Why Maintaining Your Security+ Certification Matters

In today’s fast-moving digital environment, cybersecurity plays a central role in protecting sensitive data, infrastructure, and the integrity of operations across industries. The CompTIA Security+ certification has long been considered a foundational credential for cybersecurity professionals. It proves your understanding of essential concepts, tools, and practices needed to identify and mitigate cyber threats.

However, passing the Security+ exam is only the beginning. Technology evolves, and so do threats. What was considered best practice a few years ago might now be obsolete. Maintaining your Security+ certification isn’t just about staying compliant—it’s about remaining effective, competitive, and valuable in your field. This article explores the importance of keeping your certification current and how it aligns with long-term career success in cybersecurity.

Understanding the Security+ Certification

Security+ is an entry-to-mid-level certification that validates a professional’s baseline skills in security-related disciplines. The credential is globally recognized and vendor-neutral, making it applicable across a wide range of roles and technologies.

Security+ covers multiple domains including:

• Threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities
  
  
• Architecture and design
  
  
• Implementation of secure solutions
  
  
• Operations and incident response
  
  
• Governance, risk, and compliance

Professionals with this certification are equipped to work as security administrators, systems analysts, network engineers, and cybersecurity specialists, among other roles. It provides a solid foundation not only for launching a cybersecurity career but also for advancing into more specialized or senior-level positions.

The Certification’s Expiration and Renewal Cycle

The Security+ certification is valid for three years from the date of issuance. After that period, professionals must renew their certification to retain their active status. Failure to do so can result in your certification becoming inactive, which may impact your job eligibility or career progression.

CompTIA offers several renewal methods, including:

• Earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
  
  
• Passing the latest version of the Security+ exam
  
  
• Completing CompTIA’s CertMaster CE
  
  
• Earning a higher-level certification

We’ll explore these in detail in subsequent articles. For now, the focus is on why staying current is non-negotiable in a high-stakes, ever-changing field like cybersecurity.

Why Certification Maintenance Is Crucial

Staying Technically Relevant

Technology changes fast. Just a few years ago, concepts like zero trust architecture, container security, and AI-driven threat detection were niche topics. Now, they’re mainstream concerns. If you let your knowledge stagnate, you risk falling behind in understanding the tools and threats that define modern cybersecurity.

Maintaining your certification forces you to stay engaged with the industry. Whether it’s through training courses, hands-on work, or attending professional events, the renewal process ensures your knowledge keeps pace with technological advancement.

Meeting Employer and Regulatory Requirements

In regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and government, current certifications are often mandatory. Employers rely on them as proof that staff members possess up-to-date knowledge of security standards and practices.

Organizations that deal with compliance frameworks such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or ISO/IEC 27001 often require active certifications as part of their risk management strategy. Letting your Security+ lapse could disqualify you from current roles or opportunities.

Even in less strictly regulated environments, employers may expect certifications to be up to date. Active credentials demonstrate commitment, accountability, and an ongoing investment in professional development.

Enhancing Your Career Trajectory

A current certification makes your resume more attractive to potential employers and can lead to better job opportunities, promotions, and salary increases. It helps you stand out in a crowded market and signals to hiring managers that you’re serious about your career.

In a field where practical knowledge matters as much as credentials, staying certified also ensures you’re continually building skills that will be useful in real-world settings. This can translate into more responsibility, cross-functional roles, or even leadership opportunities.

Building a Professional Network

Many continuing education activities required for renewal, such as conferences and webinars, offer excellent networking opportunities. Engaging with others in the cybersecurity community can lead to job leads, mentorship, collaborations, and peer learning.

Building relationships with other professionals in the industry can expose you to different approaches to problem-solving, help you stay informed about new technologies, and keep you engaged in your profession.

Establishing Long-Term Credibility

Credibility is currency in cybersecurity. Clients, team members, and executives want to know they can trust your expertise. Holding an active certification reinforces your professional identity and shows that you’re committed to maintaining high standards of excellence and reliability.

If you aspire to move into management or consulting, where decisions can affect entire infrastructures or compliance with global standards, having an up-to-date certification lends additional weight to your recommendations.

