When I started planning for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) exam, one of my first questions was, “How much is this going to cost me?” As someone who passed with no IT background, I learned that understanding the exam cost and budgeting for prep was key. In this post, I’ll break down the cost of the CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam, explore ways to save, and share prep tips. I’ll also highlight free resources like SkilltestPro for practice tests and Tech Wolf’s YouTube channel for videos that kept my prep affordable.
What is the CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam?
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) is the first of two exams required for the A+ certification, a top credential for entry-level IT roles like help desk or support technician. It covers hardware, networking, mobile devices, troubleshooting, and virtualization, with up to 90 questions in 90 minutes. You need a 75% score (675/900) to pass. As a beginner, knowing the exam cost helped me budget—here’s the details.
How Much Does the CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Cost?
- Standard Cost: The CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam costs $265 USD in the United States for a single exam voucher, as of June 2025.
- What’s Included: The voucher is a unique code you redeem to take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center or online. It’s valid for 12 months from purchase.
- Regional Variations: Costs vary by country due to currency and local pricing. For example, it’s ~£200 in the UK or ~€250 in Europe. Check CompTIA’s site or Pearson VUE for exact pricing in your region.
- Retake Costs: If you don’t pass, you’ll need another voucher at $265. There’s no waiting period for a second attempt, but a third try requires a 14-day wait.
- Total A+ Certification Cost: Since A+ requires both Core 1 and Core 2 exams, expect ~$530 for both vouchers ($265 each) if you pass both on the first try.
- My Experience: I paid $265 for my Core 1 voucher through Pearson VUE and passed on my first attempt, thanks to thorough prep. Budgeting for one attempt kept me focused.
Ways to Save on the Exam Cost
Here are strategies I used or found to reduce costs:
- Discounted Vouchers:
- Google IT Support Certificate: Enrolling in this Coursera program offers a 30% discount, dropping the voucher to ~$177.10.
- Dion Training: Offers 10% off vouchers, saving ~$26.50 per exam.
- Student/Employer Discounts: Students, military, or employees may get discounts through CompTIA or Pearson VUE. I checked my college for deals but didn’t qualify.
- Bundles: CompTIA’s Marketplace offers bundles like two vouchers + retakes for ~$530–$1,485, including study tools like CertMaster. I skipped these to keep costs low.
- Free Prep Resources: Using free materials (below) minimized my need for paid courses, saving hundreds.
- Scholarships/Sponsorships: Some organizations or employers cover exam fees. I searched Reddit’s r/CompTIA for local programs but funded my own.
Additional Costs to Consider
- Study Materials: Free options exist, but paid resources like Mike Meyers’ book (~$30–$50) or CompTIA CertMaster (~$100–$500) add up. I stuck to free tools.
- Practice Tests: SkilltestPro’s premium tests or Dumpsgate’s dumps (~$28–$30) are optional. I used SkilltestPro’s free tests.
- Retakes: Budget for a potential $265 retake. I prepped hard to avoid this.
- Travel/Tech: In-person testing may involve travel costs; online testing needs a stable internet and PC. I tested in-person at a local Pearson VUE center, adding ~$10 in gas.
How to Prep for Core 1 on a Budget
Here’s how I prepped to pass without overspending:
- Free Practice Tests: SkilltestPro’s first three Core 1 tests are free at their A+ page. Their PBQs (e.g., router configs) and multiple-choice (e.g., “What’s Cat6a?”) were exam-like. I took one weekly, hitting 80%+.
- Free Videos: Tech Wolf’s YouTube channel covers hardware, networking, and virtualization. Their port number video helped me ace related questions.
- CompTIA Objectives: The free Core 1 objectives (SkilltestPro’s objectives) guided my study, covering domains like hardware (33%) and troubleshooting (25%).
- Hands-On Practice: I swapped RAM on an old laptop and used VirtualBox (free) for virtualization, prepping for PBQs without cost.
- Flashcards: Free Quizlet sets for terms like “DNS” or “port 80” helped with multiple-choice. I reviewed 10–20 daily.
- Study Plan: I studied 8–12 weeks, 1–2 hours daily, 5–6 days a week, focusing on networking and PBQs, my weak areas.
Tips to Pass and Save Money
- Prep Thoroughly: Use SkilltestPro’s free tests to avoid retake fees. I aimed for 80%+ to clear the 75% passing score.
- Seek Discounts: Check Coursera, Dion Training, or r/CompTIA for voucher deals. I missed the Google discount but still passed affordably.
- Skip Costly Courses: Free resources like Tech Wolf and SkilltestPro were enough for me. Only buy paid tools if needed.
- Test Online if Possible: I paid for gas to test in-person, but online testing saves travel costs if your setup meets Pearson VUE’s requirements.
- Budget for Both Exams: Plan for ~$530 for Core 1 and Core 2 to avoid surprises. I saved for both upfront.
Why the Cost is Worth It
The $265 for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam was a solid investment. Passing Core 1 (and later Core 2) landed me a help desk job (~$50,000/year in the U.S.), far outweighing the cost. The skills I gained—like troubleshooting PCs and setting up networks—are now part of my daily work.
Ready to budget for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam? Explore Tech Wolf’s YouTube channel for free study videos and grab the free Core 1 practice tests on SkilltestPro to prep without breaking the bank. Plan smart, and you’ll pass on your first try!