So you're looking into the CompTIA Network+ exam cost for 2026. Smart move, honestly. Before diving headfirst into certification prep, you need to know what you're actually signing up for financially. I've seen too many people get sticker shock halfway through their study plan because they only budgeted for the exam voucher and forgot about... well, everything else.
Here's the thing: the base exam price is just the starting point. Between study materials, practice tests, and the very real possibility of needing a retake, your actual investment could be significantly higher. Or - if you play your cards right - you can keep costs way down with some strategic planning.
Let me break down exactly what the Network+ certification cost looks like in 2026, from the voucher itself to hidden expenses most guides don't mention.
Current CompTIA Network+ Exam Cost (2026 Pricing)
The standard CompTIA Network+ exam cost in 2026 is $369 USD. That's the price for a single exam voucher that lets you take the N10-009 exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or through their online proctoring system.
Now, $369 might sound like a lot or a little depending on your perspective. Compared to some vendor certifications like Cisco CCNP (which can run over $400 per exam with multiple exams required) or AWS solutions architect ($300), Network+ sits somewhere in the middle. It's definitely not cheap, but it's not the most expensive networking cert out there either.
Network+ Exam Quick Facts
- Current Exam Code: N10-009
- Standard Voucher Price: $369 USD
- Academic Price: ~$185 USD (50% discount)
- Exam Duration: 90 minutes
- Number of Questions: Up to 90
- Passing Score: 720 (on a scale of 100-900)
- Voucher Validity: 12 months from purchase
One thing worth noting: CompTIA raised their prices back in 2022, and while they've stayed relatively stable since then, there's always the possibility of another increase. If you're planning to take the exam in the next few months, locking in current pricing by purchasing your voucher now might make sense.
What Affects Your Total Network+ Certification Cost
That $369 voucher price? It's really just the tip of the iceberg. Your actual Network+ certification cost depends on several factors that can push your total investment anywhere from $250 to $1,000+.
Your Learning Style and Background
If you've already got networking experience - maybe you've been configuring routers at work or have your CompTIA A+ - you might get away with minimal study materials. Some experienced IT pros pass with just free videos and a practice test or two.
But if networking concepts are brand new to you? You'll probably need more comprehensive resources. Video courses, hands-on labs, maybe even a boot camp. The less background knowledge you bring, the more you'll likely spend on learning materials.
Whether You Pass on the First Attempt
This is the big one nobody wants to think about. If you fail your first attempt, you're looking at another $369 for a retake voucher. Plus there's a mandatory 14-day waiting period before you can test again. That's $738 total just for exam fees if you need two tries.
The Network+ pass rate isn't publicly disclosed by CompTIA, but industry estimates suggest around 65-70% of first-time test takers pass. Those aren't terrible odds, but roughly a third of people do need a second shot.
Testing Method: In-Person vs. Online
Both options cost the same $369 for the exam voucher. But there are hidden cost considerations:
- In-person testing: May require travel expenses (gas, parking, possibly hotel if no testing center is nearby)
- Online proctoring: Requires a reliable computer, webcam, and quiet testing environment (you might need to buy equipment or book a quiet workspace)
Network+ Voucher Options and Available Discounts
The good news is that $369 isn't necessarily what you have to pay. CompTIA offers several discount programs, and there are legitimate ways to reduce your voucher cost significantly.
Academic Discount (Students and Educators)
If you're currently enrolled in school or teaching, CompTIA's academic pricing knocks roughly 50% off the voucher price. That brings your Network+ voucher price down to approximately $185. You'll need to verify your status through a .edu email or enrollment documentation.
This is probably the single best discount available. If you're even remotely affiliated with an educational institution, it's worth checking if you qualify.
Bundle Deals and Packages
CompTIA sells several bundle options that combine exam vouchers with study materials:
- Basic Bundle (~$500-$550): Voucher + CertMaster Practice (practice tests)
- Deluxe Bundle (~$600-$700): Voucher + CertMaster Learn (full course) + CertMaster Practice
- Premier Bundle (~$750-$850): Everything above + retake voucher
Are these bundles worth it? Depends on your situation. If you were planning to buy CertMaster materials anyway, the bundle saves 15-25% compared to purchasing everything separately. But if you planned to use free resources, you're just adding costs you don't need.