How Industry Trends Impact Security+ Relevance

Security+ is designed to cover the fundamental and emerging challenges cybersecurity professionals face. Because it’s regularly updated to reflect current industry trends, its renewal requirements are a direct response to what’s happening in the cybersecurity world.

Some key trends influencing the field today include:

Increased Use of Cloud and Hybrid Systems

More organizations are shifting to cloud and hybrid environments. Security+ now includes a deeper focus on securing these systems, making it essential for certified professionals to understand cloud-specific risks and solutions.

Rise of Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)

Sophisticated, targeted attacks by well-funded groups are becoming more common. Understanding how to detect and mitigate these threats requires staying current with the latest security frameworks and incident response strategies.

Growing Importance of Regulatory Compliance

As data privacy laws continue to evolve, security professionals must stay informed about changing legal requirements. Security+ provides a baseline for understanding compliance obligations, but keeping it current ensures your knowledge evolves with the regulatory landscape.

Expanding Attack Surfaces

With remote work, mobile devices, IoT, and edge computing becoming mainstream, attack surfaces have expanded exponentially. Certification maintenance ensures professionals remain proficient in identifying and defending against vulnerabilities across increasingly complex environments.

Psychological and Professional Benefits of Continuous Learning

Maintaining your certification isn’t just good for your resume; it’s beneficial to your mindset. Professionals who regularly engage in learning tend to be more adaptable, curious, and confident in their skills.

Security is a mentally demanding field. The practice of consistently studying new material or learning from your peers enhances cognitive agility and sharpens your problem-solving skills.

It also prepares you for higher-level certifications. Once you’re in the habit of keeping your Security+ current, stepping up to credentials like the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) becomes a natural progression.

What Happens If You Let It Expire?

If your Security+ certification expires, you lose the active credential and its benefits. You’ll have to retake the full certification exam to regain your certified status, which can be time-consuming, stressful, and costly. Additionally, the longer you wait, the more outdated your knowledge may become—making the exam harder to pass.

Inactive certification status can impact:

• Your ability to apply for or retain specific jobs
  
  
• Your eligibility for promotions
  
  
• Your professional reputation
  
  
• Your standing with compliance-based organizations

The bottom line: allowing your certification to expire can create avoidable setbacks in your career.

Steps to Prepare for Ongoing Certification Maintenance

Understanding the value of staying current is one thing, but planning for it is another. Here are practical steps you can take to stay ahead:

Set a Reminder for Renewal Dates

Don’t let the three-year window sneak up on you. Set calendar reminders at the one-year and six-month marks before your certification expires. This gives you enough time to earn CEUs or prepare for the renewal exam without last-minute stress.

Keep a Learning Log

As you attend events, complete courses, or write security-related content, keep track of your activities. CompTIA allows you to upload these directly into your certification account to ensure you’re progressing toward your renewal goals.

Join Cybersecurity Communities

Stay engaged with professional communities, whether online or local. Forums, Slack groups, or in-person meetups are excellent for staying informed, exchanging ideas, and discovering new learning opportunities.

Volunteer for Security Projects

If your job doesn’t provide enough hands-on experience, look for volunteer opportunities or freelance projects that involve security auditing, network hardening, or risk assessments. This practical experience not only helps with certification renewal but enriches your understanding of real-world challenges.

Explore Higher-Level Certifications

Use the momentum from maintaining Security+ to consider more advanced certifications. These can also count toward CEUs while expanding your career options and expertise.

A Strategic Investment in Your Career

Your Security+ certification is more than a line on your resume—it’s a commitment to the security and integrity of the digital systems we all rely on. By maintaining it, you’re not only fulfilling professional requirements but actively contributing to a safer digital environment.

Whether you’re a newly certified professional or a seasoned expert, the process of renewal ensures you remain informed, effective, and ready to meet the demands of today’s—and tomorrow’s—cybersecurity landscape.

we’ll dive into the different pathways for renewing your Security+ certification, including earning CEUs, taking the latest exam version, and exploring advanced credentials. Until then, start thinking about where you are in your certification cycle and what steps you can take to stay on track.

