The CompTIA Security+ certification is a foundational credential that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge of essential cybersecurity principles. Like most professional certifications, Security+ is not a lifetime credential. To maintain its validity and relevance in an ever-evolving technology landscape, the certification must be renewed every three years.
CompTIA requires certificate holders to earn and submit fifty Continuing Education Units within a three-year cycle. These CEUs serve as proof that the individual has continued their professional development and maintained competency in topics covered under the Security+ objectives. CE activities must relate directly to the certification content, with at least fifty percent of each activity focused on Security+ exam objectives to be eligible.
This renewal process supports lifelong learning and ensures that certified professionals remain effective and current in their knowledge of cybersecurity practices. Rather than viewing renewal as a chore, it should be approached as an opportunity to build new skills, stay engaged with emerging threats, and grow within the industry.
Understanding the Continuing Education (CE) Program
The Continuing Education program is CompTIA’s formal structure for certification maintenance. It ensures that certified individuals actively participate in ongoing learning that reflects changes in the cybersecurity landscape. Each CEU represents approximately one hour of instruction, participation, or contribution in a relevant activity.
The requirement to earn fifty CEUs within a three-year cycle is designed to encourage consistent professional development. CEUs may be earned through a variety of activities, including attending training courses, writing technical content, teaching, presenting at conferences, watching webinars, participating in community engagements, and more.
It is important to note that all submitted activities must be documented and recorded through the official CompTIA portal. Acceptable documentation includes course certificates, attendance records, published works, or letters from employers or event organizers. Without proper documentation, CEUs may not be accepted, which could delay the renewal process.
CE Activities and Their Associated CEU Limits
CompTIA has clearly defined the maximum number of CEUs that can be earned in each approved category. This system allows professionals to customize how they achieve their required CEUs while preventing over-reliance on any single method.
The activity of earning a non-CompTIA certification has no maximum limit, provided the certification is approved. If the newly earned certification maps completely to Security+ objectives and is accepted by CompTIA, it will satisfy all fifty CEUs. This is often the most direct path to renewal.
Taking part in a CompTIA or non-CompTIA training course may earn up to fifty CEUs, which is the full requirement. College courses relevant to cybersecurity offer up to forty CEUs. Teaching a course can provide a maximum of twenty CEUs. Completing an American Council on Education-accredited course can earn forty CEUs.
Creating instructional materials may contribute up to twenty CEUs. Watching live webinars or attending conferences can each contribute ten CEUs at maximum. Participating in a CompTIA exam development workshop allows for thirty CEUs.
Being an active member of a professional IT board or chapter earns up to nine CEUs. Membership in an IT association earns six CEUs. Work experience aligned with Security+ tasks can provide up to nine CEUs. Writing and publishing a blog post, article, or white paper can add up to sixteen CEUs, while authoring a full-length book related to cybersecurity may be worth forty CEUs.
Understanding these limitations helps in developing a balanced strategy for earning CEUs. Combining various methods not only ensures compliance but also promotes deeper engagement with the cybersecurity community.
Renewing Through Higher-Level Certifications
One of the most efficient and impactful ways to renew your Security+ certification is by earning another cybersecurity credential that CompTIA recognizes as meeting the full CEU requirement. This pathway is ideal for professionals looking to advance their careers while maintaining existing certifications.
Certifications such as CySA+, CASP+, CEH, CHFI, ECSA, CISA, CISM, CAP, CISSP, ISSAP, ISSEP, and ISSMP are all recognized by CompTIA and grant the full fifty CEUs required for Security+ renewal. By pursuing one of these, professionals not only fulfill the renewal requirement but also expand their expertise and gain additional credibility in the field.
Some certifications contribute significant CEUs but not the full fifty. Examples include RHCE, which earns forty CEUs, RHCSA with thirty-eight CEUs, OCSP with forty CEUs, and CCSP with thirty-seven CEUs. If you earn one of these, the remaining CEUs can be obtained through other qualifying activities.
