Youâve done the math. CompTIA A+ alone costs $498 just for the exam vouchers. Add study materials, and youâre looking at $800+. Get Security+ afterward? Another $400. Suddenly, breaking into IT costs more than a semester at community college.
Hereâs what nobody tells you: the sticker price is negotiable. There are legitimate pathways to get certified for a fraction of the retail cost, and some programs will cover 100% of your expenses if you qualify. The people paying full price either donât know about these options or didnât bother to look.
This isnât about finding sketchy discount voucher sites or using brain dumps. Those approaches can get your certification revoked. Instead, weâre covering legitimate discounts, government-funded training programs, and strategic certification choices that maximize value while minimizing cost.
Why Certification Costs Add Up Fast
Before diving into savings strategies, letâs be honest about what youâre actually paying for.
The base exam fee is just the beginning. Most certification journeys include:
- Exam voucher(s): $125-$500 depending on the cert
- Study materials: $50-$500 for books, video courses, and practice tests
- Lab environments: $0-$300 for hands-on practice setups
- Retake insurance: $75-$150 per exam (optional but recommended)
- Renewal fees: $50-$500 every 2-3 years to maintain certification
A âbudgetâ CompTIA A+ certification realistically costs $600-800. A standard path with quality study materials runs $1,000-1,200. Premium bootcamp packages can exceed $2,500.
| Certification | Exam Fee | Typical Total Cost | Budget Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA A+ | $498 (2 exams) | $800-$1,200 | $500-$650 |
| CompTIA Security+ | $404 | $600-$900 | $400-$550 |
| CompTIA Network+ | $369 | $550-$850 | $370-$500 |
| CCNA | $300 | $500-$1,500 | $350-$500 |
| AWS Cloud Practitioner | $100 | $150-$400 | $100-$200 |
| Google IT Support | $49/mo | $150-$300 | $0-$150 |
The difference between budget and standard paths isnât quality. Itâs knowing where to look.
Free and Low-Cost Certification Programs (That Actually Exist)
Government-Funded Training Through WIOA
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is one of the best-kept secrets in career development. This federal program provides free training for unemployed and underemployed workers, covering tuition, books, fees, and certification exams with zero out-of-pocket cost.
To qualify, you typically need to be:
- Currently unemployed or underemployed
- A dislocated worker (recently laid off)
- A veteran
- A low-income individual
- Someone facing barriers to employment
Visit your local American Job Center to determine eligibility. The application process takes a few weeks, but qualified participants get full IT training programs completely free.
One thing to note: WIOA-approved training providers must be on your stateâs Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). Not every bootcamp or training program qualifies. Ask specifically about approved IT certification programs when you visit.
AWS Re/Start (Free Cloud Training)
AWS re/Start is a free, full-time training program that prepares unemployed and underemployed individuals for cloud careers. The program covers:
- 12 weeks of instructor-led training
- AWS Cloud Practitioner certification preparation
- Interview coaching and job placement assistance
- Access to the AWS Emerging Talent Community
The catch? You need to commit full-time (40 hours/week), and spots are competitive. But graduates often land jobs paying $50,000-$70,000, making this a legitimate pathway into cloud computing without spending a dime. For more on cloud career paths, see our AWS certification roadmap.
Google Career Certificates
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate costs $49/month through Coursera, but several pathways make it free:
Coursera Financial Aid: Apply directly through the course page. Processing takes about 15 days, and approved applicants get full access at no cost.
Library Access: Many public libraries offer free Coursera access through partnerships. Check if your local library participates before paying out of pocket.
7-Day Free Trial: If you can complete the certificate quickly (some finish in 2-3 weeks with intensive study), the free trial covers your entire journey.
The Google certificate isnât as respected as CompTIA A+ in most IT departments, but it costs a fraction of the price and teaches genuine foundational skills. For someone on a tight budget, itâs a reasonable starting point. Check our CompTIA A+ vs Google IT Certificate comparison to decide which makes sense for your situation.
