How to Renew your A+, Network+, or Security+ in Just a Few Hours

[@DuckDuckDad]

Bumping this old thread because I just did this and I want to share my experience. Skip through the reading!!! You have to mark your confidence level on every page before you can take the exam. Fly through and mark your confidence level based in the main topics and get straight to the exam. You have to get 100% on all 5 exams, but you can take them as many times as you need to. The questions do not change! They only change the order they're presented. You cannot go back and change answers during the exam! If you you're 100% sure you missed a previous question, and you're under the gun, don't take your time on the rest of the questions! You have to het 100%, so you're going to have to retake it anyway! Start with Section 3! It's the longest! Then section 1, followed by 4 and then 2 or 5 in any order - they're both really short. If you need to study what you missed, THEN go back and read the material or look it up somewhere else. You have until 11:59 Mountain time on the date of expiration. Security+ renews the trifecta. There is no CE Master program for Cloud+, so make sure you have another plan to renew it in time! Hope this helps!

[@hermitqueenjude]

Professor, I think you just saved my career! Thank you a million times!

[@drkdrive]

and THIS is why Professor Messer is THE MAN! He always presents informative videos!

[@lu4goldenchild]

Thank you Mr.Messer for being a big part of my journey, A+ certified 2015, renewed few months ago. Started new job promotion today - IT Security Analyst!

[@professormesser]

Congratulations on your new security role! You're going to love it.

[@lu4goldenchild]

@@professormesser Many thanks!

[@bluetech7128]

@@lu4goldenchild What's your certifications now?

[@Potatoslice]

Thank you as always Prof Messer. I'm coming up on my 3 year for renewal for my A+, my plate is full and fortunately my career is satisfactory. Will be using CE to renew! This video discussing options thoroughly gives me some confidence in making the choice.

[@affsra]

Thanks professor, your video helped me to get my certificate, by watching this video to renew i realized why you are the MAN !!

[@mo3z9]

This is fantastic ! I don't mind paying a little bit more if it cuts down the amount of time I need to invest in renewing my cert . thank you!

[@Crowd_Surfer5.0]

Studying for the CCENT now... I miss your teaching style so much 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@adammorrow7493]

I know this video is already two years old but I've been watching your videos for about 7 years and I didn't recognize you with the beard. If it didn't say professor Messer, I wouldn't believe it was you. Thanks for the advice on certmaster.

[@chungytheman]

Professor Messer I have a question. OK here it goes, I completed my CompTIA A+ in August 2010 when it was the 220-701 and 220-702. I did some research and apparently my A+ Certification is Good For Life (GFL). So my question is because I want my CompTIA A+ to be updated to today's version of Windows 10, would it make sense to study the CompTIA A+ CertMaster CE?

[@Matthewlux9]

Thank you for the info! I’ll keep that CertMaster CE course info handy for future SYO renewals.

[@ardean111]

If I attend your study group webinar is there something like a certificate to turn in to CompTia to receive CEU credits for attending?

[@mohammadehsanazamy158]

Thanks Mr. Messer you saved my life with this video.

[@lil_peek7736]

Great, fast and clear video 🙏

[@innocentrage1]

You are a god send my brother, I hope I make enough to pay the ceu dues

[@stevetotaro3219]

What's the best way to renew an A+, Linux +, Security +, Network +, PenTest + combination?

[@bufftammy735]

It would be nice if COMTIA offered the quick CE route in a life time access. One payment option. I would probably guess they could easily charge 3 to 5 grand to do so. Probably worth the convenance in my book.

[@professormesser]

International standards require periodic ongoing updates and renewal, so a lifetime certification would not allow CompTIA to claim compliance with the ISO standards process.

