CompTIA Exam Cost 2026: Every Cert's Price + How to Pay Less

CompTIA exams are not cheap — and they got more expensive on June 1, 2026, when CompTIA raised prices across the whole lineup. Security+ is now $439. A+ is $548 (two exams at $274 each). And if you fail? Retakes are full price. Before you commit that kind of money, you should know exactly what you are paying for — and how to pay less. Here is every cert price for 2026, plus the discounts that actually cut the bill. At the bottom, I have included a free prep strategy so you do not have to stack a CertMaster subscription on top of a $439 exam.

2026 Exam Prices at a Glance

A+ · both core exams$548

Security+ SY0-701$439

CySA+ CS0-003$439

PenTest+ PT0-003$439

Network+ N10-009$399

SecAI+ CY0-001$359

Prices are the US list prices after CompTIA's June 1, 2026 lineup-wide increase (most exams went up $9–$14; SecAI+, the newest cert, actually came down to $359). Retakes are full price with no waiting period for the first retake. Second and subsequent retakes require a 14-day wait.

Want the line-item math for a specific cert — retakes, renewal, discounts, total cost to certify? We break each one down:

• Security+ exam cost breakdown — voucher, retake risk, and the cheapest prep path
• Network+ exam cost breakdown — N10-009 voucher, renewal, and discounts
• A+ certification cost breakdown — why it is two exams and what both cores really total
• Interactive CompTIA exam cost calculator — model your exact total with retakes, discounts, and training

How to Save on CompTIA Exams

• Retake bundles (failure insurance): CompTIA's exam + retake bundles now run roughly 30% more than a single voucher — Security+ is $579 with a retake versus $439 alone, a much bigger premium than the old 10-15%. Still, if you are not confident, the bundle beats paying for two separate attempts by about $300.
• Academic discount (up to 50% off): Students at accredited institutions can access the CompTIA Academic Store. You need a valid .edu email.
• Military and veteran: Active-duty military can get exams fully covered through education benefits. The DoD 8570/8140 directive often means your unit pays for Security+ directly.
• Employer reimbursement: Many IT employers reimburse certification costs after you pass. MSPs and consulting firms are especially likely to cover them.

Exam Retake Policy and Costs

CompTIA retakes cost the same as a first attempt. There is no discounted retake price. Here is the full retake policy:

• First retake: Full price, no waiting period. You can rebook the same day you fail.
• Second and subsequent retakes: Full price with a mandatory 14-day waiting period between each attempt.
• No lifetime attempt limit: You can retake any CompTIA exam as many times as needed.
• Retake bundle math: CompTIA sells exam + retake voucher bundles for roughly 30% more than a single voucher (Security+: $579 vs $439). If you are not 100% confident you will pass on the first try, the bundle is still about $300 cheaper than paying for two separate attempts.

Where to Find Exam Voucher Discounts

Several sources offer CompTIA exam vouchers below the standard retail price:

• CompTIA Academic Store (up to 50% off): The biggest discount available. Requires a valid .edu email from an accredited institution. Security+ drops from $439 to roughly $220.
• CompTIA Exam Bundles (failure insurance): Bundles that include an exam voucher plus a retake voucher for about 30% over the single-voucher price. Available directly from CompTIA. Worth it if you want insurance against a first-attempt failure.
• Military and veteran benefits: Active-duty military can use tuition assistance or education benefits. The DoD 8570/8140 directive requires Security+ for many roles, and your unit typically covers the cost. Veterans can use GI Bill benefits at approved training centers.
• Employer reimbursement: Many IT employers, especially MSPs, consulting firms, and federal contractors, reimburse certification costs after you pass. Some cover the cost upfront.
• Training provider bundles: Vendors like Dion Training, Total Seminars (Mike Meyers), and CertMaster bundle exam vouchers with their course packages, often at a 5-10% discount versus buying separately.
• Seasonal promotions: CompTIA runs periodic sales (usually 10-20% off) around events like Cybersecurity Awareness Month (October) and back-to-school season. Follow CompTIA on social media for announcements.

Certification Validity and Renewal Costs

All CompTIA certifications are valid for three years from the date you pass. After three years, you must renew or the certification expires. Here are your renewal options:

• Continuing Education (CE) program: Pay $50 per year ($150 over 3 years) and earn 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). CEU sources include online training courses, college credits, industry conferences, and publishing articles. This is the most cost-effective renewal path.
• Retake the exam: Take the current version of the exam again ($399-$439 depending on the cert). This costs more than the CE program but requires no ongoing activity.
• Pass a higher-level certification: Earning a higher cert in the same pathway automatically renews lower certs. For example, passing CySA+ renews Security+, and passing Security+ renews A+ and Network+.

Multi-Certification Bundle Pricing

Most IT professionals pursue multiple CompTIA certifications. Here is what common certification paths cost in total:

Retake bundles add roughly 30% per exam for failure insurance. Combining academic pricing with a structured study plan is the most cost-effective way to earn multiple certifications.

Not sure which order to pursue certs? See A+ vs Network+: Which CompTIA Cert First? for a decision guide.

Are CompTIA Exams Worth the Cost?

Security+ certified professionals earn $82,000-$97,000 on average. At $439 for the exam, the certification pays for itself in the first paycheck. A+ opens $50,000-$65,000 help desk roles, and Network+ targets $65,000-$80,000 network admin positions. Even in the worst case, the ROI is over 1,000% in the first year.

The biggest risk is not the exam fee — it is failing and paying twice. Thorough practice is the best way to protect your investment.

For a full ROI analysis with salary data by role and location, see Is CompTIA Security+ Worth It in 2026?