Voucher Discount Sources
- Academic pricing: ~50% off with valid student or educator status
- Employer programs: Many companies have corporate accounts with CompTIA
- IT associations: Some professional groups offer member discounts
- Military/Veterans: Additional discounts may apply
- Seasonal promotions: Watch for Black Friday, back-to-school, and IT month deals
Third-Party Voucher Resellers
Some authorized training partners and IT training companies sell vouchers at slight discounts or bundle them with their courses. The savings are usually modest (5-15%), but every bit helps. Just make sure you're buying from an authorized reseller - CompTIA does void vouchers purchased from unauthorized sources.
Network+ Retake Costs and CompTIA's Retake Policy
Nobody plans to fail, but smart planning means budgeting for the possibility. Here's what you need to know about retake costs and policies.
Standard Retake Pricing
Unfortunately, CompTIA doesn't offer discounted retake vouchers. If you fail the Network+ exam, you'll pay the same $369 for another attempt. Some third-party packages include retake insurance, but these typically cost $50-$100 extra upfront.
Retake Waiting Periods
- First retake: Must wait 14 calendar days after failing
- Second retake: Must wait 14 calendar days
- Third+ retake: Must wait 14 calendar days
There's no limit on how many times you can retake the exam, but you must wait at least 14 days between attempts. And obviously, each retake means another $369 out of pocket unless you have a retake voucher from a bundle.
When Retake Insurance Makes Sense
If you're feeling uncertain about your preparation or it's your first CompTIA exam, retake insurance might be worth considering. Paying an extra $50-$100 upfront beats paying $369 if things don't go well on test day. However, if you've been consistently scoring 85%+ on practice exams, that insurance money might be better spent elsewhere.
Study Material Costs: What You'll Actually Spend
Beyond the exam voucher, study materials represent your biggest variable expense. Let me break down the options from free to premium.
Free Resources
Yes, you can legitimately prepare for Network+ without spending a dime on study materials. Here's what's available:
- Professor Messer's Network+ Course: Complete free video series covering all exam objectives (YouTube/website)
- CompTIA's Official Exam Objectives: Free PDF outlining exactly what's covered on the exam
- Reddit r/CompTIA: Community study guides, tips, and practice question discussions
- Public Library: Many libraries have Network+ study guides available for loan
Can you pass using only free resources? Absolutely. Many people do. But it requires more discipline to create your own study structure and you might miss out on the hands-on practice components that paid options provide.
Budget Study Materials ($50-$150)
- Study Guides: Books like Mike Meyers' All-in-One or the Exam Cram series run $30-$50
- Practice Exams: Dion Training, Kaplan, or CertMaster Practice tests cost $50-$100
- Flashcard Apps: Quizlet Plus or dedicated certification apps run $15-$30
This budget range is probably the sweet spot for most people. You're getting structured content and realistic practice questions without breaking the bank.
Premium Study Options ($200-$500+)
- Video Courses: CBT Nuggets, LinkedIn Learning, or Udemy premium courses ($100-$300)
- CompTIA CertMaster Learn: Official interactive course ($250-$350 standalone)
- Boot Camps: Intensive training programs ($500-$3,000)
- Lab Environments: Virtual labs for hands-on practice ($50-$150)
Premium options make the most sense if you're completely new to networking, learn best with structured instruction, or need to pass quickly for a job opportunity. The ROI on a boot camp is questionable for most self-motivated learners, though.
Total Investment Breakdown: Realistic Budget Scenarios
Let me put this all together with some realistic scenarios based on different situations.
