Quick answer: The CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam costs $425 USD for a standard voucher in the United States. Total certification costs (including study materials and training) typically range from $425 to over $1,800 depending on your chosen learning path. Student discounts, military benefits, and authorized reseller vouchers can meaningfully reduce that figure.
CompTIA Certifications are in-demand credentials, and Security+ is one of them. The CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam is one of the most recognized entry-level cybersecurity credentials in the industry. It satisfies DoD 8140 requirements, is vendor-neutral, and is accepted by employers across the public and private sectors. Before you register, though, it pays to understand exactly what you’re spending and where you can spend less.
This guide breaks down the CompTIA Security+ exam cost at every stage: the base exam voucher, regional pricing differences, student and military options, study material costs, registration logistics, and renewal fees. The goal is to give you a clear, accurate picture so you can budget confidently and avoid paying more than necessary.
CompTIA Security+ Official Bundle Pricing (2026)
CompTIA publishes three bundle options on its official buy-now page, each pairing CertMaster learning products with an exam voucher that includes Retake Assurance. Retake Assurance covers one free exam retake if you do not pass on the first attempt, removing the risk of paying the full voucher price twice.
All prices below are sourced directly from the Security+ buy-now page at comptia.org and are current as of 2026.
| Bundle | What’s Included | Official Price (USD) | Best For |
| Practice and Exam Bundle with Retake | CertMaster Practice + Voucher with Retake Assurance | $593 | Candidates with existing security experience who need to confirm exam readiness |
| Learn and Exam Bundle with Retake | CertMaster Learn + Voucher with Retake Assurance | $884 | Candidates building foundational knowledge from scratch |
| Complete Bundle with Retake | CertMaster Learn + Labs + Practice + Voucher with Retake Assurance | $1,058 | Candidates who want end-to-end preparation with no prior hands-on experience |
For reference, purchasing a standalone voucher costs $439, and a Voucher Plus Retake Assurance (without any learning products) costs $579. The bundles above represent meaningful savings compared to buying each component separately.
Estimated study time per CertMaster product (per CompTIA):
- CertMaster Learn: 25 to 40 hours
- CertMaster Practice: 10 to 20 hours
- CertMaster Labs: 15 to 25 hours
- CertMaster Learn + Labs: 30 to 60 hours
The retake bundle adds approximately $49 to the base voucher price. Given the roughly 70% first-time pass rate, the retake option provides meaningful financial protection. The Complete Bundle consolidates all CompTIA-produced learning tools into a single purchase and is designed for candidates who prefer a structured, vendor-supplied study path.
Explore whether pursuing CompTIA Security+ is worth it or not: Is CompTIA Security+ is comptia security+ certification worth it in 2026?
CompTIA Security+ Exam Cost Globally
CompTIA uses regional pricing, which means the $425 USD figure does not apply uniformly worldwide. Prices below are approximate and subject to change. Verify the current rate for your region on the CompTIA or Pearson VUE website before purchasing.
| Region | Approximate Exam Cost |
| United States | $425 USD |
| United Kingdom | ~£350 GBP |
| Canada | ~$570 CAD |
| Australia | ~$650 AUD |
| India | ~$195 USD (localized pricing) |
| European Union | ~€400 EUR |
| Japan | ~¥55,000 JPY |
India benefits from CompTIA’s localized pricing structure, which makes the Security+ substantially more accessible in that market. Candidates in higher-cost regions such as Australia and Canada should factor in currency conversion and any applicable local taxes when planning.
CompTIA Security+ Exam Cost for Students
Students enrolled at eligible U.S. academic institutions can access academic discounts through CompTIA’s SheerID verification process. The discount amount is not publicly listed as a flat percentage; it is applied automatically once your student status is verified. In practice, eligible students have reported discounts of up to 40–50% off the standard voucher price.
Who qualifies for student pricing?
- Students currently enrolled at a U.S. degree-granting Title IV university
- U.S. high school juniors or seniors aged 16 or older
- Students at Canadian universities
How to access the discount:
- Create or log in to your CompTIA account using your school email address
- Navigate to “My Customer Profile” and select “Validate Student ID”
- Submit your verification through SheerID with an acceptable document (class schedule, transcript, tuition receipt, or a school-issued letter confirming enrollment)
- Once verified, your discounted pricing appears automatically in the CompTIA store
Academic institutions purchasing on behalf of students may qualify for Ideal Pricing (new institutional buyers) or Loyalty Pricing (returning institutional buyers). These rates require the institution to log in to view their specific discount.