How to Renew Your Security+ Certification: Step-by-Step Guide

Earning the CompTIA Security+ certification is a significant accomplishment, but maintaining it is what sets committed professionals apart from the rest. Since the certification is valid for only three years, renewing it is essential if you want to preserve your credentials, stay competitive in the cybersecurity industry, and remain compliant with job requirements or regulatory standards.

This article explores the various ways you can renew your Security+ certification. From earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to passing a newer version of the exam or achieving a higher-level certification, this guide will help you navigate the renewal process with confidence and efficiency.

The Importance of Renewal in the Certification Lifecycle

The three-year expiration of the Security+ certification isn’t arbitrary. In cybersecurity, what’s current today may be obsolete tomorrow. New threats emerge, technologies evolve, and best practices shift accordingly. Renewal ensures that professionals holding the certification maintain a current, working knowledge of the field.

The renewal process encourages continued education and hands-on experience, aligning certified professionals with the rapidly evolving demands of modern IT and cybersecurity environments.

Letting the certification expire can have consequences. You may be required to retake the full exam, which involves time, preparation, and exam fees. More importantly, expired credentials can signal to employers that you’re not actively engaged in keeping your skills up to date.

Understanding the Renewal Window

CompTIA allows you to renew your Security+ certification any time before it expires. Ideally, you should begin preparing at least six to twelve months before your renewal date to ensure you have enough time to gather necessary documentation or complete required activities.

You can view your certification expiration date by logging into your CompTIA certification account. Be proactive—waiting until the last minute could cause avoidable stress and complications.

If your certification has already expired, you won’t be eligible to renew it through continuing education. Instead, you’ll need to retake and pass the current version of the Security+ exam, which may include new or updated content since your original certification.

Renewal Options Overview

CompTIA offers multiple pathways to renew Security+:

1. Earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
   
   
2. Completing CertMaster CE
   
   
3. Passing the latest Security+ exam
   
   
4. Achieving a qualifying higher-level certification
   
   
5. Participating in relevant training and industry activities

Each option has its own benefits and requirements. Let’s break down each one so you can decide which best fits your career goals, schedule, and learning preferences.

Option 1: Earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

The most flexible and widely used option is earning CEUs. To renew Security+ through this method, you’ll need to accumulate 50 CEUs within a three-year period. CEUs can be earned through a wide range of activities, including:

Attending Industry Events

Conferences, summits, and seminars that focus on cybersecurity topics often offer CEUs. Look for events hosted by credible organizations or professional groups. These events not only earn you credits but also offer valuable networking opportunities and insight into industry trends.

Completing Training and Webinars

Many educational platforms and training providers offer courses that are eligible for CEU credit. These may include instructor-led classes, virtual bootcamps, or on-demand videos. Be sure the content is security-focused and recognized by CompTIA for CEU credit.

Publishing Articles or Blogs

Writing articles, whitepapers, or blog posts related to cybersecurity can also count toward CEUs. This is a great way to demonstrate your expertise while contributing to the professional community.

Teaching or Presenting

If you give presentations, workshops, or training sessions on security-related topics, you may be eligible for CEU credits. These activities show that you’re actively sharing knowledge and engaging with others in the field.

Participating in Hands-On Security Projects

You can earn CEUs by engaging in real-world security work, whether in your job or through volunteering. For instance, conducting risk assessments, managing incident responses, or deploying secure infrastructures may qualify as eligible experiences.

Earning College Credits

If you’re taking accredited college or university courses that relate to cybersecurity or IT, those credits can also be applied toward your CEU requirements.

Be sure to document all activities. CompTIA requires supporting materials such as certificates of completion, event agendas, or written content to verify your CEUs.

Option 2: Completing CertMaster CE

CertMaster CE is an online, self-paced course created by CompTIA specifically for certification renewal. It’s designed to help you refresh your knowledge and demonstrate continuing competency without the need to retake the full exam or accumulate CEUs.

CertMaster CE for Security+ typically takes 6–10 hours to complete and covers the latest version of the Security+ exam objectives. It’s ideal for professionals who want a structured way to renew their certification on their own time, without going through the hassle of exam preparation.

This method is especially useful if you’re short on time or prefer a clear, streamlined path to renewal. Once completed, your certification is automatically renewed for another three years.

