal and Financial Considerations

Renewing CompTIA Security+ involves a financial commitment in addition to completing CE activities. The standard fee for Security+ renewal is $50 per year, totaling $150 over the three-year renewal cycle. This fee structure is independent of the calendar year and instead follows the certification holder’s individual renewal cycle. Understanding this timeline is essential, as missing a deadline may lead to certification expiration. Some employers may cover the cost of certification renewal as part of professional development benefits. If not, certified professionals should plan ahead to ensure timely payment and avoid any disruption in certification status.

Managing Multiple Certifications Under the CE Program

Many IT professionals hold multiple CompTIA certifications. Fortunately, CompTIA simplifies the renewal process by allowing a single CE renewal to apply to all lower-level certifications. This means that if a professional holds both Security+ and Network+, renewing the higher certification will automatically renew the lower one. This streamlining helps reduce the time and cost associated with maintaining multiple certifications. However, this only applies when all certifications are within the CE program. Good-for-life certifications do not qualify for this automatic renewal benefit, so those individuals must pursue alternative paths if they wish to update their credentials to current CE standards.

Benefits of Participating in the CE Program

Participating in the CE program offers numerous benefits for IT professionals. First and foremost, it ensures that certification holders remain up to date with current technologies and industry best practices. This continued relevance enhances career opportunities, increases employer confidence, and may lead to higher earning potential. It also supports a culture of lifelong learning, which is crucial in a field where technological change is constant. Furthermore, the flexibility of the CE program allows professionals to choose renewal activities that align with their interests, job responsibilities, and career goals. Whether through structured training or real-world experience, the CE program empowers professionals to grow while maintaining the integrity of their certification.

Renewal Paths for CompTIA Security+

Understanding Renewal Options

CompTIA offers flexibility in how certified professionals can renew their Security+ certification. Renewal can be accomplished through one qualifying activity (Single Activity Renewal) or a combination of several (Multiple Activity Renewal). These pathways allow professionals to choose the method that best fits their learning style, professional schedule, and career goals. Each method has specific requirements, and understanding them helps streamline the renewal process.

Single Activity Renewal

Passing a Newer Version of the Exam

One of the simplest ways to renew a Security+ certification is by passing the most current version of the Security+ exam. This method resets the three-year cycle and confirms the individual’s knowledge of the latest security practices. However, retaking the exam requires preparation, scheduling, and payment of the full exam fee. It’s a good choice for professionals who want a comprehensive knowledge check or haven’t earned enough CEUs through other activities.

Completing the CertMaster CE Course

CertMaster CE is an online, self-paced course specifically designed to meet all the renewal requirements for a given certification. For Security+, completing the CertMaster CE course is equivalent to earning all required CEUs and instantly renews the certification upon successful completion. This option is popular among professionals seeking a streamlined and structured renewal path. The course covers updated Security+ content and helps reinforce key concepts. It requires no separate CEU documentation, as CompTIA automatically verifies completion.

Earning a Higher-Level Certification

Another effective method for renewal is earning a higher-level certification within or outside of the CompTIA certification pathway. Certifications such as CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), CompTIA PenTest+, CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+), or even non-CompTIA certifications like CISSP from (ISC)² can renew Security+ automatically. These certifications demonstrate advanced knowledge and satisfy the CE requirements for lower-tier certifications. The higher-level credential must be active and earned within the Security+ renewal cycle to qualify.

Completing an Approved Training Course

Security professionals can also renew their certification by completing a training course approved by CompTIA for CE credit. These courses may be offered online or in person by accredited providers. They must cover relevant security topics and meet a minimum number of hours to qualify for the full 50 CEUs. Upon completion, professionals must submit a certificate of completion or transcript to CompTIA for verification.

Multiple Activity Renewal

Professionals may also renew their certification by accumulating 50 CEUs through a variety of approved activities. This approach offers flexibility and allows individuals to tailor the renewal process to their preferences and career path. CEUs may be earned over the three-year period and logged into the Certification Account Portal as they are completed. This method is ideal for those who participate in regular professional development but may not engage in one single renewal event.

Common CEU-Earning Activities

Multiple types of activities qualify for CEU credit. These include attending industry conferences, completing academic courses, participating in webinars, engaging in security-related work experience, and publishing articles or blog posts. Each activity has a maximum number of CEUs that can be applied toward the total requirement. For example, a maximum of 9 CEUs per year can be earned through work experience, while attending conferences may provide 1 CEU per hour of participation. CompTIA publishes an official CEU Activity Chart that outlines how many CEUs can be earned per activity type and the documentation required for each.