[@niltomega2978]

I just plunked down the $200.00 to renew it. Easy

[@LOVEROCK77777]

I took my A+ 901 902 exams in March 2019 and it expired March 2022 and now there is a 90day grace period which I was given, but still its confusing as whether I can still renew my cert or not and what does this 90day period means. please help in explain this to me. The statement goes as follows: "PLEASE NOTE: The Inactive date is the end date of your three-year renewal cycle. The Expiration date is the end of your 90-day submission grace period.* * All CE activities must be completed prior to your Inactive date to be eligible for CEUs. The 90-day submission grace period can only be used to pay CE fees and/or add CEUs; not to earn additional CEUs." Active DATE: 2019-Mar-07 Inactive Date: 2022-Mar-07 Expiration: 2022-Jun-05

[@BlueSparkzVideos]

It sounds like you can only submit CEUs you've already earned. CertMaster is a substitute for CEUs so I don't think it'll work. Won't hurt to call.

[@Glenn_123]

Great video as always! .I just confirmed on CompTIA site that this last option is only for older versions of the exams. I have a Security+ 501 and this only applies to the 401 or older. I wish they would allow this for all versions. I am unable to continue the rat race of gathering the CPU's and certainly not retaking the exam...it is a shame.

[@professormesser]

Since the SY0-501 exam was only released just over a year ago, you still have almost two years before your certification will expire. CertMaster CE renews your certification using the newer exam objectives, and those haven't been written yet. I would expect to see an updated CertMaster CE as we get closer to the three-year mark of the SY0-501 release.

[@shericarthan1864]

Hello Glenn. I had the 501 certification and just renewed it by taking the Security+ 601 CE. I see your post is from 3 years ago, so for anyone in this same scenario, renewing this way certainly works! Good luck!

[@daneyuleb]

Hi Professor! I have a question on Certmaster CE--hope you're still responding to this thread. I have another year left before my Sec+/Net+/A+ expire. I want to use the CertMaster CE method, and don't want to wait until the last minute, but also want the renewal to last as long as possible. Is it possible to take the CertMaster Sec+ CE NOW, but submit it LATER (like a week before my certs expire?) Basically, get all the assessments at 100% but wait to push the "submit" button--something like that? (Also, have you ever considered a few videos on CertMaster CE training--focused on just those courses?)

[@BlueSparkzVideos]

When you purchase a Certmaster Ce program, it only lasts 1yr. So at most, you'd be able to purchase the course exactly 1yr from when your certs expire. Also, there's no point in waiting. Your renewal kicks in automatically AFTER your existing expiration date. That date never changes.

[@daneyuleb]

​@@BlueSparkzVideos Thanks for the reply! The bit about it adding 3 years to the existing expiration date (not just from the date you submitted the renewal) wasn't something made clear anywhere I've seen! So, it sounds like you can renew just after 2 years to end up with nearly 4 years left.

[@BlueSparkzVideos]

@@daneyuleb correct

[@curramba85]

Very informative! Thank you for the details!

[@garcand]

Again free information from professor Messer again! Thanks again professor.

[@guerrillafocus]

Thank you Prof! I passed with your help

[@lalkitab1952]

Profession Messer, question. Does compTIA renews my certificate from the date it is expiring or it will renew from the date I do the renewal 6 he course?

[@shericarthan1864]

Sanjay, your certification expires 3 years from the date you passed. Before that date, you should determine how your want to proceed with renewing it. This video gives you the various options for renewing your certification. I hope this helps! Take care! 🙂

[@shericarthan1864]

I failed to say, your renewal adds three years to the original pass date.

[@BlueSparkzVideos]

I'll also add that the expiration date never changes. In terms of month/day of course.

[@veronicaobryant3827]

With the CertMaster CE course, is it just a course or are there quizzes involved?

[@cw5156]

How do o get credit for watching your webinar. Like how do I show proof to Comptia

[@nahakuu]

ok so book for new A+ 1000 wont be out until end of April. I saw on Comptia webside some CertMaster Practice for A+ - License Set will it be enough for someone new to IT?

[@scarezonehd2290]

Security + renews A+ and Net+ correct?

[@professormesser]

Correct! You only have to renew your highest level certification to also renew all of your lower level certs.

[@deepasadish]

My Sec+ expires Aug 2020. If I do the CertMaster CE now (Feb 2020) will it renew to 3 years from today (i.e., Feb 2023) or 3 years from my original certificate expiration (i.e., Aug 2023)? Thanks.

