COMPTIA SECURITY+ / EXAM COST Plan beyond the voucher.
See the full budget.
Your certification budget includes the exam fee, the study resources you choose, and any extra attempts. Review each part before you book.
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CompTIA Security+ Exam Cost 2026: Complete Pricing Guide
For government and defense roles, check the current DoD 8140 matrix and the specific employer’s qualification requirements. Eligibility depends on the work role and proficiency level; Security+ does not automatically qualify a candidate for every position.
Understanding the complete cost of CompTIA Security+ certification is essential for planning your cybersecurity career investment. As one of the most recognized entry-level security certifications, Security+ opens doors to roles with significant salary premiums. This guide breaks down every cost component—from exam fees to study materials—and reveals legitimate strategies to minimize your investment while maximizing your chances of first-attempt success.
Key points for your next step
Security+ requires one exam, unlike the two-exam A+ certification. Build your budget from the current regional voucher price, your chosen study materials, and any retake provision. Check academic eligibility and bundle terms before buying.
- Exam Cost
- the current voucher fee
- Number of Exams
- 1 Exam
- Academic Discount
- Up to 50%
- Total Investment
- Current fee + study costs
Exam reference: SY0-701 has up to 90 questions in 90 minutes and uses a scaled 750/900 passing score. Use the current CompTIA objectives. Study durations and practice percentages here are planning examples, not requirements or pass guarantees. Provider and regional prices change; confirm current costs before purchase.
Retake policy · Renewal routes · CE fees
SY0-701 retirement: English ends June 11, 2027; Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, and Thai end August 13, 2027. Check the official exam page before booking and choose resources for your exam version.
Security+ Exam Fee
Security+ can support roles such as SOC analyst, security administrator, and security specialist. Compare current job listings for your experience level and location. Pay and hiring decisions depend on more than certification.
CompTIA Security+
Up to 90 questions • 90 minutes • Passing: 750/900
the current voucher feeTotal Investment Breakdown
Material prices below are illustrative planning ranges, not current quotes. Add the current regional exam fee to your chosen resources, and check each provider’s price and bundle contents.
Security+ preparation requires quality study materials due to the exam's breadth and difficulty. Here's what candidates typically spend:
| Expense | Budget | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam voucher | the current voucher fee | the current voucher fee | the current voucher fee |
| Study guide | $0-$50 | $40-$70 | $50-$80 |
| Video course | $0 (free) | $15-$50 | $100-$350 |
| Practice tests | $0-$30 | $30-$80 | $50-$100 |
| Hands-on labs | $0 (free tools) | $0-$50 | $50-$200 |
| Total estimate | Current voucher fee + selected study costs | Current voucher fee + selected study costs | Current voucher fee + selected study costs |
Beyond the exam voucher, most candidates invest in study materials and practice tests. Here's a realistic budget breakdown:
Budget Approach — illustrative study options:
- Exam voucher: the current voucher fee
- Free resources (Professor Messer): $0
- Practice exams: $30-$50
- Total: current voucher fee + the resources you choose
Comprehensive Approach — illustrative study options:
- Exam voucher: the current voucher fee
- Security+ can support roles such as SOC analyst, security administrator, and security specialist. Compare current job listings for your experience level and location. Pay and hiring decisions depend on more than certification.
- Study guide book: $40-$60
- Practice exams: $50-$100
- Lab environment: $0-$50
- Total: current voucher fee + the resources you choose
All-Inclusive Approach — illustrative study options:
- Security+ can support roles such as SOC analyst, security administrator, and security specialist. Compare current job listings for your experience level and location. Pay and hiring decisions depend on more than certification.
- CertMaster Practice: $100-$150
- Exam voucher: check whether the selected bundle includes it and review all redemption terms.
- Total: current voucher fee + the resources you choose
ROI Analysis
Security+ can support roles such as SOC analyst, security administrator, and security specialist. Compare current job listings for your experience level and location. Pay and hiring decisions depend on more than certification.
Why Security+ Costs More—And Why It's Worth It
For government and defense roles, check the current DoD 8140 matrix and the specific employer’s qualification requirements. Eligibility depends on the work role and proficiency level; Security+ does not automatically qualify a candidate for every position.
Compare the current exam and preparation costs with your career goals. A salary change or recovery of that cost is not guaranteed. Employer reimbursement may reduce your own expense.
Third, Security+ serves as a gateway certification. It's a prerequisite (or strongly recommended) for advanced certifications like CySA+, PenTest+, and CASP+. Employers view Security+ as proof that a candidate has committed to the cybersecurity career path and possesses the foundational knowledge needed for specialized security roles.
How to Save on Security+ Certification
For government and defense roles, check the current DoD 8140 matrix and the specific employer’s qualification requirements. Eligibility depends on the work role and proficiency level; Security+ does not automatically qualify a candidate for every position.