Delve into the details of: CompTIA Certification Salary Breakdown: A Comprehensive Analysis for IT Professionals.
CompTIA Security+ Exam Voucher Price and Where to Buy
Your exam voucher is a code you redeem when scheduling your exam. You have several purchasing options.
CompTIA Official Store
Buying directly from CompTIA guarantees current pricing, access to bundles, and the ability to use retake assurance options. It’s the most straightforward option for most candidates.
Authorized Resellers
Third-party resellers sometimes offer vouchers at a modest discount. GetCertified4Less is a well-known authorized reseller that periodically offers Security+ vouchers at prices below the list price. Verify any reseller’s authorization status before purchasing to avoid invalid vouchers.
Military and GI Bill Options
Active duty service members, veterans, and eligible military spouses have access to meaningful financial support:
- GI Bill benefits: The GI Bill can reimburse the costs of licensing and certification exams, including the CompTIA Security+ exam. Eligibility and reimbursement amounts depend on your benefit chapter and remaining entitlement.
- MyCAA scholarship: Eligible military spouses can receive up to $4,000 in education assistance through the MyCAA scholarship, which can be applied to eligible certification programs.
Explore further: A Complete Guide to CompTIA IT Certification Roadmap – 2026
Total CompTIA Security+ Certification Cost by Learning Path
The voucher is a fixed cost. Preparation varies significantly based on your existing knowledge and preferred study method.
| Study Path | Estimated Total Cost | What’s Typically Included |
| Budget Self-Study | $500–$700 | Exam voucher + free resources + one paid practice test resource |
| Comprehensive Self-Study | $700–$1,000 | Exam voucher + paid study guide + practice exam software |
| Structured Training (CompTIA Bundle) | $1,200–$2,000 | CertMaster bundle + exam voucher with retake |
| Bootcamp | $2,500–$4,000 | Instructor-led training + materials + exam voucher |
Candidates with two or more years of hands-on security experience often succeed with a budget self-study approach. Candidates transitioning from unrelated fields or with limited technical background may need more structured support to reach the 750 passing score on a 100–900 scale.
CompTIA Security+ Free Courses and Low-Cost Prep Resources
Quality preparation doesn’t require a large budget. Several well-regarded free and low-cost options are available.
Free options:
- Professor Messer’s Security+ Course: A comprehensive, free video course covering the full SY0-701 exam objectives. Widely used by candidates preparing for the exam in 2026.
- Official CompTIA exam objectives PDF: CompTIA publishes the full list of exam domains and topics at no cost. Using this document to guide your study ensures you’re focusing on tested content.
- r/CompTIA: An active community where candidates share study strategies, resource recommendations, and exam experiences. Useful for gauging what to prioritize and what resources others found effective.
- CertMaster Practice Trial: CompTIA offers a limited-access trial of CertMaster Practice, which lets you assess your readiness before committing to the full product.
Paid options worth considering:
- Professor Messer’s paid study notes and practice exams (~$30–$60)
- Jason Dion’s Udemy course (~$15–$20 on sale)
- Mike Chapple and David Seidl’s CompTIA Security+ Study Guide (book, ~$35–$50)
The exam costs $425. Spending $30–$50 on quality practice materials to protect that investment is generally a sound decision.
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CompTIA Security+ Exam Registration: How It Works
CompTIA Security+ exams are administered through Pearson VUE. You can choose between online proctored testing or in-person testing at an authorized test center.
Registration process:
- Purchase your exam voucher from CompTIA or an authorized reseller
- Create or log in to your CompTIA account at CompTIA Central
- Select your exam, choose your testing format, and schedule your date and time
| Factor | Online Proctored (OnVUE) | In-Person Test Center |
| Location | Your home or office | Authorized test center |
| Scheduling | 24/7 availability | Based on center hours |
| Tech requirements | Webcam, microphone, stable internet | None (equipment provided) |
| Environment control | You manage your space | Controlled facility |
| Check-in time | ~30 minutes before exam | Arrive 15 minutes early |
Rescheduling and cancellation:
CompTIA’s rescheduling and cancellation terms are detailed in the full CompTIA certification exam policies. Generally, cancellations made more than 24 hours before your exam time avoid a fee. Cancellations within 24 hours may result in forfeiture of the exam fee. Review the current policy before scheduling, as terms can change.
CompTIA Security+ Renewal and Ongoing Costs
The Security+ certification is valid for three years. Renewal requires participation in CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program.