Submitting CEUs Through the Certification Account Portal

To ensure a smooth renewal process, all CEUs must be submitted through CompTIA’s Certification Account Portal. The portal allows professionals to upload documentation, track CEU progress, and pay the required fees. CEUs are reviewed and validated by CompTIA staff, and only those that meet the outlined criteria are accepted. It’s essential to provide accurate and complete documentation to avoid rejection of CEUs. The portal also sends reminders and alerts as the renewal deadline approaches, helping certification holders stay on track.

Best Practices for Managing CEU Submissions

Managing CEU submissions over a three-year cycle requires good organization. Professionals are encouraged to maintain a personal log of activities, keep certificates of completion, and record dates and details immediately after an activity is completed. This minimizes the risk of missing documentation or submitting incorrect information. Regularly logging into the Certification Account Portal to update CEUs and check progress is a recommended habit. Submitting CEUs well before the expiration deadline avoids last-minute issues and ensures continued certification status.

How to Submit CEUs and Complete Renewal

Using the Certification Account Portal

To manage and submit Continuing Education Units (CEUs), CompTIA provides a dedicated Certification Account Portal. This platform is where certified professionals log CEU activities, upload documentation, pay annual CE fees, and track overall progress toward certification renewal. It acts as the central hub for managing all aspects of the CE process and is accessible 24/7 from any internet-connected device.

Step-by-Step CEU Submission Process

Submitting CEUs through the portal is a straightforward process. After logging in, users should navigate to the Continuing Education section and select their active Security+ certification. From there, they can click “Submit Activities” to enter information about the completed CE activity. This includes the activity title, completion date, category (such as training, work experience, or publication), and the number of CEUs claimed.

Supporting documentation must be uploaded in PDF or image format. This may include completion certificates, transcripts, screenshots of webinar attendance, or signed letters from employers. The portal also includes a checklist to help ensure the documentation meets CompTIA’s requirements.

Guidelines for CEU Documentation

Proper documentation is critical for successful CEU approval. Each activity type has specific documentation standards:

• Courses or Training: Provide a certificate of completion showing your name, course title, completion date, and total hours.
  
• Webinars or Conferences: Submit a confirmation email or certificate of attendance, along with a detailed agenda showing content and duration.
  
• Work Experience: Include a signed employer letter that describes your job role and its relevance to cybersecurity.
  
• Publications: Provide a copy of the published material with your name and publication date clearly shown.
  

CompTIA may reject incomplete or unclear documentation, so review each submission carefully before uploading.

Paying the Continuing Education Fees

Understanding the CE Fee Structure

In addition to earning and submitting CEUs, certified professionals must pay a Continuing Education fee to finalize their Security+ CE renewal. This fee supports CompTIA’s maintenance of the CE program and is charged annually. For Security+, the CE fee is $50 per year, totaling $150 over the three-year cycle.

Payment Schedule and Options

CE fees can be paid in full at once or in three yearly installments. The annual fee is tied to the certification holder’s individual renewal timeline, not the calendar year. Payment is made through the Certification Account Portal using a credit card or other accepted payment methods. Receipts are issued immediately for record-keeping purposes.

Failure to pay the CE fee on time may result in delayed certification renewal or suspension of certification status. It is recommended to pay the fee as early as possible to avoid complications.

Special Considerations for DoD Employees

Department of Defense (DoD) Requirements

For professionals working under U.S. Department of Defense contracts or positions, additional procedures must be followed to meet CE renewal standards. These include:

• Token Payments: Instead of paying with a personal credit card, DoD personnel often use voucher or token-based payments provided by their organization.
  
• DoD Portal Use: Some CE submissions may need to go through a designated DoD learning platform or be logged in accordance with internal agency protocols.
  
• IA Workforce Compliance: Security+ CE renewal must align with DoD 8570 or DoD 8140 requirements, depending on the role and department. Maintaining an active certification may be necessary for job eligibility or security clearance.
  

DoD employees should consult with their supervisor or program office to ensure compliance with these additional steps, as the standard CompTIA CE process may not be sufficient by itself.