Scenario 1: Budget Conscious Student
- Academic voucher: $185
- Study materials: $0 (Professor Messer + library book + free practice questions)
- Total: ~$185-$200
Scenario 2: Self-Study Professional
- Standard voucher: $369
- Study guide book: $40
- Practice exam subscription: $75
- Total: ~$485
Scenario 3: Comprehensive Preparation
- CompTIA Deluxe Bundle (voucher + CertMaster): $650
- Additional practice tests: $50
- Supplementary book: $40
- Total: ~$740
Scenario 4: First Attempt Fail (Worst Case)
- First voucher: $369
- Study materials: $200
- Retake voucher: $369
- Additional practice tests: $75
- Total: ~$1,013
Budget Reality Check
The most common mistake people make is budgeting only for the exam voucher. Plan for $500-$600 as a realistic total investment, and you won't be caught off guard. If you come in under budget, great - but it's better to be prepared than stressed about unexpected costs mid-preparation.
How to Save Money on Your Network+ Certification
Alright, let's talk strategy. There are legitimate ways to reduce your Network+ certification cost without cutting corners on preparation quality.
1. Maximize Free Resources First
Start with Professor Messer's free course and the official CompTIA exam objectives. Watch all the videos, take notes, and only buy additional materials when you identify specific gaps in your understanding. Many people overbuy study materials they never fully use.
2. Check for Employer Reimbursement
Before spending a dime, check if your employer offers certification reimbursement. Many IT employers cover exam costs (and sometimes study materials) after you pass. Some even pay upfront. This is literally free money if it's available to you.
3. Explore Academic Pricing
Even if you're not a traditional student, you might qualify. Community college students, online degree programs, and even some continuing education courses can make you eligible for academic pricing. That 50% discount is worth investigating.
4. Wait for Promotional Periods
CompTIA runs periodic promotions - typically around Black Friday, back-to-school season, and IT professional awareness months. Discounts of 10-20% aren't unusual during these windows. If your timeline is flexible, waiting for a promotion could save $35-$75.
5. Pass on the First Attempt
This sounds obvious, but it's the single biggest money-saver. Investing an extra $50-$100 in better practice exams or a few more weeks of study is way cheaper than paying $369 for a retake. Don't schedule your exam until you're consistently scoring 85%+ on practice tests.
6. Consider Professional Help
If you're short on study time or struggling with exam anxiety, professional assistance services can actually be cost-effective. At ComptiaHelp, we've helped IT professionals get their Network+ certification when traditional study methods weren't working for them. Sometimes the fastest path to certification is also the most economical when you factor in time value.
Is Network+ Worth the Cost? ROI Analysis
After all this talk about costs, let's address the elephant in the room: is spending $400-$800 on Network+ certification actually worth it?
Salary Impact
Network+ certified professionals typically earn $55,000-$85,000 annually, depending on role and location. That's roughly $5,000-$15,000 more than non-certified professionals in similar positions. Even at the conservative end, the certification pays for itself within a few months.
Job Requirements
According to job posting analysis, Network+ appears in requirements or preferred qualifications for thousands of IT positions monthly. For many network administrator, help desk, and systems support roles, having Network+ can mean the difference between getting an interview and getting filtered out by applicant tracking systems.
Career Progression Value
Network+ often serves as a stepping stone to more advanced certifications and roles. It demonstrates fundamental networking knowledge that employers value, and it's a prerequisite (in terms of knowledge, if not officially) for certifications like CompTIA Security+ and Cisco CCNA.
The bottom line? For most IT professionals, Network+ offers strong ROI. The $400-$800 investment typically returns 10x or more in career advancement and salary growth over a few years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts on Network+ Exam Cost
So what's the real CompTIA Network+ exam cost in 2026? The base voucher is $369, but plan on $500-$600 total when you factor in study materials. Students can get away with $200-$250 using academic pricing and free resources.
The key is going in with realistic expectations. Budget properly, use the resources that match your learning style, and focus on passing that first attempt. A well-prepared candidate who passes on try number one spends half what someone who needs a retake does.
Is the investment worth it? For anyone pursuing a networking or IT infrastructure career, almost certainly yes. The certification pays for itself quickly through better job opportunities and higher salaries.
Need help getting your Network+ certification? Whether you're struggling with exam preparation or just short on study time, our team at ComptiaHelp can help you achieve your certification goals. We've helped hundreds of IT professionals pass their certification exams and advance their careers.