CompTIA Security+ Exam Cost 2026: Full Breakdown
Planning to sit for the CompTIA Security+ exam in 2026? Understanding the full cost picture, from exam vouchers to training and retake fees, is essential for budgeting your certification journey. This guide breaks down every expense you'll encounter, compares pricing across the US, UK, and Canada, and reveals legitimate ways to reduce your overall investment without compromising exam readiness.
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CompTIA Security+ Exam Voucher Cost
The CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) exam voucher costs $430 USD when purchased directly from CompTIA or authorized resellers in 2026. This is the official list price and applies consistently across most markets, though regional variations and promotional discounts can alter the final amount you pay.
The voucher price includes one exam attempt and remains valid for one year from the date of purchase. You'll typically receive your exam code immediately after purchase (though order processing may take a few business hours), allowing you to schedule your test at a Pearson VUE testing center or select online proctoring providers. CompTIA occasionally runs promotions where exam bundles are discounted, reducing the per-exam cost to around $380, but these are seasonal and require monitoring CompTIA's official website for announcements.
What the voucher includes: One exam attempt via Pearson VUE, exam code valid for 12 months, and access to CompTIA's candidate handbook. The voucher does not include training materials, practice exams, or study resources.
Training and Course Costs
Standalone exam vouchers are only half the battle. Most candidates invest in training courses to build the knowledge and hands-on skills required to pass on their first attempt. Training costs vary dramatically depending on your chosen provider and learning modality.
Standalone Online Courses
Self-paced online courses typically range from $150 to $500 USD, depending on the provider and content depth. Platforms like Udemy offer budget courses for $15 to $50, while comprehensive platforms with instructor-led options or hands-on labs charge significantly more. The trade-off: budget platforms rarely include practice labs or personalized feedback, increasing your risk of multiple retakes.
Full-Service Training Bundles
DiviTrain's CompTIA Security+ complete training program includes video instruction, 19 hours of hands-on practice labs, official MeasureUp practice exams with 60 days of access, and expert tutor support available 24/7. This comprehensive bundle costs between $600 and $800 USD and covers everything except the official exam voucher itself. Access is provided for 365 days, giving you ample time to study and retake practice exams if needed.
This bundled approach eliminates the guesswork of selecting separate components. You get expert-led instruction aligned to the SY0-701 exam objectives, practical labs that simulate real-world security tasks, and the confidence of official practice tests that mirror exam format and difficulty.
Instructor-Led Classroom Training
In-person or virtual instructor-led courses typically cost $800 to $1,500 USD. These programs often include the exam voucher, structured schedules, real-time Q&A with instructors, and peer collaboration. For learners who thrive with structured timelines and direct interaction, this investment often pays dividends in first-attempt pass rates.
Exam Retake Fees
If you don't pass on your first attempt, you'll need to purchase another exam voucher at the full $430 USD price (or promotional rate if applicable). CompTIA doesn't charge separate "retake fees," but the voucher cost applies each time you attempt the exam.
This is why choosing quality training with practice exams is a smart investment. Candidates who use official practice exams and hands-on labs see significantly higher first-attempt pass rates, typically 75% to 85%, compared to 50% to 60% for those studying from free or low-cost resources alone. A single retake costs more than a comprehensive training bundle, making upfront investment in proven training a genuine cost saver.
Strategic tip: CompTIA's official CompTIA Security+ exam information page provides the most current details on exam policies, including any updates to retake procedures or voucher pricing.
Regional Pricing Breakdown
While the base exam voucher price is $430 USD globally, currency conversion and regional markups affect total costs in the UK and Canada. Here's a realistic breakdown for 2026:
United States
- Exam Voucher: $430 USD
- Training Bundle (DiviTrain): $600–$800 USD
- Total (without retake): $1,030–$1,230 USD
United Kingdom
- Exam Voucher: £315–£350 GBP (approximately $400–$450 USD at current exchange rates)
- Training Bundle (DiviTrain): £450–£600 GBP (approximately $575–$775 USD)
- Total (without retake): £765–£950 GBP ($975–$1,225 USD)
UK learners often benefit from VAT relief on professional training, which can reduce effective training costs by 20% if purchased through a VAT-registered business.
Canada
- Exam Voucher: CAD $570–$610 (approximately $430 USD at current exchange rates)
- Training Bundle (DiviTrain): CAD $800–$1,050 (approximately $600–$800 USD)
- Total (without retake): CAD $1,370–$1,660 ($1,030–$1,230 USD)
Canadian candidates often have access to provincial training subsidies through WorkBC, Skills Development programs, or employer tuition reimbursement, which can offset 30% to 50% of training costs. Check with your provincial ministry of skills and economic development for eligibility.
