Does CompTIA Linux+ Expire? Renewal & CEU Guide 2026

Yes, CompTIA Linux+ expires every 3 years. Like all CompTIA CE-eligible certifications, Linux+ requires 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) per cycle and a $50 annual renewal fee. Linux+ sits in CompTIA's infrastructure certification pathway alongside Network+ and Server+, and maintaining it demonstrates current Linux system administration competency.

Linux+ Renewal Requirements

CompTIA Linux+ (currently the current Linux+ exam) validates skills in system administration, security, scripting and automation, and Linux troubleshooting. The certification is vendor-neutral, covering skills applicable across Ubuntu, Red Hat, CentOS, SUSE, and other Linux distributions. As Linux kernel versions, package managers, and security practices evolve, ongoing education ensures your skills remain current.

The 50 CEU requirement matches Security+ and is achievable through a combination of professional activities. Linux professionals often accumulate CEUs naturally through their daily work with Linux systems, container technologies, and cloud infrastructure.

How to Earn Linux+ CEUs

• CertMaster CE: CompTIA's automated renewal course for Linux+ covers all current exam objectives. Completing it satisfies the full 50 CEU requirement.
• Red Hat certifications: Earning RHCSA or RHCE provides significant CEUs. These complement Linux+ by adding vendor-specific Red Hat expertise.
• Cloud certifications: AWS, Azure, and GCP certifications with Linux components earn CEUs—most cloud workloads run on Linux.
• Container and DevOps training: Docker, Kubernetes, Ansible, and Terraform courses qualify as CEUs when they include Linux administration content.
• Linux conferences: LinuxCon, Open Source Summit, FOSDEM, and distribution-specific conferences earn 1 CEU per hour.
• Contributing to open source: Linux kernel contributions, package maintenance, and documentation projects demonstrate ongoing expertise.
• Self-study: Studying Linux kernel updates, systemd changes, security hardening guides, and new tooling earns CPE hours.

Linux+ vs RHCSA/RHCE Renewal

Certification	Cycle	Renewal Method	Cost
Linux+	3 years	50 CEUs + fee	$150 (3yr)
RHCSA	3 years	Retake exam	$450
RHCE	3 years	Retake exam	$450

Unlike Linux+, Red Hat certifications (RHCSA and RHCE) can only be renewed by retaking the exam—there is no CEU/CPE renewal path. This makes Linux+ significantly easier and cheaper to maintain over time, though both certification types remain valuable in the job market.

What Happens If Linux+ Expires

If Linux+ expires, you must retake the current exam (the current Linux+ exam, $358) to recertify. The exam covers 90 questions over 90 minutes including performance-based questions requiring command-line Linux skills. Since the exam version may change between certification cycles, you may need to study new topics that weren't in your original exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CompTIA Linux+ expire?

Yes, every 3 years. Requires 50 CEUs and $50/year fee. CertMaster CE offers automated renewal.

How do I renew CompTIA Linux+?

Earn 50 CEUs through training, RHCSA/RHCE, cloud certs, conferences, or use CertMaster CE. Pay $50/year.

What happens if Linux+ expires?

You must retake the current exam (the current Linux+ exam, $358) to recertify. No reinstatement through CEUs after expiration.