Choosing to renew through certification has the added benefit of expanding your career opportunities. It reflects a commitment to professional growth and equips you with up-to-date knowledge that may not have been covered in your original Security+ exam. While this approach may require a greater investment of time and resources, the long-term benefits often outweigh the cost.
Low-Cost and No-Cost Strategies to Earn CEUs
Not everyone has the budget or schedule flexibility to pursue another certification or attend multi-day training. Fortunately, there are cost-effective and efficient ways to renew your Security+ without spending significant time or money.
One of the most accessible options is writing blog posts. Each post related to Security+ topics earns one CEU, with a cap of sixteen CEUs. Since blog posts are typically brief and informal, this method allows you to contribute valuable content with minimal effort. Topics could include case studies, tool reviews, industry news, or practical tips for cybersecurity professionals.
Another option is attending free technical discussions or social events. These are often hosted by local organizations or industry groups and involve informal presentations on security topics. Each hour of participation earns one CEU, with a limit of ten CEUs. Attending a dozen events over three years can help you meet this cap.
Webinars are another great resource. Many respected organizations offer free, hour-long webinars that cover various cybersecurity topics. These sessions are typically led by subject matter experts and include valuable insights. As long as the topic aligns with Security+ objectives, each hour earns one CEU, with a cap of ten.
You can also earn CEUs by documenting your professional work. If your job duties involve tasks related to Security+ objectives, you can claim three CEUs per year by submitting a supervisor-signed letter that outlines your responsibilities. Over three years, this results in nine CEUs.
Finally, take advantage of free or low-cost training sessions whenever possible. Some professional groups and community organizations offer occasional short-form training on topics like ethical hacking, wireless security, or malware analysis. These are great ways to meet your final CEU requirements while networking and learning something new.
Tracking Your Progress Toward CEU Completion
To successfully renew your Security+ certification, it is essential to track your CEUs throughout the three-year cycle. Many professionals delay this process, only to face challenges when the deadline approaches. Establishing a system to log your CEU activities as you complete them will save time and prevent complications.
The first step is to create a dedicated record-keeping system. This could be a spreadsheet or a digital journal where you log the activity name, date completed, number of CEUs earned, the category it falls under, and the related documentation. This log should be updated immediately after completing an activity to prevent data loss or confusion.
Using a well-organized system helps ensure that you stay within category limits. For example, if you have already reached the ten CEU cap for webinars, your tracking system should reflect that. This prevents mistakenly submitting excess CEUs in a category that has already reached its limit.
Maintaining a digital folder containing all supporting documentation is also recommended. This folder should include certificates, emails confirming attendance, supervisor letters, or screenshots of participation. CompTIA may require this evidence during the renewal submission process, and having it readily accessible will streamline the process.
Tracking CEUs in real-time, rather than retroactively, reduces stress and ensures you meet the fifty-CEU goal without last-minute scrambling. This practice also provides a record of your professional development, which can be beneficial when updating resumes or applying for new roles.
Documentation Guidelines and Submission Best Practices
Submitting your CEUs is not just about checking boxes. Proper documentation is essential to prove that each activity meets CompTIA’s standards and aligns with the Security+ exam objectives. Failure to provide accurate documentation may result in rejected CEUs, which could delay or jeopardize your renewal.
Each CEU activity must be accompanied by evidence that proves both completion and relevance. The type of documentation depends on the activity. For training courses, a certificate of completion showing your name, course title, date, and total hours is usually required. For webinars or conferences, attendance certificates or confirmation emails that specify the topic and date will suffice.
When submitting work experience as a CEU activity, you must provide a signed letter on your company’s letterhead. The letter should include your job title, the period being claimed, the specific job duties related to Security+ objectives, and your supervisor’s signature. Without these elements, the CEUs may be disqualified.
If you publish content, such as blog posts or articles, include a copy of the publication or a screenshot with a visible timestamp and author name. If you are teaching or presenting, submit a syllabus, presentation slides, or official documentation from the hosting organization.