Microsoft Learn Free Certifications
Microsoft Learn offers free training for all Microsoft certifications. The courses are self-paced, covering everything from Azure fundamentals to advanced security topics.
Periodically, Microsoft runs promotions offering free certification exam vouchers after completing specific learning paths. These arenât always available, but following Microsoftâs certification social media accounts can alert you when opportunities arise.
The Microsoft Cloud App Maker certification has offered free vouchers for those who complete the required learning path. This pattern repeats with various certifications throughout the year.
Cisco Networking Academy (Skills for All)
Cisco Skills for All provides free networking courses that prepare you for entry-level Cisco certifications. While the CCNA exam itself costs $300, the training is completely free.
These arenât watered-down courses. Theyâre the same curriculum used in community colleges and trade schools. Youâll learn networking fundamentals, get hands-on practice with Packet Tracer (also free), and be ready for certification exams.
Student and Military Discounts
Academic Pricing (40% Off CompTIA)
If youâre enrolled at an accredited college or university, the CompTIA Academic Store offers 40% off exam vouchers and 65% off learning products.
Eligibility requirements:
- Active enrollment at a four-year institution
- Some two-year institutions qualify
- Student email address (.edu) required
- CompTIA reserves the right to verify enrollment
Important warning: Using academic vouchers without legitimate enrollment can result in certification revocation. CompTIA does verify, and losing a cert you studied months for isnât worth the discount.
For community college students: even if your school doesnât qualify for academic pricing, many community colleges include certification vouchers in their IT program tuition. Ask your department specifically about included vouchers before purchasing separately.
Military and Veteran Benefits
Active duty military, veterans, and DoD civilians have multiple pathways to free or heavily discounted certifications:
Tuition Assistance (TA): Covers certification exam costs through approved training programs. Check with your education office for eligible certifications.
GI Bill: Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits can cover certification exam fees when taken through approved testing centers.
MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts): Provides up to $4,000 for military spouses pursuing portable career certifications, including IT certs.
DoD 8570/8140 Compliance: If your role requires specific certifications for compliance, your unit may cover the full cost. Security+, CASP+, and CISSP are commonly funded for cybersecurity positions.
VET TEC: The Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses program covers tuition for high-tech training programs at no cost to veterans.
For a deeper dive into leveraging military benefits for IT careers, check out our military cybersecurity training guide.
Discount Voucher Sources That Are Actually Legitimate
Professor Messer Vouchers
Professor Messer sells discounted CompTIA vouchers, typically saving $30-50 per exam. This is a legitimate authorized reseller, not a gray market operation.
The savings arenât dramatic, but combining Professor Messer vouchers with his free YouTube training videos creates a genuinely affordable certification path. His CompTIA A+ training series covers the entire exam curriculum at no cost.
Training Partner Discounts
Authorized CompTIA training partners often include discounted vouchers with their courses. If youâre already planning to purchase training materials, bundling can save 10-20% compared to buying separately.
Look for bundles that include:
- Exam voucher
- Study guide or video course
- Practice tests
- Retake voucher (worth the extra cost for first-time test takers)
Employer Reimbursement
Before spending your own money, ask your employer about certification reimbursement. Many companies cover:
- Full exam costs for job-relevant certifications
- Training materials and courses
- Paid study time
- Bonuses upon certification completion
Even if your employer doesnât have a formal program, ask your manager. IT certifications benefit the company, and many will approve requests that arenât part of official policy.
This applies even to entry-level positions. If youâre currently working help desk or IT support, certifications like Security+ or Network+ directly improve your job performance. Thatâs an easy sell to most managers.
