How Much Does CompTIA A+ Certification Cost? Plan Your Budget

How much does CompTIA A+ certification cost? It’s one of the first questions aspiring IT professionals ask, and for good reason. The A+ certification isn’t just a test; it’s an investment in your future career. But between exam fees, training options, and possible retakes, the total price tag can vary widely. This article breaks it all down, so you won’t get caught off guard. Whether you’re studying on a shoestring budget or opting for premium prep, we’ll help you understand exactly what to expect and how to get the most value from every dollar you spend.

How much does CompTIA A+ certification cost?

How much does CompTIA A+ certification cost

The overall cost of earning the CompTIA A+ certification typically falls between $600 and $1,000 or more, depending on several factors such as your study method, whether you pass the exams on the first try, and your preferred renewal path.

CompTIA A+ is recognized globally as a foundational certification, especially for IT support and help‑desk roles. Understanding the full picture of cost, including exams, preparation, and renewal, is essential for budgeting confidently.

Exam voucher cost

To become A+ certified, you must pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1101 or 220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1102 or 220-1202). As of June 3, 2025, each exam voucher costs $265, bringing the total base exam cost to $530.

You can buy vouchers directly from the CompTIA store or through authorized resellers. Some providers also bundle vouchers with training products, sometimes including a free retake or discounted study tools.

Study materials

Study materials

Your total study cost will vary based on your preferred learning style, background knowledge, and the resources you select. Here’s what to expect across the main categories:

Free resources

Of course, you do not spend any money on these study materials. Because these include CompTIA A+ official exam objectives, some free online study communities and forums, and free video series like Professor Messer’s A+ playlist on YouTube.

However, these resources are only highly suitable for motivated self-learners who want to start with the basics without financial commitment.

Study guides and books

Popular titles include Mike Meyers’ CompTIA A+ All-in-One and the Exam Cram series, which often cost from 30$ to 60$. These printed or digital books offer structured content aligned with exam objectives, along with review questions and scenarios.

By paying for these materials, you will be provided with structured learning paths, review questions, and exam-aligned content. Learners who prefer traditional reading formats and tangible progress tracking should choose this kind of learning resource.

Self-paced online courses

A lot of platforms like Udemy, LinkedIn Learning provide comprehensive video-based training. Some come with downloadable materials, practice questions, and lifetime access. To enter these online courses, you will have to pay from 30$ – 100$.

If you do not have enough time to go to in-person classes, this will be the perfect choice. Indeed, it is very popular for working professionals who prefer flexibility.

Instructor-led training

Instructor-led training

These include virtual or in-person classes with live instruction, often spread over several weeks. They typically offer access to labs, mentorship, and a fixed learning schedule. With such many benefits, it definitely costs more than self-paced online courses, ranging from $1000 to $1800 on average.

If you are a passive person and need someone to guide you, this is the greatest option for you. This study resource is also suited for those who learn better in interactive environments rather than virtual scenerios.

Bootcamps

Intensive, fast-track programs that usually include everything: instruction, labs, exam vouchers, and sometimes even retake guarantees. With these advantages, you have to pay 1500$ to $3000 in total.

You should consider bootcamps if you want to get certified quickly and don’t mind a higher upfront investment.

Practice tests

Practice exams play a crucial role in preparing for the CompTIA A+ certification. They help you assess your readiness, identify knowledge gaps, and build confidence under timed conditions. All of which can dramatically reduce the risk of costly retakes.

Free CompTIA A+ practice tests are a great starting point, especially for first-time test-takers. Platforms like Easy Prep offer free, high-quality CompTIA A+ practice tests that provide more than 1500 practice questions and both full-length CompTIA Core 1 and Core 2 practice tests.

Retake fees

CompTIA’s retake policy is strict. If you fail an exam, you must pay the full $265 again for each retake. CompTIA does not offer free retakes unless you purchase a retake bundle in advance, which may cost slightly more upfront (around $600 for the bundle) but includes one free second attempt.

So, take practice tests seriously and only schedule your actual exam when you’re consistently scoring 85% or higher.

