14 certifications
IT certifications, compared
What each exam costs, how long it takes and how long the credential lasts. Every figure is taken from the vendor's own pages and dated. Prices are US list prices for one attempt unless noted.
Linux & open source
| Certification | Exam price | Exam time | Valid for |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA Linux+CompTIA | $399 | 90 min | 3 years |
| Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS)The Linux Foundation | $445 | 120 min | 2 years |
| LPIC-1: Linux AdministratorLinux Professional Institute (LPI) | $200 × 2 | 90 min | 5 years |
| Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)Red Hat | $500 | Not published | 3 years |
IT support
| Certification | Exam price | Exam time | Valid for |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA A+CompTIA | $274 × 2 | 90 min | 3 years |
Networking
| Certification | Exam price | Exam time | Valid for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)Cisco | $300 | 120 min | 3 years |
Security
| Certification | Exam price | Exam time | Valid for |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security ProfessionalISC2 | $749 | 180 min | 3 years |
| CompTIA Security+CompTIA | $439 | 90 min | 3 years |
Cloud
| Certification | Exam price | Exam time | Valid for |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – AssociateAmazon Web Services | $150 | 130 min | 3 years |
| Google Cloud Associate Cloud EngineerGoogle Cloud | $125 | 120 min | 3 years |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator AssociateMicrosoft | $165 | 100 min | 1 year |
DevOps
| Certification | Exam price | Exam time | Valid for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)The Linux Foundation / CNCF | $445 | 120 min | 2 years |
| HashiCorp Certified: Terraform AssociateHashiCorp | $70.5 | 60 min | 2 years |
Project management
| Certification | Exam price | Exam time | Valid for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Management Professional (PMP)Project Management Institute (PMI) | $655 | 240 min | 3 years |
Vendors change prices and exam versions often. Each certification page shows the date we last checked it and links to the official source; confirm the price at checkout before you buy a voucher.