Quick Answer: The CompTIA Security+ exam voucher costs $425 USD in 2026 through Pearson VUE. The total cost to earn the certification — including study materials — typically ranges from $500 to $700 for self-study candidates and $1,500 to $3,500 for boot camp candidates. Retakes cost another $425 each. Renewal after three years costs $150.
Complete Cost Summary at a Glance
Before diving into detail, here is every cost associated with Security+ from start to renewal:
| Cost Item | Amount | Notes |
| Exam voucher (1 attempt) | $425 USD | Official price via Pearson VUE |
| Retake fee | $425 USD | Each additional attempt, same price |
| Academic discount voucher | ~$200–$255 | 40–50% off for eligible students |
| Study guide book | $30–$80 | Chapple/Seidl Sybex guide ~$60 |
| Online video course | $15–$200 | Udemy (on sale) to official CompTIA eLearning |
| Practice exam platform | $20–$100 | Multiple full-length exams with explanations |
| Boot camp / instructor-led | $1,000–$3,500 | Includes exam voucher in most bundles |
| Certification renewal (3yr) | $150 total | $50/year via CompTIA CE program |
| Self-study total (typical) | $500–$700 | Exam + book + practice questions |
| Boot camp total (typical) | $1,500–$3,500 | All-in training + exam bundle |
The Exam Voucher: $425 USD
The exam voucher is your primary cost — it is what you purchase to sit the SY0-701 exam through Pearson VUE. In the United States the official price is $425 USD as of 2026.
A few important facts about the voucher:
One voucher = one attempt. If you fail, you need to purchase a new voucher at the same price. There is no discount for retakes — each attempt costs $425.
Vouchers have an expiration date. CompTIA exam vouchers typically expire 12 months after purchase. Do not buy your voucher months before you are ready to prepare — only purchase it when you are 6 to 8 weeks out from your target exam date.
Regional pricing varies. The $425 figure applies to the United States. Prices in other regions are set in local currency and may differ. Check Pearson VUE or CompTIA’s official website for your region’s current pricing before purchasing.
Where to buy: Purchase directly through Pearson VUE (pearsonvue.com/comptia) or through CompTIA’s official store (store.comptia.org). Third-party resellers sometimes offer discounts — verify they are authorized CompTIA partners before purchasing. For step-by-step registration instructions see our SY0-701 registration guide.
Retake Policy and Fees
If you do not pass on your first attempt:
- Waiting period: You must wait at least 14 days before retaking.
- Retake cost: Full price — $425 USD per attempt.
- Attempts: No limit on the number of retakes, but each requires a 14-day wait and a new voucher.
- After two failures: CompTIA requires the 14-day waiting period before each subsequent attempt with no exceptions.
This is why preparation quality matters so much. Failing once and retaking costs you $425 plus the time lost waiting 14 days. Failing twice costs $850 in exam fees alone before you pass. Proper preparation — specifically, scoring 80% or higher on three full-length timed SY0-701 practice exams before booking — consistently reduces retake rates.
Study Material Costs: What You Actually Need vs. What You Don’t
This is where most cost guides mislead candidates — they list every possible study option without helping you understand what is actually necessary.
What you need as a minimum:
- The official exam objectives (free) — Download from CompTIA.org before spending a dollar on anything else. This is the definitive list of every testable topic.
- A study guide or video course ($15–$80) — You need one primary learning resource, not five. Professor Messer’s SY0-701 course is free and covers every objective clearly. If you prefer a book, the CompTIA Security+ Study Guide by Mike Chapple and David Seidl costs around $55–$65 and includes 500+ practice questions.
- Practice questions ($0–$100) — Non-negotiable, but affordable. CertEmpire offers a free SY0-701 practice test to benchmark your readiness at zero cost. For full preparation, the SY0-701 exam questions and SY0-701 exam dumps provide comprehensive domain-by-domain question banks with detailed answer explanations. You can also start with the free PDF demo to assess question style before purchasing.
What most self-study candidates spend:
| Study Method | Typical Cost | Best For |
| Free only (Professor Messer + free practice tests) | $0 + $425 exam = $425 total | Candidates with strong IT background |
| Self-study budget (free video + book + practice Qs) | $80–$150 + $425 = $505–$575 total | Most working IT professionals |
| Self-study comprehensive (paid course + practice Qs) | $150–$250 + $425 = $575–$675 total | Career changers or those wanting structure |
| Boot camp intensive (includes exam voucher) | $1,500–$3,500 all-in | Those who need instructor support or fast completion |
What you do not need:
Multiple video courses covering the same material. Exam prep apps at $15/month when you only need one good question bank. Physical classroom training when self-study resources are extensive and free. An exam voucher months before you start studying.
Academic Discounts: How to Pay 40–50% Less
CompTIA offers significant academic discounts through its Academic Store for students, educators, and qualifying academic institutions.
Who qualifies: Current students at accredited educational institutions, faculty members, and individuals with a valid .edu email address or institutional verification.