Continuing education and renewal

The CompTIA A+ certification is valid for three years from the date of certification. You must renew before expiration to stay current. There are three common ways to renew.

• You can renew your A+ by paying $25 per year in CE fees and earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through approved activities such as additional training, webinars, or work experience. Over three years, the total CE cost is $75. This method requires tracking and submitting qualifying CEUs to CompTIA for approval.

• Secondly, CompTIA offers a self-paced, one-time renewal course called CertMaster CE for A+. The cost is $139, and it covers the full 3-year renewal.

• Thirdly, if you pursue and earn a higher-tier CompTIA certification such as Network+, Security+, or Linux+, your A+ will automatically renew for another three years. No need to submit CEUs or pay separate renewal fees for A+, the renewal happens automatically upon earning the higher certificate.

Tips to reduce the CompTIA A+ certification cost

Tips to reduce the CompTIA A+ certification cost

Earning your CompTIA A+ certification doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few strategic choices, you can significantly reduce your overall expenses without compromising the quality of your preparation or success rate.

Use free and low-cost study resources

Begin your journey with reputable free materials such as video lectures, online guides, and community forums. Once you’ve established a solid foundation, consider supplementing with a cost-effective course or study guide to deepen your understanding.

Take advantage of voucher discounts and bundles

• Academic discounts: Students in eligible institutions can access 40–65% off vouchers and learning products through the CompTIA Academic Store.
• CompTIA A+ bundles: Official bundles that include the exam voucher, CertMaster Learn, CertMaster Practice, or Labs, which are often paired with a retake option, can offer up to 46% in savings compared to purchasing items separately.
• Authorized partners: Trusted vendors such as Total Seminars, Jason Dion, or Professor Messer may provide discounted vouchers, sometimes priced as low as $226.99, slightly under the current retail rate.

Employer or government sponsorship

Many employers will reimburse certification-related expenses as part of their employee development plans. In addition, veterans and job seekers in workforce training programs may qualify for free or subsidized vouchers, courses, and exam attempts through state or federal programs.

Course discounts and sale events

Many online learning platforms regularly offer deep discounts on CompTIA A+ courses. During promotional periods such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or seasonal back-to-school sales, you can often purchase comprehensive training programs for as low as $10–$20. Timing your purchase strategically allows you to access high-quality instruction at a fraction of the standard cost.

FAQs

1. Can you get CompTIA A+ certification for free?

While the CompTIA A+ certification itself is not free, there are ways to reduce your costs. Some nonprofit programs, workforce development initiatives, or academic institutions offer free exam vouchers or fully funded training if you qualify. However, unless you’re part of a sponsored program, you’ll still need to pay for the official exam vouchers.

2. How much does it cost to renew CompTIA A+ certification?

CompTIA A+ renewal costs depend on which path you choose:

• Annual CEU route: $25/year, equivalent to $75 over 3 years.
• CertMaster CE course: $129 one-time fee.
• Earn a higher certification: Free, if you pursue and pass another CompTIA certification like Network+ or Security+.

3. Do you have to pay again if you fail CompTIA A+?

Yes. If you fail an exam, you must purchase another exam voucher at full price $265. CompTIA does not offer free retakes unless you’ve purchased a special bundle that explicitly includes a retake option. That’s why adequate preparation and practice testing are crucial to avoid unnecessary costs.

4. Can I get a discount for CompTIA A+ certification?

Yes. You can often find discounted exam vouchers through:

• CompTIA Academic Store (for students and educators)
• Training providers that bundle vouchers with courses
• CompTIA Store promotions and holiday sales
• Employer support or workforce development funding

Remember to check with authorized CompTIA partners for legitimate discounts. Avoid unofficial sites offering too-good-to-be-true pricing, as these may be scams.

Final thoughts

So, how much does CompTIA A+ certification cost? After this guide, I hope that you found the exact number that is linked to your own situation. Typically, the total ranges from $600 to $1,000, including exam vouchers, study resources, practice tests, and renewal fees. Your actual cost depends on how you prepare and whether you pass on the first try. With the right strategy and use of free tools, CompTIA A+ remains a smart and affordable step toward launching your IT career.