How Much Do IT Certifications Cost?
IT certifications vary significantly in price. You can sit for an AWS certification for as little as $100. The most expensive exams, such as the CCIE, cost over $ 2,000 in exam fees alone. Despite the wide range of exam costs, there are some consistencies.
Entry-level certifications are typically less expensive than expert-level ones. It's also true that IT certification costs aren't entirely covered by the exam registration fees. Training materials like books, online courses, and boot camps can add up quickly. We didn't consider study material for this list; only the exams.
Here's how much it'll cost to earn your next certification.
How Much Do Cisco Certifications Cost?
As of 2025, Cisco offers five tiers of certifications: Entry, Associate, Professional, Expert, and Architect. With few exceptions, Cisco has standardized its certification exam pricing structure. However, there are some irregularities.
Cisco's handy pricing guide lists exam costs by code:
Exam Series | Cost |
010 through 100-XXX Certified Technician exams | $125 |
200-XXX Associate Level exams | $300 |
300 through 350-XXX Professional Level exams | $300 - $400 |
350-XXX Expert Level Practical exam | $1,600 - $1,900 |
350-XXX Expert Level Written exams | $400, plus lab costs in some cases |
Let’s break it down a little better.
Entry-level Cisco Certification Costs: $125
The following certifications are valuable but often considered the stepping stones for higher-level Cisco certifications like the CCNA. These certifications cover the fundamental networking knowledge IT professionals need to succeed at Cisco associate-level certifications and in their careers.
Each entry-level Cisco certification exam costs $125.
Here's a list of Cisco’s associate-level certification exams:
Cisco Certification | Cost |
$125 | |
$125 | |
$125 | |
CCST Cybersecurity | $125 |
CCST Networking | $125 |
CCNA Certification Exam Cost: $300
Prior to February 2020, Cisco offered 10 associate-level or CCNA exams. Each CCNA certification required passing at least two exams, which varied in cost. Now, however, there is only one CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) program. The CCNA exam costs $300 and has no prerequisites.
Along with the consolidation of the CCNA, two additional Cisco associate-level certifications were released in 2020: the DevNet Associate and the CyberOps Associate exams. Both cost $300.
The updated exam track streamlined things at the associate level. There are no longer any Cisco-certified networking specializations. Instead, the new CCNA now covers a wide range of topics in networking and security, with a stronger focus on validating associate-level skills rather than deep-diving into specialized skills.
Now that Cisco’s associate-level certs have been consolidated into three exams (CCNA, DevNet Associate, and CyberOps Associate), the $300 price point and simplified certification path are much easier to follow.
Before they were retired, the specialized CCNA exams (Cloud, Collaboration, Cyber Ops, Data Center, and Service Provider) each cost $600. Additionally, the CCNA Security, Wireless, Industrial, and CCDA each cost $465. Most of these now-retired CCNA certifications required at least one (and sometimes two!) specialized or advanced technology exam.
Between the prerequisites and multiple specialty exams required, earning an associate-level Cisco certification was a steep and confusing process.
Now, however, those hoping to earn an associate-level Cisco certification can expect to take one exam, which costs $300.
Here's a complete list of Cisco’s associate-level certification exams:
Cisco Certification | Cost |
$300 | |
$300 | |
$300 |
FREE TRAINING RESOURCE: 33-Week CCNA Study Plan Download
CCNP Certification Exam Cost: $700 Total
As of August 2023, Cisco offers seven professional-level exams. Earning your CCNP Enterprise, Collaboration, Data Center, Security, or Service Provider requires one core and one concentration exam.
The other two Cisco professional-level exams — DevNet and CyberOps Professional — also require one core and one concentration exam. The core exam for any Cisco professional cert costs $400, while the concentration exam costs $300. The total exam cost for any Cisco professional certification is $700.
Similar to the CCNA, the CCNP certification track underwent significant changes in 2020 and is expected to continue evolving in line with industry updates. We've noted the retired core and concentration exams in the table below. Like the adjustments to the CCNA, these changes streamlined the certification roadmap for CCNP and other professional-level certification hopefuls:
You are no longer required to earn the CCNA and subsequent specialization (though whether you want to skip the CCNA before the CCNP may be another story).
The cost of the professional-level exams has been standardized:
$400 for core exams
$300 for concentration exams
Here's a complete list of the Cisco professional certification tracks:
Cisco Certification | Cost |
$700 | |
$700 | |
$700 | |
$700 | |
$700 | |
$700 | |
Cybersecurity Professional (formerly CyberOps) | $700 |
CCIE Certification Exam Costs: $2,300
As of August 2023, Cisco offers eight expert-level certifications. This includes the six CCIE exams (CCIE Collaboration, Data Center, Enterprise Infrastructure, Enterprise Wireless, Security, and Service Provider) and the DevNet Expert and CCDE.