CompTIA’s CE portal provides instructions for uploading documents, categorizing your activity, and submitting for review. Once an activity is submitted, CompTIA may take time to approve it. Regularly check the status of your submissions to address any issues promptly.
Reviewing the submission guidelines and ensuring complete documentation is one of the most important parts of successful renewal. Proper preparation will eliminate the stress of last-minute verification and allow you to focus on continued growth and learning.
Aligning CE Activities with Security+ Objectives
To qualify for CEUs, at least fifty percent of any activity’s content must align with the Security+ exam objectives. Understanding these objectives is key to selecting and justifying CE activities. If a submitted activity does not meet this threshold, CompTIA may reject the CEUs.
Security+ objectives cover a wide range of cybersecurity topics, including threat management, risk analysis, secure network architecture, identity management, cryptography, incident response, and compliance standards. Activities should focus on expanding your knowledge in one or more of these areas.
When considering whether an activity qualifies, ask whether it improves your ability to apply these principles in real-world scenarios. For example, attending a webinar on ransomware mitigation or teaching a course on firewalls would support the Security+ objectives.
If you are unsure whether an activity qualifies, compare its agenda, course outline, or syllabus with the current Security+ exam domains. These domains are published by CompTIA and provide a clear framework for acceptable content.
Aligning your activities also ensures that your renewal is meaningful. Rather than pursuing unrelated or tangential topics, staying focused on Security+ content enhances your professional capabilities and keeps your certification credible.
If a course or event is more general but includes a significant cybersecurity segment, consider documenting only the relevant portion. For example, if you attend a five-hour workshop where two hours focus on network security, only claim those two hours and submit evidence of the agenda to clarify the alignment.
Strategic Planning for CEU Accumulation
Successfully renewing your Security+ certification requires more than randomly completing activities. It involves strategic planning to optimize time, resources, and outcomes. Mapping out a three-year plan ensures you stay on track and minimize the stress of last-minute renewals.
Begin by setting yearly CEU goals. Dividing fifty CEUs across three years means aiming for around seventeen CEUs per year. This approach allows for flexibility in case you need to adjust due to unforeseen circumstances. It also reduces the risk of falling short during the final months of your cycle.
Next, identify low-effort or recurring activities you can depend on. For instance, watching a webinar each quarter can easily earn four CEUs annually. If your job duties align with Security+ topics, document your experience each year for a reliable nine CEUs across the cycle.
Incorporate professional development activities that not only earn CEUs but also serve your broader career goals. Enroll in specialized training courses or certifications that open doors to new opportunities while contributing significantly to your CE total.
Be mindful of category caps. Once you reach the maximum CEUs in a particular activity type, shift focus to other categories. A well-balanced renewal plan will draw from multiple sources, ensuring you stay within the allowable limits.
Include documentation collection in your planning. Keep a checklist of the required evidence for each activity, and gather it immediately after completion. Having this documentation ready will make the submission process smoother and reduce errors.
Lastly, schedule periodic reviews of your progress. At least once per quarter, assess how many CEUs you’ve earned, how many remain, and whether your activities are still aligned with the certification objectives. These checkpoints ensure you remain on target without surprises as your renewal date approaches.
Maximizing CEUs Through Cross-Certification
Cross-certification is one of the most strategic ways to renew your Security+ while advancing your cybersecurity credentials. If you are already pursuing certifications beyond Security+, you may be closer to renewal than you think. Several intermediate and advanced security-related certifications offer CEUs that fully meet or significantly contribute toward Security+ renewal.
Certifications like CySA+, CASP+, CISM, CISA, CISSP, and CEH often qualify for the full fifty CEUs. These certifications are considered more advanced and are recognized by CompTIA as sufficient evidence of continuing education. Earning one of these automatically satisfies the CEU requirement for Security+, making it one of the most efficient paths to renewal.
