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How Much Does the CompTIA A+ Exam Cost in 2026? Both Exams and the Full Certification Budget
The standard am as of July 2026. Because you must pass two exams—Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202)—the minimum retail cost for both required vouchers is USD $548, before taxes, study materials, or possible retakes. udget may be higher if you purchase courses, books, practice exams, hands-on labs, or retake protection. Prices can also differ by country, currency, taxes, membership status, academic eligibility, and authorized reseller discounts.
The standard am as of July 2026. Because you must pass two exams—Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202)—the minimum retail cost for both required vouchers is USD $548, before taxes, study materials, or possible retakes. udget may be higher if you purchase courses, books, practice exams, hands-on labs, or retake protection. Prices can also differ by country, currency, taxes, membership status, academic eligibility, and authorized reseller discounts.
How Much Does the CompTIA A+ Exam Cost in 2026?
The following table provides a practical overview of the CompTIA A+ certification cost. Official prices are based on standard U.S. retail pricing checked on July 20, 2026. Preparation figures are estimates rather than official CompTIA prices.
Cost of the CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam
The 220-1201 exam cost is USD $274 at standard U.S. retail pricing. One voucher generally pays for one attempt at Core 1.
Core 1 focuses broadly on areas such as mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization, cloud computing, and hardware or network troubleshooting. It is one half of the certification pathway, not a separate full certification. he CompTIA A+ Core 2 Exam
The 220-1202 exam cost is also USD $274 at standard U.S. retail pricing.
Core 2 covers areas such as operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, scripting basics, and operational procedures. Candidates must pass Core 2 in addition to Core 1 to earn the complete credential. t of Both CompTIA A+ Exams
The calculation is straightforward:
Core 1 voucher: USD $274
Core 2 voucher: USD $274
Total retail voucher cost: USD $548
Purchasing or passing only one exam does not make you CompTIA A+ certified. You need separate attempts for 220-1201 and 220-1202, although some bundles may package the two vouchers together.
Why Does CompTIA A+ Require Two Exams?
CompTIA A+ covers a wider range of foundational support skills than can comfortably fit into one entry-level exam.
Core 1 concentrates more heavily on devices, hardware, networking, cloud concepts, and technical troubleshooting. Core 2 focuses more on operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and professional operating procedures.
The two exams belong to the same certification pathway. They can be scheduled separately, allowing candidates to prepare for one group of objectives before moving to the next.
What Is the Full CompTIA A+ Certification Cost?
The minimum CompTIA A+ total cost is the price of both vouchers: USD $548 before tax. However, the realistic total depends on how you prepare.
You may also budget for:
- Practice exams
- Study guides or digital books
- Video courses
- Instructor-led training
- Hands-on lab access
- Replacement computer parts or home-lab equipment
- Transportation to a testing center
- A webcam, microphone, or appropriate online testing room
- Taxes and currency-conversion charges
- A possible retake
Not every candidate needs every item. Someone with IT experience, suitable equipment, and access to free learning materials may spend very little beyond the two vouchers.
Low-Cost Self-Study Budget
A low-cost candidate may use free videos, the official exam objectives, existing computer equipment, and a reasonably priced practice-exam package.
Illustrative assumptions:
- Two exam vouchers: USD $548
- Practice exams: USD $40
- Used or digital study guide: USD $40
- Additional equipment: USD $0
Estimated total: USD $628 before taxes
Standard Preparation Budget
A standard plan might combine a structured video course, practice tests, a current study guide, and both vouchers.
Illustrative assumptions:
- Two exam vouchers: USD $548
- Video courses for both cores: USD $150
- Practice exams: USD $80
- Study guide: USD $60
- Basic lab expenses: USD $50
Estimated total: USD $628 before taxes
Premium or Instructor-Led Training Budget
A premium route may involve live classes, a bootcamp, instructor support, lab access, and bundled exam vouchers.
These preparation ranges are planning estimates, not official CompTIA prices. Always check what a training package includes before comparing it with another option.
How Much Does a CompTIA A+ Retake Cost?
A standard voucher normally covers one exam attempt. If you do not pass, you generally need another voucher for that same exam unless you previously purchased a qualifying retake-assurance product.
At current U.S. retail pricing, one additional standard A+ attempt could add USD $274 to your budget.
CompTIA does not require a waiting period between the first and second attempts at the same exam. Before a third or later attempt, candidates must wait at least 14 calendar days after the previous attempt. nce may be available as part of certain vouchers or bundles. Its price and conditions can change, so review:
- Which exam the protection covers
- How many retakes are included
- The redemption procedure
- The expiration date
- Whether both the first attempt and retake must occur before expiration
A failed attempt is not a reason to abandon the certification. Use the score report to identify weaker objectives, adjust your study plan, and avoid immediately repeating the same preparation approach.
Ways to Reduce the CompTIA A+ Exam Cost
Several legitimate options may reduce your out-of-pocket spending:
- Check whether you qualify for academic pricing.
- Ask your employer about certification reimbursement.
- Research local workforce-development or career-transition programs.
- Review military or veteran education benefits where applicable.
- Compare authorized reseller pricing with direct retail pricing.
- Look for packages that include both training and vouchers.
- Compare a standard voucher with a retake-assurance option.
- Prepare thoroughly before purchasing or scheduling.
- Confirm the voucher’s region, currency, supported exam, and expiration date.
Eligible students at participating institutions may be able to purchase discounted products through the CompTIA Academic Store, subject to verification and purchasing limits. ously cheap vouchers from unknown sellers. Voucher terms commonly restrict use by region and certification program, and vouchers are normally non-refundable. Candidates must take the exam before the listed expiration date. m dumps, leaked questions, or braindumps. They do not build the practical skills expected in an IT support role and may violate certification testing policies.
