Which certifications renew Security+?

To renew a CompTIA Security+ certification, you can earn higher-level CompTIA certs like CySA+, PenTest+, or CASP+, gain qualifying non-CompTIA certs (like CISM or CISSP), pass a newer Security+ exam, or complete continuing education (CE) activities like training or webinars, with higher certs renewing all lower ones automatically.

What certifications renew security+?

Taking a Higher-Level CompTIA Certification

Passing a higher-level CompTIA certification, such as CySA+, PenTest+, or CASP+, will automatically renew your Security+ cert, as well as any lower-level certifications you may have.

Which certification is best for security?

The best security certifications depend on your experience and goals, but top choices include CompTIA Security+ (foundational), CISSP (advanced management/technical, "gold standard"), CISM (management), CISA (auditing), and OSCP (technical penetration testing). For entry-level, consider Security+, CySA+, or Cisco CyberOps; for mid-level, CEH or SSCP; and for senior roles, CISSP, CISM, or CCSP (Cloud) are highly valued.
 

What is the next certification after Security+?

Mid-career cybersecurity certifications. After earning CompTIA Security+, cybersecurity professionals can take the next step by pursuing CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) or CompTIA PenTest+.

How to keep security+ active?

No, the Security+ certification does not last a lifetime. It is valid for three years from the date of passing the exam. After that, you must renew your certification to maintain its active status.

Renewing My CompTIA Certification in 1 Day (CertMaster CE Experience)

Can I make $200,000 a year in cyber security?

Yes, making $200,000 a year in cybersecurity is achievable, especially in senior roles like CISO, Security Architect, or Lead Software Security Engineer, or with specialized skills in high-demand areas, though it's less common and typically requires significant experience, certifications, and potentially strategic career moves like moving into sales engineering or management. Entry-level to mid-level roles usually start lower, but a clear career path with continuous learning can lead to six-figure incomes and beyond, with some tech giants even offering $200k+ for early-career security engineers. 

Is CompTIA still worth IT in 2025?

Yes, CompTIA certifications remain highly relevant in 2025, especially for foundational IT roles like Help Desk (A+), Networking (Network+), and Security (Security+), acting as crucial entry points and building blocks for broader IT careers, with updates like the A+ launch in March 2025 ensuring they cover evolving tech, although some argue for more advanced certs for senior roles. 

What are the top 5 cybersecurity certifications?

Top 10 Cybersecurity Certifications

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) ...
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) ...
• CompTIA Security+ ...
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) ...
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) ...
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) ...
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

Is 30 too old for cyber security?

No, 30 is absolutely not too old to get into cybersecurity; it's a field that values skills, curiosity, and problem-solving over age, with many successful professionals starting later in life from diverse backgrounds, needing a clear path via foundational certifications (like CompTIA Security+) and hands-on practice on platforms like TryHackMe, plus demonstrating initiative through projects. 

Which is harder, sec+ or CySA+?

CySA+ is generally considered harder than Security+ because it focuses on advanced cybersecurity skills and practical applications CySA+ dives deeper into tools like SIEMs, packet analysis, and log management, requiring more technical knowledge.

What is the toughest security certification?

The Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) Information Security Fundamentals (GISF) is among the toughest cybersecurity certifications. The reason for this is that it covers quite an extensive material. The exam is also quite difficult, and it requires a high level of professional conduct.

Is CCNA still worth in 2025?

Yes, the CCNA is still very much worth it in 2025 for a networking career, offering essential foundational skills, strong job prospects in network administration and security, and a great ROI as a gateway to advanced certifications, despite the evolving landscape with cloud and automation. While some manual tasks are changing, the core understanding of network fundamentals provided by the CCNA remains critical for supporting modern, complex IT environments and cybersecurity roles, making it a valuable entry-point and foundational credential. 

What are the highest paying certifications?

Here's a list of the highest paying IT certifications:

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect.

What jobs can I get with S+?

These include positions such as:

• Cybersecurity analyst.
• Security engineer.
• Penetration tester.
• Information assurance technician.
• IT auditor, and more.

Can I take CompTIA for free?

With live, instructor-led virtual training, TechWorks provides the knowledge, skills, and certifications to help you break into the tech industry. Key Benefits of TechWorks: 100% Tuition-Free Scholarships (for eligible students through Capital Workforce Partners) Earn Two Certifications: CompTIA A+ and ITF+

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Engineers making $500k/year are typically highly specialized, experienced professionals in tech (Software, AI, Cloud), Petroleum, Electrical, or Chemical fields, working at top tech firms (FAANG, startups), hedge funds, or in senior management/architect roles, often with significant stock/bonus components, not just base salary. Key roles include Principal/Distinguished Engineers, AI/ML Specialists, Data Scientists, and Directors, requiring advanced degrees and deep expertise in high-demand areas like distributed systems or high-frequency trading. 

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

You can earn $3,000 a month without a degree in roles like Dental/Medical Assistant (with short training), skilled trades (Electrician, HVAC), Delivery Driver (UPS, FedEx), specialized sales, Real Estate Agent, and some tech roles like AI Trainer or Medical Coder, often requiring certifications, apprenticeships, or a strong work ethic for entry, with remote options available in customer service or data entry if you have strong computer skills, notes www.nysmda.com, Tallo, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/3000-A-Month-Jobs-No-Degree. 

Is GIAC or CompTIA better?

Neither GIAC nor CompTIA is universally "better"; they serve different needs: CompTIA (like Security+) offers widely recognized, foundational, budget-friendly entry points, while GIAC (like GSEC) provides deeper, hands-on, technically validated credentials, often at a higher cost, better for those with some experience aiming for advanced roles or requiring deep technical proof. Choose CompTIA for broad accessibility and entry, and GIAC for advanced, practical skill validation, especially in specialized areas. 

Is CISSP higher than Security+?

Yes, CISSP is a higher-level certification than Security+ in prestige, difficulty, and career impact. Security+ validates fundamental knowledge for entry to mid-level positions, while CISSP validates advanced knowledge with substantial experience for senior positions.

Is CEH worth it in 2025?

Salary premiums for CEH holders are significantly higher than non-certified peers in similar roles. The knowledge and skills you gain translate directly into higher earning potential throughout your career. The certification process itself provides structured learning that many professionals find valuable.

What is the salary with a CompTIA cert?

The median annual salary ranges between $60,000 and $62,000 2220. Surprisingly, salaries can reach $70,000 for those with comptia certification jobs and specialized experience 5. Geographic location subsequently impacts earnings, with metropolitan areas typically offering higher compensation.

What is the best certification to get in 2025?

The below professional certifications could elevate your career in 2025 and beyond:

1. Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ...
2. Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) ...
3. Certified Management Accountant (CMA) ...
4. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) ...
5. CompTIA A+ ...
6. Project Management Institute (PMI) certifications.

Is CompTIA A+ really hard?

The CompTIA A+ is moderately difficult, challenging but achievable, especially for beginners, due to its broad scope covering hardware, networking, security, and troubleshooting across two exams with tricky performance-based questions, requiring hands-on practice and dedicated study to master the extensive material and time pressure. It's not overwhelmingly hard but requires understanding concepts and applying knowledge, not just memorization.