Certification Cost Calculator
Calculate your total certification costs based on your chosen path. Select from popular coding certifications and add preparation costs to see the complete picture.
đź’ˇ Save money: Check for student discounts, employer reimbursement, or wait for course sales. Some platforms offer financial aid!
Thinking about getting a coding certification? You're not alone. But before you dive in, you need to know: how much will it really cost? The answer varies wildly-from free to thousands of dollars. Understanding your coding certification cost is crucial because not all certifications are created equal. Let’s break down exactly what you can expect to pay for popular certifications in 2026.
Common Coding Certifications and Their Costs
Not all coding certifications are created equal. The price depends on who issues it and what it covers. Here’s a quick look at some top certifications:
| Certification | Exam Cost | Typical Total Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | $100 | $115-$500 | Beginners in cloud computing |
| Microsoft Azure Fundamentals | $99 | $99-$250 | Those using Microsoft cloud services |
| Google Cloud Associate Engineer | $125 | $125-$300 | Google Cloud users |
| freeCodeCamp Certifications | $0 | $0 | Web development fundamentals |
| CompTIA A+ | $232 | $232-$500 | IT support roles |
For example, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam costs $100. If you take a prep course on Udemy, which often runs for $15 during sales, your total cost would be around $115. However, if you buy a bundle that includes the exam voucher, like the one from A Cloud Guru, it’s usually $300-$500. Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam alone costs $99, but Microsoft often offers discounts for students, so you might pay as little as $50. Some online courses bundle the exam voucher, bringing the total to $150-$250. Google Cloud Associate Engineer costs $125 for the exam. Google offers free training resources through Qwiklabs, which can help you prepare without extra cost. However, if you need a structured course, platforms like Coursera charge $49 per month for their Google Cloud specialization.
Free vs Paid Coding Certification Options
Not all certifications require cash upfront. FreeCodeCamp is a standout option. You can earn certifications in web development, data visualization, and more-all for free. The platform includes interactive coding challenges and projects. No exam fees, no hidden costs. Just complete the curriculum, and you’ll get a certificate. It’s perfect for beginners who want to build a portfolio without spending a dime.
Codecademy offers a free tier with basic courses, but you’ll need to pay for their Pro plan ($19.99/month) to access certification tracks. The free tier is great for learning syntax, but you won’t get a formal certificate. Khan Academy has free coding lessons, but they don’t offer official certifications. Instead, they focus on foundational knowledge. If you’re looking for a no-cost path, FreeCodeCamp is your best bet.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
It’s easy to forget about hidden costs. Exam retakes cost the same as the original fee. If you fail the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam, you’ll pay $100 again to retake it. Study materials can add up too. Some certifications require books or practice tests. For CompTIA A+, study guides like the CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide cost $40-$60. Practice exams from MeasureUp run $40-$50. These add-ons can double your initial budget.
Time investment is another hidden cost. Preparing for exams takes hours. If you’re working full-time, you might lose income from skipping shifts or missing work. For example, studying for Microsoft Azure Fundamentals might take 80-100 hours. If you earn $20/hour, that’s $1,600-$2,000 in lost wages. Factor this into your total cost.
How to Save Money on Certifications
There are smart ways to cut costs. Look for discounts. AWS offers vouchers for students through AWS Educate. Microsoft has similar programs for Azure. Udemy frequently runs sales where courses drop to $10-$15. Wait for these sales before buying. Some employers reimburse certification costs. Check with your HR department-many companies cover exams for roles that align with your job. Platforms like Coursera offer financial aid for specializations. Apply for it if you qualify.
Use free resources. Google Cloud’s Qwiklabs provides free labs for hands-on practice. Mozilla Developer Network has free tutorials for web development. YouTube has channels like freeCodeCamp and Tech With Tim that offer full certification prep courses. Combine these with official exam guides to keep costs low.
Choosing the Right Certification for Your Budget
Your budget should match your career goals. If you’re new to tech, start with freeCodeCamp. It’s zero-cost and covers HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more. For cloud roles, AWS or Microsoft certifications are ideal. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner at $100 is a solid entry point. If you’re on a tight budget, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals at $99 is affordable. For IT support roles, CompTIA A+ at $232 is worth the investment-it’s widely recognized and opens doors to entry-level jobs.
Don’t rush into expensive options. Start small. A $100 AWS exam followed by a freeCodeCamp project builds credibility without breaking the bank. As you gain experience, invest in higher-tier certifications. Remember: the goal is to prove your skills, not just spend money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there completely free coding certifications?
Yes. FreeCodeCamp offers free certifications in web development, data visualization, and more. You complete projects and earn certificates without paying anything. Other platforms like Khan Academy provide free learning materials but don’t issue formal certifications.
How much does AWS certification cost?
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam costs $100. Advanced certifications like AWS Solutions Architect cost $300. If you buy a prep course bundle, total costs range from $300-$500. Look for AWS Educate discounts if you’re a student.
Do employers pay for coding certifications?
Many do. Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google often reimburse certification costs for employees in relevant roles. Check your company’s policy-some cover exam fees, study materials, or even full course fees. This can slash your out-of-pocket costs significantly.
What’s the cheapest coding certification?
FreeCodeCamp certifications cost $0. For paid options, Udemy courses on sale can be as low as $10. Some platforms offer exam vouchers for $50-$100. CompTIA A+ is $232, but it’s a recognized credential for IT support roles.
Can I get a coding certification without a degree?
Absolutely. Most coding certifications don’t require a degree. AWS, Microsoft, and Google certifications focus on skills, not education. FreeCodeCamp is entirely self-taught. Employers value certifications as proof of ability, regardless of academic background.