Employer sponsorship. Security+ is one of the most commonly employer-sponsored certifications because it directly impacts an organization's compliance posture. Government contractors, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and managed security service providers routinely cover 100% of exam costs. If your employer doesn't have a formal program, present the business case: Security+ enables the organization to bid on government contracts and demonstrates due diligence in security staffing.
Academic pricing. Check the CompTIA academic store for your country, student eligibility, purchase limits, and current discount. Do not assume every institution or course qualifies. Some degree programs include vouchers; confirm this with your school before paying separately.
Bundle deals and retake insurance. CompTIA CertMaster bundles package the exam voucher with study materials and sometimes include a free retake (worth the current voucher fee). Third-party providers like Dion Training offer discounted vouchers during promotional periods. For the current voucher fee exam, retake insurance is particularly valuable—failing without it means spending another the current voucher fee.
Security+ Cost vs Other Security Certifications
| Certification | Cost | Level | DoD Compliant |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA Security+ | the current voucher fee | Entry-Mid | Check the current role matrix |
| ISC² SSCP | Check current provider pricing | Entry-Mid | Check the current role matrix |
| CompTIA CySA+ | the current voucher fee | Mid-Level | ✅ CSSP Analyst |
| ISC² CISSP | Check current provider pricing | Senior | Check the current role matrix |
| EC-Council CEH | Check current provider pricing | Mid-Level | ✅ CSSP Auditor |
Compare certification cost with the skills, experience prerequisites, and roles you need. Security+, SSCP, CISSP, and CEH serve different goals; the lowest price alone does not determine value. For defense work, check the current role matrix rather than assuming credentials are interchangeable.
Renewal and Ongoing Costs
Security+ is valid for three years. The multiple-activity route requires 50 eligible CEUs and a total US$150 CE fee for the cycle. Qualifying single-activity routes, including eligible higher CompTIA certifications and CertMaster CE, have separate terms and can waive that CE fee. Check the approved activities, evidence requirements, and your exam-version eligibility.
Practice Free Before You Invest
Make sure you're ready before purchasing your the current voucher fee exam voucher.
Start Free Security+ Practice Test →Frequently Asked Questions
Official Exam Fee Breakdown
Security+ requires one exam, unlike the two-exam A+ certification. Build your budget from the current regional voucher price, your chosen study materials, and any retake provision. Check academic eligibility and bundle terms before buying.
Regional Pricing Variations:
- United States: the current voucher fee
- United Kingdom: £350-380
- European Union: €370-400
- Canada: check current local pricing, currency, and applicable taxes
- Australia: check current local pricing, currency, and applicable taxes
The exam can be taken at Pearson VUE testing centers or via online proctoring from home. Both options cost the same. Online testing requires specific technical requirements and a distraction-free environment.
Price History and Trends
CompTIA has increased Security+ pricing approximately 5-10% every 2-3 years. Current pricing reflects the certification's increased market value as cybersecurity demand grows. Purchasing vouchers before price increases can provide savings.
Discount and Voucher Options
Several legitimate discount options can significantly reduce your certification cost:
Academic Store (40-50% off): Students and faculty at accredited institutions can purchase through the CompTIA Academic Store. Requires verification via .edu email or student ID. This is the single best discount available.
Employer Reimbursement: Many employers cover certification costs for IT and security staff. Check with HR about professional development benefits before paying out-of-pocket.
Military Discounts: Active duty, veterans, and military spouses often qualify for significant discounts. CompTIA partners with military education programs.
Bundle Discounts: CertMaster bundles that include training, labs, and exam vouchers often cost less than purchasing components separately.
Third-Party Voucher Resellers: Authorized resellers sometimes offer 5-15% discounts on exam vouchers. Verify legitimacy before purchasing—only buy from CompTIA-authorized sellers.
Avoiding Scams
Never purchase "brain dumps" or exam answers—these violate CompTIA policies and can result in certification revocation. Stick to legitimate study materials and voucher sources.
Retake Policy and Costs
If you don't pass on your first attempt, CompTIA's retake policy applies:
Waiting Period: You must wait 14 calendar days before retaking the exam.
Retake Cost: Each retake requires a new voucher at full price (the current voucher fee) unless you purchased a retake bundle.
No Attempt Limit: There's no maximum number of retakes, but each requires a new payment.
Retake Bundles: CompTIA offers exam bundles that include one retake at a discounted total cost—typically 20-30% less than purchasing two separate vouchers.
Consider purchasing a retake bundle if:
- You're new to IT or cybersecurity concepts
- Your practice test scores are inconsistent
- You haven't tested in a high-stakes environment before
Voucher Validity
Most exam vouchers expire 12 months from purchase. Don't buy vouchers too early—purchase when you're within 2-3 months of exam readiness.
Put the guidance into practice
Check Available Discounts
Verify if you qualify for academic, military, or employer discounts before purchasing anything.
Even if you're not currently enrolled, many community colleges offer affordable IT programs with CompTIA voucher access.
Select Your Study Approach
Decide between budget (free resources + practice tests), comprehensive (premium courses), or all-inclusive (CertMaster bundles).
