What Is The Difference Between Security+ and Security+ CE?

When you are hunting through job postings, sometimes you may see CompTIA Security+ as a requirement, sometimes you might see CompTIA Security+ CE instead. So what is the difference between Security+ and Security+ CE? Let’s follow this article to find the answer to this.

CompTIA Security+ CE vs Security+ really comes down to when you took the exam. If you took the exam after 2010, and especially after 2011, you have both of them. You just have Security+, if you took the exam before 2010 and didn’t convert it. In addition, some jobs require Security+ CE.

What is Security+ CE?

CompTIA started requiring continuing education and charging an annual membership fee in 2010. Before 2010, when you passed a CompTIA exam, you were certified for life.

The CompTIA Continuing Education Program creates the opportunity for you to maintain your skills current along with validating your expertise. Renewing your CompTIA certification allows you to maximize your overall return on the time as well as the financial resources you invest into preparing for and passing your exam.

Renewal Cycle: Your certification expires three years from the day you earn it and it must be renewed before that expiration date. Log in to your certification record, if you do not know your expiration date.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs): Each certification requires a specific amount of CEUs for renewal. CEUs are earned by completing approved activities

Continuing Education Fees: CompTIA CE fees are required for renewal and must be paid before submitting CEUs unless you renew by completing CertMaster CE or by achieving a qualifying higher-level CompTIA certification.

Multiple CompTIA Certification Renewal: If you have more than one CompTIA certification, you will only need to meet the renewal requirements for your highest-level certification. When you renew your highest-level CompTIA certification, your lower-level certifications will automatically renew as well.

Read more >> How to find CompTIA certification number?

How to Renew Your CompTIA Certification?

The following certifications (earned on or after January 1, 2011) are valid for three years from the date of certification:

Renew with a Single Activity

By completing a single activity, you have several options for renewing your CompTIA certification.

Complete CompTIA CertMaster CE

• CertMaster CE for A+: available for individuals certified in exam versions 801/802 or earlier
• CertMaster CE for Network+: available for individuals certified in exam version N10-005 or earlier
• CertMaster CE for Security+: available for individuals certified in exam version SY0-004 or earlier

Earn a higher-level CompTIA certification

Earning a qualified higher-level CompTIA certification can also renew your lower-level CompTIA certifications. Read the table below to see which CompTIA certifications will automatically renew other ones.

Earn a Non-CompTIA Certification

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Awarded for Activity:

• CompTIA A+: 20 CEUs
• CompTIA Network+: 30 CEUs
• CompTIA Security+: 50 CEUs
• CompTIA Cloud+: 50 CEUs
• CySA+: 60 CEUs
• CASP: 75 CEUs

Pass the Latest Release of the CompTIA Exam

Example: If you are renewing your CompTIA Security+ N-007 certification, you can do so by taking and passing the CompTIA Security+ N-008 exams. On this website, you can prepare for your coming exam with our latest CompTIA Security+ practice test to pass the exam with a high score on the first try.

Compare Single-Activity Renewal Options

(1) Available if there is a newer version of the CompTIA exam for the certification you currently hold.

(2) Estimate based on typical individual experience.

Renew with Multiple Activities

Alternatively, you can earn the number of CEUs you need to renew your CompTIA certification by completing a combination of activities.

Earn an Additional CompTIA Certification

In this table, you will find the way to renew your CompTIA Security plus CE certification, the total CEU requirements for renewal, and CompTIA certifications that count towards renewal.

(*) Items automatically renew the certification you are seeking to renew as they meet the total CEU requirements.

Complete training and higher education

Review the table below to see the maximum number of CEUs you can get for each qualifying activity during your three-year renewal cycle.

Participate in IT industry activities

Review the table below to see the maximum number of CEUs you can get for each qualifying activity during your three-year renewal cycle.

Publish a relevant article, white paper, blog post or book

Review the table below to see the maximum number of CEUs you can get for each qualifying activity during your three-year renewal cycle.

Gain related work experience

Review the table below to see the maximum number of CEUs you can get for each qualifying activity during your three-year renewal cycle.

Read more >> Difference Between CompTIA Security+ 501 and 601

Conclusion

You have found the answer to the question “what is the difference between Security+ and Security+ CE“. You could rely on it to find the best suitable job for you.

Sometimes a job posting will say CompTIA Security+ce and it will require a current CompTIA Security+ CE in good standing. This is particularly true on government contracts. Most government contracts require certifications at a certain level or higher, so if it says Security+ CE and all you have is only the old Security+, and you don’t have any higher-level certification like CISM, CISSP, or CEH, you will need to sit for Security+ CE and start paying the annual fee and submitting CEUs.