How much does the CompTIA A+ certification cost?

How Much Does the CompTIA A+ Certification Cost?

If you’re looking to get started in the IT field, the CompTIA A+ certification is a great stepping stone. This certification is one of the most well-known credentials for people entering the tech industry and focuses on essential hardware, software, and networking skills. Naturally, a big question is, “How much will it cost to pursue this certification?” Let’s dive into the details of the investment involved, from exam fees to study resources, so you can plan accordingly.

Exam Fees and Related Expenses

The primary expense for earning the CompTIA A+ certification is the cost of the required exams. To earn this credential, you’ll need to pass two tests: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). The fee for each exam is currently $253 USD, or $222 USD if you purchase through us, so passing both exams on your first try will set you back $506/$444 USD.

If you don’t pass an exam on your first attempt, you’ll need to pay the full fee again to retake it. This can quickly add up, so being well-prepared is key. Many candidates choose to use additional resources like practice tests and online courses to help ensure success on the first attempt, which can minimize extra costs.

Once you’ve earned this certification, it will remain valid for three years. After that, you can renew it to maintain your credentials. CompTIA offers a simple renewal process, which requires an annual fee of $25 USD. This comes to $75 USD over those three years.

Study Materials and Learning Tools

While the exam fees represent the largest upfront cost, preparing for the tests often comes with additional expenses. Study resources are widely available, and the cost varies depending on the type of materials you choose and how you prefer to learn.

Books geared toward the CompTIA A+ are often the most budget-friendly option. Popular titles like Mike Meyers’ "CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide" or Quentin Docter’s "A+ Complete Study Guide" are available for $30 to $60 USD and are packed with test-relevant content. These resources are often detailed enough to help learners study independently while offering a mix of theory and practice questions.

For people who learn better through interactive teaching, online training courses are another great choice. Prices for these courses range between $50 and $300 USD, depending on the platform and what’s included. Many include video lectures, tools for on-the-job simulations, and comprehensive practice tests. Since the courses are online and self-paced, they allow students to fit studying around their existing schedules without sacrificing flexibility.

If you prefer more hands-on, face-to-face instruction, some training centers and colleges offer classroom-based study programs. However, this option is often far more expensive, with costs sometimes exceeding $1,000 USD, in addition to requiring more of a time commitment.

Lastly, CompTIA themselves offer their official study guides, priced at about $128 USD per guide. While this is one of the pricier options, these guides are tailored specifically to the certification’s objectives and provide a structured roadmap for preparing.

Time Commitment and Readiness

While planning your finances is important, you’ll also need to factor in how much time it will take to prepare for the certification. CompTIA recommends candidates have nine to twelve months of hands-on experience with IT projects or technical roles before attempting the exams. If you already have this kind of expertise, preparation might take as little as three to four weeks. For those starting from scratch, it could take several months, or even up to a year, to feel fully prepared.

Building practical experience can be a helpful part of your preparation. Joining a local hackerspace or experimenting with hardware and software in your free time can give you hands-on knowledge, which is often easier to retain than simply reading about systems. This can also help with topics like troubleshooting hardware issues, which is a key focus of the tests.

Practice exams are strongly recommended during the preparation phase. These will give you a sense of what test day will feel like and help highlight any weak areas you may need to work on. Preparing thoroughly can save money in the long term by avoiding the need to retake any exams, so it’s well worth putting in the time now.

Renewal Costs and Ongoing Plans

Once you’ve earned your CompTIA A+ certification, maintaining it is necessary to ensure your credential stays valid. As previously mentioned, the certification is active for three years. During that time, you can renew it through CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) Program, which requires yearly renewal fees and activities to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

CEUs can be earned in a variety of ways, such as attending lectures, gaining work experience, or obtaining another certification. For example, pursuing CompTIA’s Network+ certification not only enhances your skill set but also renews the A+ certification automatically. Network+, however, comes with its own cost of $369 USD.

CompTIA also offers an online renewal option called CertMaster CE, which is a self-paced course designed to make the process straightforward. It’s an appealing option for people who prefer to manage their own study time, though it comes with a separate fee.

If you're planning on climbing further on the IT certification ladder, A+ can often be your first step toward more advanced certifications that focus on networking or cybersecurity. Higher-level certifications not only renew the A+ but also make you eligible for better-paying roles as you continue to grow your career.

Is CompTIA A+ Worth the Cost?

While there are financial and time commitments involved, the CompTIA A+ certification is a smart move for those looking to start a career in IT. It covers foundational knowledge that applies broadly to various technical roles, making it valuable for anyone entering the field.

The certification qualifies you for roles like technical support specialist, help desk technician, or desktop support technician. Salaries for these jobs generally range from $33,000 to $75,000 USD per year, depending on your experience level and location. Compared to the $1,000 or so you may spend on the certification and related materials, the potential career growth and income make it a worthwhile investment.

Besides opening opportunities for better-paying IT jobs, earning the A+ certification also prepares you for further certifications like Network+ or CCNA, which can lead to higher-paying roles and additional specialties.

Wrapping Up

The cost of earning the CompTIA A+ certification will depend on several factors, including how you choose to study and whether you pass the exams on your first attempt. Between exam fees, study materials, and potential costs for retakes or renewals, most first-time takers spend between $600 and $1,000 USD. Over time, renewal fees and continuing education activities will add to this, but the career opportunities the certification can unlock make it a valuable credential for anyone starting out in the tech industry.

By carefully budgeting for both the upfront and long-term costs, you can approach earning this certification with confidence—knowing that it’s a sound investment in your future. Once you’ve obtained the certification, you’ll be ready to step confidently into an entry-level IT position or move on to the next stage of your professional development.