How much do IT certifications cost in 2026? That’s a question I hear in practically every conversation with people planning their technical skills development — whether I’m speaking with an individual specialist or an L&D manager budgeting a certification programme for an entire team. The answer isn’t straightforward, because the exam itself is often just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath the surface lie costs for preparation materials, practice exams, and sometimes recertification every few years.
The IT certification market in 2026 is more extensive than ever. Providers such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Google, CNCF, ISC2, PMI and Axelos offer dozens of certification programmes at various skill levels. Exam prices range from just over a hundred dollars for entry-level certifications to more than a thousand dollars for advanced cybersecurity exams. On top of that come preparation training costs, which can exceed the exam price several times over.
In this guide, I’ve compiled current IT certification exam prices in one place, broken down by technologies and providers. You’ll find not just a dry pricing table, but also an analysis of hidden costs, practical ways to save money, and a framework for budgeting a certification programme for your company. Whether you’re planning your first certification in your career or managing the training budget for a team of dozens — this article will help you make informed financial decisions.
How much do public cloud certification exams cost?
Cloud certifications are currently one of the fastest-growing market segments. The three main providers — AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud — offer multi-level certification paths, and exam prices increase with the level of advancement.
In the Amazon Web Services ecosystem, the path begins with AWS Cloud Practitioner at an exam price of $100. This is an entry-level certification, ideal for people taking their first steps in the cloud or for managers who want to understand AWS fundamentals. The next level — AWS Solutions Architect Associate — is one of the most recognisable certifications in the industry, with an exam cost of $150. At the Professional level, both Solutions Architect Professional and DevOps Engineer Professional cost $300 per exam attempt. Specialty certifications (Security, Machine Learning, Database, Networking) also fall within the $300 range.
Microsoft Azure applies a slightly different pricing structure. The AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals) exam costs $99 and serves as the equivalent of AWS Cloud Practitioner. Associate-level certifications — AZ-104 (Azure Administrator) and AZ-204 (Azure Developer) — cost $165 each. At the same price point sits AZ-305 (Azure Solutions Architect Expert), though it requires passing AZ-104 first. It’s worth remembering that Microsoft regularly offers free exam vouchers at events such as Microsoft Ignite or Build.
Google Cloud Platform is priced between AWS and Azure. Associate-level exams cost around $200, whilst Professional-level exams range from $200-300, depending on the specialisation. GCP has a smaller share of the Polish market than AWS and Azure, but certified GCP specialists are sought after particularly in companies using BigQuery, Kubernetes Engine and ML services.
What are the prices for Kubernetes and containerisation certifications?
CNCF (Cloud Native Computing Foundation) certifications related to Kubernetes are a specific market segment with a uniform pricing policy. All three main certifications — CKA (Certified Kubernetes Administrator), CKAD (Certified Kubernetes Application Developer) and CKS (Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist) — cost $395 per exam.
What distinguishes CNCF certifications is their format. Unlike most exams based on multiple-choice questions, CKA, CKAD and CKS are hands-on practical exams, during which candidates perform real administrative and configuration tasks in a Kubernetes environment. This format means CNCF certifications enjoy particularly high regard in the industry — a CKA holder had to prove they can manage a Kubernetes cluster in practice, not just answer theoretical questions.
A significant price advantage of CNCF certifications is that the $395 price includes one free retake if you fail the exam on your first attempt. In practice, this means the cost per attempt can be understood as approximately $200 with the safety net of a second chance. This is a unique approach that most other certification programmes don’t offer. Additionally, the exam price includes access to the killer.sh training environment, which simulates exam conditions.
It’s also worth mentioning KCNA (Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate) — an entry-level certification priced at $250, which doesn’t require practical experience and is based on multiple-choice questions. This is a good solution for people just beginning their journey with the cloud-native ecosystem.
How much do cybersecurity certifications cost?
Cybersecurity certifications are among the most expensive in the IT market, but simultaneously offer some of the highest returns on investment in terms of salary increases. The price range in this segment is enormous — from several hundred to over a thousand dollars for the exam alone.
At entry level, the most popular choice is CompTIA Security+ with an exam price of $404. This is a vendor-neutral certification, recognised globally and often required as a minimum when recruiting for IT security positions. It covers cybersecurity fundamentals — from cryptography through risk management to network security.
One of the most expensive exams on the market is CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) from EC-Council, which costs $1199. CEH focuses on offensive security — penetration testing techniques, vulnerability identification and ethical hacking. The high exam price doesn’t include mandatory training (unless the candidate chooses the self-study path with documented experience), which means the total cost of obtaining CEH can be one of the highest among popular IT certifications.
At the top of both the price and prestige hierarchy sits CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) from ISC2 with an exam price of $749. CISSP is a certification requiring a minimum of five years’ professional experience in at least two of eight security domains. It’s widely recognised as the gold standard among cybersecurity certifications and opens doors to positions such as CISO, Security Director or Security Architect. The exam uses CAT (Computerised Adaptive Testing) format and lasts up to four hours.
It’s also worth mentioning CompTIA CySA+ ($404) as an alternative to CEH in the security analysis area, and CISM ($575) from ISACA for those interested in information security management.
What are the costs of project management certifications?
Project management and agile methodology certifications are a segment with significant price variation, but also enormous career impact — particularly in management positions and organisations requiring formal project qualifications.
PRINCE2 Foundation — one of the most popular project certifications in Europe — costs approximately £295 (around 1500 PLN) for the exam alone. It’s worth remembering that PRINCE2 requires completing accredited training before taking the exam, which increases the total cost. PRINCE2 Practitioner, the next level, is an additional £295 for the exam. The Practitioner certification requires recertification every three years.