Option 3: Passing the Latest Security+ Exam

Another straightforward renewal option is retaking and passing the most current version of the Security+ exam. This method can be effective if your certification is about to expire and you want to ensure you’re completely aligned with the latest knowledge domains.

It may also be necessary if your certification has already expired, as CEU-based renewal will no longer be available. Keep in mind that CompTIA updates its exams regularly to reflect current trends, threats, and technologies, so you’ll need to study the most recent material.

You’ll also need to pay the full exam fee and commit time to preparing for and sitting the exam. While this route is more intensive, it may be the best choice if you want a comprehensive refresh of your security knowledge.

Option 4: Earning a Higher-Level Certification

If you’ve advanced in your career and earned a more advanced IT certification, you may be eligible for automatic renewal of your Security+ credential. CompTIA maintains a list of higher-level certifications that qualify, including:

• CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst)
  
  
• CompTIA CASP+ (Advanced Security Practitioner)
  
  
• ISC2 CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
  
  
• ISACA CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)
  
  
• EC-Council CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)

These advanced credentials typically cover topics more in-depth than Security+ and show a higher level of expertise. Once obtained, these certifications can be submitted for Security+ renewal, assuming they’re still active and valid.

If you’re on a career track that includes one of these certifications, this method offers a natural way to renew your Security+ while continuing to grow your professional skill set.

Option 5: Combining Multiple Renewal Activities

You don’t have to rely on a single method to meet your renewal requirements. Many professionals combine several activities over the three-year period to reach the 50 CEU threshold. For example, you might:

• Earn 20 CEUs through on-the-job experience
  
  
• Get 10 CEUs from attending a security conference
  
  
• Write two blog posts worth 5 CEUs each
  
  
• Complete a webinar series for the remaining 10 CEUs

This approach offers the most flexibility and ensures you stay engaged in various forms of learning and contribution.

How to Submit CEUs and Track Progress

To manage your renewal process, you’ll use CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) portal. Here’s how to stay organized:

1. Create or Log In to Your CE Account

This account will track your certification status, CEU submissions, and renewal dates.

2. Record Activities as You Complete Them

Upload documentation and details for each CEU-eligible activity, such as certificates, transcripts, or published links.

3. Pay the CE Renewal Fee

A renewal fee must be paid before your certification can be officially extended. This fee helps fund the CE program and varies depending on the certification level.

4. Submit Before the Expiration Date

All CEUs and payments must be completed before your current certification expires. Aim to finalize your renewal at least one month in advance to avoid complications.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Waiting Too Long

Start early. Many professionals wait until the last few months to begin their renewal process and find they don’t have enough time to earn or document 50 CEUs.

Incomplete Documentation

CompTIA may reject CEUs without sufficient evidence. Keep detailed records and ensure all submissions meet the documentation requirements.

Assuming All Training Counts

Not all cybersecurity or IT training automatically qualifies for CEUs. Make sure the content directly maps to the Security+ exam objectives and is provided by a recognized source.

Overlooking Free Opportunities

Many free webinars, open-source courses, and volunteer work can count toward your CEUs. Don’t assume you need to spend a lot of money to meet your requirements.

Choosing the Best Path for You

The best renewal method depends on your current situation, learning preferences, and career trajectory.

• If you enjoy structured learning: Consider CertMaster CE or formal training programs.
  
  
• If you already hold or plan to earn a higher-level certification: Use it to renew automatically.
  
  
• If you’re active in the community and enjoy varied activities: Accumulate CEUs through writing, speaking, attending events, and hands-on work.
  
  
• If your certification has expired: Retake the current exam to reestablish your credential.

Staying Certified Is Staying Relevant

Maintaining your Security+ certification is more than an administrative requirement—it’s a declaration that you are committed to staying current, relevant, and prepared to meet the demands of an ever-evolving cybersecurity environment.

With flexible options like CEUs, online courses, advanced credentials, and exam retakes, CompTIA has designed the renewal process to accommodate professionals at every stage of their career. By taking a proactive, organized approach, you’ll not only keep your certification active but also reinforce your reputation as a knowledgeable and capable cybersecurity professional.