Strategic Certification Choices for Budget-Conscious Learners
Not all certifications offer equal value per dollar spent. If budget is your primary constraint, consider these factors:
Cost Per Career Opportunity
The cheapest certification isnât always the best value. Consider:
| Certification | Total Cost | Typical Salary Increase | Jobs Requiring It |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Cloud Practitioner | $100-200 | $5,000-$15,000 | Limited (foundational) |
| CompTIA A+ | $500-800 | $10,000-$20,000 | High (entry requirement) |
| Security+ | $400-600 | $15,000-$25,000 | Very high (DoD baseline) |
| CCNA | $350-800 | $15,000-$25,000 | Moderate (Cisco shops) |
Security+ offers exceptional value because itâs required for DoD positions and preferred by many security teams. Despite costing less than A+, it often unlocks higher-paying opportunities.
Single Exam vs. Multiple Exams
CompTIA A+ requires two separate exams ($498 total). CCNA and Security+ each require only one. If youâre concerned about retake costs and study time, single-exam certifications reduce risk.
That said, A+ remains the most requested entry-level certification and opens doors that other certs donât. The question isnât whether itâs worth the cost, itâs whether youâre ready to pass both exams efficiently.
Vendor-Neutral vs. Vendor-Specific
CompTIA certifications (A+, Network+, Security+) apply across any IT environment. Vendor-specific certs like CCNA or Azure certifications are more valuable in specific contexts but less portable.
For budget-conscious learners, vendor-neutral certifications often provide better initial ROI because they donât lock you into one technology stack. You can always add vendor-specific certs later when you know which direction your career is heading. If youâre unsure where to start, our guide on what IT certification to get can help you decide.
Free Study Resources That Actually Work
You donât need expensive courses to pass certification exams. These free resources cover most certification curricula:
Video Training
Professor Messer (YouTube): Complete free courses for A+, Network+, and Security+. The production quality is high, and the content is updated for current exams. Check our best A+ study resources for more options.
NetworkChuck (YouTube): Engaging networking content that covers CCNA topics and general IT concepts. More entertaining than traditional courses but still educational.
freeCodeCamp (YouTube/Website): Programming and development-focused, but excellent for cloud certifications and DevOps concepts.
Practice Tests
ExamCompass: Free practice exams for CompTIA certifications. The questions arenât identical to real exams, but they cover the same objectives.
Official Practice Tests: Most certification vendors offer free sample questions on their websites. Always review official materials to understand question format and difficulty. Weâve ranked the best CompTIA A+ practice tests if you want specific recommendations.
Hands-On Labs
Shell Samurai provides interactive Linux and command-line training, essential for anyone pursuing system administration or security certifications.
TryHackMe offers free rooms for security-focused practice. Many paths align directly with Security+ objectives.
Cisco Packet Tracer simulates networking environments for CCNA preparation. Itâs free and runs on most computers.
For cloud certifications, AWS Free Tier, Azure Free Account, and Google Cloud Free Tier provide hands-on experience with real infrastructure.
Building a home lab can be done cheaply or free using old hardware and free virtualization software like VirtualBox.
The First-Attempt Strategy
Retakes are expensive. A failed CompTIA exam costs another $249, and Cisco charges the full $300 again. The cheapest certification path is one where you pass on your first try.
Readiness Indicators
Donât schedule your exam until you can:
- Score 85%+ consistently on practice tests from multiple sources
- Explain core concepts without notes
- Complete hands-on tasks without referencing documentation
- Pass the official practice exam (if available)
Most people who fail certification exams didnât actually complete their preparation. They scheduled the exam to create urgency and hoped for the best. That approach costs more in the long run. For a proven study method, check out our 90-day A+ exam strategy.
Retake Insurance (When It Makes Sense)
CompTIA offers voucher bundles with retake insurance for about $75 extra per exam. For first-time test takers or those without strong test-taking backgrounds, this insurance provides valuable peace of mind.
The math: if you have a 20% chance of failing, spending $75 on insurance is cheaper than the expected cost of a $249 retake. For most first-time certification candidates, the insurance pays for itself in reduced anxiety alone.
