How Much Does CompTIA Security+ Cost? Voucher, Bundles, and Retake Math

CompTIA Security+ certification appears in 13% of all cybersecurity job postings. This makes it one of the most requested qualifications in the industry. Many professionals want to know about the comptia security+ exam cost before investing in their career.

The Security+ certification plays an important role in the job market. Statistics show that 24% of the US cybersecurity workforce holds this credential. The base exam voucher costs $425 through direct purchase from CompTIA. The total security plus certification cost ranges from $600 to $1,500 with training materials and preparation resources.

The official exam fee is just the beginning. You should think over several factors that influence the total CompTIA Security+ exam costs. This piece breaks down all expenses - from simple voucher pricing to training options that match different budgets. You'll find potential savings through bundles, discounts, and free resources.

What Does the CompTIA Security+ Certification Cover?

The CompTIA Security+ certification stands as a baseline credential that proves your cybersecurity skills needed to handle core security functions. This certification shows you know how to review security postures, put the right solutions in place, keep an eye on hybrid environments, work within regulatory frameworks, and handle security incidents.

Exam Code SY0-701 and Domain Breakdown

CompTIA launched the current Security+ exam code SY0-701 on November 7, 2023. This version comes with a better-organized domain layout that matches today's digital world. The exam tests your knowledge in five vital areas:

1. General Security Concepts (12%) - Covers fundamental security principles, cryptographic solutions, and security controls
2. Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations (22%) - Deals with threat actors, attack vectors, vulnerabilities, and mitigation techniques
3. Security Architecture (18%) - Tackles secure design principles, architecture models, and data protection strategies
4. Security Operations (28%) - Makes up the biggest part, covering monitoring, vulnerability management, identity access, and incident response
5. Security Program Management and Oversight (20%) - Looks at governance, risk management, compliance, and security awareness

Each domain tests specific knowledge areas security professionals need. To cite an instance, the Threats and Vulnerabilities section reviews how well you can spot malware, grasp social engineering tactics, and set up proper countermeasures.

Performance-Based vs Multiple-Choice Questions

Security+ combines multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and performance-based questions (PBQs). MCQs test what you know, while PBQs check your hands-on skills in simulated environments.

PBQs show up at the start of the exam and usually include:

• Scenario-based questions that need you to fix hypothetical security situations
• Simulation questions that test your security tool skills
• Drag-and-drop activities that check how well you understand security concept relationships

Each performance-based question takes about 10-15 minutes and makes up roughly 20% of your total score. These questions help identify people who truly understand security concepts from those who just memorized facts.

Multiple-choice questions fill the rest of the exam, with single or multiple correct answers possible. You'll face up to 90 questions during your 90-minute test time.

Recommended Experience and Prerequisites

CompTIA doesn't require formal prerequisites for Security+, but they suggest having:

• At least two years of IT administration work with security focus
• Real-world information security experience
• Good grasp of security concepts
• CompTIA Network+ certification or similar networking knowledge

This background helps you understand the practical side of security principles tested in the exam. Network administrators, system administrators, and similar IT professionals usually have the right experience level.

The exam uses a 100-900 point scale, and you need 750 to pass. This means getting about 83% correct, though CompTIA's scaled scoring system gives different weights to questions based on their difficulty.

How Much Does the CompTIA Security+ Exam Cost?

Let's break down what you'll need to pay for your Security+ certification. A clear picture of the Security+ exam cost will help you plan your budget for this career move.

Base Exam Voucher Price: $425 (as of 2025)

The official CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) exam voucher costs $425.00 when bought directly from CompTIA's store as of August 2025. CompTIA raised this price by 5% to 7% on June 3, 2025. Your voucher lets you take one 90-minute exam that has up to 90 questions to test your security knowledge in all domains.

Here's what you need to know about the base voucher:

• Valid for 12 months from purchase date
• Non-refundable and non-returnable
• Requires registration and completion of the exam before expiration
• Country and currency restricted

You can save money by buying from authorized resellers. StationX gives North American students a 20% discount, which brings the cost down to $340.00. GetCertified4Less sells vouchers for $360.00, which saves you quite a bit compared to buying direct.