Smart Strategies to Maintain Your Security+ Certification Efficiently

Renewing your CompTIA Security+ certification doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. With the right mindset, tools, and habits, staying certified can become an integrated and even enjoyable part of your professional development. This final article in our comprehensive series explores actionable strategies, time-saving techniques, and practical tools that can help you manage your Security+ renewal more effectively—while continuing to grow your cybersecurity skills and career prospects.

The good news? You don’t need to cram all your CEUs in at the last minute or retake an exam under pressure. The most successful professionals treat certification maintenance as a continuous journey, not a one-time task.

Developing a Proactive Mindset

One of the most important things you can do is shift your approach to certification from reactive to proactive. Don’t wait until your Security+ certification is about to expire before taking action. Instead, treat the renewal process as an ongoing opportunity to enhance your skills, expand your professional network, and keep up with industry evolution.

A proactive mindset includes:

• Keeping track of your renewal date
  
  
• Scheduling learning opportunities regularly
  
  
• Documenting activities as they happen
  
  
• Exploring topics beyond just the exam outline

Approaching renewal as a structured, ongoing process reduces anxiety and helps you gain more value from the experience.

Create a Personalized Renewal Plan

Planning ahead is critical. Here’s how to build a practical, low-stress roadmap to renewal.

Step 1: Assess Your Timeline

Determine how much time you have left before your Security+ certification expires. Ideally, begin your renewal efforts 12 to 18 months before the deadline. This gives you ample time to accumulate CEUs or explore other renewal paths.

Step 2: Set CEU Milestones

Break down your goal of 50 CEUs into manageable parts. For example:

• 15 CEUs from job-related activities
  
  
• 10 CEUs from online training
  
  
• 10 CEUs from attending events
  
  
• 5 CEUs from writing blog posts
  
  
• 10 CEUs from webinars and workshops

You can adjust these targets based on your learning style, schedule, and interests.

Step 3: Block Time for Learning

Treat continuing education like any other professional responsibility. Add time blocks to your calendar—weekly or monthly—to focus on Security+ renewal activities such as reading, attending webinars, or taking courses.

Maximize Everyday Activities for CEUs

Many of your day-to-day professional tasks may qualify for CEU credits. By recognizing and documenting these activities, you can earn credits without taking on much additional work.

On-the-Job Experience

If your role includes security-related tasks—such as configuring firewalls, conducting risk assessments, responding to incidents, or managing compliance—you can earn CEUs. Document these activities in your CEU log with details about what you did, how long it took, and what security objectives it supported.

Training You’re Already Taking

Does your company provide training on threat detection, data privacy, or cybersecurity tools? If the material aligns with Security+ objectives, it may qualify. Make sure to obtain proof of attendance or completion.

Professional Development Events

Attending industry events, user group meetings, or company-hosted security briefings can contribute toward your CEUs. These opportunities not only count toward certification but help you stay connected with developments in the field.

Use Tools to Track Progress

Keeping track of CEUs is critical for stress-free renewal. The more organized you are, the easier it is to submit your activities to CompTIA.

Use a CEU Tracker Spreadsheet

Create a spreadsheet or use a task manager like Notion, Trello, or Airtable. Include:

• Activity title and description
  
  
• CEUs earned
  
  
• Date completed
  
  
• Category (e.g., training, webinar, work)
  
  
• Supporting documents or links

Update this log as you go—don’t wait until the final months to reconstruct what you did.

Leverage the CompTIA Certification Portal

CompTIA’s Continuing Education portal allows you to upload CEUs, monitor your status, and pay renewal fees. Visit regularly to make sure everything is in order and avoid missing deadlines.

Explore Free and Low-Cost Learning Resources

You don’t need a big budget to stay current. Many excellent resources are free or low-cost, offering CEU-eligible content and practical insights.

Free Online Webinars and Virtual Events

Organizations like SANS, ISC2, and government agencies often host free webinars on cybersecurity topics. Sign up for email alerts from reputable industry groups and register for events throughout the year.

Podcasts and YouTube Channels

While not all audio/video content is CEU-eligible, some channels offer deep-dive technical discussions and tutorials that can be paired with companion resources or quizzes. For example, pairing a YouTube security talk with a self-created summary document might qualify if you demonstrate active learning.