Discount amount: Typically 40 to 50% off the retail voucher price — bringing the exam cost to approximately $200 to $255 instead of $425.
How to access: Visit the CompTIA Academic Store (academic.comptia.org) and verify your eligibility. You will need to provide proof of current enrollment or faculty status.
Important: Academic vouchers have the same one-attempt limit and the same expiration period as full-price vouchers. The discount applies to the voucher only, not study materials.
If you are a current student and you skip this discount, you are paying $170–$225 more than necessary. Always check academic eligibility before purchasing at full price.
Employer Reimbursement: How to Get Your Company to Pay
Many organizations — particularly those in IT, finance, healthcare, government contracting, and defense — have training budgets that cover certification exam costs. Before spending your own money, check with your employer.
How to make the request:
Frame Security+ as a business investment, not a personal development expense. Security+ satisfies DoD 8140 requirements and is widely cited as a baseline credential for security roles. If your organization handles government contracts, has compliance obligations, or employs you in any IT/security adjacent role, there is a clear business case.
What to include in your request: the exam cost ($425), study material costs, the specific DoD or industry compliance value, and the salary premium associated with certified staff. Most organizations that reimburse will require you to stay employed for a defined period after receiving the benefit — typically 6 to 12 months.
Government and DoD employees: Many agencies cover 100% of certification exam costs under training and development budgets. Check with your HR or training coordinator — you may be able to sit the exam at no personal cost.
Defense contractors: Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, SAIC, CACI, and similar firms actively encourage Security+ certification for staff in cyber-adjacent roles. Some include exam coverage in employment offers, particularly for cleared positions where Security+ is a compliance requirement.
Renewal Cost: What It Costs to Keep Your Certification
Security+ is valid for three years from the date you pass. To renew before expiration:
Option 1 — Continuing Education (CE) Program:
- Pay $150 total ($50 per year) over the three-year cycle
- Earn 50 CEUs through qualifying activities
- CEU-earning activities include: training courses, security conferences, publishing security content, earning higher-level certifications, and CompTIA-approved activities
- Submit CEUs through CompTIA’s CE portal before your expiration date
Option 2 — Pass a Higher CompTIA Certification:
- Earning CompTIA CySA+, CASP+, or SecurityX automatically renews Security+ for another three years
- This is the most efficient path if you are pursuing the next certification anyway
Option 3 — Retake the Current Exam:
- Pay $425 to sit the current active Security+ exam version
- This resets your three-year clock
- Only practical if you need to validate updated skills
Most candidates choose Option 1 ($150) unless they are already planning to pursue a higher certification.
Cost Comparison: Security+ vs. Other Entry-Level Cybersecurity Certifications
If you are deciding between certifications, cost is one factor. Here is how Security+ compares:
| Certification | Exam Cost | Level | DoD 8140 | Industry Recognition |
| CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 | $425 | Entry-intermediate | Yes (IAT II) | Very high — universal |
| ISC2 CC (Certified in Cybersecurity) | Free (exam waiver) | Entry | No | Growing rapidly |
| CompTIA Network+ | $369 | Entry | Yes (partial) | High |
| CompTIA A+ (2 exams) | $253 × 2 = $506 | Entry | No | High |
| CompTIA CySA+ | $404 | Intermediate | Yes (CSSP) | High |
| CISSP | $749 | Senior | Yes (IAM III) | Very high |
Key insight: ISC2 CC is free to sit and is a legitimate credential — see our ISC2 CC exam guide for details. However, Security+ provides significantly stronger employer recognition, DoD 8140 compliance, and career optionality. Many candidates today earn both: CC first (free), then Security+ (paid) once employment income supports it.
For a full comparison of cybersecurity certification options at each level see our cybersecurity certification roadmap.
The ROI Case: Is $425–$700 Worth It?
This is the question behind the cost question. The answer requires honest salary data, not aspirational figures.
Salary reality for Security+ holders in 2026:
Entry-level candidates with Security+ and little direct security experience can expect salaries in the $50,000 to $70,000 range for most positions. That said, Security+ holders earn $15,000 to $20,000 more per year on average compared to non-certified peers in equivalent roles.
With an average salary of around $94,000 including base pay and bonuses for jobs that require Security+ certification, professionals can build a solid career in cybersecurity.
By role and experience level:
| Role | Experience | Typical Salary Range |
| SOC Analyst (entry) | 0–2 years + Security+ | $55,000–$75,000 |
| Security Analyst | 1–3 years + Security+ | $70,000–$95,000 |
| System Administrator (security focus) | 2–4 years + Security+ | $75,000–$100,000 |
| DoD/Government SOC Analyst | 1–3 years + clearance + Security+ | $75,000–$110,000 |
| Mid-level Security Engineer | 3–5 years + Security+ + CySA+ | $90,000–$130,000 |
The ROI calculation:
At a conservative estimate, Security+ adds $15,000 per year in earning premium. The total investment for a self-study candidate is $500 to $700. That means the certification pays for itself in roughly two weeks of additional earnings at the entry-level salary premium — and every subsequent year delivers the full $15,000+ advantage.