Even if the new certification does not meet the full fifty CEUs, it can still contribute partial credit. Certifications such as CCSP, RHCE, RHCSA, and OSCP provide high-value CEUs that complement other activities like webinars or training.
Cross-certification benefits extend beyond CEU collection. Each new certification expands your technical knowledge, professional value, and eligibility for higher-paying job roles. When selecting which certification to pursue, consider those that not only renew your Security+ but also align with your long-term career trajectory.
If your goal is to move into cloud security, obtaining the CCSP would contribute CEUs while also positioning you for cloud-focused roles. Similarly, if your interest lies in ethical hacking, pursuing CEH or OSCP can enhance your skills and keep your Security+ valid.
Planning your certification path strategically can eliminate redundant CEU activities and double the return on your time and financial investment. It streamlines both learning and renewal, creating a more efficient professional development cycle.
Building CEUs Through Thought Leadership
Publishing content is another powerful way to earn CEUs while building your professional reputation. CompTIA awards CEUs for publishing blogs, white papers, articles, or even full-length books that are relevant to cybersecurity and aligned with Security+ objectives.
You can earn one CEU for each blog post and up to sixteen CEUs in total under this category. A well-structured plan to publish one post each month for a year can help you meet the maximum allowance. These posts do not have to be lengthy or overly complex. A five-hundred-word article offering insight into a cybersecurity concept, tool, or industry development is often enough.
More in-depth publications like white papers or magazine articles may earn more credit, depending on the content and visibility. Publishing a book on an approved topic can earn up to forty CEUs. While writing a book is a large undertaking, it is a highly respected credential in the cybersecurity community and serves as an excellent long-term professional goal.
Sharing your expertise through writing helps solidify your understanding of key concepts and increases your visibility within the field. It also shows initiative and thought leadership, qualities that are valuable to employers and peers alike.
You do not need to be a professional writer to take advantage of this strategy. Many cybersecurity professionals start by publishing on internal blogs or contributing to local technology forums. What matters most is that your content is original, informative, and relevant to Security+ domains.
Documenting your authorship typically involves screenshots of the published material or a PDF of the work, along with proof that it was publicly available during your renewal cycle. These records ensure compliance and secure your CEU credits.
Leveraging Teaching and Public Speaking for CE Credit
Teaching others is another meaningful and effective way to earn CEUs. Whether you conduct formal classroom instruction or give presentations at cybersecurity events, you can earn up to twenty CEUs for teaching activities. CompTIA recognizes teaching as a valid method of continuing education because it requires a deep understanding of the material and often involves curriculum development.
Teaching opportunities can come in many forms. If you work for an educational institution or a training center, classroom teaching qualifies as long as it covers content relevant to Security+ objectives. Creating training materials for internal workshops or presenting at a community tech meetup also qualifies.
If you conduct a cybersecurity seminar or run a training bootcamp at your workplace, you may qualify for CEUs as both a presenter and an instructional material creator. These can be logged under separate categories, each with its own CEU cap.
For every hour spent teaching, you may claim CEUs, provided you can show the course materials, date, and audience served. Most instructors find that even a single course offering can generate enough CEUs to cover a large portion of the renewal requirement.
Presenting at industry conferences or webinars is another method to earn CEUs. If you lead a session at a cybersecurity event and the content aligns with Security+ domains, it counts toward your renewal. You will need to provide the agenda, your session title, date, and possibly an attendee list or organizer confirmation.
This approach not only earns CEUs but also enhances your reputation as a subject-matter expert. Public speaking engagements demonstrate leadership, mastery, and engagement in the broader security community.
Using Volunteer Experience for CEU Credit
Many professionals overlook the value of community involvement when it comes to certification renewal. Volunteer work in the cybersecurity field can earn you CEUs and provide opportunities for learning, networking, and giving back.
Serving as an active member of an IT association, contributing to an industry board, or participating in chapter activities can earn up to nine CEUs depending on your level of involvement. These roles typically require ongoing commitment, such as attending meetings, leading discussions, or contributing to working groups.
