CompTIA Security+ Exam Cost 2026: $439 and Ways to Save

The CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam voucher costs $439 in the US. If you fail, every retake costs the full price again, so the realistic budget is $439 if you pass first time, $579 with CompTIA's retake bundle, or $878 if you buy a second voucher after failing. On top of that comes a $150 renewal fee every three years. This page breaks down each cost and the legitimate ways to lower it.

Prices are US list prices, last verified on October 9, 2026 on the Security+ V7 page. CompTIA prices vouchers by region and updates them from time to time, so check the figure for your country before you buy.

Security+ cost at a glance

Scenario 1: you pass first time

The exam costs $439. That is the whole exam bill. Practice material is optional but cheap compared with the risk of buying a second voucher, which is why we recommend testing yourself on realistic questions before you book.

Scenario 2: you fail once

With a plain voucher, the second attempt costs another $439, so $878 in total. CompTIA's retake policy is clear that every attempt is paid at the full exam price. There is no waiting period before the second attempt; from the third attempt on you must wait 14 days.

If you had bought the Voucher Plus Retake Assurance bundle up front, both attempts would have cost $579, saving $299. The catch is that you pay $140 more even if you pass first time, and under the voucher terms both attempts must be used within 12 months of purchase.

Is the retake bundle worth it?

It costs $140 extra and saves $299 if you fail once. In plain terms, it pays off if your chance of failing the first attempt is higher than about 32%. If you are scoring well on full-length timed practice exams, a plain voucher is usually the better deal. If you are new to security or short on study time, the bundle is cheap insurance.

Renewal: the cost after you pass

Security+ is valid for three years. You keep it by earning continuing education units (CEUs) and paying the renewal fee of $150 per three-year cycle. You can pay it in one go or spread it out with $25 CE tokens. Earning a higher CompTIA certification such as CySA+ can also renew Security+, which is worth knowing if that is already on your plan.

Ways to pay less for Security+

• Student pricing: CompTIA lists 35 to 55% off for students at eligible US institutions, verified at checkout (see its voucher discount page).
• Your employer: many employers pay for Security+, especially for roles that require it. Ask before you buy.
• Bundles, only if you want the training: CompTIA bundles the voucher with CertMaster courses and labs. They are good value only if you would buy that training anyway.
• Do not buy grey-market vouchers. CompTIA vouchers cannot be resold, and a voucher that turns out invalid is a full loss.

For every other CompTIA exam, see the CompTIA exam cost and voucher price hub.

The cheapest way to avoid paying twice

The most expensive Security+ path is failing, so the best saving is being ready before you book. Our Security+ SY0-701 practice questions include 40 free questions with explanations, and the exam format guide explains how scoring and PBQs work so nothing on exam day is a surprise. To set a date you can actually hit, use the 30-day Security+ study plan, and read the common Security+ exam traps that cost candidates points.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the Security+ exam cost in 2026?

The US voucher for SY0-701 is $439. With CompTIA's retake bundle it is $579, which covers one retake if you fail.

Is a Security+ retake free?

No. Without the retake bundle, a second attempt costs the full $439 again.

How much does it cost to renew Security+?

$150 per three-year cycle, plus earning the required continuing education units. You can pay it in $25 CE tokens.

Is Security+ more expensive than Network+ or A+?

Yes. Network+ is $399, and A+ is $274 per exam across two exams. The CompTIA exam cost hub has every price.