Getting a tech certification is an investment in your career. Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for your next move, having a CompTIA certification can not only get your foot in the door for an interview but also prove to employers that you have the hands-on skills they’re looking for.
But with every investment comes a cost. The retail price for exam vouchers can be daunting, but there are ways to save money. Here are five ways to be cost-effective on your next CompTIA exam.
5 ways to save money on vouchers
In general, there are five ways to save money on your CompTIA exam voucher. Some discounts are available to anyone, and some are only available to students or as part of a training program. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main types of voucher promotions. Keep reading for the details.
|
Type of Voucher Promotion |
How Much Can You Save? |
Who Is Eligible? |
|
Bundle |
10% off the à la carte total |
Anyone |
|
Student discount |
35-55% |
Current students |
|
Training/college courses |
Up to 100% |
Eligibility varies |
|
Employer reimbursement |
Please check with your employer |
Anyone who works for an employer that offers a discount |
|
Limited-time flash sales and special offers |
Discounts vary by promotion |
Individuals |
1. Save with a bundle
Buying a bundle is the easiest way to save money on your certification journey. Many CompTIA bundles combine exam vouchers and training materials at a lower price than buying each item separately. Many bundles also include a retake voucher, giving you extra value and added peace of mind if you do not pass on your first attempt. With a bundle, you get the tools you need to prepare, save more than you would à la carte, and go into exam day with confidence.
CompTIA offers two types of bundles:
|
CompTIA Bundle Type |
What’s Included in the Bundle? |
|
Complete Learning Bundle |
|
|
Complete Learning Bundle with Voucher Plus Retake Assurance |
|
*Bundle contents may vary by product.
When you’re ready to buy a voucher, check out the bundles under the “Buy Now” tab for that certification.
2. Student voucher promotions
Actively registered students of four-year-degree institutions (and some two-year institutions) in the United States can get 35-55% off of all products in the CompTIA Store.
How to apply a CompTIA student promotion:
- If you have a CompTIA account with us, you must log in first. If you do not have a CompTIA account with us, you must first create an account.
- Click on Login within the navigation menu, choose 'My Shopping Account'.
- Log in via your CompTIA SSO credentials, or create an account.
- Go to our Certifications shopping page.
- Add desired products to your shopping cart.
- Click 'View Cart' when ready to checkout.
- At Checkout, click on the link 'Student? See if you qualify for a discount.' link.
- A pop-up will appear, and you will be prompted to enter a Country, School, First name, Last name, DOB, and student email address. This is to verify your student status through SheerID.
- If validated, the academic pricing will be applied to your cart. Note: You will receive your best price when you verify your student status with SheerID. No additional discounts can be applied in addition to your verified SheerID discount.
- If not validated, there will be no price discounts applied.
- Enter or confirm Contact and Payment information, update as needed.
- Click 'Place order'
- Your product(s) access keys and exam vouchers will be sent to the provided email address.
- When you activate your product access keys within the training platform, you will associate this training product with your academic institution.
Click here for more information on student purchasing.
3. Training/college courses
Depending on where you live and what you qualify for, you may be able to get trained and certified for free (or nearly free). Government agencies and nonprofits offer free IT training programs that include certifications. If you do not qualify for those programs, you may still have lower-cost options. Some paid training programs and college courses include certification costs in the price, and eligible 529 savings plan funds may now be used for certain nondegree training, credential programs, certification exams, practice tests, and related fees. That can make certifications and career-focused training more affordable, especially for learners building skills outside a traditional four-year degree path.
4. Employer reimbursement
If you're looking for ways to spice up your career, it doesn't hurt to ask your current employer if they offer employee benefits for tuition reimbursement or professional development options. Some employers will offer you a discount towards getting your next certification.
5. Limited-time flash sales and special offers
Another way to save money on your next CompTIA exam voucher is to watch for limited-time flash sales and special offers. These promotions may include discounts on exam vouchers, bundles, and/or training products, and the amount you save will vary depending on the offer.
Because these deals are usually available for a short time, it helps to stay connected. Watch the CompTIA website, follow CompTIA on social media, and sign up for email updates so you can catch promotions when they go live.
Getting an IT certification is an investment that will pay back in spades. But, if you need a more economical way to get certified, you have options. Bundles, discounts, and training programs that include certifications can all help you save money when buying a voucher.
How to get a CompTIA exam voucher
You know which certification you need, and you know how to save. So how do you get started? We recommend purchasing vouchers and training solutions directly from the CompTIA site.
How long is a CompTIA exam voucher valid?
A CompTIA exam voucher is valid for 12 months from the date you received it. A voucher expiration date cannot be extended under any circumstances. A purchased voucher can be used for any version of the certification exam as long as it’s used before it expires. You must register and take your certification exam prior to the voucher expiration date.
What does this mean for IT professionals?
It means you can continue to upskill! IT certifications are an investment in yourself – and your career – but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Take advantage of CompTIA offers, promo codes, and deluxe bundles that will help you pass your next CompTIA certification exam. Good luck!
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