Voucher + Retake Bundle Pricing

Not everyone passes on their first try, so CompTIA has a "Voucher + Retake" bundle. This package costs $474.00 and gives you one exam voucher plus a retake. The bundle saves you $376.00 compared to buying two separate vouchers at $425.00 each.

Bundle comparison:

• Individual vouchers: $425.00 × 2 = $850.00
• Voucher + Retake bundle: $474.00
• Your savings: $376.00

The bundle gives you a cheaper second try, like an insurance policy if you fail the first time. If you need a third try, you'll have to buy another full-price voucher or look at other bundles.

Regional Price Variations

Security+ exam costs change based on where you live. The $425.00 price is just for North America. You can't use a North American voucher in other regions - they're locked to specific areas.

Here's what people pay in different regions:

• United States: $425.00
• United Kingdom: Approximately £253
• Europe: €344.00
• India: Roughly ₹24,000 to ₹27,000

These prices differ because of exchange rates, local taxes, and market conditions. Make sure to buy a voucher that works where you'll take the test. If you're moving or traveling, check if your voucher will work at your new location since you usually can't transfer between regions.

Local taxes might add to the final price. You can often save money through student discounts, military discounts, or by buying from authorized training partners instead of CompTIA directly.

Training Costs: Self-Study, Online Courses, and Bootcamps

Getting ready for the Security+ certification takes more than just the exam voucher. You'll need to invest in quality training materials based on your priorities and budget.

Self-Study Materials: $100–$300 Range

Self-study is the most affordable way to prepare for Security+. You can expect to spend between $100 and $600, depending on the resources you choose. This approach works best if you're good at learning on your own, and the main costs are study guides and practice tests.

Here's what you can get and how much it costs:

• Official CompTIA Security+ Self-Paced Study Guide eBook: $149
• CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead Study Guide (SY0-701): $59.99
• CompTIA Security+ Certification Kit (Sybex): $75
• CompTIA Security+ Exam Cram: $49.99

You can also find great free resources to add to your paid materials. Professor Messer's YouTube channel gives you complete Security+ content at no cost.

Self-study needs discipline and good time management. All the same, it's the most budget-friendly path to certification, with total costs usually between $175-$375 for quality study materials.

Online Courses: $300–$1,000 Range

Online training gives you more structure than self-study but costs less than bootcamps. These programs usually run between $300 and $1,000, striking a balance between cost and support.

CompTIA's official e-learning includes:

• CertMaster Learn: A self-paced program you can customize for $529
• CertMaster Labs: Hands-on practice to build skills for $199
• CertMaster Practice: A tool to find knowledge gaps for $199

Other providers often cost less. Self-paced eLearning starts around $600, while video courses from Udemy or LinkedIn Learning cost between $15 and $400.

Online courses are perfect if you want more guidance than books but need a flexible schedule. They often include interactive content, video lessons, and labs that mirror real-life scenarios.

Bootcamp Programs: $1,200–$3,500 Range

Bootcamps give you the most intensive training and come with higher prices. These quick programs run 3-5 days and cost between $1,200 and $3,500, with some premium options up to $5,000.

Bootcamps stand out because they offer:

• Live training with instructor interaction
• An immersive learning environment
• Full coverage of exam topics
• Exam vouchers in many cases ($425 value)
• Pass guarantees or free retakes with some programs

To cite an instance, Infosec's five-day Security+ Boot Camp comes with an exam voucher, 90-day access to materials, class recordings, and a pass guarantee. They'll cover your second exam if you don't pass the first time.

The higher cost of bootcamps can be worth it. CyberKraft's Security+ Bootcamp costs $2,170 and includes an exam voucher ($405 value) plus a first-pass guarantee. Some providers charge much more, from $3,000 to $13,000, so it pays to research your options.

Public instructor-led courses start at $2,240, while self-paced options offer similar content for less if you're on a budget.

Your total Security+ certification cost combines your chosen training with the base exam fee. The final amount ranges from $525 (basic exam fee with minimal self-study) to about $4,000 for premium bootcamp experiences.

Hidden Costs You Might Overlook

The base CompTIA Security+ exam costs $425, but many candidates overlook additional expenses. These hidden costs can affect your total investment by a lot. Many candidates face unexpected expenses during their certification experience.

