This guide is designed to help you understand how certification validity, expiration, and recertification work, what happens after you pass, how long your certification remains valid, and how to maintain your certified status.
Certification Validity
All CyberDefenders certifications are valid for four (4) years from the exact date you pass your examination.
This validity period was established by an independent panel of Security Operations Center (SOC) industry practitioners. Because cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving domain, this 4-year cycle ensures that all credential holders continue to demonstrate current, relevant, and technically proficient skills in the field.
Recertification Options
To maintain your active certification status, you must complete the recertification requirements before your credential's expiration date. You can renew your certification for an additional four (4) years using one of the following two options:
Option 1: Retake the Examination
Pass the latest version of your certification exam during your active cycle to automatically renew your credential for another four years.
Option 2: Submit 36 CPE Credits
Earn and submit 36 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits over your 4-year certification cycle.
Eligibility: CPE activities must demonstrate ongoing learning, professional development, or contributions to the cybersecurity domain.
Scope: Activities do not need to be limited to your specific certification level; educational milestones across any cybersecurity discipline are eligible.
How to Submit: Log in to your CyberDefenders account and submit your credits directly via your dashboard using the CPE Submission Form.
Expired Certifications
If your certification expires before you complete one of the two recertification options above, you can regain your certified status by:
Passing the certification exam again (see Option 1), or
Submitting eligible CPE credits (see Option 2)