Current exam price
| Item | Current US price | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Core 1 (220-1201) | $274 | One attempt |
| Core 2 (220-1202) | $274 | One attempt |
| Minimum exam total | $548 | Both cores, no retakes |
| Voucher with retake assurance (per core) | $359 | Initial attempt plus an eligible retake |
| CE renewal fee | $75 | Three-year CE cycle when renewing with CEUs |
The exam voucher is the required purchase. Training, books, labs, and practice tests are separate unless you intentionally choose a bundle.
What your minimum budget should include
A pass on the first attempt keeps the exam cost at $548. Budget separately for preparation materials only when they solve a real gap. ProfTIA's study guide and practice questions are free.
Do not count a retake as part of the minimum cost unless you buy retake assurance. Without that option, another attempt generally requires another full-price voucher.
How to pay less without adding risk
- Check the CompTIA academic store if you are an eligible student.
- Ask an employer, workforce program, school, or military education office about reimbursement.
- Compare the direct price with authorized partner pricing, but verify the seller and expiration date.
- Compare bundles by the items you will actually use, not by the advertised discount.
- Purchase in the same country or region where you plan to test.
Costs that candidates overlook
Regional taxes, rescheduling after the deadline, an expired voucher, or a second attempt can materially raise the total. A+ requires two separate vouchers: one for 220-1201 and one for 220-1202. A voucher for one core does not pay for the other core.
Pricing can change. The figures on this page were checked directly against CompTIA's US certification product pages on July 14, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the A+ exam in the United States?
$548 for both required exams. The direct CompTIA price checked on July 14, 2026 is $274 per voucher.
Does the exam price include a free retake?
No. The standard $274 voucher covers one attempt. CompTIA currently lists a separate voucher with retake assurance at $359.
Are study materials included?
Not with the standard exam voucher. Training and practice products are separate unless the product is explicitly sold as a bundle.
Is the price the same worldwide?
No. Currency, taxes, regional pricing, and product availability can differ. Select the testing country before purchasing.
Related A+ planning guides
Official sources
ProfTIA is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by CompTIA. Always confirm prices and policies before purchasing or scheduling.