Compare current course prices and sale terms. Check that the course matches the exam objectives before buying.
Create a Study Timeline
Plan your study schedule before purchasing vouchers. Most candidates need 2-4 months of dedicated preparation.
Having a scheduled exam date creates productive urgency that improves study efficiency.
Purchase Exam Voucher
Buy your voucher through official channels when you're within 2-3 weeks of exam readiness.
Consider the retake bundle if your practice scores are inconsistent or you're prone to test anxiety.
More study tips
Never pay full price—academic discounts, employer reimbursement, or promotional periods almost always provide savings.
Wait for Udemy sales (regular occurrence) to purchase premium video courses at 80-90% discounts.
Free resources like Professor Messer and the official exam objectives can replace expensive courses for motivated self-learners.
Check if your local library offers free access to LinkedIn Learning or Pluralsight—both have excellent Security+ courses.
Purchase your voucher only when you're consistently scoring 85%+ on practice exams to avoid expiration pressure.
Mistakes to check for
Buying the exam voucher before you're ready, creating unnecessary time pressure.
Skipping practice exams to save money—they're far cheaper than a retake.
Not asking about employer certification reimbursement before paying out-of-pocket.
Purchasing from unauthorized voucher resellers that may provide invalid codes.
Over-investing in study materials when quality free resources are available.
Study note
Compare the current exam and preparation costs with your career goals. A salary change or recovery of that cost is not guaranteed. Employer reimbursement may reduce your own expense.
Start Your Security+ Certification Journey
Practice with realistic exam questions to prepare efficiently and avoid costly retakes.
Try Free Practice QuestionsHow much does the CompTIA Security+ exam cost in 2026?
Use the current regional Security+ voucher price and add your selected study costs. Security+ requires one exam. Compare the full cost and purpose of alternatives before purchase.
Security+ requires one exam, unlike the two-exam A+ certification. Build your budget from the current regional voucher price, your chosen study materials, and any retake provision. Check academic eligibility and bundle terms before buying.
Why is Security+ more expensive than other CompTIA exams?
For government and defense roles, check the current DoD 8140 matrix and the specific employer’s qualification requirements. Eligibility depends on the work role and proficiency level; Security+ does not automatically qualify a candidate for every position.
Can employers pay for Security+ certification?
Yes. Government contractors, defense companies, financial institutions, and MSSPs commonly cover full exam costs. Security+ directly impacts compliance posture, making it an easy business case for employer sponsorship.
Is the Security+ exam cost worth it?
Security+ can support roles such as SOC analyst, security administrator, and security specialist. Compare current job listings for your experience level and location. Pay and hiring decisions depend on more than certification.
How much does Security+ renewal cost?
Security+ is valid for three years. The multiple-activity route requires 50 eligible CEUs and a total US$150 CE fee for the cycle. Qualifying single-activity routes, including eligible higher CompTIA certifications and CertMaster CE, have separate terms and can waive that CE fee. Check the approved activities, evidence requirements, and your exam-version eligibility.
Can I get Security+ for free through the military?
Check whether your employer, school, military education office, or veterans’ benefit program can fund the exam or approved training. Eligibility, covered costs, and reimbursement rules differ by program; confirm approval before you buy.
More questions about Security+
Can I get a discount on the Security+ exam?
Yes! Students can save 40-50% through the CompTIA Academic Store. Military personnel, employees with certification benefits, and those purchasing training bundles also have discount options.
What is the total cost including study materials?
Security+ can support roles such as SOC analyst, security administrator, and security specialist. Compare current job listings for your experience level and location. Pay and hiring decisions depend on more than certification.
How much does it cost to retake the Security+ exam?
No wait is required between the first and second attempts. Wait at least 14 calendar days after the previous attempt before the third and later attempts. Each attempt requires payment or an eligible unused retake entitlement.
Do Security+ exam vouchers expire?
Yes, most CompTIA exam vouchers expire 12 months from purchase date. Only buy when you're within 2-3 months of being exam-ready.
Is Security+ more expensive than A+?
Security+ requires one exam; A+ requires two. Compare the current total voucher prices in your region, plus the study resources each path needs.
Related Security+ resources
Practice and topic review
- Security+ Exam: Up to 90 Questions (2026)
How many questions
Study and exam planning
- Study Guide
- Exam Tips
- Passing Score
- Jobs
- A+ Cost
- Network+ Cost
- Certification Overview
Complete guide and requirements
- How to Pass
Study tips and exam strategies
- CompTIA Security+ Exam Objectives & Domains (2026)
Exam objectives
- CompTIA Security+ Renewal: Requirements & Costs (2026)
Renewal & CE
- CompTIA Security+ Weekend Study Plan: Pass While Working Full-Time 2026
Study plan
- Is CompTIA Security+ Hard? Honest Difficulty Analysis for 2026
Difficulty
- CompTIA CE Program Explained
CEUs, CE fees, and deadlines