Planning to get your CompTIA Security+ certification? Understanding the full security plus certification cost is essential before you commit time and money to this career-changing credential. The exam voucher alone runs $425, but that's just one piece of the puzzle. When you factor in study materials, training courses, and potential retakes, your total investment could range from $600 to over $1,500.
This guide breaks down every cost associated with earning your Security+ in 2026, compares different preparation paths, and reveals legitimate ways to save money without cutting corners on quality. Whether you're self-funding your certification or seeking employer sponsorship, you'll know exactly what to budget.
How Much Does the Security+ Exam Cost in 2026?
The CompTIA Security+ exam voucher costs $425 when purchased directly from CompTIA. This price reflects a 5-7% increase that took effect in June 2025, bringing it up from the previous $394 price point.
The current exam version is SY0-701, which launched in November 2023. CompTIA typically retires exam versions three years after launch, meaning SY0-701 will likely remain the active version through late 2026. This gives you plenty of time to prepare without worrying about the exam changing mid-study.
What You Get for $425
Your exam voucher includes:
- One attempt at the Security+ exam
- 90 minutes of testing time
- Up to 90 questions (multiple-choice and performance-based)
- Digital badge upon passing
- Three-year certification validity
The passing score is 750 out of 900. Performance-based questions (PBQs) test your practical skills through simulations, so hands-on practice in security labs matters just as much as memorizing concepts.
Security+ Exam Voucher Options and Bundles
CompTIA offers several purchasing options beyond the standard exam voucher. Understanding these bundles helps you choose the right option for your situation and risk tolerance.
Standard Exam Voucher: $425
The basic voucher gives you one exam attempt. This option makes sense if you're confident in your preparation or have a strict budget. However, first-time pass rates hover around 70%, meaning roughly 3 in 10 candidates need a retake.
Voucher + Retake Bundle: $474
For an extra $49, this bundle includes a second attempt if you don't pass on your first try. That's an 11% premium for significant peace of mind. If you do need that retake, you're saving $376 compared to buying a second voucher at full price.
The retake bundle makes financial sense for most candidates. Even highly prepared test-takers can have a bad day, and the cost of a failed attempt extends beyond money, including lost time and the psychological impact of retaking an exam.
Complete Bundle with CertMaster: $1,288
CompTIA's premium package includes the exam voucher, retake assurance, and their CertMaster Learn training platform. This bundle targets candidates who want an all-in-one solution from the certification provider itself.
While convenient, this bundle isn't always the best value. Third-party training options often provide better instruction at lower prices, and you can assemble a superior study package by purchasing components separately.
Training and Study Material Costs
The exam voucher represents only part of your total security plus certification cost. Most candidates spend between $200 and $800 on preparation materials, depending on their learning style and existing knowledge base.
Books and Study Guides: $30-60
A quality study guide forms the foundation of most preparation strategies. The most popular options include:
- CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead (Darril Gibson): $45-50, consistently rated the best single resource
- CompTIA Security+ All-in-One Exam Guide (Mike Meyers): $40-50, thorough coverage with practice questions
- Official CompTIA Security+ Study Guide: $55-60, directly from the exam creator
Most successful candidates use at least one comprehensive book alongside other resources. The Gibson guide in particular has an excellent track record of aligning with actual exam content.
Video Courses: $0-500
Video training helps visual learners and those who struggle with dense textbook material. Options range from free to premium:
- Professor Messer (Free): Complete Security+ course on YouTube, widely respected
- Jason Dion on Udemy: $15-30 on sale, includes practice exams
- LinkedIn Learning: Included with premium subscription many employers provide
- Pluralsight/CBT Nuggets: $300-500/year subscription, professional-grade training
Free resources like Professor Messer's videos are genuinely excellent. Many candidates pass using only free videos combined with an affordable study guide.
Practice Exams: $30-100
Practice tests are non-negotiable for exam readiness. They reveal knowledge gaps and build familiarity with question formats, especially the challenging performance-based questions.
- Jason Dion Practice Exams: $15-30, six full exams with detailed explanations
- CompTIA CertMaster Practice: $139, adaptive learning from the exam creator
- Kaplan IT Training: $99, comprehensive question bank
At minimum, complete 3-4 full practice exams before your test date. Aim for consistent scores of 85% or higher before scheduling your real exam.
Hands-On Labs: $0-200
Security+ includes performance-based questions that test practical skills. While you can set up free home labs using virtual machines, structured lab environments accelerate learning significantly.