Time Commitment: 30–90 Days of Study

Your background and experience level determine the time needed to prepare for Security+. Candidates with IT or networking knowledge might need only 30-45 days. Those without this foundation could need several months, up to a year to feel ready.

Different sources suggest various preparation timeframes:

• 2-3 months studying 1-2 hours daily
• 8-12 weeks of focused study
• 4-6 weeks with prior knowledge
• All but one of these successful candidates need under 2 months

This time investment adds a big hidden cost. A typical 8-12 weeks preparation schedule needs about 80-120 hours of study. This personal resource commitment won't show up on any receipt.

Logistics: Travel, Equipment, and Testing Setup

Test logistics add surprise costs to your security plus certification. Pearson VUE centers' in-person exams need:

• Transportation costs (gas, parking fees)
• Possible overnight stays based on test center location
• Work leave on exam day

Online testing has specific requirements. You need a quiet space and reliable equipment. Some candidates' computers lack the power needed for practice labs or simulation exercises and need upgrades. A good computer setup, virtual machines, and stable internet connection add to your total cost.

One experienced instructor says: "If you're practicing at home, you might need a decent computer setup... Internet that doesn't drop every time someone else in your house opens Netflix". People rarely include these equipment costs in their original budget, yet they shape your overall experience.

Opportunity Cost for Working Professionals

The biggest hidden cost comes from what you give up to get certified. Each study hour means time away from other activities. This includes:

• Possible income from freelance work or overtime
• Family time and personal activities
• Professional growth in other areas

Working professionals face two financial challenges, paying for certification while reducing income-generating activities. Bootcamp sessions or intensive study periods mean lost wages or used vacation time.

An expert points out: "Every hour you spend on this, every weekend sacrificed, every Netflix show you skip, every night you swap sleep for simulation exams is an investment". Bank statements won't show this opportunity cost, but it's a real expense.

The stress from exam preparation can lead to burnout, another hidden cost that affects your wellbeing. Mental fatigue reduces both study effectiveness and job performance.

Smart candidates budget beyond the $425 voucher. These extra expenses often cost more than the base exam price, making full financial planning vital for certification success.

Retake Fees and Bundle Math Explained

Not passing the CompTIA Security+ exam on your first try adds extra costs to your certification trip. Most candidates don't realize these costs when they plan their budget. Learning about retake prices and bundle options will help you make better money decisions.

Cost of Retaking Without a Bundle

If you don't pass the Security+ exam on your first try, you'll need to pay the full voucher price - $425.00 for each new attempt. This is a big deal as it means that you'll pay double your original investment.

Here's what you need to know about retaking the test:

• You can retake right after your first attempt
• After failing twice, you must wait 14 days before your third try
• The same 14-day wait applies to all later attempts
• Each retake costs the full exam fee ($425.00) unless you buy a bundle

Yes, it is true that CompTIA doesn't give discounts for single retakes, so each failed attempt costs as much as your first try. This makes many candidates think over bundle options from the start.

Voucher + Retake Bundle vs. Individual Retake

CompTIA's "Voucher + Retake" bundle costs $474.00. You get one exam voucher and one retake chance. The numbers show you'll save money compared to buying vouchers one at a time:

• Two separate vouchers: $425.00 × 2 = $850.00
• Voucher + Retake bundle: $474.00
• Total savings: $376.00

The bundle gives you a cheaper second try, like an insurance policy if you fail the first time. If you need a third try, you'll have to buy another full-price voucher or look at other bundles.

Here's something to remember: passing on your first try means you lose the retake - you can't get money back or give it to someone else. The retake expires with your voucher, usually after 12 months.

When a Bundle Makes Financial Sense

You need to be honest with yourself when deciding about a bundle. A bundle makes sense if:

1. You're new to IT certification exams and don't know what to expect
2. You don't have much hands-on cybersecurity experience
3. You're studying while working full-time or juggling other responsibilities

If you think your chances of passing first time are nowhere near 90%, the bundle is a smart choice. You'll save compared to buying two separate vouchers – worth it for peace of mind.

The bundle helps you mentally too. Test-takers feel more relaxed knowing they have a backup plan already paid for. This can actually help you pass on your first try.

