CySA+ Exam Cost Explained: What You Really Pay

If you’re preparing to break into cybersecurity or aiming for a promotion, the CompTIA CySA+ certification is a valuable investment. But one of the most common questions professionals ask is: “What’s the CySA+ exam cost?” Knowing the full price, including vouchers, training, and optional retakes, helps you plan your certification journey wisely. In this guide, we’ll reveal the most up-to-date CySA+ certification cost, provide insights on how to save money, and answer frequently asked questions from learners just like you. Let’s break it all down so you can approach your CySA+ journey confidently and affordably.

What’s the CompTIA CySA+ certification cost?

CySA+ certification cost

The CompTIA CySA+ certification cost can range from $425 to $1,500+, depending on how extensively you prepare. This range includes the exam fee, which starts at $425, plus any additional costs for study materials, practice exams, training bundles, lab access, or renewal fees. Let’s break down how your budget will be allocated for earning the CompTIA CySA+ certification.

CySA+ exam voucher options

All vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase and can be redeemed through CompTIA Central.

CySA+ exam voucher ($425) is ideal for candidates who are confident in their exam readiness, either through hands-on experience or strong self-study. Best if you’re aiming to pass in one attempt without extra cost.

CySA+ voucher + retake assurance ($474) is recommended for first-time test-takers, career changers, or anyone who wants added peace of mind. Includes a free retake, which reduces the pressure of passing on the first try.

CySA+ complete bundle options

If you’re looking for a full learning experience, CompTIA offers bundles that include training, labs, practice, and the exam voucher. These are ideal for learners who want guided support and a structured path to certification. Here’s what’s included in the bundles:

• CertMaster Learn + Labs
• CertMaster Practice
• OnDemand Services
• (Voucher Plus Retake Assurance)

These bundles are especially helpful for those who are:

• Beginners or career-changers want a full start-to-finish solution.
• Professionals with limited study time need structured materials.
• Aiming to pass on the first attempt without piecing together multiple third-party resources.

Why should you consider taking this bundle? Since it covers a lot of useful things and brings many advantages for buyers, like: 

• Comprehensive preparation: Master CySA+ objectives with interactive training and performance-based questions.
• On-demand guidance: Includes personalized pacing, expert support, and structured study plans.
• Interactive learning: Videos, job-based scenarios, quizzes, and practice tests.
• Year-long access: All resources are available for 12 months and redeemable via CompTIA Central

Additional costs to consider

• Learning products ($100 – $600): These include self-paced online courses, instructor-led training, or CompTIA’s own CertMaster tools. 
• Practice exams ($30 – $100): These simulate the actual CySA+ test format with timed questions and realistic scenarios, helping you pinpoint weak areas and boost confidence before exam day.
• Continuing Education (CE) tokens ($25 per token): Used to renew your certification every 3 years. Instead of retaking the exam, professionals can submit CE activities and use tokens to maintain their active CySA+ status.

How to reduce the CompTIA CySA+ certification cost?

Reduce the CompTIA CySA+ certification cost

Just because the CySA+ cost looks steep doesn’t mean you have to pay full price. Smart candidates use a combination of vouchers, bundles, and community resources to slash expenses.

Buy exam bundles

Purchasing a bundle is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce your overall CySA+ certification cost. CompTIA combines exam vouchers with official training materials, offering savings of up to 46% off the retail price.

There are three types of bundles to choose from:

• Basic bundle: Includes the official CompTIA Study Guide eBook, one exam voucher, and a free retake voucher.
• Exam prep bundle: Adds CertMaster Practice to the Basic Bundle – ideal for drilling practice questions and strengthening weak areas.
• eLearning bundle: Offers the most comprehensive prep with CertMaster Learn + Labs, an exam voucher, and a retake voucher for hands-on learning and full exam readiness.

These bundles are especially useful if you want structured study materials and exam-day peace of mind with retake assurance. Before buying your voucher, visit the CompTIA Store and browse the Bundles section to get the best deal available.

Use academic discounts

If you’re an actively enrolled student at a four-year college or an eligible two-year institution in the U.S., you’re in luck. CompTIA offers 40% off exam vouchers and 65% off learning products through the CompTIA Academic Store.

Here’s how to apply the student discount:

• Visit the CompTIA Academic Store.
• Add your desired items to your cart (note: limits may apply on quantity and frequency).
• At checkout, enter your student information. You may be asked to upload proof of enrollment.
• Once verified, you can begin studying and working toward your certification at a much lower cost!

Get employer sponsorship

Many employers recognize the value of CompTIA certifications and may be willing to cover some or all of your CySA+ certification cost. This support often comes from training and development budgets or continuing education programs.

To get started:

• Speak with your manager or HR department about available education or certification reimbursements.
• Present how CySA+ aligns with your current role or future responsibilities.
• Share cost breakdowns and bundle options to demonstrate responsible planning.

Sponsorship is especially common in roles related to IT, security operations, or compliance, where the CySA+ adds direct value to team capabilities.

Take advantage of sales & promo codes

CompTIA regularly runs promotions during major events like Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Back to School, Black Friday, and end-of-year sales. These promotions can significantly reduce your certification costs. Here’s how to stay updated and make the most of them:

• Sign up for CompTIA’s newsletter to receive exclusive promo codes directly in your inbox.
• CompTIA on LinkedIn or X (Twitter) for real-time updates on discounts and sales.
• Purchase through authorized third-party providers like Pearson VUE, which occasionally offer their own bundle deals.
• Check the CompTIA Newsroom regularly for announcements about seasonal promotions and voucher discounts. 

Taking advantage of these opportunities can help you save 10–30% or more on exam costs and study materials.

Use free or low-cost study resources

To reduce study material costs, try to find free or low-cost study resources that are available on the Internet, such as: 

• CySA+ practice tests from reputable websites like Easy Prep
• Reddit communities or Discord servers focused on CySA+ prep
• YouTube tutorials and walkthroughs
• Used or discounted official books on eBay or Amazon

FAQs

1. Can I get CompTIA CySA+ certification for free?

While CompTIA does not offer the CySA+ exam voucher for free by default, there are several programs that can significantly reduce or fully cover your certification costs:

• Apply for scholarships: Some nonprofit or academic programs, like Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) or CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service, may fund training and certification exams, including CySA+.
• Military and veterans: If you’re affiliated with the U.S. military, you may be able to use benefits like the GI Bill or take advantage of DoD 8570/8140 compliance programs that recognize and reimburse CompTIA certifications.
• Workforce development programs: Depending on your region, state-sponsored or nonprofit workforce initiatives may subsidize exam and training costs for job seekers or career changers in the cybersecurity field.

2. How can I get a discount on the CompTIA CySA+ exam?

Here are practical ways to reduce the CompTIA CySA+ cost:

• Subscribe to CompTIA newsletters for exclusive discount codes
• Buy exam bundles instead of standalone vouchers
• Use student or educator discount platforms
• Wait for annual sales events like Cyber Monday or National Cybersecurity Month

Final thoughts

The CySA+ exam cost is a key factor for anyone aiming to earn this valuable cybersecurity certification. On average, expect to pay around $425 for the exam alone, but with training and prep resources, your total CySA+ certification cost could level up over $1,500. That’s why it’s so important to prepare thoroughly and aim to pass on your first attempt to avoid additional exam costs and save both time and money. Ready to get started? Explore CySA+ study guides, check out our free CySA+ practice questions, or learn more about CompTIA certifications to help you prep smarter.