Platforms offering ethical hacking courses and interactive labs help you practice the exact skills tested on the exam. Working through real scenarios, like configuring firewalls, analyzing logs, or identifying vulnerabilities, builds confidence for PBQs.
Total Security+ Certification Cost by Learning Path
Your total investment depends on how you prefer to learn and how much existing knowledge you bring. Here's what each approach typically costs:
Budget Self-Study: $500-700
| Exam voucher with retake | $474 |
| Study guide (Gibson or Meyers) | $45 |
| Professor Messer videos | Free |
| Dion practice exams | $20 |
| Total | $539 |
This path works well for disciplined self-learners with some IT background. The free video content from Professor Messer is genuinely comprehensive, and the Dion practice exams are industry favorites.
Comprehensive Self-Study: $700-1,000
| Exam voucher with retake | $474 |
| Study guide | $50 |
| Udemy video course | $25 |
| Multiple practice exam sets | $75 |
| Lab environment access | $100 |
| Total | $724 |
Adding paid courses and hands-on labs increases your pass probability and reduces study time. This represents the sweet spot for most candidates balancing cost and effectiveness.
Structured Training Program: $1,200-2,000
| Exam voucher with retake | $474 |
| Instructor-led online course | $500-800 |
| Official study materials | $150 |
| CertMaster Practice | $139 |
| Total | $1,263-1,563 |
Instructor-led training suits those who learn best with guidance and accountability. Many employers will fund this tier through professional development budgets.
Bootcamp Intensive: $2,500-4,000
Bootcamps compress preparation into days rather than months. Prices typically include the exam voucher, materials, and sometimes a pass guarantee. This path suits professionals whose time is more valuable than money, or those with employer funding for intensive training.
Ways to Save Money on Security+ Certification
The security plus certification cost doesn't have to break your budget. Several legitimate discount strategies can reduce your total investment by $100-200 or more.
Discounted Exam Vouchers
Never pay full retail price for your exam voucher. Authorized resellers consistently offer significant savings:
- GetCertified4Less: Vouchers around $360, saving $65 off retail
- Academic/student discounts: Up to 50% off for enrolled students
- Military/veteran discounts: Significant savings through programs like CompTIA's partnership with the DoD
Third-party resellers like GetCertified4Less are legitimate CompTIA partners. The vouchers work identically to those purchased directly, just at a lower price.
Employer Sponsorship
Many employers cover certification costs for IT staff. Security+ is particularly likely to be funded because:
- It's required for DoD contractors under the 8140 framework
- It validates baseline security knowledge for compliance purposes
- It's broadly recognized across the industry
Even if your company doesn't have a formal certification program, ask. Many managers have discretionary budgets for professional development, and a well-reasoned request often succeeds.
Free and Low-Cost Study Resources
Build an effective study plan using primarily free materials:
- Professor Messer's free course: Complete, current, and genuinely excellent
- r/CompTIA subreddit: Active community with study tips and exam feedback
- CompTIA exam objectives PDF: Free download, the blueprint for what's tested
- Library books: Many libraries carry current certification guides
Supplement free resources with one quality practice exam set. That combination, plus hands-on practice, prepares many candidates successfully.
Timing Your Purchase
Watch for sales during:
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday
- New Year promotions
- Back-to-school periods
- CompTIA partner sales throughout the year
Udemy in particular runs frequent sales where courses drop from $100+ to $15-20. Never pay full price on that platform.
Ongoing Costs: Maintaining Your Certification
Security+ certification is valid for three years. After that, you must renew to keep your credential active. Understanding renewal costs helps you plan for the long term.
Continuing Education (CE) Renewal: $150+
The most common renewal path involves:
- Annual CE fee: $50/year ($150 total over three years)
- 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs): Earned through training, conferences, or work activities
Many CEU activities are free or part of normal professional development. Attending webinars, completing training modules, and publishing security content all qualify.
Renewal by Exam
Alternatively, you can renew by passing a higher-level CompTIA certification. Earning CompTIA PenTest+ or CySA+ automatically renews your Security+ as well, stacking credentials efficiently.
Certification Lapse Consequences
If your certification lapses, you must retake the full exam to reinstate it. Given the $425+ exam cost, keeping up with CE requirements is clearly the more economical choice.
Is Security+ Worth the Investment?
Considering the total security plus certification cost of $600-1,500+, you need to evaluate the return on investment. For most aspiring cybersecurity professionals, the answer is definitively yes.