All the same, you might skip the bundle if you have lots of experience or score above 90% on practice exams consistently.

Some other ways to save money exist. Training partners sometimes offer cheaper vouchers than the bundle discount. Military members, students, and teachers can often get special prices that save more than the bundle.

Renewal Costs and Continuing Education Requirements

Your Security+ certification comes with additional costs beyond the original exam fee. The credential requires periodic renewal and professional development to stay valid.

Three-Year Renewal Cycle and $150 Fee

Your Security+ credential stays valid for exactly three years from your exam pass date. You should track this date - passing on January 15, 2025 means renewal by January 15, 2028. This three-year cycle matches CompTIA's exam updates and helps you stay current with new security threats.

CompTIA's renewal process has a straightforward fee structure. The total cost is $150 for the entire three-year period. Though this equals $50 per year, you don't need to make yearly payments. CompTIA lets you pay the full amount at any point during your certification cycle. Your fees must be paid before expiration since CompTIA doesn't allow grace periods.

Missing your renewal deadline means your certification expires. You'll need to retake the full exam at $425 - much more than the renewal fee.

Earning 50 CEUs Through Work or Training

Your Security+ credential requires 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) within the three-year certification cycle. These CEUs help you stay up-to-date as security technologies change.

You can get these units through several paths:

• Training activities: Security conferences, webinars, or IT courses
• Publishing: Articles, white papers, or books on cybersecurity
• Industry participation: Teaching, mentoring, or subject matter expert roles
• Work experience: Security-related job tasks (up to 3 CEUs yearly)

Activities must meet specific criteria. They need completion during your current three-year cycle. At least 50% of the content should relate to Security+ exam objectives. You'll also need proper documentation for verification.

Renewal via Higher-Level Certifications (e.g., CySA+)

A smart alternative to tracking CEUs involves getting a higher-level CompTIA certification. Passing CySA+, PenTest+, or CASP+ exams automatically renews your Security+ credential.

This method offers several benefits. You skip the $150 renewal fee completely, no CE fees apply with higher certification renewals. The administrative work of logging CEU activities disappears. Plus, you get another valuable credential that enhances your resume and might boost your earning potential.

One expert explains: "This option exemplifies CompTIA's 'stackable' certification model... When you pass your Security+, that renews your Network+ as well and your A+. There's this stackable thing that they've got".

Note that CE fees still apply if the higher-level certification doesn't fully renew the lower-level one. You should verify certification renewal relationships before choosing this approach.

Your Security+ credential's lifetime cost depends on your chosen renewal method. A decade of renewal fees totals $500 ($150 × 3 renewal cycles + initial $425 exam cost). Higher certifications eliminate these fees while advancing your career at the same time.

Ways to Save on Security+ Certification Cost

Want to cut your CompTIA Security+ exam costs? Several discount programs can save you hundreds of dollars on certification expenses. Smart test-takers look into these options before paying full price.

Student and Military Discounts

CompTIA's academic pricing program gives students major savings. Students can get up to 40% off vouchers and 65% off learning products with proper verification. The standard $425 voucher drops to about $270.

Student pricing eligibility requires you to:

• Be enrolled at a U.S. Title IV University, Canadian University, or be a U.S. high school junior/senior (16+ years old)
• Complete verification through SheerID, CompTIA's third-party verification service
• Show documentation with your name, school name, and current term date

Military members and veterans get similar perks. Active duty personnel, veterans, and professionals who meet DoD 8570 or 8140 requirements can access exclusive discounts. Military members in the Army, Air Force, National Guard, or Reserves might even get $2,000 in free Security+ training through Army COOL and AF COOL programs.

Government workers also get special rates. Federal, state, and local government employees qualify for discounts when they link their accounts to their agencies. Government contractors can get discounts if their organization's CompTIA account is set up.

Employer Reimbursement and GI Bill

Your employer might be your best bet for funding. Many companies offer education stipends or pay certification costs directly. IRS Section 127 lets employers provide up to $5,250 yearly in tax-free educational assistance. This money can cover courses, study materials, and exam fees.

Talk to HR about professional development budgets or tuition reimbursement policies before spending your own money. "Most businesses desperately need employees with Security+". Your company might cover your voucher or training costs - you just need to ask.

