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, like the CCIE, are $2,300 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 wrapped in the exam registration fees. Training material, like books, online courses, and boot camps, adds 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 August 2023, Cisco has 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:

Let’s break it down a little better.

Entry-level Cisco Certification Cost – $125

The following certifications are valuable, but they're 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:

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 does not have any 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.

Take a look at the previous exams and price points. When they were retired, the specialized CCNA exams (Cloud, Collaboration, Cyber Ops, Data Center, and Service Provider) each cost $600. Also now retired, the CCNA Security, Wireless, Industrial, and the 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 steep—not to mention confusing.

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:

FREE TRAINING RESOURCE: 26-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. 

Like the CCNA, the CCNP certification track saw many shifts in 2020 and will continue to shift along with updates in the industry. 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 full list of the Cisco professional certification tracks, including the CCNP:

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 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:

Travel and Lodging for the CCIE

The CCIE has many other associated costs. All exams have study material that isn't factored into the exam cost, but some require travel. The CCIE lab exam is only available at eight test centers worldwide, which means an added expense of travel, food, and lodging.

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 total cost of the CCIE. The most realistic scenarios put the cost of earning a CCIE somewhere 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 2023, 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.

How Much Do Microsoft Certification Exams Cost?

Since 2019, Microsoft has offered role-based certifications designed to bridge the gap between the knowledge required to pass certification exams and the knowledge needed for on-the-job success. Microsoft’s role-based certifications align with specific job roles, many of which are cloud-based.

As a result, in January 2021, Microsoft retired its MTA, MCSA, and MCSE certification programs. These programs had been laid out as a pyramid, with each level of certification leading learners to more specialized certifications. The available Microsoft certifications are listed below.

Microsoft Role-Based Certification Exam Costs

As of August 2023, 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 from $55 to $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 how many prerequisite exams are 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: Information Protection Administrator Associate: $165

• Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate: $330 (2 exams required)

• Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate: $165

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Enterprise 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: Azure Developer Associate: $165

• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Associate: $330 (2 exams required)

• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate: $165

• Microsoft 365 Certified: Messaging Administrator Associate: $165

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate: $165

• Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate: $330 (2 exams required; Retiring September 2023)

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate: $165

• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant Associate: $165

• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant Associate: $165

• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant Associate: $165

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer 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: Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant Associate: $165

• Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Developer Associate $165

• Microsoft 365 Certified: Security Administrator Associate: $165 (Retired June 2023)

• Microsoft 365 Certified: Teamwork Administrator Associate: $330 (Retired August 2020)

• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Commerce Functional Consultant Associate: $330 (2 exams required) (Retired January 2023)

Microsoft Expert Level Certification Exam Costs:

• Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert: $330 (2 exams required, Retiring September 2023)

• Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert: $165

• Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Solution Architect Expert: $165

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert: $165

• Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert: $165

• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect Expert: $165

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Stack Hub Operator Associate: $165  (Retired July 2023)

• Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Voice Engineer Expert: $165 (Retired June 2023)

Microsoft Fundamentals Certification Cost

Microsoft currently offers nine fundamental-level certifications aimed at learners who are new to technology or are considering a career change. Each certification requires passing only one exam, some of which count as prerequisites toward Microsoft role-based certifications (see above). 

Here's the full price list of the Microsoft Fundamentals certification exams:

• Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals: $99

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals: $99

• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals: $99

• Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals: $99

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Data 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 Practitioner Certification Exam Cost – $100

Amazon offers one practitioner-level exam, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, which costs $100 and is designed for non-technical professionals who use AWS cloud.

AWS Associate Certification Exam Cost – $150

Amazon offers three associate-level AWS certifications: Solutions Architect, Developer, and SysOps Administrator. 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.

Here's a complete list of AWS Associate certification exam costs:

AWS Professional Certification Exam Cost – $300

Amazon has two 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 Specialty Certification Exam Cost – $300

Amazon has three specialty AWS certifications — Security, Data Analytics, 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.

How Much Do VMware Certifications Cost?

VMware has five certifications: Associate, Professional, Advanced Professional, Design Expert, and Specialist. VMware has largely standardized its Associate, Professional, and Advanced certification exam cost structure.

VMware Foundation Certification Exam Cost – $125

VMware has two Foundations exams that are a prerequisite for most professional-level certifications.

VMware Certified Professional (VCP) Certification Exam Cost – $250

VMware has 15 professional-level certifications in five tracks — Data Center Virtualization, Network Virtualization, Cloud Management and Automation, Desktop and Mobility, and Digital Workspace. Each VMware Certified Professional (VCP) certification exam costs $250 per attempt.

In most cases, one of the two Foundation courses is the only prerequisite certification for the professional-level exams. However, there are exceptions. The VCP-DTM 2023 certification requires both a Foundation and the Horizon 8 exams. VMware Digital Workspace exams have no prerequisites.

VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP) Certification Exam Cost - $450

VMware offers nine advanced certifications in four tracks: data center virtualization, network virtualization, cloud management and automation, and desktop and mobility. Each VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP) certification exam costs $450 per attempt.

VMware VCP exams serve as the prerequisite for VCAP certifications by track. For instance, VCP6.5-DCV is required to take the VCAP6.5-DCVD.

VMware is pretty stringent in its prerequisites, but the most recent certifications are backward and compatible with earlier exams. For example, the VCP6.5-DCV can be the prerequisite for all three VCAP exams in the data center track but not the earlier VCP6-DCV exam. The same holds for network virtualization, cloud management, and desktop and mobility exams.

When considering the prerequisites, VCAP exams cost at least $700.

VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX) Certification – $3,995

VMware has five expert-level certifications in four tracks — data center virtualization, network virtualization, cloud management and automation, and desktop and mobility. 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. A failed defense is eligible to retake for an additional $900.

How Much Do CompTIA Exams Cost?

As of August 2023, CompTIA has 15 certifications in 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 $392

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 Infrastructure Series Certifications – $358

The certifications in the Infrastructure Series are vendor-neutral alternatives to Microsoft, Linux, VMware, and Cisco certifications.

CompTIA Cybersecurity Series Certifications – $392 to $494

The certifications in the Cybersecurity Series prepare IT professionals to serve in security roles. The CySA+ and Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) certifications are approved under DoD Directive 8140 and 8570.

CompTIA Professional Series Certifications – $134 to $358

The certifications in the Professional Series validate general business skills for technical and non-technical professionals.

How Much Do (ISC)2 Certifications Cost?

As of August 2023, (ISC)2 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 (ISC)2 involves qualification and endorsement processes for certified security professionals.

The Value of Certifications Outweigh the Costs

If this post has confirmed anything, it's that certifications aren't cheap. That becomes even more apparent when factoring in study material, prerequisite exams, multiple attempts, and even the time and effort put into studying for them. The CCIE, for instance, can easily cost $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 show that you're willing to put the time and effort into your career.

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 more robust case for spending the time and money to earn certifications. If you already know your stuff, it's best to validate that fact in an industry-approved way. Otherwise, you're potentially disqualifying yourself from many opportunities before you even have a chance to show your stuff.

As long as employers accept IT certifications as the standard, they'll remain necessary, relevant, and worth the cost.