Unlike other Cisco exams, expert-level certifications require both a written and a practical (lab) exam. Following the 2020 updates to the entire Cisco roadmap, the new CCIE program shares the same core (written) exam as the CCNP.
Each CCIE core exam costs $400 for every attempt. But you’ll also have to sit the 8-hour practical exam in the form of a CCIE lab (and fly to one of only eight test centers to take the lab).
The cost of the CCIE lab portion will set you back $1,600 or $1,900, depending on which option you choose: the Cisco-provided Cisco kit mobile lab exam ($1,900) or the “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) lab. Opting for the BYOD lab allows you to take the lab using your own devices (laptop, monitor, keyboard, mouse). The BYOD lab cost saves you $300 in exam fees versus using the Cisco kit:
Cisco CCIE total cost with Cisco-provided lab kit = $2,300
Cisco CCIE total cost with BYOD lab kit = $2,000
There are no formal prerequisites for taking a CCIE exam. Still, as this is Cisco’s expert-level track, you’ll want to be familiar with the concepts on the written portion and very comfortable in a hands-on environment for the lab. It’s one of the world's toughest certifications, so adequate training and preparation is necessary.
Here's a complete list of Cisco’s expert-level certification exam costs, assuming you opt for the Cisco-provided lab kit:
Cisco Certification | Cost |
CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure | $2,300 |
CCIE Collaboration | $2,300 |
CCIE Data Center | $2,300 |
CCIE Security | $2,300 |
CCIE Service Provider | $2,300 |
CCIE Enterprise Wireless | $2,300 |
CCDE | $2,350 |
DevNet Expert | $2,300 |
Travel and Lodging for the CCIE
The CCIE has many other associated costs. All exams include study materials that are not factored into the exam cost, but some require additional travel expenses. The CCIE lab exam is available at eight test centers worldwide, which means incurring extra costs for travel, food, and lodging. There are now, however, mobile labs that might make it more affordable by allowing you to test closer to home.
It's also important to note that the CCIE is among the most challenging IT certification exams. Most people take the CCIE lab exam multiple times, which can significantly increase the cost of obtaining the CCIE certification. The most realistic scenarios estimate the cost of earning a CCIE to be between $12,000 and $19,000.
CCAr Certification Exam Cost – $15,000
The Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) certification is the most complex and expensive exam. As of 2025, the initial CCAr board qualification review costs $3,750. The board review then costs an additional $11,250, for a total cost of $15,000.
Microsoft Role-Based Certification Exam Costs
As of 2025, nearly all of Microsoft's associate and expert-level certification exams cost $165 for test-takers in the United States. These exams will cost international test-takers between $55 and $165 per exam, in their local currency.
Because some role-based certification exams have prerequisites, the cost to earn them varies from $165 to $495, depending on the number of prerequisite exams required.
Microsoft's fundamental exams cost $99. These are entry-level certs designed to validate foundational skills. Some are considered prerequisites for associate or expert-level certifications later in your career.
As of January 6, 2022, Microsoft offers 48 role-based certifications ranging from Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert to Microsoft Certified: Power Apps + Dynamics 365 Developer Associate.
Check out the complete Microsoft role-based certifications and their exam costs below.
Microsoft Associate Level Certification Exam Costs:
Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate: $165
Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate: $165
Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate: $330 (2 exams required)
Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate: $165
Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Functional Consultant Associate: $165
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant Associate: $165
Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Developer Associate: $165
Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate: $165
Microsoft Certified: Power Platform App Maker Associate: $165
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Associate: $330 (2 exams required)
Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate: $165
Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate: $165
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant Associate: $165
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant Associate: $330 (2 exams required)
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Developer Associate: $330 (2 exams required)
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing Functional Consultant Associate: $330 (2 exams required)
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Marketing Functional Consultant Associate: $165
Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate: $165
Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate: $165
Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Administrator Associate: $165
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Marketing Functional Consultant Associate: $165
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant Associate: $165
Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Developer Associate $165
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant Associate: $165 (retired in 2024)
Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate: $165 (Retired March 2025)
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant Associate: $165 (retired 2024)
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant Associate: $165 (Retired 2024)
Microsoft Certified: Information Protection Administrator Associate: $165 (Retired May 2025)
Microsoft Expert Level Certification Exam Costs:
Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Solution Architect Expert: $165
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect Expert: $165
Microsoft Fundamentals Certification Cost
Microsoft currently offers nine foundational-level certifications designed for learners new to technology or considering a career change. Each certification requires passing only one exam, some of which also serve as prerequisites for Microsoft role-based certifications (see above).