Finalizing the Certification Renewal

Confirmation and Verification

Once all Continuing Education Units (CEUs) have been submitted, verified, and the required Continuing Education (CE) fees have been paid, CompTIA will process the final approval of the renewal request. This stage is the culmination of the three-year certification cycle and signifies that the certified professional has successfully maintained their knowledge, skills, and engagement with the evolving field of cybersecurity.

After CompTIA completes the review, the certification holder will receive a confirmation email. This message officially notifies them that their Security+ certification has been successfully renewed. It includes the updated certification expiration date and a digital badge or verification link through CompTIA’s credentialing system, often managed via Credly.

Important Note: The new three-year cycle does not start from the CEU approval or fee payment date. Instead, it resets from the original expiration date of the current certification. This ensures that the certification timeline remains consistent and transparent. For example, if your certification was set to expire on October 1, 2025, and you complete your renewal on July 15, 2025, the new expiration date will be October 1, 2028.

Keeping Records Updated

Successfully renewing a certification is not the end of the road. It’s equally important to maintain proper records of the renewal activities for both personal reference and potential audits.

Documentation to Keep:

• A copy of the updated certificate (downloadable in PDF format from the Certification Account Portal)
  
• Email confirmation from CompTIA confirming successful renewal
  
• A record of all CEU activities, including:
  
  • Titles and descriptions of activities
    
  • Dates of completion
    
  • Number of CEUs earned
    
  • Supporting documentation (certificates of completion, transcripts, employer letters, publication links, etc.)
    
• Receipts of CE fee payments for financial records or employer reimbursement
  
• A screenshot or printout of the CEU dashboard showing total approved CEUs
  

Having these documents readily available can prove invaluable during a professional transition, employer audit, or compliance verification, especially for individuals working in regulated environments such as federal agencies or defense contractors.

Integration with Professional and Regulatory Systems

Security+ is widely used across industries as a baseline cybersecurity credential, especially in government, military, and defense contractor roles. Once your renewal is finalized, it is important to ensure that your updated certification status is reflected across all relevant platforms.

CompTIA Portal and Credly

Your certification status is automatically updated within the CompTIA Certification Account Portal. From there, you can:

• Download your certificate
  
• View renewal dates
  
• Share your status via LinkedIn or email
  
• Claim your digital badge via Credly for easy display on professional profiles and resumes
  

DoD and Federal Systems

If you work in a Department of Defense (DoD) or federal contractor role, your renewed certification may need to be reported to platforms such as:

• DMDC (Defense Manpower Data Center)
  
• ATCTS (Army Training and Certification Tracking System)
  
• Air Force or Navy-specific credential tracking systems
  
• Contractor HR systems for 8570/8140 compliance
  

Coordinate with your supervisor, training officer, or security manager to ensure your new expiration date is updated across internal systems to maintain compliance and job eligibility.

What to Expect After Renewal

Successfully renewing your Security+ certification provides professional stability and opens the door to continued growth. However, the renewal process also signals the start of the next three-year cycle. Here’s what you can do post-renewal to stay ahead:

1. Start Logging CEUs for the Next Cycle

Rather than waiting until year two or three to begin earning CEUs, start immediately. If you attend a conference, complete a course, or engage in relevant work, log it early. CompTIA allows you to begin earning CEUs for your next cycle as soon as the new cycle begins.

2. Consider Earning Advanced Certifications

Security+ is a foundational certification. Renewing it may inspire you to pursue more advanced credentials like:

• CySA+ (CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst)
  
• PenTest+
  
• CASP+ (CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner)
  
• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
  Earning a higher-level certification not only renews your Security+ automatically but also enhances your career trajectory.
  

3. Update Your Resume and Online Profiles

After renewal, update your:

• Resume
  
• LinkedIn profile
  
• Employer HR system
  
• Personal website or online portfolio
  This reinforces your active status to employers, recruiters, and clients.
  

4. Leverage Your Certification

Security+ renewal reflects continued expertise and professionalism. Use your active certification as a springboard to:

• Negotiate salary or promotion
  
• Qualify for advanced roles (e.g., Security Analyst, Security Engineer)
  
• Train or mentor junior cybersecurity staff
  
• Speak at conferences or write in industry journals
  

Audits and Validation

CompTIA periodically performs random audits of CEU submissions to ensure compliance with its program guidelines. If selected for an audit, you will be required to provide supporting documentation for your CEU activities. Keeping detailed and organized records, as mentioned earlier, will help you pass this audit without delays or issues.