[@JetsonRING]

I have a "legacy" (pre-CE) Net+ but when I passed the Security+ but Net+ was not renewed.

[@professormesser]

Good for Life (GFL) pre-CE certifications don't have an expiration date, so there's nothing to renew.

[@TheNoMoreGamer]

So question. I just earned my network+ N10-008, but I noticed the CE only offers for N10-007 or earlier. Will this roll over once the N10-009 comes out, or am I just screwed and have to pick a different option for renewal?

[@frandybecks]

same boat

[@wesch6354]

I already paid for the CEU's. Looked for some comptia sponsored events to renew my Net+ but nothing has been available. I have exactly 1 month to renew it or I will lose my A+ and Net+.

[@professormesser]

Attending a "CompTIA sponsored" event isn't required if you're collecting CEUs, and there are other renewal options (which I document in this video).

[@alphabet43211]

Will a AWS solutions Architect certification renew my CompTia A+, Net+ ans Security+ certifications?

[@datrrico]

when renewing the Sec+ through the CompTIA CertMaster CE Course, does it automatically renew A+ and Net+?

[@professormesser]

Renewing a higher-level certification will always renew any lower-level certs. There's a list of higher-level and lower-level certifications on the CompTIA website.

[@datrrico]

Thank you sir!

[@distinokhoza159]

Hi Sir my a+ and n+ have expired but I want a quick way to get to high certification for s+ and so fourth so which is the best for me

[@LumesideLside]

Do you have to pay the annual fees every year or can I wait til the last year to pay the full 150 ?

[@talliyb]

Either or. As long as CompTIA gets their money they're happy lol.

[@KillerZero259]

Professor, my Network+ expires in 2021. If I renewed much earlier than that, lets say, This year (in 2019), when would be my new expiration date?

[@BlueSparkzVideos]

There's no new expiration date. It stays the same. Renewing basically extends the cycle another 3yrs.

[@donleecarter]

Professor Messer I have A+ , Net+, and Sec+ which combined to give me CSIS status until end of 1st quarter 2022. will taking the CertMaster CE for Sec+ renew the CSIS or just the Sec+.? Thinking of just going for the CySA+ instead maybe.

[@shericarthan1864]

Hi Donald. Passing the Security+ 601 CE will renew everything. However, if you take and pass the CySA, you won't need to take the Security+ because passing the CySA cert will automatically renew all of your other certs. Take care!

[@BlueSparkzVideos]

What Sheri said. Just remember the certmaster course isn't like an exam at all. It's more like a speed review. They say you can pass it in 6 hours, thats because you can skip to the assessments and just keep retaking them until you pass 100%. Real easy.

[@william4061]

I've earned the A+ 1000 Series certificate last year, but Cermaster CE terms for renewal indicate that I am only eligible for renewal if I had passed under the 900-series or older? So, I cannot renew this way?

[@professormesser]

CompTIA usually updates CertMaster CE requirements when exams are retired. If you earned your A+ certificate last year, then you still have plenty of time to renew.

[@BlueSparkzVideos]

Wait until the next series comes out THEN take certmaster.

[@alexvasquez980]

I'm studying for my A+ 1001/1002 exams, are there any recommendations on possible equipment I could get for some hands on training? I'm very much a hands on learner but will be combining that with flash cards for the acronyms and purchasing your course notes as I watch your videos, I already have a few old laptops I can open up and play around with but was wondering of any other recommended equipment

[@alexvasquez980]

@@Br0wnCh3 I'll definitely check out that Reddit group, I honestly just figured that by studying for the latest version I'll have a basic understanding of the current technology out right now

[@professormesser]

>Comptia will be releasing study material in april but it will take even longer for people like professor messer to make study material avaliable. My Course Notes for the 220-1001 and 220-1002 exams have been available before the exams were released, and my 220-1001 and 220-1002 video courses are already underway and videos are posted to my site as they are completed. I would expect that both of my video courses will be available before April.