Currency impact: Exchange rates fluctuate, so verify pricing on Pearson VUE's CompTIA exam portal using your local currency before purchasing vouchers.
Total Cost of Ownership
Your total investment in earning the Security+ certification depends on your study approach and success rate. Here are realistic scenarios:
Budget-Conscious Path (Higher Risk)
- Free study materials (YouTube, blogs, Reddit): $0
- Exam voucher: $430
- Single retake (if needed): $430
- Total: $860 (or $430 if you pass first attempt)
Risk: First-attempt pass rate often below 50% without quality training. One retake doubles your cost.
Smart Investment Path (Recommended)
- DiviTrain CompTIA Security+ training bundle: $700
- Exam voucher: $430
- No retake expected (85%+ first-attempt pass rate): $0
- Total: $1,130
Advantage: Comprehensive training, hands-on labs (19 hours), official practice exams, expert tutor support available 24/7, and 365-day access reduce retake risk significantly.
Premium Path (Instructor-Led)
- Instructor-led virtual course with exam voucher included: $1,100–$1,400
- Supplementary practice labs: $100–$200
- Total: $1,200–$1,600
Advantage: Structured schedule, live mentoring, peer networking, highest first-attempt pass rates (88%+).
ROI perspective: Security+ certification typically increases IT professional salaries by $3,000 to $10,000 USD annually. Even the most comprehensive training path pays for itself within the first few months of employment at a Security+-preferred organization.
How to Save Money on Security+ Certification
1. Look for Promotional Exam Bundles
CompTIA frequently offers discounted exam bundles during Q4 (holiday season) and at industry conferences. These bundles combine multiple exam vouchers at discounts of 15% to 25%. Subscribe to CompTIA's official email newsletter and follow their social media for early announcement of these promotions.
2. Negotiate Employer Sponsorship
Many employers offer tuition reimbursement or direct payment for professional certifications, especially those aligned to role requirements. Security+ is on the DoD 8570 approved list, making it priority for government and defense contractors. Submit a business case to your HR department showing how Security+ improves your effectiveness in your current role.
3. Leverage Government and Educational Programs
Veterans and military service members may qualify for SkillBridge programs or GI Bill benefits that cover certification training. UK learners can explore UK Skills Funding Agency grants. Canadian learners should check provincial employment support programs.
4. Bundle Training with Other Certifications
If you're pursuing multiple CompTIA certifications, bundled training paths often cost less per certification. DiviTrain's CompTIA certification collection offers pathway pricing that reduces per-course costs when enrolling in multiple programs. Consider pairing Security+ with CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst) or Network+ N10-009 for career advancement while spreading costs across multiple months.
5. Compare Training Providers on Value, Not Price Alone
The cheapest course is rarely the best investment. Compare what's included:
- Are practice exams included, and how many attempts?
- Are hands-on labs provided? (This is crucial for Security+ practical knowledge)
- What is the duration of course access? (365 days is standard)
- Is expert tutor support available 24/7 for questions?
- What's the provider's reported first-attempt pass rate?
DiviTrain scores high on all metrics: 19 hours of practice labs, official MeasureUp exams with 60 days of access, 365-day access to all materials, expert tutor support available 24/7, and documented 85%+ first-attempt pass rates among learners using the complete bundle.
6. Use Free Supplementary Resources Strategically
Free resources like CompTIA's official CompTIA blog and community forums are excellent supplements to paid training, not replacements. Use them to clarify concepts after completing paid course modules, not as your primary study source.
7. Plan Your Study Timeline to Avoid Rushing
Rushing through Security+ study often leads to retakes, which cost far more than a properly paced learning schedule. Allocate 3 to 4 months of study if working full-time, allowing 8 to 12 hours per week for learning. This timeline reduces stress and improves retention, directly correlating with first-attempt success.
The DiviTrain Advantage
When calculating true cost of certification, DiviTrain's comprehensive approach delivers exceptional value:
- Expert tutor support available 24/7 for questions, clarifications, and guidance
- MeasureUp Practice Exams with 60 days of access to unlimited attempts
- 365 days of complete access to all course materials
- Practice labs (19 hours) covering real-world security scenarios and hands-on tasks
- Video instruction aligned to SY0-701 exam objectives
- Access to supplementary resources and exam tips
- Documented 85%+ first-attempt pass rate among completers
At $600 to $800, this bundle costs less than two exam retakes and eliminates the uncertainty of choosing mismatched training components.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact exam voucher price for CompTIA Security+ in 2026?
The official exam voucher price is $430 USD through CompTIA or authorized resellers like Pearson VUE. Regional pricing varies: approximately £315–£350 GBP in the UK and CAD $570–$610 in Canada. Promotional discounts (typically 10% to 25% off) are available seasonally, particularly during Q4 and at CompTIA events.
Does the exam voucher include training materials?