Renewal Failure and Reinstatement

Failure to meet the renewal requirements by the expiration date can result in the certification status becoming inactive or expired. In this case:

• You lose the ability to represent yourself as CompTIA Security+ certified
  
• You may fall out of compliance with job roles requiring an active certification
  
• You may have to retake and pass the current version of the Security+ exam at full cost to regain your credential
  

CompTIA does offer a reinstatement option, typically for up to 90 days after expiration, but this comes with additional conditions, fees, and potentially required CEUs or activities. It’s best to avoid this situation by renewing on time.

Conclusion

The finalization of your CompTIA Security+ certification renewal is more than a formality—it’s a validation of your dedication to professional development, your relevance in a rapidly changing cybersecurity landscape, and your commitment to maintaining a high standard of technical and ethical performance.

Here’s what it gives you:

• Continued professional credibility
  
• Ongoing compliance with industry or government standards
  
• A stronger position in the job market
  
• Momentum for further advancement in cybersecurity
  

Staying organized, proactive, and engaged throughout your renewal cycle not only simplifies the process but helps you make the most of your certification—both as a badge of knowledge and as a career-building asset.

Tips for a Smooth Security+ CE Renewal

Plan Ahead and Track Progress Early

The most effective way to ensure a smooth certification renewal is to start early. Don’t wait until the final months of your certification cycle to begin collecting CEUs or reviewing your options. Use the Certification Account Portal regularly to track your progress, update CEU entries, and monitor upcoming deadlines. This proactive approach helps you avoid last-minute issues and gives you time to correct any problems with documentation or activity eligibility.

Align Renewal Activities with Your Career

Choose CEU-earning activities that align with your job role and professional development goals. If you’re working in cloud security, for example, prioritize webinars, training, or projects in that area. This makes the CE process more meaningful and supports advancement in your current or desired career path. Tailoring your learning activities to your interests also increases engagement and long-term retention of knowledge.

Keep All Documentation Organized

Maintaining accurate records is essential. As soon as you complete a CEU activity, save any certificates, confirmation emails, or related documents in a clearly labeled folder. Keep a spreadsheet or log file that includes the activity name, date, type, and estimated CEU value. This reduces the chance of losing key documents and ensures you’re prepared when it’s time to submit everything for review.

Use the CEU Assessment Tool

CompTIA’s CEU assessment tool helps evaluate whether specific activities qualify for credit and how many CEUs they’re worth. It can also clarify documentation requirements and approval guidelines. This is especially useful if you’re participating in non-standard CE activities, such as writing technical articles or working in niche cybersecurity roles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting Until the Deadline Approaches

One of the most common mistakes is waiting until the last few weeks of the renewal period to start gathering CEUs or submitting documentation. This creates unnecessary stress and may lead to missed deadlines or rejected CEUs that cannot be corrected in time. Starting early gives you flexibility and peace of mind.

Submitting Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation

Every CEU submission must be accompanied by proper documentation. Missing dates, incorrect names, or vague descriptions may cause submissions to be rejected. Before uploading, review each document carefully to ensure it includes all required information. If in doubt, refer to CompTIA’s CEU documentation guidelines.

Misunderstanding CEU Limits for Activity Types

Each CEU activity category has a maximum number of units that can be applied. For example, work experience is limited to 9 CEUs per year. Exceeding the limit in any single category won’t count toward your total, so be sure to diversify your CEU sources and verify the limits in the official CE handbook.

Ignoring Renewal Fees

Even if all CEUs are earned and submitted correctly, the certification won’t renew until the required fees are paid. Overlooking this step may result in certification expiration despite fulfilling the other requirements. Be sure to budget for the CE fee and confirm payment through the portal.

Final Recap 

To summarize, here’s a quick checklist to help you stay on track with your CompTIA Security+ CE renewal:

• Start planning your renewal path early in the three-year cycle
  
• Choose a renewal method: single activity (CertMaster CE, higher cert, exam) or multiple CEU activities
  
• Earn 50 CEUs through approved training, work, or educational activities
  
• Keep accurate documentation for each CEU submission
  
• Submit CEUs and documentation through the Certification Account Portal
  
• Pay the $50 annual CE fee (totaling $150 over three years)
  
• Confirm final approval and receive your updated certification status
  
• Maintain records for audits, employer verification, or DoD compliance
  

Renewing your Security+ certification is not just about keeping a credential—it’s about staying relevant, competitive, and prepared for the evolving demands of the cybersecurity industry.