How Much Does IT Certification Cost in 2026?

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The Honest Answer — Exam Fees vs. Training Costs

Career schools love to advertise “95% placement rates.” We don’t play that game. The figures below summarize the salary ranges and roles DSDT graduates pursue based on industry data and our own placement tracking. Outcomes are reported transparently and updated as new placement data is verified.

2026 CompTIA Exam Fees (USD)

CompTIA A+ (2 exams)

$492 ($246 per exam: Core 1 + Core 2)

CompTIA Network+

$369 (single exam)

CompTIA Security+

$392 (single exam)

CompTIA CySA+

$404 (single exam)

CompTIA PenTest+

$404 (single exam)

CompTIA Cloud+

$369 (single exam)

Source: CompTIA exam vouchers, 2026 published pricing.

Who This Bootcamp Is For

Self-study (free)

$0 + exam fees, 6-12 months, pass rate ~50-60%

Online course (paid)

$200-$1,500, 3-9 months, pass rate ~65-75%

Bootcamp (online)

$2,500-$8,000, 3-6 months, pass rate ~75-85%

Career college (DSDT)

tuition with financial aid, 3 months, pass rate 85%+

How to Reduce Out-of-Pocket Costs

For most adults, the actual out-of-pocket cost of IT certification training is much lower than the sticker price because of:

01

Federal Pell Grant — no repayment required

02

GI Bill® — typically zero out-of-pocket for veterans

03

MyCAA — $4,000 for eligible military spouses

04

Workforce development funding — Michigan Works! and similar

05

Employer reimbursement — many companies cover tech training

06

0% payment plans — DSDT and others split tuition over months

Most DSDT students complete CompTIA A+ training with no debt and in many cases zero out-of-pocket cost. See full DSDT tuition and financial aid options.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

When you’re comparing programs, ask whether the price includes.

Textbooks and study materials
Practice exam vouchers
One free retake of the certification exam
Career services (resume help, interview prep)
Lab access and software licenses
Career support after graduation

Is IT Certification Worth the Cost?

For someone aiming at a $50K+ entry IT role within 6 months: yes. The math is straightforward — even paying full tuition out of pocket for a 3-month CompTIA A+ program pays back in the first 8-12 months of a Help Desk salary.

FAQ — IT Certification Costs

$492 in exam fees (two exams), plus training. Self-study can be free; structured training varies. Most DSDT students access funding that reduces out-of-pocket cost significantly.

For people seeking employment in IT, yes. Over 200,000 jobs listed annually in the U.S. require or prefer CompTIA A+.

Yes. You pay the full exam fee for each retake. CompTIA recommends waiting at least 14 days between attempts. Some training programs include one retake voucher.

Nationally Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE) Since 2017

DSDT College, Inc. provides training in Digital Marketing and Information Technology with certificate, diploma, and associate degree pathways. Recognized for innovation and workforce alignment, the institution continues to expand opportunities in technology- driven fields while serving students locally in Detroit and online nationwide.

Do certifications expire?

CompTIA certifications are valid for 3 years. They are renewable through continuing education credits or by earning a higher CompTIA cert.

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