Security+ certification is one of the most sought-after IT security certifications that validates the proficiency of an IT professional in securing essential network infrastructures. Whether you are looking to boost your career prospects or improve your knowledge of IT security, the Security+ certification provides an excellent foundation for your career. But how long is Security+ certification good for? Let’s take a closer look at the expiration policy for the Security+ certification and what it means for IT professionals who hold this esteemed certification.
The importance of security+ certification
Before we delve into the expiration dates of Security+ certification, let’s first understand why it’s crucial to have this certification for your IT career. Security+ certification is an industry-standard certification that validates your knowledge and expertise in essential security concepts, network security, compliance, operational security, risk management, and more. This certification is vendor-neutral, meaning that it’s recognized and valued by a wide range of businesses, government organizations, and IT security professionals worldwide.
Having a Security+ certification can open up many career opportunities for you in the IT industry. With the increasing number of cyber threats and attacks, businesses are looking for professionals who can ensure the security of their networks and systems. This certification can help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to the field of IT security. Additionally, Security+ certification is a requirement for many government and military IT positions, making it a valuable asset for those looking to work in these sectors.
Overview of the Security+ certification exam
The Security+ certification exam is a globally recognized exam that is designed to test and validate the skills required to secure mission-critical network infrastructures effectively. The exam includes a range of multiple-choice questions, simulations, and practical exercises that challenge the examinee’s knowledge of essential security concepts, tools, best practices, and more. The exam questions are based on the CompTIA Security+ certification objectives, which are regularly updated to align with the latest industry trends and best practices.
One of the key benefits of obtaining the Security+ certification is that it demonstrates to potential employers that you have a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices. This certification is highly valued in the IT industry and can open up many career opportunities for individuals who hold it. Additionally, the Security+ certification is recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense, making it a valuable credential for those seeking employment in government or military positions that require a strong understanding of cybersecurity.
Understanding the expiration date on Security+ certification
The Security+ certification, like most other certifications, has an expiration date. This means that IT professionals who have earned the Security+ certification have a specific period within which they must keep the certification current to maintain its relevance. The Security+ certification expires three years from the date of issue.
It is important to note that the expiration date on the Security+ certification is not arbitrary. The field of cybersecurity is constantly evolving, and new threats and technologies emerge regularly. Therefore, the certification must be updated to reflect these changes and ensure that certified professionals have the most up-to-date knowledge and skills.
To renew the Security+ certification, IT professionals can take a renewal exam or earn continuing education units (CEUs) through various activities such as attending conferences, completing online courses, or participating in relevant training programs. It is recommended that professionals start preparing for renewal well in advance of the expiration date to avoid any lapses in certification.
How often do you need to renew your Security+ certification?
To stay current with the Security+ certification, you need to renew it every three years. This means that you must recertify before the expiration date of your current certification. The recertification process involves passing the latest version of the Security+ certification exam or earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in relevant IT security-related training courses.
It is important to note that if you fail to renew your Security+ certification before the expiration date, your certification will become inactive. Inactive certifications cannot be used to meet job requirements or qualify for certain positions. Additionally, if you let your certification expire for too long, you may be required to retake the entire certification exam instead of just recertifying. Therefore, it is crucial to stay on top of your recertification requirements and plan accordingly to avoid any lapses in your certification status.
The benefits of maintaining an active Security+ certification
Keeping your Security+ certification current comes with numerous benefits. First and foremost, it ensures that your knowledge and expertise in IT security are up-to-date, which is crucial in an ever-evolving IT landscape. Additionally, maintaining an active certification boosts your career prospects by demonstrating to potential employers that you’re a dedicated IT security professional who stays current with the latest trends and best practices in the industry.
Another benefit of maintaining an active Security+ certification is that it can lead to higher salaries. According to a survey conducted by CompTIA, individuals with a Security+ certification earn an average of 7% more than those without the certification. This increase in salary can be attributed to the high demand for IT security professionals and the value that employers place on individuals who hold industry-recognized certifications.
Tips for preparing for the Security+ recertification exam
If you opt to renew your Security+ certification by taking the latest version of the exam, you’ll need to prepare thoroughly to ensure success. Here are a few tips to help you prepare:
- Set a schedule for study and stick to it
- Utilize multiple resources, including study guides, practice exams, online tutorials, and more
- Take advantage of virtual or in-person training courses
- Identify your weak areas and focus on them to improve
- Manage exam-day stress and anxiety by practicing relaxation techniques
Another important tip for preparing for the Security+ recertification exam is to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and developments. This can be done by reading industry publications, attending conferences and webinars, and participating in online forums and discussion groups.
It’s also important to practice good test-taking strategies, such as reading each question carefully, eliminating obviously incorrect answers, and managing your time effectively. Additionally, consider forming a study group with other Security+ certified professionals to share knowledge and support each other throughout the preparation process.
