Do CompTIA Certifications Expire?

Yes, most CompTIA certifications expire three years from the date you pass the exam. This applies to Security+, CySA+, Network+, PenTest+, CASP+, and other "good-for-3-years" certifications. CompTIA A+ also follows the 3-year renewal cycle.

CompTIA introduced the Continuing Education (CE) program to renew certifications without retaking the exam. You earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through activities like completing training courses, attending conferences, publishing articles, or earning higher certifications. The number of CEUs required depends on the certification level.

Renewal costs include a $50 annual CE fee (or $150 for the 3-year cycle). If you let your certification lapse, you must retake the current version of the exam and pay the full voucher price. To avoid this, set a calendar reminder 6 months before expiration. Earning a higher-level CompTIA certification automatically renews all lower-level ones, so passing CySA+ renews your Security+ and Network+.