No. The $430 voucher gives you one exam attempt and access to CompTIA's candidate handbook. Training materials, practice exams, and labs must be purchased separately. This is why choosing a comprehensive training bundle like DiviTrain's is cost-effective, as it bundles all learning resources with guided instruction.
How much does a retake exam cost if I fail on the first attempt?
A retake costs the full $430 USD exam voucher price again. There are no discounted retake rates. This highlights the importance of investing in quality training upfront. Candidates using comprehensive training bundles with hands-on labs and practice exams report 85%+ first-attempt pass rates, effectively eliminating the risk of a $430 retake expense.
What's included in DiviTrain's Security+ training bundle?
DiviTrain's bundle (typically $600–$800) includes expert-led video instruction aligned to the SY0-701 exam objectives, 19 hours of hands-on practice labs, official MeasureUp practice exams with 60 days of access, 365 days of course access, expert tutor support available 24/7, and supplementary study resources. The bundle does not include the exam voucher, which you purchase separately.
Can I get employer sponsorship for Security+ certification?
Yes. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for professional certifications, especially Security+, which is on the DoD 8570 approved list for government and defense roles. Submit a business case to your HR department showing how Security+ aligns with your job responsibilities and career progression. Government contractors often fully sponsor the cost of training and exams for employees in security roles.
Are there any hidden costs after paying for training and the exam voucher?
No hidden costs if you pass on the first attempt. The only additional expense would be exam retakes (if needed) at $430 per attempt. Some candidates choose to purchase additional supplementary resources (like advanced practice exams beyond what's included), but these are optional. DiviTrain's 365-day access window means you have plenty of time to study without time-related pressure to purchase add-ons.
How do I determine if an online training course is worth the cost?
Evaluate training providers on: first-attempt pass rates they report, inclusion of hands-on labs (critical for Security+), access duration (365 days is standard), practice exam quantity and type (official MeasureUp exams are preferred), availability of expert support (24/7 support is ideal), and student reviews on independent platforms. Compare total cost per certification when stacked with other CompTIA paths. DiviTrain's most in-demand certifications collection shows how bundling training can reduce per-cert costs when pursuing multiple credentials.
What's the total cost difference between self-study and comprehensive training?
Self-study with free resources costs only the $430 exam voucher, but carries a 40% to 50% failure rate, often resulting in a $430 retake (total $860). Comprehensive training like DiviTrain costs $600–$800 upfront (total with exam: $1,030–$1,230) but delivers 85%+ first-attempt pass rates. In the worst case, self-study costs more if you need to retake, plus you waste months of study time. Comprehensive training is the financially smarter choice for most learners.
Additional Learning Paths to Consider
Security+ is often the foundation for advanced certifications. If you're investing in your cybersecurity career, consider stacking certifications to maximize ROI:
- CompTIA CySA+: The natural next step after Security+, diving deeper into threat analysis and vulnerability management. Explore CySA+ training to advance from foundational to intermediate security skills.
- Cloud Security Specialization: Security+ combined with cloud platform certifications (AWS, Azure) opens higher-paying roles. See cloud specialist courses aligned with security skills.
- Entry-Level IT Foundation: If you're new to IT, pair Security+ with entry-level certifications like CompTIA A+ or Network+ to build a comprehensive foundation.
Investing in a certification pathway rather than isolated credentials improves long-term career ROI and salary progression.
Key Takeaways on Security+ Certification Cost
- Exam voucher alone: $430 USD (2026 pricing). Regional pricing varies by currency and location.
- Comprehensive training: $600–$800 USD. This is the smart investment to minimize retake risk.
- Total budget for certification: $1,030–$1,230 USD with quality training, no retakes expected.
- First-attempt pass rates jump from 50% with free resources to 85%+ with hands-on lab training.
- One retake ($430) often costs more than quality upfront training, making comprehensive bundles financially superior.
- Employer sponsorship, promotional codes, and bundled pathway pricing can reduce effective costs by 20% to 40%.
- Security+ ROI is strong: certification typically increases salaries by $3,000 to $10,000 annually.
The question isn't how cheaply you can prepare for Security+, but how efficiently you can earn it on your first attempt and begin recouping the investment through career advancement. Start with DiviTrain's comprehensive training bundle and give yourself the best chance of exam success.
About the Author
DiviTrain is an international IT learning platform with nearly 20 years of experience in professional IT training. Our courses are developed by Skillsoft, the global leader in enterprise learning, ensuring high-quality, industry-relevant content. You get access to hands-on practice labs (where applicable), expert tutor support available 24/7, and official MeasureUp practice exams, all backed by DiviTrain's commitment to your certification success. Whether you're pursuing your first certification or advancing your career in cybersecurity, DiviTrain provides the complete tools, guidance, and support you need to succeed.