Open Online Courses (MOOCs)

Many universities and online platforms offer free or low-cost security courses. Coursera, edX, and Cybrary provide classes on risk management, cryptography, cloud security, and more.

Some courses offer certificates of completion, which can be used as proof for CEU submission.

Build a Habit of Continuous Learning

If you make learning a habit rather than a chore, you’ll not only stay on top of renewal but continue evolving as a professional. Here’s how:

Subscribe to Security Newsletters

Stay updated by subscribing to newsletters from trusted sources like Krebs on Security, Threatpost, or Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). While reading newsletters doesn’t count toward CEUs, they keep your knowledge fresh and may inspire further study.

Join Cybersecurity Communities

Online communities and forums are great for knowledge sharing, idea exchange, and finding out about events or opportunities that count toward CEUs. Popular spaces include Reddit’s r/cybersecurity, InfoSec Twitter, and Discord servers for security professionals.

Follow Industry Leaders

Cybersecurity thought leaders often share insights, case studies, and commentary on emerging threats. Following them on platforms like LinkedIn or X (formerly Twitter) can expand your perspective and lead to additional learning resources.

Share What You Learn

You can also renew your certification by sharing your knowledge with others. Writing, teaching, or mentoring are excellent ways to give back to the community—and earn CEUs.

Write Articles or Blog Posts

Documenting lessons learned from a security project or explaining technical concepts in writing can earn you CEUs. You don’t need to publish on a major platform—even a personal blog or company newsletter may qualify if it reflects meaningful knowledge sharing.

Give Presentations or Workshops

If you’re invited to present at a team meeting, user group, or conference, prepare a slide deck and record your session. Teaching others not only reinforces your own learning but also boosts your professional credibility.

Mentor Junior Professionals

If you mentor someone in security—formally or informally—document your time and the topics covered. CompTIA recognizes mentoring as a valuable CEU-earning activity.

Learn with a Purpose

Renewal isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about staying sharp and purposeful in your learning. When selecting CEU activities, choose topics that align with your current role or areas you want to grow into.

For example:

• If you’re in network operations, focus on secure network architecture.
  
  
• If you want to move into cloud security, take a course on securing AWS or Azure environments.
  
  
• If compliance is your focus, learn about emerging data privacy regulations.

Being intentional in your learning helps you build specialized expertise that can lead to promotions, role changes, or leadership positions.

Don’t Overlook Soft Skills

While Security+ is a technical certification, cybersecurity professionals also benefit from strong communication, leadership, and critical thinking abilities. Some CEU-eligible courses or events cover these “soft” skills, especially in the context of cybersecurity teams, incident response planning, or user training.

Examples include:

• Leading a security awareness program
  
  
• Participating in policy creation
  
  
• Facilitating risk communication with executives

These experiences are not only renewal-worthy—they’re also valuable for your long-term career growth.

When to Consider Retaking the Exam

While most professionals choose to renew through CEUs, there are situations where retaking the Security+ exam might be the better choice:

• If your certification has expired
  
  
• If your role changed significantly and you want a full content refresher
  
  
• If you enjoy formal test preparation as a learning method
  
  
• If you plan to study for multiple CompTIA exams at once

The exam has likely changed since you last took it, so be sure to study the latest objectives and exam guide. Some topics may have expanded or shifted, especially in cloud security, zero trust, or threat modeling.

Keep Other Certifications in Mind

If you hold multiple CompTIA certifications, renewing your Security+ may also extend lower-level credentials. For example, renewing Security+ could automatically renew your Network+ or A+ certifications if they’re within the renewal window.

Likewise, earning a higher-level certification like CySA+ or CASP+ can renew Security+ as well. This approach can simplify your renewal process across multiple credentials.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining your Security+ certification doesn’t have to be a burden—it can be an opportunity. By turning learning into a habit, documenting your professional activities, and using smart tools to stay organized, you can meet CompTIA’s requirements while enhancing your capabilities and value as a cybersecurity professional.

Certification renewal is more than a task; it’s a personal investment in staying current, competitive, and credible in an industry that never stands still. Whether you choose to earn CEUs, complete CertMaster CE, or pursue a higher-level certification, the journey to staying certified is also the path to long-term success.