[@kylegordon9499]

Professor, have taken the Certmaster CE 2 years ago to renew my certifcation. Can I do it again or will Comptia not allow that since I already completed it?

[@BlueSparkzVideos]

You can take it and it will count

[@hochhasd1]

How.many of.your webair will give me enough ceu to renew my aplus?

[@joshh4005]

If you wanted to just take security + without taking the other certs do you automatically get certified in the lower ones?

[@gabebarreto1981]

Nope, telling you this as a Net+ Sec+ holder

[@BlueSparkzVideos]

No

[@anthonya6622]

Currently working on getting the A+ 220-1001. It says the CertMaster CE is for the previous version of A+. Will there be a version for 220-1001 in the future?

[@professormesser]

Probably, but it's probably over a year before the current exam version would be retired.

[@anthonya6622]

@@professormesser Thank you. I just passed core 1 few mins ago. I wouldn't have passed it without you.

[@jbankssr4722]

Professor, I have 5 weeks until my A+ expires, If I do the CertMaster CE today, will it renew today or at the end of my original 3-year cycle?

[@BlueSparkzVideos]

It will renew at the end of the cycle. I did it myself

[@kcchim8655]

So if I got A+, Network+, and Security+, by taking the Pentest+ and pass it, are the three certs going to get a renewal?

[@professormesser]

Yes, Pentest+ (or CySA+) renews each other and Security+, Network+, and A+: www.comptia.org/continuing-education/choose/renew-with-a-single-activity/earn-a-higher-level-comptia-certification

[@kcchim8655]

@@professormesser sweet ! Thank you sir☺️

[@danmac4969]

So if I have my A+, Net+ Sec+, if I just do the cert master CE for Sec+, it does not renew the A+ and Net+ certs as well??

[@professormesser]

As with all renewal options, you only have to renew your highest level certification. If you complete the CertMaster CE for Security+, it would then also renew Network+ and A+.

[@jackadamsdaniels6719]

@@professormesser OMG that's awesome news! I been looking all over to see if that was the case.

[@JeandrePetzer]

5:52 Annual CEU fee? @ 2:00 you say its every 3 years? If i need to pay $75 every year for 3 years, and give my time up to keeping my knowledge fresh, wouldn't it be cheaper to just retake the new exam than renew your cert?

[@professormesser]

The $75 is the three-year CEU maintenance rate for the A+ certification, or $25/year. That's much cheaper (and probably easier) than taking the exam again.

[@BlueSparkzVideos]

When I took A+, each of the TWO exams were $200. Even if you take the exam again, you do realize it still expires in three years, right? Also, $75 is for 3yr renewal. Not one yr.

[@intense0excellent]

Does posting instructional videos based on CompTIA count as a blog post?

[@professormesser]

The "publishing" CEU category only mentions articles, white papers, blogs, or books: www.comptia.org/continuing-education/choose/renewing-with-multiple-activities/publishing

[@Dcub_]

When taking the Certmaster CE course, after completion will the fees go away on my CompTIA profile? Thanks in advance

[@professormesser]

You will not need to pay annual maintenance/renewal fees if renewing with CertMaster CE.

[@BlueSparkzVideos]

In addition to the Professor's point, The fees are actually included in the certmaster course. If you were to pay the fees first, you'd only have to pay the remaining balance for the course.(Certmaster-$75)

[@BlueSparkzVideos]

@@liberalsarethebiggestcryba6654 It's easy. You only have to take the assessments and you can retry until you pass 100%

[@SemyRostandLewisTraBi]

Thank you that was very informative

[@johncasino4417]

Love your work

[@williamsmith3331]

If I renew all my CEUs in one year do I still owe 3 years worth of maintenance fees?

[@professormesser]

The CE renewal cycle is for three years. You can complete the requirements early, but your renewal occurs at the end of the three years (provided you've paid the three years of maintenance fees). If you've met your CEU requirement, you can't submit new CEU requests until the next three-year cycle starts.

[@BlueSparkzVideos]

It doesn't matter how quickly you complete your CEUs. You still have to pay. Although going the CEU route is a little cheaper...if you only do webinars. Not sure though. I never bothered with CEUs.