With 63,620+ job postings listing Security+ as a requirement or preference, first-year ROI is roughly 2,900% on the exam investment.
The honest caveat: Security+ is a qualifier, not a guarantee. It opens the door and helps you pass the ATS filter. Your salary is ultimately determined by experience, interview performance, location, and what you pair Security+ with. Candidates who earn Security+ and then pursue CompTIA CySA+ consistently see the most significant salary growth, typically $8,000 to $15,000 above Security+-only positions.
For full salary data by role and location see our Security+ salary and jobs guide.
7 Ways to Reduce Your Total Security+ Cost
1. Use free primary study resources. Professor Messer’s SY0-701 course covers every objective at no cost. CertEmpire’s free SY0-701 practice test provides domain-level benchmarking for free. Using free resources first and only purchasing what fills genuine gaps can reduce study material costs to under $50.
2. Check academic eligibility before buying. A 40–50% voucher discount is available for verified students and educators. That saves $170–$225 on the exam alone. Always check academic.comptia.org before purchasing at full price.
3. Ask your employer to cover it. Frame it as a business investment with a clear compliance and ROI argument. Many organizations cover 100% of exam costs — you will not know unless you ask.
4. Buy the exam voucher only when you are ready. Vouchers expire in 12 months. Buying the voucher before starting study creates deadline pressure that can cause rushed preparation and a failed attempt. Purchase it when you are 6 to 8 weeks from your target date.
5. Pass on the first attempt. The single most effective cost-reduction strategy. Each failed attempt costs $425. Scoring 80% or above consistently on full-length practice exams before booking is the most reliable predictor of first-attempt success.
6. Use bundles strategically. Some training providers offer bundles including the exam voucher, study materials, and a retake guarantee (if you fail, the retake is covered). If you are uncertain about passing, a bundle with a retake guarantee can provide cost certainty.
7. Time major purchases around promotions. CompTIA and authorized resellers periodically offer promotions — particularly around Black Friday, New Year, and CompTIA training events. Watching for these can save $40–$80 on study materials or bundle discounts on exam vouchers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the CompTIA Security+ exam cost in 2026?
The official exam voucher price is $425 USD through Pearson VUE in the United States. Regional pricing varies — check CompTIA.org or Pearson VUE for your local price.
Is there a discount on the Security+ exam voucher?
Yes. Academic discounts of 40–50% are available through CompTIA’s Academic Store for eligible students and educators. Some training bundles also include discounted or included vouchers. CompTIA occasionally runs promotional discounts — check before purchasing.
What is the retake fee for Security+?
Each retake costs the full $425 exam voucher price. There are no discounts for retakes and no limit on the number of attempts, but each requires a 14-day waiting period.
How much does it cost to renew Security+?
$150 total over three years ($50 per year) through CompTIA’s CE program, plus earning 50 CEUs. Alternatively, passing CySA+, CASP+, or SecurityX automatically renews Security+.
What is the total cost to earn Security+?
For self-study candidates: typically $500 to $700 total including exam voucher, one study guide or video course, and practice questions. For boot camp candidates: $1,500 to $3,500 all-in. For candidates using only free study resources: $425 (exam voucher only).
Can my employer pay for Security+?
Many organizations cover certification exam costs, particularly for IT, security, healthcare, finance, and government contracting roles. Ask your HR or manager and frame it as a compliance/business investment. Government and DoD employees often have 100% exam cost coverage through training budgets.
How does Security+ compare in cost to other certifications?
Security+ at $425 sits in the mid-range for cybersecurity certifications. ISC2 CC is free. CompTIA Network+ is $369. CISSP is $749. For the DoD compliance value and employer recognition Security+ provides, the $425 price represents strong value. See our best cybersecurity certifications guide for a full comparison.
Is Security+ worth the cost?
For most IT professionals entering or transitioning into cybersecurity, yes. The $500–$700 total investment typically delivers a $15,000–$20,000 annual salary premium and opens access to a significant pool of job listings that require Security+ specifically. For a full career and salary analysis, see our Security+ salary and jobs guide.
Final Thoughts
The CompTIA Security+ certification costs $425 for the exam voucher. Most self-study candidates spend $500 to $700 total including preparation materials. That investment delivers a $15,000+ annual salary premium, DoD 8140 compliance value, and access to one of the most demanded entry-level credentials in cybersecurity.
The most important cost-reduction strategy is passing on your first attempt. Use the free SY0-701 practice test at CertEmpire to set your baseline, follow a structured SY0-701 study plan, and score 80%+ consistently on full-length timed SY0-701 exam questions before booking. That combination eliminates the $425 retake risk and makes the total investment as low as it can be.
For everything you need to know about the exam itself — domains, format, passing score, and study tips — see our CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam guide and SY0-701 preparation guide.
For official exam pricing and registration visit CompTIA.org and Pearson VUE. For what comes next after Security+ see our guide on what to do after passing Security+.