Are CompTIA A+ Exam Bundles Worth It?
A bundle can be worthwhile when it includes resources you already planned to purchase.
Compare:
- The bundle price against two individual vouchers
- Included training and practice materials
- Retake protection
- Voucher expiration dates
- Whether the materials cover both current exams
- Whether you already own equivalent resources
A larger bundle is not automatically cheaper. Paying more for unused training materials is not a saving, even when the advertised discount looks substantial.
Can an Employer Pay for CompTIA A+?
Some employers provide professional-development funds, tuition assistance, or reimbursement after an employee passes.
When asking, explain the business value clearly. For example:
“The CompTIA A+ objectives cover hardware troubleshooting, operating systems, networking, security, and support procedures that are directly relevant to my current technical-support responsibilities.”
Ask whether reimbursement requires advance approval, a passing result, proof of payment, or an agreement to remain employed for a particular period.
Practical CompTIA A+ Budget Examples
Student Using Mostly Free Resources
A student with an existing laptop may rely on free lessons and hands-on practice using equipment already available.
The retail budget would be approximately USD $588, but a verified academic discount could reduce the voucher portion. The exact student price should be checked at the time of purchase rather than assumed.
Career Changer Buying a Course and Practice Exams
A career changer may need more structure and foundational explanation.
Two vouchers at USD $548, a USD $170 course package, a USD $30 study guide, and USD $50 in practice tests would produce an estimated total of USD $798 before taxes.
Candidate Planning for a Possible Retake
A cautious candidate might reserve:
- USD $548 for two initial vouchers
- USD $100 for study resources
- USD $274 as a retake buffer
That creates a planning budget of USD $922. The retake money is not necessarily spent; it is simply reserved to prevent an unexpected expense.
Is CompTIA A+ Worth the Cost?
CompTIA A+ may be worthwhile when it supports a clear career goal, especially for candidates targeting help desk, desktop support, field support, or technical-support positions.
Before spending money, review current job advertisements in your area. Look for the number of entry-level roles that request or prefer A+, the experience those employers expect, and the technical skills listed alongside certification requirements.
A certification does not guarantee a job, promotion, or salary increase. Its value is stronger when combined with practical troubleshooting experience, customer-service skills, home-lab activities, and the ability to explain technical decisions during an interview.
How to Avoid Paying for Multiple Attempts
The most effective way to protect your budget is to avoid scheduling before you are ready.
Use the official objectives as a checklist, build a structured study plan, and practice hands-on tasks such as configuring operating systems, troubleshooting connectivity, managing user accounts, and applying basic security controls.
Take realistic practice exams under timed conditions. Review explanations for correct and incorrect options instead of memorizing answers. A high score is more meaningful when you can explain the underlying concepts.
Before spending USD $274 on an attempt, Globalcerts CompTIA A+ practice exams can help you evaluate your readiness, identify weaker domains, and become more familiar with scenario-based questions. Practice results should guide further study rather than be treated as a guaranteed prediction.
Schedule the real exam when your performance is consistent across several attempts and you are completing full practice tests within the available time.
CompTIA A+ Cost Checklist
Before purchasing your vouchers, confirm:
Current Core 1 voucher price
Current Core 2 voucher price
Taxes and regional charges
Currency-conversion fees
Study-resource budget
Practice-exam budget
Transportation or online testing equipment
Possible retake buffer
Voucher expiration date
Supported exam codes
Preferred testing method
Target scheduling dates
Frequently Asked Questions About the CompTIA A+ Exam Cost
How much is the CompTIA A+ exam in 2026?
As of July 2026, the standard U.S. retail price is USD $274 per exam. Because two exams are required, the retail voucher total is USD $548 before taxes. to pay for both CompTIA A+ exams?
Yes. Core 1 and Core 2 are separate exams, and each requires its own paid attempt or an applicable voucher from a two-exam package.
Can I take the 220-1201 and 220-1202 exams separately?
Yes. You can prepare for and schedule them separately. However, you must pass both current exams to earn the certification.
How much does the full CompTIA A+ certification cost?
The minimum U.S. retail voucher cost is USD $548 before taxes. A realistic self-study budget may be approximately USD $600–$1,100, depending on the resources purchased.
How much does it cost to retake a CompTIA A+ exam?
A standard retake can require another full voucher, currently USD $274 at U.S. retail pricing. Retake-assurance products may provide different terms.
Are CompTIA A+ vouchers refundable?
Vouchers are generally non-refundable and must be used before their expiration date. Review the exact terms before purchasing. nts get a CompTIA A+ discount?
Eligible students may qualify for academic pricing after their enrollment is verified. Availability, eligibility rules, and prices can change.
Is training included in the CompTIA A+ exam price?
Not with a standard voucher. Training, labs, books, and practice exams are usually separate unless you purchase a bundle that specifically includes them.
Can I take the CompTIA A+ exam online?
CompTIA exams can be delivered through Pearson VUE, including OnVUE online-proctored testing where available. Online candidates need a compatible computer, webcam, reliable internet connection, suitable identification, and a compliant private testing space.
The standard U.S. CompTIA A+ exam cost in 2026 is USD $274 for Core 1 and USD $274 for Core 2, producing a minimum retail voucher cost of USD $548 before taxes.
The full budget may be closer to USD $600–$1,100 for self-study candidates, while instructor-led programs can cost considerably more. A possible retake could add another USD $274, so preparation and budgeting matter.
Review the current exam objectives, choose resources that match your learning style, and schedule only when your practice performance is consistent. To assess your readiness before using an official voucher, explore Globalcerts CompTIA A+ practice exams and use the results to identify weak areas, improve your understanding, and prepare more confidently.
