A CompTIA Security+ exam voucher costs $392. If you fail and retake it, that's $784 before you've earned a single dollar in the field. That's the number most price guides bury at the bottom — so let's start there instead.
This breakdown covers the full CompTIA price structure for every major certification in 2026: voucher costs, official training bundles, what authorized resellers charge, and where the real money gets wasted. No fluff, just the figures you need to budget properly before you commit.
CompTIA Price by Certification (2026 Voucher Costs)
CompTIA publishes retail pricing on its website, but authorized resellers and testing promotions routinely run 10–20% below that. The table below reflects current retail voucher prices directly from CompTIA.
- CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) — $246 per exam
- CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102) — $246 per exam (you need both; total: ~$492)
- CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) — $338
- CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) — $392
- CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003) — $392
- CompTIA PenTest+ (PT0-003) — $392
- CompTIA Cloud+ (CV0-004) — $338
- CompTIA Linux+ (XK0-005) — $338
- CompTIA Data+ (DA0-001) — $338
- CompTIA SecurityX (CAS-005) — $509
The A+ is the only CompTIA certification that requires two separate exams to earn the credential, which catches a lot of first-timers off guard. Budget $492 minimum just for vouchers, not counting study materials or a retake.
Where the CompTIA Price Goes Beyond the Voucher
The voucher is the floor, not the ceiling. Here's what most people actually spend:
Official CompTIA Training Products
CompTIA sells its own study products through the CertMaster brand:
- CertMaster Learn (self-paced video + labs): $499–$999 depending on cert level
- CertMaster Practice (adaptive Q&A): $149 per exam
- CertMaster Labs (hands-on lab environments): $199
- CertMaster CE (continuing education for renewals): $149/year
Bundling CertMaster Learn + the exam voucher can actually be cheaper than buying separately — CompTIA bundles these at a 10–15% discount. If you were going to buy official training anyway, always check the bundle price first.
Third-Party Study Materials
Most people don't use official CompTIA training. The community-preferred alternatives cost a fraction of CertMaster:
- Professor Messer's free video series (A+, Network+, Security+): $0 for video, ~$30 for study notes
- Mike Meyers (McGraw-Hill All-in-One books): $45–$60 on Amazon
- Udemy practice exam packs: $15–$30 when on sale (which is almost always)
- Jason Dion course + practice tests: $20–$40 on Udemy
A realistic self-study budget using third-party materials: $50–$100 total, plus the voucher cost. That's the number for someone who is disciplined about studying and doesn't need structured video instruction.
Retake Costs
CompTIA doesn't offer free retakes. If you fail, you pay full voucher price again after a 14-day waiting period. For Security+, that's another $392. First-time pass rates aren't published officially, but community estimates put them around 70–75% for candidates who study adequately. Don't skip practice tests — they're the cheapest insurance against a $392 retake.
How to Reduce the CompTIA Price Legally
There are several legitimate ways to pay less than retail for CompTIA exams and training:
Authorized Reseller Vouchers
Sites like Pearson VUE partners and CompTIA authorized resellers (Academic Superstore, Exam Vouchers) often sell vouchers at 10–20% below list price. For a Security+ exam, that discount can be $40–$80 off. Always verify the reseller is listed on CompTIA's official partner page before purchasing — scam vouchers exist.
Academic and Military Discounts
CompTIA offers significant discounts for:
- Students: Up to 50% off with a valid .edu email through Academic Superstore
- Military and veterans: Discounts through the DOD SkillBridge program and MyCAA for military spouses
- Workforce development programs: Some state-funded IT training programs cover voucher costs entirely
Employer Reimbursement
If you're already employed in IT, ask HR about certification reimbursement before you pay out of pocket. Most mid-to-large IT employers have formal reimbursement policies — often $1,000–$3,000 per year. Some require you to pass before reimbursing; others pay upfront. Either way, this is the cheapest CompTIA price possible: $0 out of pocket.
Exam Retake Bundles
CompTIA sells "Exam + Retake" bundles for some certifications. If you're nervous about passing on the first attempt, buying the retake bundle upfront is cheaper than paying full price for a second voucher after failing. The bundle typically costs 30–40% less than two separate vouchers.
CompTIA Price vs. ROI: Which Cert Is Worth the Cost?
Raw voucher price matters less than the salary delta a cert actually delivers. Here's how the math typically shakes out:
- CompTIA A+ ($492 in vouchers): Entry-level IT support roles, median salary ~$42K–$52K. Solid first credential but the ROI ceiling is lower than higher-tier certs. Worth it as a foot-in-the-door only.
- CompTIA Network+ ($338): Network technician and junior sysadmin roles, ~$55K–$70K. Often required or preferred alongside A+.
- CompTIA Security+ ($392): The most employer-demand cert in the CompTIA stack. Required for DoD 8570 compliance roles. Entry-level cybersecurity positions typically start at $65K–$85K. Best single-cert ROI in the lineup.