You may also earn CEUs by assisting in exam development workshops hosted by professional certification bodies. These workshops typically involve item writing, review, or content alignment, and participation qualifies for up to thirty CEUs. Such activities are highly valuable for networking and expanding your understanding of assessment frameworks.
Another way to earn CEUs through volunteering is by mentoring others in the cybersecurity field. If you participate in formal mentorship programs or conduct regular sessions to guide junior professionals, document your hours and outcomes to claim relevant CEUs. Though mentoring is not always listed in public guidelines, CompTIA may accept it under professional development activities if properly documented.
To claim CEUs for volunteer work, you must keep thorough documentation. This includes confirmation letters, meeting minutes, proof of involvement, and a description of the contribution. Make sure to connect the role or activity back to Security+ objectives to strengthen your submission.
Engaging with the community benefits not only your CEU balance but also your career trajectory. It broadens your network, opens doors to speaking engagements, and builds a strong professional presence within the field.
Preparing Your CEU Submission Package
Once you have earned the required Continuing Education Units, the next step is ensuring you document and submit them properly. CompTIA requires that each CEU activity be tracked with appropriate proof. Failure to provide accurate records could result in the denial of CEUs and could jeopardize your renewal.
Each CEU activity should be documented with the following details. Include the date of the activity, the name and description of the activity, the number of CEUs you are claiming, and evidence supporting the claim. For training courses or certifications, you will need transcripts or certificates of completion. For webinars and conferences, include agendas and proof of attendance.
If you published content, include the publication date, title, a copy or screenshot of the content, and where it was published. If you earned CEUs from work experience, include a signed letter from your supervisor on company letterhead. This letter should outline your role, the tasks performed, and how those duties relate to the Security+ exam objectives.
You are encouraged to upload these documents into the official continuing education portal as soon as each activity is completed. This reduces the risk of misplacing records and allows you to track your progress in real time. The portal calculates your total CEUs and lets you know whether you’ve met all the requirements.
The submission process is straightforward if your records are organized. You will enter the activity type, date, and CEUs earned, then upload your supporting documentation. CompTIA reviews submissions and may approve them automatically or request additional evidence.
Make sure that all files are in commonly accepted formats and clearly legible. Use consistent naming conventions to help you stay organized. For example, naming a document WorkExperience2025.pdf or Webinar_NetworkSecurity_June.pdf can make retrieval easier if follow-up is required.
By submitting CEUs gradually over the three-year cycle, you reduce stress and make the final renewal process a formality rather than a scramble.
Timing and Deadlines for Renewal
Renewal timing is just as important as earning the CEUs themselves. Your Security+ certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued. You must complete and submit all CEUs before the expiration date. Waiting until the last minute increases the risk of missing the deadline and losing your certification status.
A good strategy is to review your progress annually. Set reminders to check your CEU status at the end of each year. This lets you adjust your professional development plans if you are falling behind. If you have only fifteen CEUs after two years, you still have time to attend training, write blog posts, or complete webinars.
Do not forget that some activities, like work experience, can be submitted once per year. Logging those consistently will help build your CEU base passively. If you wait to gather three years of work history in one submission, it may create additional documentation challenges.
CompTIA typically sends out renewal reminders, but you should not rely solely on those emails. Take initiative to monitor your account and submit documents well before your certification expiration date. If your certification expires, you must retake the Security+ exam to become certified again. This not only costs time and money but can also create gaps in your certification history, which may impact job opportunities.
Ideally, complete your fifty CEUs at least thirty days before expiration. This allows time for CompTIA to review submissions and for you to respond to any requests for clarification. Once your CEUs are approved and the renewal fee is paid, your certification is extended for another three years from the original expiration date.
Planning saves money, reduces stress, and maintains your professional standing without interruption.
Avoiding Common Mistakes in the CEU Process
While the CEU process is clear, there are some common mistakes that professionals make. Avoiding these issues can save you time and prevent delays or rejections during submission.
