If you’re considering pursuing a career in IT, one of the first steps is obtaining a CompTIA A+ certification. It’s one of the most widely recognized certifications and acts as the foundation for many entry-level tech jobs.
But before you dive into preparing for the exam, you might wonder: how much does CompTIA A+ cost? It’s important to understand the full CompTIA A+ certification cost, including exam fees, study materials, and additional expenses.
In this guide, we’ll break down the costs associated with obtaining your CompTIA A+ certification, so you can make an informed decision about your investment in this career-boosting certification.
Overview of CompTIA A+ Certification
The CompTIA A+ certification is an entry-level credential designed for IT professionals. It covers the essentials of IT support, including hardware, software, networking, and security. If you’re just starting your IT career or looking to improve your skills, CompTIA A+ is a great place to begin.
Before you take the plunge, it’s crucial to know what you’re committing to financially. Understanding the CompTIA A+ certification cost will help you budget for the necessary materials, exams, and any additional costs like CompTIA A+ exam cost with retake fees.
Who Should Pursue CompTIA A+ Certification
Anyone interested in entering the IT industry should consider obtaining the CompTIA A+ certification. It’s suitable for beginners and serves as the foundation for other specialized certifications. CompTIA A+ can unlock various CompTIA A+ jobs, including technical support, network administration, and IT troubleshooting roles.
Read also: Can You Get a Job With Just CompTIA A+
CompTIA A+ Certification Price Breakdown
A. CompTIA A+ Exam Fees
- CompTIA A+ Exam Fees: How much is the CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 exam? The cost of taking the CompTIA A+ exam varies depending on your location and the exam version. There are two main parts to the exam: Core 1 and Core 2. Each exam costs approximately $236 to $270 in the United States. This brings the total to around $500 for both exams, which are required to earn the certification.
- Pearson VUE CompTIA A+ Test Cost: Most people take the CompTIA A+ exams through Pearson VUE, the official testing partner for CompTIA. Pearson VUE offers an easy-to-use online registration process, and the prices are typically consistent. Expect to pay around $253 per exam.
- Additional Fees for Retakes: In case you don’t pass the CompTIA A+ exam on your first attempt, you’ll need to pay the same exam fees again for any retakes. Some candidates may wonder: how much is the CompTIA A+ exam if I need to retake it? Retake fees are usually the same as the initial exam cost, so make sure you are fully prepared before you schedule your exam. There’s no special discount for retakes, so it’s essential to plan accordingly.
B. Training and Study Materials
When considering the cost of CompTIA A+ certification, it’s essential to factor in not only the exam fees but also study materials, training courses, and potential retake costs.
- CompTIA A+ Course fee: If you choose to take a CompTIA A+ course, you’ll need to account for that expense in your budget. Online training programs range from $200 to $1,000 or more. These courses typically offer structured lessons and interactive content, helping you to grasp the material more efficiently.
- Cost of CompTIA A+ Practice Tests and Study Guides: For CompTIA A+ study guides and practice tests, expect to spend between $50 and $200. Practice tests are a crucial part of your preparation because they help you gauge your readiness for the actual exam. Many study guides are available online for purchase, but there are also free resources available, which can be helpful if you’re on a tight budget.
C. Recommended Books, Online Resources, and Practice Exams
Popular study resources include books such as “CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide” and online platforms like Udemy and LinkedIn Learning. Additionally, some forums (like Reddit) provide free resources, practice questions, and study tips from other candidates who have already passed the exam.
Additional Costs to Consider
Cost of CompTIA A+ Certification for Students
If you’re a student, you might be eligible for discounts. Some academic institutions partner with CompTIA to offer discounted or free access to study materials. Additionally, there are discounts on CompTIA A+ certification cost for students, ranging between 10-20% off the regular exam fees.
CompTIA A+ Cost in Different Countries
The CompTIA A+ certification cost can vary depending on where you live. Here’s a quick rundown of the CompTIA A+ cost in different countries:
- USA: Around $246 per exam
- UK: Approximately £150 to £170 per exam
- Canada: Around CAD 300 per exam
- India: Typically INR 12,000 to INR 15,000 per exam
Be sure to check the latest exam fees based on your location.
CompTIA A+ Renewal Costs and Continuing Education Fees
The CompTIA A+ certification is valid for three years. After that, you’ll need to renew it through CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program. The cost to renew is about $50 annually or $119 for the full three-year period. The A+ certification is valid for three years.
To maintain it, there is a $75 renewal fee, or you can take the Network+ exam for $369 USD, which will also renew the A+ certification. The renewal process requires you to earn CEUs (Continuing Education Units) through activities like taking courses or passing higher-level exams.
How to Find Free or Affordable Study Resources
If you’re on a budget, you can find free CompTIA A+ study guides and CompTIA A+ practice exams through community forums, YouTube tutorials, and open online resources. Websites like Prepsaret offer free practice tests that help you prepare without additional costs.