CE Program Costs and Requirements
- Annual CE fee: $50 USD (billed yearly, or prepaid for the full three-year cycle)
- CEU requirement: 50 Continuing Education Units over the three-year certification period
- Total CE cost over three years: approximately $150
CEUs can be earned through a range of activities including attending industry conferences, completing vendor training, publishing technical content, or participating in approved webinars. Many of these activities carry no additional cost.
Alternative Renewal Option
Passing a higher-level CompTIA certification (such as CompTIA CySA+, CASP+, or PenTest+) automatically renews the Security+ without a separate CE payment. For candidates planning to pursue advanced certifications anyway, this path eliminates the renewal fee.
Is the CompTIA Security+ Worth the Cost?
The financial case for Security+ rests on the salary data and job outlook in the field it opens. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for information security analysts was $124,910 as of the most recent data available. Employment in the field is projected to grow 29 percent through 2034, a rate the BLS classifies as much faster than average. With roughly 16,000 annual job openings estimated in this category, demand for qualified candidates remains consistent.
The exam cost of $425 represents less than 0.4% of the median annual salary in the field. Even a fully comprehensive preparation path at $1,800 remains modest relative to the long-term earnings potential.
DoD 8140 compliance value:
For candidates pursuing federal government roles or positions with defense contractors, Security+ carries regulatory weight. The DoD 8140 requirements mandate specific certifications for personnel in designated cybersecurity work roles. Security+ meets the baseline requirements for multiple work roles, including cyber defense analyst, vulnerability analyst, and system administrator. This makes it a prerequisite for many federal and DoD-adjacent positions, not simply a preferred credential.
Who Benefits Most From This Certification
- IT professionals in help desk, network, or systems administration roles moving toward security
- Career changers with adjacent technical skills who need a recognized credential to compete
- Military personnel and veterans targeting DoD-aligned civilian roles
- Government contractors required to meet DoD 8140 baseline qualifications
- Students completing cybersecurity degree programs who need a market-recognized certification
The certification has real cost. It also has documented demand. For the roles and contexts where it applies, the cost-to-return ratio is favorable.
How to Maximize Your CompTIA Security+ Budget: Practical Cost-Cutting Tips
Your total Security+ spend is more controllable than the $425 voucher price suggests. Apply these strategies before you purchase anything.
Buy the retake bundle first. The $474 voucher with Retake Assurance costs $49 more than the standard voucher. A failed retake at full price costs $425. The math favors the bundle for most candidates.
Check with your employer before paying out of pocket. Many IT and security teams carry professional development budgets. Frame the request around DoD 8140 compliance value or team security posture. A direct, documented ask often succeeds where no request was made before.
Use authorized resellers for the voucher. Resellers such as GetCertified4Less have offered verified vouchers in the $360–$380 range. That is a $45–$65 reduction on a fixed cost with no impact on what you receive.
Students should use the academic store first. Up to 50% off the exam voucher and up to 65% off CertMaster products are available to eligible enrolled students. A $425 voucher at 50% off is $212.50. Confirm eligibility before purchasing at full price.
Military and veterans should contact their education office before registering. GI Bill benefits, MyCAA, and DoD-funded pathways can reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs entirely for qualifying personnel.
Spend the minimum on preparation until you identify your gaps. Start with the free official exam objectives PDF and Professor Messer’s YouTube course. Take one paid practice exam set ($10–$30 on Udemy during a sale). Identify weak areas before committing to a structured course or bootcamp.
Time your Udemy purchases. Courses priced at $100+ frequently drop to $10–$15 during Udemy promotions. Never pay the listed full price on that platform.
Avoid over-investing in materials relative to your experience level. Candidates with existing IT experience who purchase a full bootcamp often spend $1,500–$2,500 more than their preparation level requires. Match your spend to your actual knowledge gap, not to the highest-priced option available.
Plan CE activities from day one. The $50 annual renewal fee applies whether or not you actively pursue CEUs. Many qualifying activities, including webinars and vendor training, carry no additional cost. Building CEU habits early avoids rushed or paid renewal options later.
Consider a higher-level CompTIA exam as your renewal path. Passing CySA+ or PenTest+ automatically renews Security+ and eliminates the CE fee. If you plan to pursue those certifications anyway, this approach folds renewal into a credential you were already targeting.
Most candidates overspend in one of two ways: purchasing more preparation than their experience level requires, or under-investing in retake protection and failing an exam they could have passed. The tips below address both risks. Each one targets a specific, controllable cost decision so you can reduce unnecessary spending without lowering your probability of passing on the first attempt.