[@joeysfather2723]

So Security+ will renew Network + but not A+? Interesting.

[@professormesser]

Security+ will renew both Network+ and A+.

[@michaelrj9]

So with the continued education, If I opt for just taking the newer Security+ exam in a couple few years, will my A+ and network+ auto renew or is that only if you go with the CEU's route?

[@professormesser]

If you pass a higher-level certification, it will renew all lower-level certs. You would not need to collect CEUs if pass a higher-level cert.

[@anthonybayonne9361]

@@professormesser the eligibility for certmaster CE requires a+ series 900 and earlier so does that mean if you only have 220-1001 and 220-1002 that you can’t use certmaster CE?

[@BlueSparkzVideos]

@@anthonybayonne9361 Certmaster is for those seeking to renew a cert that is soon expiring. If you've passed the latest exam, then that means your three yr cycle isn't nearly over yet. If you want. you can still complete CEUs instead.

[@thomashenry4798]

I am preparing to renew my secplus in a few months. I want to take a higher level cert for renewal, I am just poking around to see what I want to take. I am ad I saw this as it is a nice plan B.

[@KillerZero259]

Does anyone know if I were to go through the CertMaster CE route for my Network+, will it automatically renew my A+ as well? I believe the answer is yes, but would like to confirm that

[@professormesser]

Yes, renewing a higher-level certification (regardless of method) will also renew all lower-level certifications. This means that renewing a Network+ (through the use of CertMaster CE or any other method) will also renew your A+.

[@KillerZero259]

@@professormesser Excellent, thank you so much for the quick response professor! I just wasn't sure if renewing via the CertMaster had it's own unique rules for also renewing lower-level certs. Thanks again!! ☺☺

[@topfloorempire675]

Is the CertMaster CE a pass or fail?

[@professormesser]

The CertMaster CE isn't an exam, so there's no pass or fail. You only need to complete the CertMaster CE course to earn your renewal.

[@sheldonj2476]

Sir bless you for this

[@kosmicken]

If I renew a higher level exam with the Cert Master CE, will the lower level exams automatically be renewed (as they are when that higher level cert was originally achieved)? Or does each exam have to be renewed separately with this method?

[@professormesser]

With all CompTIA renewal methods, you only need to renew the highest level certification. All lower-level certs will be renewed at the same time as the higher-level cert.

[@kosmicken]

@@professormesser Thank you! You say there are no annual CE fees when using the Cert Master CE process to renew. Does that only apply to the highest level cert, for which you are using Cert Master CE to renew all lower level certs? Or are the annual fees waived for all certs that are renewed by the highest level one being renewed by this method? (I hope that doesn't seem like a dumb question. I've looked into Comptia's renewal processes, and it's not very straightforward.)

[@shericarthan1864]

@@kosmicken Hello Ken. There are no annual fees for any of your certifications when you renew using the Cert Master CE. I hope this helps. Take care!

[@AllenAndersonTaylor]

Do you work for CompTIA?

[@professormesser]

No, I have no formal affiliation with CompTIA.

[@AllenAndersonTaylor]

@@professormesser I would like to thank you for all your videos and spreading your knowledge to others. You helped me pass A+, Net+, and Sec+ in the matter of two years. Now I'm on to CCNA and up. Thank you for helping me progress my career Sir.

[@oladelemoore]

Seeing this 3 years later

[@samus7839]

god bless you Messer

[@Idealclone]

I don't renew mine because mine are for life!

[@bluetech7128]

Ian degree

[@arabiclive007]

oh boy what field i have joined it will drain my money...LOL i guess now developer field was the best

[@SMOKEY428]

I wish we could renew our 20k plus undergrad degrees

[@BlueSparkzVideos]

Why? Did yours expire?

[@SMOKEY428]

@@BlueSparkzVideos college degrees expire the minute you get them

[@BlueSparkzVideos]

@@SMOKEY428 Oh, I see. You're one of those types

[@SMOKEY428]

@@BlueSparkzVideos and I see you’re definitely one of those types