Security+ Exam Cost in 2026: $439 + How to Pay Less

The CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) exam voucher costs $439 in the United States as of 2026 — CompTIA raised it from $425 on June 1, 2026 in a lineup-wide increase. But the voucher is only part of what you'll actually spend. Here's the full picture: retakes, renewal, discounts, and the cheapest way to get exam-ready.

Want your exact number? The free CompTIA exam cost calculator models your total — voucher, retake insurance, student discounts, and training — in about 30 seconds.

Prices change and vary by region and reseller — always confirm the current figure on the official CompTIA store. For every cert's pricing side by side, see the CompTIA exam cost breakdown.

How Much Is the Security+ Exam in 2026?

A single Security+ SY0-701 voucher is $439 at CompTIA's US list price. That's one attempt at the exam, booked through Pearson VUE (online-proctored or at a test center). The voucher is a code you redeem when you schedule — it doesn't include any training, practice tests, or a retake.

What the Voucher Does and Doesn't Cover

The $439 buys you exactly one exam sitting. It does not include:

• Study materials — books, courses, and practice exams are separate.
• A retake — unless you buy the Voucher + Retake bundle up front.
• Renewal — the cert expires after three years (more below).

Budget for the voucher and your prep. The good news: prep is where you have the most control over total cost.

Retake Fees

There is no discounted "re-entry" rate — a failed attempt means paying the full voucher price again. CompTIA's retake rules:

• First retake: you can re-sit immediately, no waiting period.
• Third attempt and beyond: a 14-day wait between each attempt.

If you're not fully confident, the Voucher + Retake bundle ($579, $140 more than a single voucher) is cheap insurance — one failed exam without it costs you another full $439.

How to Pay Less

1. Academic / student pricing — CompTIA's academic store offers meaningful discounts if you're an eligible student.
2. Military & veteran — DoD and veteran programs (and COOL funding) can cover exam costs.
3. Employer or workforce grants — many employers reimburse certification exams.
4. Bundle only what you'll use — a retake bundle is worth it if you're unsure; a full training bundle often isn't if free/cheap practice gets you there.

Renewal Cost (Every 3 Years)

Security+ is valid for three years. The usual route is 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) over the cycle plus a $150 CE fee, and that fee covers the whole three-year cycle, not one year (CompTIA CE fees, accessed September 25, 2026). Passing the latest Security+ exam or earning SecurityX, CySA+ or PenTest+ renews it in one step and waives the fee. CertMaster CE is only open to holders of SY0-601 or earlier, so it is not an option if you pass SY0-701. The CompTIA renewal guide compares every option.

The Cheapest Way to Prepare

Training is where Security+ budgets balloon. CompTIA sells its own CertMaster training on top of the voucher, and instructor-led bootcamps cost far more. You don't need any of that to pass — you need reps on realistic questions.

SecuSpark gives you 1,808 Security+ practice questions with 3 full exams free, and Campaign Pass unlocks everything for $14.99/mo or $34.99/quarter (about $11.66/mo) — a fraction of a single voucher. Start on the Security+ practice test, and check the Security+ passing score so you know your target before you spend $439 on the real thing.