Prepsaret provide free study guides, practice questions, and flashcards for the CompTIA A+ Core Series exams. These resources can help you prepare for the A+ certification without significant expenses.
How to Reduce CompTIA A+ Certification Cost
Here are effective tips to reduce CompTIA A+ cost:
Finding Discount Vouchers and Promo Codes
You can find CompTIA A+ voucher discounts and promo codes on websites. Additionally, CompTIA often runs promotions or partnerships that offer discounts on exam fees and study materials. Signing up for the CompTIA newsletter can help you stay informed about these opportunities.
Free and Low-Cost Study Resources
Many online platforms, such as Prepsaret and YouTube, offer the cheapest way to get CompTIA A+ certification. Online communities like Reddit are great places to find free study resources, CompTIA A+ practice tests, and advice from others who have already taken the exam.
Many people turn to CompTIA A+ certification cost Reddit threads to get insights and advice from others who have gone through the certification process.
How to Get CompTIA A+ Certification for Free
Can I get CompTIA A+ for free? While the exam itself isn’t free, there are some programs and scholarships that may cover your costs. Some companies offer to sponsor your exam fees if they’re hiring IT professionals. Keep an eye on scholarships, corporate sponsorships, or government-funded programs that may provide free training and exam coverage.
Prepsaret: Your Go-To for Affordable and Comprehensive CompTIA A+ Preparation
Prepsaret offers an excellent opportunity for those preparing for the CompTIA A+ exam with a mix of free and premium resources. One of the standout features is that they provide 15 free practice questions for CompTIA A+ exams, with well-explained answers to help you understand the reasoning behind each one. This free resource allows you to get a feel for the exam format and question types while sharpening your skills.
If you’re looking for more practice, Prepsaret also offers over 500 premium practice questions for both CompTIA Core 1 practice exams and CompTIA A+ Core 2 practice exams. Each question comes with a detailed explanation, breaking down why the correct answer is right and why the other options are incorrect. This helps ensure a deeper understanding of the material and strengthens your ability to answer similar questions on the real exam.
In addition to practice questions, Prepsaret offers detailed lessons for each exam topic, covering everything you need to know. Each lesson is followed by quizzes to reinforce what you’ve learned, ensuring you’re thoroughly prepared for each section of the exam. What’s more, their courses are affordable, making it a great choice for anyone on a budget while still needing high-quality exam preparation resources.
With Prepsaret, you can confidently prepare for your CompTIA A+ certification at a reasonable price.
CompTIA A+ Certification Cost vs Value
Understanding the Return on Investment
The CompTIA A+ certification salary is one of the key factors to consider when evaluating its value. After earning your certification, you can expect to make anywhere from $40,000 to $60,000 per year as an entry-level IT professional. As you gain more experience, your earning potential increases.
Is CompTIA A+ Worth the Cost?
For many, the answer is a resounding yes! The CompTIA A+ certification provides a strong foundation for a long-term career in IT. The cost of CompTIA A+ certification is relatively low compared to the salary potential it unlocks. While it does require an investment of time and money, the rewards are worth it for those serious about advancing in IT.
Related Certification Costs
If you’re considering other CompTIA certifications, it’s helpful to know how they compare in price. For example:
- CompTIA Network+ exam cost: Around $338
- CompTIA Security+ exam cost in USA: About $370
These certifications can help you build upon your CompTIA A+ foundation, opening doors to more specialized IT roles.
FAQs
Is the CompTIA A+ Worth It?
Yes, earning the CompTIA A+ certification is worth the investment. It can significantly enhance your career prospects in IT, increase earning potential, and provide greater job security.
The CompTIA A+ certification salary for entry-level professionals is competitive, making it a great stepping stone in the tech industry.
Can You Get CompTIA A+ for Free?
While the CompTIA A+ exam itself isn’t free, there are ways to reduce costs. Look for scholarship opportunities, discount vouchers, or sponsorship programs that may help cover exam fees.
You can also find free online resources such as study guides and practice tests through platforms like Reddit and other community forums.
How Much Does it Cost to Take the CompTIA Network+ Exam?
The CompTIA Network+ exam cost is about $338, which is slightly higher than the CompTIA A+ exam price of $246 per exam. While both certifications are valuable, the CompTIA Network+ certification is aimed at more advanced networking skills compared to the foundational CompTIA A+ exam.
Register for A+ Exam and Start Your Preparation Journey!
The CompTIA A+ certification cost includes exam fees, CompTIA A+ certification cost with training, and study materials. When factoring in all the potential costs, it’s important to plan ahead and budget accordingly.
While the cost of CompTIA A+ certification may seem like a significant investment, it can pay off quickly in terms of career advancement and salary potential. If you’re ready to take your IT career to the next level, starting with CompTIA A+ is a great decision.
Start your CompTIA A+ certification preparation today! Use affordable study resources, take advantage of voucher discounts, and invest in your career’s future.