Salary Impact
Security+ certified professionals earn measurably more than their non-certified peers. According to industry salary surveys, the certification correlates with:
- $5,000-15,000 higher starting salaries for entry-level positions
- Increased interview callbacks and job offers
- Faster career progression into specialized roles
A SOC analyst position that requires Security+ typically pays $60,000-80,000 for entry-level candidates. The certification investment pays for itself within months of landing a qualifying role.
Job Requirement Reality
Many cybersecurity positions list Security+ as a requirement, not just a preference:
- All DoD contractors handling classified information need Security+ (or equivalent) under the 8140 framework
- Government agencies at federal, state, and local levels frequently require it
- Healthcare organizations mandate it for HIPAA compliance roles
- Financial institutions list it for security team positions
Without Security+, you're excluded from a substantial portion of the job market. The certification opens doors that remain closed otherwise.
Foundation for Advanced Certifications
Security+ establishes foundational knowledge that accelerates your path to advanced credentials. The concepts you learn directly support preparation for:
- CompTIA CySA+ (security analyst focus)
- CompTIA PenTest+ (penetration testing)
- OSCP and other offensive security certifications
- CISSP (senior security professional)
Building practical skills through network penetration testing courses alongside your Security+ study creates a strong foundation for these advanced paths.
Creating Your Security+ Study Budget
Based on the cost breakdown above, here's how to plan your investment strategically:
Step 1: Assess Your Starting Point
Your existing knowledge affects how much training you need. If you already work in IT, you likely need less foundational instruction. Complete beginners should budget for more comprehensive training resources.
Step 2: Determine Your Timeline
Longer timelines allow you to spread costs and take advantage of sales. A 3-6 month study plan lets you:
- Purchase materials as they go on sale
- Use free resources more effectively
- Build knowledge gradually without cramming
Step 3: Prioritize Your Spending
If budget is tight, allocate in this order:
- Exam voucher with retake: Non-negotiable protection for your investment
- Practice exams: Essential for exam readiness assessment
- One quality study guide: Structured coverage of all objectives
- Hands-on labs: Critical for performance-based questions
- Video courses: Helpful but free options exist
Step 4: Explore Funding Options
Before paying out of pocket, investigate:
- Employer professional development budgets
- GI Bill or military education benefits
- Workforce development programs in your state
- Academic institution partnerships if you're a student
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Security+ cost in total?
The total security plus certification cost ranges from $500-700 for budget self-study to $2,500+ for bootcamp programs. Most candidates spend $700-1,200 including the exam voucher, study materials, and practice tests.
Is there a cheaper way to get the Security+ exam voucher?
Yes. Authorized resellers like GetCertified4Less sell vouchers for around $360, saving $65 off the $425 retail price. Students can get up to 50% off through academic programs, and military personnel have access to additional discounts.
Can I pass Security+ with only free resources?
Many candidates pass using primarily free resources like Professor Messer's video course combined with one affordable practice exam set. However, you still need to budget for the exam voucher itself, which has no free alternative.
Does Security+ require renewal fees?
Yes. You must pay $50 annually ($150 over three years) plus complete 50 Continuing Education Units to maintain your certification. Alternatively, earning a higher CompTIA certification automatically renews Security+.
Should I buy the exam voucher with retake insurance?
For an extra $49, the retake bundle provides significant value. With first-time pass rates around 70%, the insurance protects a substantial portion of candidates who need a second attempt.
How long should I study before taking the exam?
Most candidates need 2-4 months of consistent study, dedicating 10-15 hours weekly. Those with strong IT backgrounds might need less time, while complete beginners should plan for the longer end of this range.
Conclusion
The security plus certification cost in 2026 ranges from approximately $500 for disciplined self-study to $2,500+ for intensive bootcamp training. The exam voucher alone costs $425, with study materials adding $200-800+ depending on your chosen preparation path.
For most candidates, a comprehensive self-study approach costing $700-1,000 total provides the best balance of effectiveness and affordability. This typically includes the exam voucher with retake bundle, one quality study guide, practice exams, and hands-on lab access.
The investment pays off quickly. Security+ certified professionals earn higher salaries, qualify for more positions, and build a foundation for advanced certifications. Given the credential's three-year validity and relatively low renewal costs, the long-term value far exceeds the upfront expense.
Ready to start building practical cybersecurity skills? Explore HackerDNA's hands-on courses to complement your Security+ preparation with real-world experience that helps you master both exam concepts and practical techniques employers value.