One of the most frequent mistakes is assuming that all activities are eligible for CEUs. CompTIA only accepts activities that relate to the Security+ exam objectives. If the subject matter of your training, writing, or volunteer work is too far outside of the Security+ scope, it may be rejected. Always compare your activity with thecurrent Security+ exam objectives before submitting.
Another common mistake is over-relying on a single CEU type. While some categories offer high maximum CEUs, no single activity is guaranteed to carry the entire burden. For example, if you attend fifteen webinars but the category only allows ten CEUs, the extra five will not be counted. Always check the maximum allowed for each CEU type and diversify your activities accordingly.
Failing to document activities properly is another problem. A certificate with no date or a screenshot without context can lead to delays or rejection. Double-check that each document clearly shows the who, what, when, and where of the activity.
Also, avoid waiting until the end of your certification cycle to begin tracking activities. Spreading the workload over three years makes the process more manageable and improves your chances of staying certified.
Finally, professionals sometimes forget to pay the renewal fee. CompTIA requires both CEU submission and payment for the renewal to be finalized. Make sure this step is not overlooked once your CEUs have been accepted.
Avoiding these common pitfalls ensures a smoother, faster renewal and demonstrates your commitment to professional development.
Long-Term Benefits of Staying Certified
Renewing your Security+ certification is more than just a compliance task. It plays a major role in your long-term career growth. Maintaining an active certification validates that your knowledge is current in a rapidly changing industry.
Security+ is widely recognized in both public and private sectors. Employers often require it for compliance with industry standards and government regulations. Letting your certification lapse could mean lost job opportunities or disqualification for specific contracts.
Renewing your certification regularly keeps you aligned with the latest cybersecurity practices. The activities you complete for CEUs improve your practical knowledge and technical skills. Each webinar, course, or blog post adds to your expertise and positions you for roles with greater responsibility.
In many cases, professionals who engage in consistent CEU activity go on to earn higher-level certifications. The learning habit developed through the renewal process supports ongoing growth, making it easier to pursue certifications like CySA+, CISSP, or cloud security credentials.
Keeping your certification active also shows employers that you are invested in your career. This commitment is attractive to hiring managers and can influence promotions, raises, and leadership opportunities.
Additionally, maintaining your certification creates continuity in your professional record. Recruiters and credential verifiers often check certification dates, and a seamless history shows reliability and professionalism.
The process of renewal builds soft skills, too. Time management, strategic planning, and communication are all exercised as you balance learning with your day-to-day responsibilities. Over time, this professional discipline enhances your confidence and effectiveness.
When renewal is approached with the mindset of continuous growth, it transforms from a requirement into a valuable tool for advancement. Use it to expand your skills, stay ahead in your field, and open doors to new career possibilities.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your CompTIA Security+ certification is not just a requirement to keep your credentials active, it is a strategic step toward ongoing professional development and long-term career growth in cybersecurity. The continuing education process is designed to keep your knowledge aligned with industry changes, emerging threats, and evolving best practices.
Understanding how CEUs work and planning for them early in your three-year certification cycle will eliminate unnecessary pressure and make the process smoother. Whether you are earning CEUs through training, certifications, webinars, work experience, or writing, every activity adds value to your career by expanding your expertise and demonstrating your commitment to staying current.
The key to success lies in being proactive, organized, and intentional. Document your CEUs carefully, verify that each activity aligns with Security+ objectives, and submit them well in advance of your expiration date. Diversifying your CEU sources not only ensures compliance but also enriches your knowledge and skill set.
Certification renewal should not be viewed as a burden but as an opportunity to continue learning and improving. The cybersecurity field is dynamic, and staying certified means staying relevant. Employers recognize this dedication and often reward it with greater responsibility, promotions, or new opportunities.
Approach renewal with a strategic mindset. Use it to explore new areas of cybersecurity, connect with professionals in the field, and reinforce your expertise. With proper planning and effort, maintaining your Security+ certification becomes a tool for growth rather than a box to check.