Veterans have a big advantage with their GI Bill benefits. CompTIA certification exams are VA-approved, and the VA education benefits can reimburse the full $425 exam cost. This covers prep courses, study materials, and practice tests from approved providers.

Authorized Partner Discounts (e.g., StationX)

CompTIA partners often sell at lower prices than direct purchases. GetCertified4Less markets itself as a "trusted source for discounted CompTIA Security+ vouchers". Training Camp gives exclusive volume discounts for bulk voucher purchases (5+ vouchers) as a Platinum CompTIA Partner.

Timing your purchase matters. CompTIA runs promotions on vouchers and bundles during product updates or seasonal periods. These limited-time deals can save you quite a bit.

Planning to get multiple certifications? CompTIA's bundle deals can save up to 46% off retail prices when you combine vouchers with study materials. Smart use of these discount strategies could save you hundreds on your total certification cost.

Free and Low-Cost Study Resources to Reduce Total Cost

You don't need to empty your wallet to prepare for Security+. Several free and budget-friendly resources can reduce your total expenses while providing quality preparation materials.

Crucial Exams Security+ Practice Test Resource

Crucial Exams provides 1,400 practice questions for the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam at no cost. The platform has nine performance-based questions (PBQs) that simulate the actual exam experience. Students can study flexibly by reviewing individual questions with detailed explanations or creating timed, customizable practice tests. The study materials also have 374 flashcards in four decks to reinforce key concepts. This free resource helps you spot knowledge gaps early and could save hundreds on extra study materials.

Professor Messer's Free Video Series

Professor Messer's complete Security+ SY0-701 video training course costs nothing. His series has 121 videos with a total runtime of 15 hours and 11 minutes. The videos line up with CompTIA's exam objectives and create a clear learning path. Messer provides additional free resources like weekly pop quiz questions, monthly live study groups for Q&A sessions, and a 24/7 chat community for peer support. Students wanting extra help can buy Course Notes, but all video content stays free.

Flashcards, Reddit, and Discord Study Groups

Community resources can cut your security plus certification cost further. The r/CompTIA subreddit has annotated outlines, clickable study plans, and success stories from other candidates. GitHub repositories collect notes, practice exams, and links to trusted resources. Security+ Discord servers provide dedicated study channels, weekly study sessions, and resource sharing. Jason Smith's study guide readers get free access to exclusive Discord study groups where they learn as part of a community. These shared environments build accountability and motivation at no extra cost.

The combination of free options with targeted paid resources creates a balanced study approach that reduces your total investment substantially.

Conclusion

You now have a clear picture of what investing in CompTIA Security+ certification means after dissecting every aspect of this experience. The basic exam voucher costs $425, but your total costs will likely be between $600 and $1,500 based on how you prepare. This career move shows up in 13% of all cybersecurity job postings, so it deserves careful financial planning.

The right study path is your first step to smart budgeting. Self-study materials ($100-$300) are the most budget-friendly option, while online courses ($300-$1,000) give you more structure. Bootcamps ($1,200-$3,500) give you detailed preparation but cost more. The Voucher + Retake bundle at $808 could save you $42 compared to buying two separate vouchers.

Student discounts, military benefits, employer reimbursement programs, or authorized partners like StationX can help cut your costs by a lot. Your expenses drop even more with free resources. Crucial Exams gives you 1,400 practice questions and nine performance-based questions that match the real exam experience at no cost.

The true cost includes some hidden expenses. Your time investment (30-90 days), testing logistics, and what you could earn elsewhere all add up. You'll also need to earn 50 CEUs or get higher-level credentials, plus pay a $150 renewal fee every three years to keep your certification active.

The Security+ certification confirms your basic cybersecurity skills and creates opportunities in a growing industry. This investment makes sense when you look at career growth potential. With 24% of the US cybersecurity workforce having this credential, you'll find more job opportunities and possible salary increases.

Think of your Security+ certification cost as a career investment, not just an expense. You can prepare well and stay within budget by mixing free resources like Crucial Exams CompTIA A+ practice tests with specific paid materials. This balanced approach puts this valuable industry credential within reach whatever your financial situation.