CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ Exam Cost

Are you looking to advance your career in cloud computing? Understanding the CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ exam cost is a crucial first step in your certification journey. This foundational cloud certification opens doors to many opportunities in the rapidly growing cloud industry, so it’s important to know exactly what financial investment you’ll need to make. 

Although the CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ exam might seem like a significant expense initially, the potential for career advancement and salary increases makes it a smart investment. 

Plus, while exam costs are standardized, you can find affordable study materials through resources like Prepsaret to help you prepare without breaking the bank. 

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this certification and its costs!

What is CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ Certification?

The CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ is a vendor-neutral certification that validates the business and technical knowledge needed to make data-driven cloud recommendations. 

Unlike more technical cloud certifications, Cloud Essentials+ focuses on the business aspects and principles of cloud computing, making it ideal for non-technical professionals who need to understand cloud concepts.

The certification covers several key areas:

• Business principles of cloud environments
• Management and technical operations
• Cloud governance, risk, compliance, and security
• Financial aspects of cloud computing

The CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ exam cost is affordable compared to many other certifications, reflecting its position as an entry-level, business-focused credential. The certification has been updated for 2025 to align with current industry trends, ensuring that those who earn it have up-to-date knowledge in cloud technologies.

This certification is particularly valuable for:

• Business analysts
• Project managers
• Business process owners
• Technical sales specialists
• Small and medium business owners
• Managers considering cloud services

In short, the CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ exam cost is an investment in your career, especially if you’re aiming to move into a role that requires understanding cloud technologies from a business standpoint.

How Much does CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ Cost

Let’s break down the CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ cost 2025:

CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ Exam Voucher:

The standard exam voucher costs $138 USD. This includes:

• One attempt at the Cloud Essentials+ (CLO-002) exam.
• A score report.
• A digital certificate upon passing.

CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ Retake Fee:

If you need to retake the exam, you’ll need to purchase a new voucher, which also costs $138 USD.

Preparation Materials

• Practice Test: CompTIA offers official practice tests for approximately $49 USD.
• CertMaster Learn: This is an online self-paced training tool priced at $329 USD, designed to help candidates prepare effectively.

Cloud Essentials+ Certification Price Variations (Regional)

Prices may vary depending on your location and whether you purchase directly from CompTIA or through an authorized partner.

Total Investment:

When budgeting for this certification, remember that the exam voucher is just one part of the cost. 

Many candidates also invest in additional preparation materials such as study guides, practice exams, and training courses. These resources can significantly improve your chances of passing on the first attempt and provide more value for your investment.

Factors Influencing the CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ Exam Cost

Several factors can affect the total CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ exam voucher cost you’ll end up paying:

• Geographic Location

Prices vary by country due to:

Currency exchange rates.

Local taxes.

Regional pricing strategies.

For example, the standard U.S. price is $138 USD.

• Membership Status

CompTIA offers professional memberships that provide discounts on exam vouchers. This can be particularly cost-effective if you plan to take multiple CompTIA exams.

Bulk Purchases:

Organizations purchasing multiple exam vouchers can often negotiate discounted rates, which can significantly reduce the per-voucher CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ price.

• Special Promotions

CompTIA occasionally offers promotional discounts, especially around major tech conferences or education events. Keeping an eye out for these promotions can help you save on your certification costs.

• Training Bundles

CompTIA offers various training bundles that include exam vouchers along with preparation materials. While these bundles have a higher upfront cost, they often represent a better value than purchasing components separately.

Comparison with Other CompTIA Certifications

To put the Cloud Essentials+ certification cost in perspective, let’s compare it with other popular CompTIA certifications:

• Cloud Essentials+: $138 (Note: Prices may vary slightly based on location and any applicable discounts.)
• CompTIA Security+: $392
• CompTIA Network+: $358
• CompTIA CySA+ exam cost: $392
• CompTIA A+ (Core 1 & Core 2): $246 per exam ($492 total)

As you can see, the Cloud Essentials+ certification is one of the more affordable options in the CompTIA certification lineup. 