Here's the complete price list of the Microsoft Fundamentals certification exams:
Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals: $99
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals: $99
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (ERP): $99
Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Fundamentals: $99
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM): $99
How Much Do AWS Certifications Cost?
Amazon offers four tiers of certifications: Practitioner, Associate, Professional, and Specialty. AWS certifications no longer have prerequisites for their exams. However, Amazon advises test takers to progress through the certifications according to their familiarity with the platform.
AWS Certified Practitioner Certification Exam Cost: $100
Amazon offers two practitioner-level exams, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and the AWS Certified AI Practitioner, which cost $100 each and are designed for non-technical professionals who use AWS cloud services.
AWS Associate Certification Exam Cost: $150
Amazon offers five associate-level AWS certifications covering various roles. These exams are designed for IT professionals with at least one year of experience with AWS cloud technologies. AWS Certified Associate certificates cost $150 per attempt.
AWS Associate Certification | Cost |
$150 | |
$150 | |
AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer - Associate | $150 |
AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate | $150 |
AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate | $150 |
Here's a complete list of AWS Associate certification exam costs:
AWS Professional Certification Exam Cost: $300
Amazon has three professional-level AWS certifications: Solutions Architect and DevOps Engineer. These exams are designed for IT professionals with at least two years of experience with AWS cloud technologies. AWS Certified Professional certificates cost $300 per attempt.
Here's a complete list of AWS Professional certification exam costs:
AWS Professional Certification | Cost |
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional | $300 |
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional | $300 |
AWS Specialty Certification Exam Cost: $300
Amazon has three specialty AWS certifications related to security, machine learning, and advanced networking. These exams are designed for IT professionals with deep technical knowledge and experience in a narrow skill set. AWS Certified Specialty certificates cost $300 per attempt.
AWS Specialty Certification | Cost |
$300 | |
AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty | $300 |
AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty | $300 |
How Much Do VMware Certifications Cost?
VMware streamlined its certification program in May 2024, simplifying exam pricing and increasing flexibility for candidates. As of now, VMware offers certifications across four main levels:
VCTA (Certified Technical Associate): Entry-level
VCP (Certified Professional): Professional-level
VCAP (Certified Advanced Professional): Advanced-level
VCDX (Certified Design Expert): Expert-level
The Foundations tier was officially retired in 2022, and VCTA now serves as the starting point for newcomers to VMware technology.
All VCTA, VCP, and VCAP exams now cost $250 each, regardless of track or exam type. Prerequisites have also been removed, so candidates no longer need to take training courses or earn previous certifications before sitting for most exams. The only exception is the VCDX, VMware’s top-tier certification, which involves a design submission and a rigorous defense process.
This unified pricing model makes VMware’s certification roadmap more accessible and consistent—especially for self-directed learners and working professionals.
VMware Certified Technical Associate (VCTA) Certification Cost: $250
The VCTA has officially replaced the older “Foundations” exams as VMware’s new entry-level certification tier. Designed for early-career professionals, students, and those new to VMware technologies, the VCTA is a no-prerequisite, exam-only certification that validates baseline technical knowledge across VMware’s core domains.
VCTA exams are proctored and align with specific VMware solution areas. Each VCTA certification costs $250 USD, part of VMware’s standardized pricing model, which was launched in May 2024.
VCTA certifications currently include:
VCTA Certification Name | Cost |
VCTA – Data Center Virtualization (DCV) | $250 |
VCTA – Network Virtualization (NV) | $250 |
VCTA – Cloud Management & Automation (CMA) | $250 |
VCTA – Security | $250 |
VCTA – End-User Computing (EUC) | $250 |
VCTA – Digital Workspace | $250 |
VMware Certified Professional (VCP) Certification Exam Cost: $250
VMware offers 13 professional-level certifications across several. Each VMware Certified Professional (VCP) certification exam costs $250 per attempt. VMware no longer requires prereqs for VCP exams.
VMware Certified Professional (VCP) Certification | Cost |
VCP - Data Center Virtualization | $250 |
VCP – Network Virtualization | $250 |
VCP - VMware Cloud Foundation Administrator | $250 |
VCP - VMware Cloud Foundation Architect | $250 |
VCP Horizon | $250 |
VCP - Private Cloud Security Administrator | $250 |
VCP - Avi Load Balancer Administrator | $250 |
VCP - Cloud Management and Automation | $250 |
VCP - VMware Cloud 2024 | $250 |
VCP - Cloud Operations | $250 |
VCP - Tanzu for Kubernetes Operations | $250 |
VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP) Certification Exam Cost: $250
With the May 6, 2024 update, VMware simplified its Advanced Professional level: there are two VCAP exams per main track (except for Data Center)—one focused on Design, the other on Deploy—and no longer any mandatory prerequisites or training. All VCAP exams now cost $250 USD each, streamlining both access and cost.
VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP) Certification | Cost |
VCAP - Data Center Virtualization Design | $250 |
VCAP - Network Virtualization Deploy | $250 |
VCAP - Network Virtualization Design | $250 |
VCAP - Cloud Management and Automation Deploy | $250 |
VCAP - Cloud Management and Automation Design | $250 |
VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX) Certification: $3,995
VMware has three current expert-level certifications. Historically, VMware also offered VCDX in Desktop & Mobility (DTM) and End‑User Computing (EUC), but these have been deprecated. While legacy holders may retain those credentials, new certifications are only awarded in the three current tracks. Each VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX) certification exam costs $3,995 per attempt.
The VCDX exam has two parts. The application fee is $995. However, to call it just an application fee is an understatement. In reality, aspiring VCDXs submit a design that must be accepted and defended.
The in-person defense costs $3,000, while the remote defense costs $995. Generally, first-time defenses are in person, and only retakes are offered remotely; however, those restrictions were loosened during COVID and do not appear to have shifted back (as of publication).
VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX) Certification | Cost |
VCDX – Data Center Virtualization | $3,995 |
VCDX – Network Virtualization | $3,995 |
VCDX — Cloud Management and Automation | $3,995 |
How Much Do CompTIA Exams Cost?
As of August 2023, CompTIA offers 15 certifications across five series: Core, Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Data and Analytics, and Professional. There are no prerequisite certifications for any CompTIA exam.
CompTIA Core Series Certifications: $134 to $404
The Core Series certifications are the best-known CompTIA certifications. The A+, Network+, and Security+ are common foundational certifications for entry-level IT professionals. These certifications are included in the DoD Directive 8140 and 8570 framework, which establishes basic IT qualifications for federal employees and contractors.
CompTIA Core Series Certifications | Cost |
$134 | |
$253 | |
$369 | |
$404 |
CompTIA Infrastructure Series Certifications: $390
The certifications in the Infrastructure Series are vendor-neutral alternatives to Microsoft, Linux, VMware, and Cisco certifications.
CompTIA Infrastructure Series Certifications | Cost |
$390 | |
$390 | |
$390 |
CompTIA Cybersecurity Series Certifications: $425 to $529
The certifications in the Cybersecurity Series prepare IT professionals to serve in security roles.
CompTIA Cybersecurity Series Certifications | Cost |
$425 | |
CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) - Retiring in 2025 | $199 (in Japanese and Thai only) |
$425 | |
CompTiaSecurityX | $529 |
$425 |
CompTIA Data and Analytics Series Certifications | Cost |
$255 | |
CompTIA DataSys+ | $369 |
CompTIA Professional Series Certifications – $134 to $358
The certifications in the Professional Series validate general business skills for technical and non-technical professionals.
CompTIA Professional Series Certifications | Cost |
$390 | |
CompTIA Security Pro | $235 |
$125 |
How Much Do ISC2 Certifications Cost?
As of August 2023, ISC2 has nine security certifications that validate skills and knowledge in leadership, security administration, cloud security, authorization, software security, and healthcare security.
While there are no prerequisite certifications for these certifications, the ISC2 involves qualification and endorsement processes for certified security professionals.
NOTE: CC is currently free under ISC2’s One Million Certified program, but may cost $199 otherwise.
ISC2 Certification | Cost |
CC - Certified in Cybersecurity | Free |
CCSP – Certified Cloud Security Professional | $599 |
$749 | |
CISSP Concentrations (ISSAP/ISSEP/ISSMP) | $599 |
CSSLP | $599 |
CGRC (Formerly known as CAP) | $599 |
SSCP | $249 |
The Value of Certifications Outweighs the Costs
If this post has confirmed anything, it's that certifications aren't cheap. This becomes even more apparent when factoring in study materials, prerequisite exams, multiple attempts, and the time and effort invested in studying for them. The CCIE, for instance, can ultimately cost you $20,000.
However, the value of certifying a technology outweighs the time and money costs. Opinions as to whether certifications are even worth it are varied. Some people view certs as a bullet point on a resume. Others collect certifications like Pokémon. Here's the reality: Certifications are valuable even if they're only a bullet on a resume.
Given two otherwise equal resumes, hiring managers and HR pros will almost always pick the person with the certification. That's because certifications don't just validate knowledge; they also demonstrate expertise.
RELATED: Here’s How Long It Takes to Study for the Most Popular Certs
In several cases, like working for the federal government, certifications are required for many IT positions. That's the stronger case for investing the time and money to earn certifications.
If you already know your subject matter, it's best to validate that fact in an industry-approved manner. Otherwise, you're potentially disqualifying yourself from many opportunities before you even have a chance to show your stuff.
Ready to get started? Check out the complete list of IT certification trainings on CBT Nuggets.
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