- Compare voucher options before purchasing. The $474 retake bundle costs $49 more than the standard $425 voucher. If you need a second attempt at full price, that is an additional $425. The bundle is the lower-risk option for most candidates.
- Check with your employer for reimbursement before spending a dollar. Many IT departments carry professional development budgets. Frame your request around DoD 8140 compliance or team security requirements. A documented ask often succeeds where no request was made.
- Use the academic store if you are an enrolled student. CompTIA’s academic pricing can reduce the voucher by up to 50% and CertMaster products by up to 65%. Confirm eligibility before purchasing at full price.
- Military and veterans should contact their education office first. GI Bill benefits, MyCAA, and DoD-funded pathways may eliminate out-of-pocket costs entirely for qualifying personnel.
- Buy the voucher through an authorized reseller. Resellers such as GetCertified4Less have offered verified vouchers in the $360–$380 range, saving $45–$65 with no reduction in what you receive.
- Start with free preparation before committing to paid materials. Professor Messer’s YouTube course and the official SY0-701 exam objectives PDF are both free. Identify your knowledge gaps with one low-cost practice exam set ($10–$30) before purchasing a structured course or bootcamp.
- Time your Udemy purchases around promotions. Courses listed at $100+ routinely drop to $10–$15 during Udemy sales. Never pay the listed full price on that platform.
- Match your preparation spend to your actual experience level. Candidates with two or more years of relevant IT experience rarely need a bootcamp. Over-investing in preparation is one of the most common ways candidates overspend on this certification.
- Budget for the CE renewal fee from the start. The $50 annual fee applies across the three-year certification cycle. Many qualifying CEU activities, including webinars and vendor training, carry no cost if you plan them early.
- Factor in a higher-level CompTIA exam as a dual-purpose investment. Passing CySA+ or PenTest+ automatically renews Security+. If you plan to pursue those certifications anyway, this approach folds renewal into a credential you were already targeting, removing the separate CE fee entirely.
CompTIA Security+ Cost: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam in the USA?
The standard exam voucher costs $425 USD when purchased through CompTIA’s official store. A voucher with retake assurance costs approximately $474.
Can I get a discount on the CompTIA Security+ exam voucher?
Yes. Students at accredited institutions may receive up to 50% off the voucher price. Military personnel may qualify for full coverage through DoD programs or GI Bill benefits. Authorized resellers occasionally offer vouchers at $360–$380 USD.
How much does the CompTIA Security+ cost in the UK, Canada, and Australia?
Approximate regional pricing: United Kingdom $570 CAD), Australia (~$650 AUD). These figures are estimates. Verify current pricing on the Pearson VUE or CompTIA regional website before purchasing.
Is there a free CompTIA Security+ course available?
Professor Messer’s Security+ course on YouTube is free and widely regarded as one of the most thorough free resources aligned to the SY0-701 exam objectives. CompTIA also publishes the official exam objectives PDF at no cost.
What happens if I fail the Security+ exam?
CompTIA’s retake policy permits you to retake a failed exam. There is a mandatory waiting period before your second attempt. If you purchased a voucher with Retake Assurance, your first retake is covered. Otherwise, you’ll purchase a new voucher at full price. Review CompTIA certification exam policies for the current retake timeline requirements.
How long does it take to prepare for the CompTIA Security+ exam?
Preparation time varies based on prior experience. Candidates with relevant IT experience typically need 4–8 weeks of dedicated study. Candidates new to security concepts may require 10–16 weeks. The exam covers 90 questions in 90 minutes, including performance-based questions that require applied, not just theoretical, knowledge.
How do I register for the CompTIA Security+ exam?
Purchase a voucher from CompTIA or an authorized reseller, then schedule your exam through Pearson VUE at home.pearsonvue.com/comptia. Testing is available online or at a physical test center. Rescheduling is permitted without penalty if done more than 24 hours before the scheduled time.
What does the CompTIA Security+ renewal cost?
The CE program fee is $50 USD per year, totaling approximately $150 over the three-year certification cycle. Passing a qualifying higher-level CompTIA exam is an alternative renewal path that waives the CE fee.
Is the CompTIA Security+ recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense?
Yes. CompTIA Security+ meets DoD 8140 requirements for multiple cyber workforce roles, including cyber defense analyst, incident responder, and vulnerability analyst. This makes it a functional prerequisite for many federal and defense contractor positions.