The CompTIA Security+ exam cost in USA remains consistent nationwide, though international prices may vary.

Discounts and Accessibility

CompTIA offers various discounts for eligible candidates:

• Academic pricing for students and educators
• Government and military discounts
• Non-profit organization discounts

For example, the CompTIA Security+ exam cost student discount can reduce the price by up to 50%, making it much more accessible for those still in school.

Choosing the Right Certification

When choosing which certification to pursue, consider both the cost and the potential return on investment. While Security+ and CySA+ have higher exam costs, they may also lead to higher-paying positions in cybersecurity, which continues to be one of the highest-demand areas in IT.

The Cloud Essentials+ certification, with its lower price point, offers an excellent entry point into cloud computing concepts, especially for business professionals who don’t need deep technical expertise. 

It focuses on the business aspects of cloud computing, making it a valuable choice for those interested in cloud management from a business perspective.

Pearson VUE and the Exam Scheduling Process

CompTIA has partnered with Pearson VUE to deliver all of its certification exams. Understanding the scheduling process and any associated costs is important when planning for your exam.

Scheduling Your Exam

To schedule your Cloud Essentials+ exam:

• Purchase an Exam Voucher: Buy a voucher from CompTIA or an authorized partner. The cost of the CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ exam is typically around $138 USD, though prices may vary slightly.
• Create a Pearson VUE Account: If you don’t have one, create an account on the Pearson VUE website.
• Schedule Your Exam: Use your voucher code to schedule your exam.
• Select Your Preferred Testing Method: Choose between in-person testing at a Pearson VUE center or online proctored exams.
• Choose a Date and Time: Select a date and time that suits you.

The Pearson VUE CompTIA A+ exam cost structure applies similarly to the Cloud Essentials+ exam, with the primary difference being the base exam price. 

There are no additional scheduling fees beyond the CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ exam fees you pay when purchasing your voucher.

Rescheduling Policies

If you need to reschedule your exam:

• 24+ hours before exam time: No fee
• Less than 24 hours before exam time: Forfeiture of exam voucher

Testing Options

Pearson VUE offers two primary testing methods:

• Testing Center: Take your exam at a supervised Pearson VUE testing facility
• Online Proctored: Take your exam from home with a remote proctor

Both options are priced the same, so your choice should be based on your personal preference and circumstances rather than cost considerations.

Discounts and Vouchers for CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ Exam

There are several ways to reduce the CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ exam voucher cost through discounts and special programs:

• Academic Discounts

Students, faculty, and staff at qualified academic institutions can receive significant discounts on CompTIA exam vouchers. This often represents a 50% or greater reduction from standard pricing.

• Military and Veteran Discounts

Active duty military personnel, veterans, and their spouses can qualify for discounted exam vouchers through the CompTIA GI Bill program.

• Government Employee Discounts

Employees of government agencies may be eligible for special pricing on CompTIA certifications.

• Affordable Preparation Options 

Prepsaret provides cost-effective and efficient study options, allowing you to learn at your own pace online. You’ll gain access to detailed study notes and practice questions that closely mirror the actual test content.

Choose your study plan

1 month study plan

2 months study plan

• Volume Vouchers

Organizations purchasing vouchers in bulk can receive discounted rates:

• 5-9 vouchers: 5% discount
• 10-24 vouchers: 10% discount
• 25+ vouchers: Contact CompTIA for custom pricing

Voucher Bundles

CompTIA offers several bundle options that can provide better value:

• Exam voucher + retake
• Exam voucher + CertMaster Learn
• Complete bundle (voucher + retake + CertMaster Learn)

Cloud Essentials+ also offers academic pricing for eligible students and educators, which can significantly reduce the investment required.

• Promotional Events

CompTIA occasionally offers special promotional pricing during industry events, career fairs, and certain times of year. Following CompTIA on social media can help you stay informed about these opportunities.

How CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ Certification Can Impact Your Salary

When evaluating certification costs, it’s essential to consider the potential return on investment. The CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ certification can make the exam cost worthwhile by providing numerous benefits, such as improving career prospects and increasing salary potential..

CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ Salary Impact

Professionals with cloud certifications, including Cloud Essentials+, typically earn more than their non-certified counterparts. This certification can contribute to salary increases, especially for:

• Business Professionals Moving into Cloud-Focused Roles: Demonstrating an understanding of cloud technologies can enhance career opportunities and salary potential.
• IT Professionals Looking to Demonstrate Business Acumen with Cloud Technologies: This certification can validate skills and increase credibility in cloud-related roles.
• Project Managers Overseeing Cloud Migrations: By showcasing expertise in cloud management, project managers can improve their career prospects.

Average Salary Impacts

While specific figures can vary based on location, experience, and job title, here are some general salary impact ranges:

• Entry-Level Cloud Roles: Potential salary increases of $5,000-$8,000 are possible as certifications enhance earning potential.
• Mid-Level Business Professionals: Salary increases of $3,000-$6,000 can occur as certifications validate skills and increase credibility.
• Career Changers: Access to positions starting at $60,000-$75,000 is realistic, especially in regions with high demand for cloud skills.

Indirect Benefits

Beyond direct salary impacts, the certification can also lead to:

• Increased Chances of Promotion: By demonstrating commitment to continuous learning and skill development, individuals can increase their chances of promotion.
• Better Positioning for Leadership Roles in Cloud Initiatives: Showcasing an understanding of cloud technologies can position individuals better for leadership roles.
• Greater Job Security: As organizations continue cloud adoption, having relevant certifications can enhance job security.

Return on Investment (ROI)

The potential salary increase can offset the certification cost relatively quickly, often within months of obtaining a new position or salary increase. 

When calculating your ROI, consider how quickly the potential salary benefits could cover the certification cost.

Is CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ Worth the Investment?

Is CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ Worth the Investment?  Yes, the CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ certification cost is absolutely worth the investment, especially considering the long-term benefits it can provide for your career. Here’s why:

Advantages of Certification

• Entry point to cloud careers: Creates a foundation for further cloud specialization
• Vendor-neutral knowledge: Applicable across various cloud platforms
• Business focus: Fills the gap between technical and business understanding of cloud
• Internationally recognized: Accepted by employers worldwide
• Stepping stone: Can lead to more advanced certifications

Potential Return on Investment

The CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ certification cost can typically be recouped through:

• Salary increases (average $3,000-$8,000 annually for relevant positions)
• New job opportunities with higher starting salaries
• Promotion opportunities within current organization
• Contracted projects requiring certified professionals

Ideal Candidates

Cloud Essentials+ provides the best value for:

• Business professionals working with cloud technologies
• Project managers overseeing cloud initiatives
• Sales professionals selling cloud solutions
• IT professionals wanting to understand business aspects of cloud
• Students preparing for entry-level cloud positions

Alternative Certifications to Consider

Depending on your goals, you might also evaluate:

• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner: More AWS-specific, similar cost
• Microsoft Azure Fundamentals: Platform-specific, slightly lower cost
• Google Cloud Digital Leader: Platform-specific, similar cost

Each certification has its strengths, but Cloud Essentials+ stands out for its business focus and vendor-neutral approach.

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, the CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ exam cost is a small investment that can lead to significant career growth. At $138 for the exam voucher, plus additional costs for study materials, it provides an affordable entry point into the cloud computing field. 

The benefits of earning this certification—such as career advancement, salary increases, and new job opportunities—far outweigh the initial cost. 

Whether you’re just starting or formalizing your cloud knowledge, this certification can be the key to unlocking exciting new opportunities. Start studying today at Prepsaret and take your first step toward a brighter future in the cloud industry!