Budget Certification Timeline
Hereâs a realistic timeline for someone pursuing CompTIA A+ on a tight budget:
Weeks 1-2: Foundation
- Apply for WIOA if potentially eligible
- Check library for Coursera access
- Start Professor Messerâs free A+ video series
- Request employer reimbursement if employed
Weeks 3-8: Core Study
- Complete video courses (free)
- Practice with ExamCompass tests (free)
- Build hands-on skills with home lab or virtual machines (free)
Weeks 9-10: Exam Prep
- Purchase voucher(s) using best available discount
- Take official practice tests
- Schedule Core 1 exam
Week 11: First Exam
- Take Core 1, continue Core 2 study regardless of result
Weeks 12-14: Core 2 Prep
- Focused study on Core 2 objectives
- More practice tests
Week 15: Second Exam
- Complete A+ certification
Total cost using this approach: $500-650 depending on discount availability.
Compare that to a $2,500 bootcamp that covers the same material in fewer weeks but doesnât necessarily produce better results.
What About Free Certifications?
Truly free IT certifications exist, but they carry trade-offs:
Google IT Support Certificate
Free through library partnerships or financial aid. Respected by some employers, ignored by others. Best for absolute beginners who canât afford any upfront investment.
AWS Skill Builder Badges
Free completion badges demonstrate learning but arenât the same as passing the Cloud Practitioner certification exam. Theyâre valuable for learning, less valuable for job applications.
Microsoft Learn Achievements
Similar to AWS badges. They show engagement with the platform but donât carry the weight of passed certification exams.
LinkedIn Learning Certificates
Not industry-recognized certifications. They show you completed a course but wonât satisfy job requirements that specify âcertified.â
The honest truth: most âfree certificationsâ arenât what hiring managers mean when they ask for certifications. Theyâre learning achievements, which have value, but they donât replace actual certification exams for job requirements.
If a job posting requires âCompTIA A+ certified,â a Google IT Support certificate or LinkedIn Learning completion wonât satisfy that requirement. Plan your certification path based on what positions youâre targeting. Read our guide on certifications vs experience for more on what employers actually value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really get IT certified for under $500?
Yes, but it requires strategy. Use free study resources, apply for available discounts, and target single-exam certifications like Security+ or CCNA. Adding employer reimbursement or WIOA funding can reduce costs to zero.
Are cheap voucher sites legitimate?
Some are, most arenât. Stick to authorized resellers like Professor Messer, CompTIA training partners, or official academic/military programs. Gray market vouchers can be revoked, invalidating your certification.
Should I start with a free certification if I canât afford CompTIA?
It depends on your goals. The Google IT Support certificate provides genuine foundational knowledge and costs little through financial aid. But if job postings in your area specifically require A+, saving for that certification may be more efficient than taking a free alternative first.
How do I know if I qualify for WIOA funding?
Visit your local American Job Center. Eligibility varies by location and personal circumstances, but the evaluation is free. Many people who think they wonât qualify are surprised to learn they do.
Is it worth paying for study materials?
Quality study materials increase your pass rate, which saves money on retakes. The question is whether to use free resources exclusively or invest in premium options. For most people, free video courses combined with one good study guide and practice tests provide sufficient preparation.
The Bottom Line
Getting IT certified on a budget is absolutely possible. The people paying $2,000+ for certifications are either choosing convenience over savings, donât know about available discounts, or have employer reimbursement making the cost irrelevant.
Your path depends on your circumstances:
- Unemployed or underemployed: Investigate WIOA funding immediately. Free training exists specifically for your situation.
- Student: Use academic pricing for 40%+ savings on CompTIA certifications.
- Military/Veteran: Multiple programs cover 100% of certification costs. Donât pay out of pocket.
- Employed: Ask about reimbursement before spending personal funds.
- None of the above: Use free study resources, purchase discounted vouchers, and pass on the first attempt.
The cheapest path to certification is the one where you prepare properly, leverage available discounts, and donât need retakes. Spending an extra month with free resources beats rushing to an exam youâre not ready for and paying twice.
Ready to start your certification journey? Check out our complete IT certification guide for detailed breakdowns of specific certifications, or explore entry-level IT jobs to understand which certifications employers actually require.