On January 1, 2011, CompTIA introduced the Continuing Education (CE) Renewal Program to ensure IT professionals maintain up-to-date skills in a rapidly evolving industry. CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and others are valid for three years from the certification date.
This policy aligns with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards, which require certification bodies to provide a way for professionals to renew their credentials regularly. By renewing every three years, IT professionals can demonstrate that their knowledge and skills remain current and relevant.
Key details of the CE renewal program:
- Certifications affected: CompTIA A+, Data+, Network+, Security+, Linux+, Cloud+, PenTest+, CySA+, DataX, CloudNetX, and SecurityX (denoted with a "ce" designation).
- Renewal options: Certification holders can renew their credentials through various methods, such as earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs), without retaking the exam.
- Expiration: Certifications expire three years from the certification date. Candidates must pass the latest exam version to regain certification if not renewed.
- Grace period: A 90-day grace period is provided to pay any outstanding CE fees or submit CEUs earned within the original three-year renewal cycle.
- Global applicability: This policy applies to all certified candidates worldwide.
Important notes:
- Certified professionals cannot take and pass the exact exam twice to renew their certification.
- All CE activities must be completed within the three-year renewal cycle to qualify for CEUs.
- Certifications affected by this policy are accredited under ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 standards.
This renewal program ensures that CompTIA-certified professionals remain competitive and equipped with the latest knowledge in the IT field. Candidates will be informed of renewal requirements if additional certifications are added to the CE program.