Understanding the Continuing Education program for Security+ recertification
If you prefer to renew your Security+ certification by earning CEUs, you can opt to participate in the Continuing Education program offered by CompTIA. Under this program, you earn CEUs by participating in relevant IT security-related training courses, seminars, conferences, and other events. Each CEU represents one hour of continuing education activity, and you need a minimum of 50 CEUs to renew your certification.
One of the benefits of the Continuing Education program is that it allows you to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of IT security. By participating in relevant training courses and events, you can learn about new threats, vulnerabilities, and best practices for protecting your organization’s assets.
Another advantage of the Continuing Education program is that it provides you with a flexible and cost-effective way to maintain your certification. Instead of having to retake the Security+ exam every three years, you can earn CEUs at your own pace and on your own schedule. This can be especially beneficial if you have a busy work schedule or limited resources for training and certification.
How to keep track of your Security+ certification expiration date
To maintain the validity of your Security+ certification, it’s important to keep track of your expiration date and ensure that you renew the certification before it expires. You can check your certification status and expiration date by logging into your CompTIA certification account dashboard. You can also set up email reminders to alert you when your certification is about to expire.
It’s important to note that if your certification does expire, you will need to retake the Security+ exam in order to regain your certification. This can be a time-consuming and costly process, so it’s best to stay on top of your expiration date and renew your certification in a timely manner.
In addition to checking your certification status and setting up email reminders, you can also take advantage of continuing education opportunities to maintain your Security+ certification. CompTIA offers a variety of options for earning continuing education units (CEUs), including attending training courses, participating in webinars, and completing online courses. By earning CEUs, you can extend the validity of your certification and stay up-to-date on the latest security trends and best practices.
What happens if your Security+ certification expires?
If your Security+ certification expires, it means that you no longer hold a valid certification. This can significantly impact your career prospects, as many employers look for current and active certifications when hiring IT security professionals. To regain your certification, you’ll need to retake the Security+ certification exam or meet the CEU requirements for recertification.
It’s important to note that if you let your Security+ certification expire for too long, you may be required to retake the entire exam instead of just meeting the CEU requirements. Additionally, staying up-to-date with the latest security trends and technologies is crucial in the IT security field, so it’s recommended to recertify before your certification expires to ensure you have the most current knowledge and skills.
The cost of renewing your Security+ certification
The cost of renewing your Security+ certification varies depending on the option you choose. If you opt to renew your certification by retaking the exam, the cost is typically around $339. For recertification through CEUs, you’ll need to pay a fee of $50 per year of continuing education activity.
It’s important to note that if you let your Security+ certification expire, you’ll need to retake the exam in order to regain your certification. This can be a costly and time-consuming process, so it’s recommended that you renew your certification before it expires.
Additionally, if you’re a member of CompTIA, you may be eligible for discounts on certification renewal fees. It’s worth checking with CompTIA to see if you qualify for any discounts or promotions.
Other IT certifications that complement Security+
Security+ certification serves as an excellent foundation for IT professionals looking to specialize in IT security. Several other IT certifications complement Security+ and can help advance your career further. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
- Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
The impact of the latest cybersecurity trends on Security+ recertification
As the IT security landscape evolves, IT professionals need to stay current with the latest cybersecurity trends to stay relevant and competitive. CompTIA regularly updates the Security+ certification objectives to align with the evolving cybersecurity trends, ensuring that IT professionals who hold the certification stay up-to-date with the latest best practices and trends in the industry.
How to leverage your Security+ certification for career advancement
If you’re looking to advance your IT security career, having a current and active Security+ certification can significantly enhance your prospects. You can leverage your certification by highlighting it on your resume, social media profiles, and during job interviews. Additionally, networking with other IT security professionals and attending relevant conferences and seminars can help you connect with potential employers who value the Security+ certification.
Frequently asked questions about Security+ certification and renewal
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Security+ certification and renewal:
- Q: How long is a Security+ certification valid for? A: Three years
- Q: How do I renew my Security+ certification? A: Either by passing the latest version of the exam or earning CEUs
- Q: What is the cost of renewing my Security+ certification? A: Typically around $339 for exam renewal and $50 for each year of continuing education activity for CEU renewal
- Q: What happens if my Security+ certification expires? A: You’ll need to retake the exam or earn CEUs to regain your certification
Conclusion
The Security+ certification provides an excellent foundation for IT professionals looking to specialize in IT security. Maintaining an active certification requires recertification every three years through either exam renewal or CEUs. While this can be costly and time-consuming, the benefits of holding an active and current certification far outweigh the costs. IT professionals who hold the Security+ certification stand a better chance of advancing their careers and staying relevant in an ever-evolving IT landscape.