- CompTIA CySA+ or PenTest+ ($392 each): Mid-career credentials that bump SOC analyst or penetration tester roles, often from $80K to $100K+. Require relevant experience to be meaningful.
- CompTIA SecurityX ($509): Advanced security management and architecture. Targets $110K–$140K senior roles. Overkill as a first cert; strong value for experienced security pros needing a vendor-neutral senior credential.
For most people entering IT, the Security+ delivers the best CompTIA price-to-salary ratio. The $392 voucher opens doors to roles with DoD contractors, government agencies, and enterprise IT shops that won't interview uncertified candidates regardless of skill.
Top Courses to Prepare Without Breaking the Budget
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Exam Prep 2026 – For Beginners
Covers the full SY0-701 domain breakdown with beginner-accessible explanations. If you're coming from non-security IT roles, this course builds foundational understanding before hitting the denser practice question sets. Rated 9.5/10 on Udemy.
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) 1,000+ Practice Questions 2026
A thousand questions is the right volume for Security+ prep — the exam draws from a large pool and pattern-matching on 200-question sets isn't enough. Use this alongside a video course in the final two weeks before your exam date. Rated 9.5/10.
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Full Course & Practice Exam
Solid full-length course for the Core 1 exam, covering hardware, networking, and cloud computing fundamentals. Pairs well with the dedicated practice test course below for a complete A+ prep stack. Rated 9.4/10.
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) 6 Practice Tests [2026]
Six full-length timed practice exams is a meaningful volume for A+ Core 1. Each failed practice question is cheaper than a $246 retake — treat these as paid insurance. Rated 9.4/10.
CompTIA SecAI+ Fundamentals: AI Cybersecurity Basics CY0-001
CompTIA's newest certification targeting AI and cybersecurity crossover skills. Relevant for anyone eyeing roles at companies integrating AI into security operations. Good early-mover advantage while the CY0-001 exam pool is still small. Rated 9.6/10.
CompTIA SecurityX (CAS-005) 6 Practice Exams
The SecurityX is the hardest exam in the CompTIA stack and at $509 per attempt, failing is expensive. Six practice exams lets you calibrate readiness before booking the real thing. Rated 9.0/10.
FAQ
How much does a CompTIA exam cost in 2026?
CompTIA exam voucher prices in 2026 range from $246 (A+ per exam) to $509 (SecurityX). Security+ is $392, Network+ and Cloud+ are $338. These are retail prices — authorized resellers often sell vouchers 10–20% cheaper.
Can I get a discount on CompTIA exams?
Yes. Students with a .edu email can get up to 50% off through Academic Superstore. Military personnel and veterans have access to DOD and MyCAA programs. Employer reimbursement is available at many IT companies. Authorized resellers also frequently offer 10–15% below retail.
What happens if I fail a CompTIA exam?
You pay the full voucher price again. There's a mandatory 14-day waiting period before a retake. CompTIA sells "Exam + Retake" bundles for select certifications that cost 30–40% less than two separate vouchers — worth considering if you're not confident in your preparation.
How much does it cost to get CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+?
Vouchers only: A+ ($492 for both exams) + Network+ ($338) + Security+ ($392) = $1,222. Add $100–$200 for study materials if you're self-studying with third-party resources. Using official CertMaster training instead can push the total above $3,000. The self-study route using Udemy courses and free resources is the most cost-effective path for the majority of candidates.
Is CompTIA more expensive than other IT certifications?
It sits in the mid-range. AWS Associate exams are $150–$300, making them cheaper per exam. Microsoft's AZ-900 costs $165. But CompTIA certifications are vendor-neutral and appear on more government and DoD job requirements than vendor-specific certs — for those roles, there's no substitute. For general IT roles, the Security+ is often non-negotiable even if a cheaper vendor cert exists.
Does the CompTIA price include study materials?
No. The voucher only covers one exam attempt. Study materials — whether CertMaster, third-party courses, or textbooks — are separate purchases. This is the most common budgeting mistake: people see the $392 Security+ price and forget to account for $50–$500 in prep materials.
Bottom Line
For most people asking about CompTIA price, the Security+ at $392 is the most important number to know — it's the cert that moves the needle most on salary and employer interest, and it's not optional if you're targeting government IT or DoD-adjacent roles.
Budget realistically: voucher cost + $50–$100 for quality practice tests (Udemy during a sale) + the realistic possibility of one retake. If you study with 1,000+ practice questions and score consistently above 80% on timed mocks, you're ready. If you're not hitting that threshold, don't book the exam — a retake costs as much as all your study materials combined.
Students and military personnel should check discount programs before paying retail. Everyone else should compare authorized reseller prices against CompTIA's store before purchasing a voucher at full price.