PMP (Project Management Professional) from PMI is a globally-recognised certification, particularly valued in North America and international companies. The exam costs $555 for PMI members (annual membership $139) or $555 without membership. PMP requires documented project experience and a minimum of 35 hours of project management education. Recertification occurs every three years and requires collecting 60 PDU (Professional Development Units).
In the Agile and Scrum world, two paths are most popular. PSM I (Professional Scrum Master) from Scrum.org costs $150 for the online exam — with no training requirement and no need for recertification (the certification is lifetime). This makes PSM one of the most cost-effective certifications on the market. Conversely, CSM (Certified Scrum Master) from Scrum Alliance requires mandatory two-day training (cost dependent on the trainer, typically from 3000 to 6000 PLN) and recertification every two years ($100).
ITIL 4 Foundation — a certification in IT service management — costs approximately €400 in a package with training. The exam alone is about €370, but most certifying organisations require training completion as a condition for taking the exam. ITIL is particularly valued in organisations with developed IT Service Management.
What does the complete IT certification price table look like in 2026?
The table below compiles all discussed certifications in one place, enabling quick comparison of exam costs across individual categories.
| Certification | Provider | Exam Price | Level | Recertification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Cloud Practitioner | Amazon | $100 | Entry | Every 3 years |
| AWS SA Associate | Amazon | $150 | Intermediate | Every 3 years |
| AWS SA Professional | Amazon | $300 | Advanced | Every 3 years |
| Azure AZ-900 | Microsoft | $99 | Entry | No |
| Azure AZ-104 | Microsoft | $165 | Intermediate | Annually (free) |
| Azure AZ-305 | Microsoft | $165 | Advanced | Annually (free) |
| GCP Associate | ~$200 | Intermediate | Every 2 years | |
| CKA | CNCF | $395 | Intermediate | Every 2 years |
| CKAD | CNCF | $395 | Intermediate | Every 2 years |
| CKS | CNCF | $395 | Advanced | Every 2 years |
| CompTIA Security+ | CompTIA | $404 | Entry | Every 3 years |
| CEH | EC-Council | $1199 | Intermediate | Every 3 years |
| CISSP | ISC2 | $749 | Advanced | Every 3 years (CPE) |
| PRINCE2 Foundation | PeopleCert | ~£295 | Entry | No |
| PMP | PMI | $555 | Advanced | Every 3 years (PDU) |
| PSM I | Scrum.org | $150 | Intermediate | No (lifetime) |
| ITIL 4 Foundation | PeopleCert | ~€400 | Entry | No |
It’s worth noting that exam prices are only part of the costs. In the following sections, I’ll discuss hidden expenses that can significantly impact your total certification budget.
What hidden costs are associated with IT certification?
The exam itself is in many cases the smaller part of the total certification investment. Hidden costs can surprise both individual specialists and companies planning training budgets.
The first and often most important category is preparation materials. Official textbooks, video courses and e-learning platforms can cost from several hundred zlotys (e.g. Udemy course for 50-80 PLN on promotion) to several thousand zlotys (official provider materials or authorised training). In the case of CISSP, the official ISC2 textbook alone (Official Study Guide) costs around $60-80, plus practice exams and any bootcamps.
Practice exams are another budget item that can’t be ignored. Platforms such as Whizlabs, Tutorials Dojo or official practice exams from providers cost from $15 to $50 per set. Most experts recommend working through a minimum of two to three practice exam sets before the actual exam, generating an additional cost of around $30-150.
One mustn’t forget about retake costs in case of failing the exam on the first attempt. Whilst CNCF certifications (CKA, CKAD, CKS) offer a free retake included in the exam price, most programmes require paying the full amount again. For the CISSP exam ($749) or CEH ($1199), failing on the first attempt is a serious financial blow.
Recertification is a long-term hidden cost that many specialists forget about when planning their budget. AWS certifications require recertification every three years (at full exam price), PMP requires collecting 60 PDUs over three years (which involves costs for conferences, courses or webinars), and CISSP requires an annual maintenance fee ($125) plus collecting CPE credits. Over a ten-year perspective, recertification costs can equal or exceed the initial investment.
Finally, it’s worth considering opportunity costs — time devoted to exam preparation (typically from 40 to 200 hours, depending on the certification) is time an employee could have devoted to current projects.
How can you save money on IT certification?
The good news is that many proven methods exist for reducing certification costs — both for individual specialists and for companies investing in team development.
Training + exam voucher packages are one of the most effective savings strategies. Authorised training partners (ATP) — such as EITT — offer packages combining preparation courses with exam vouchers at a price lower than the sum of both elements separately. An additional benefit is that training with an experienced instructor significantly increases the chance of passing first time, eliminating the potential cost of a retake.
Promotional vouchers from providers appear regularly. Microsoft offers free exam vouchers during Microsoft Ignite, Build and other events. AWS organises similar promotions during re:Invent. CNCF sometimes offers discounts on Kubernetes certifications as part of events such as KubeCon. It’s worth following the calendars of these events, because savings can reach even the full exam price.
Employer funding is an option used by an increasing number of IT specialists. Many companies in Poland have training budgets and gladly cover certification costs that directly translate into team competencies. The key is presenting the employer with a concrete business case — what value the certification will bring to the organisation.
For companies, a particularly attractive solution is the National Training Fund (KFS), which enables training and certification co-financing of up to 80% of costs (and in the case of micro-enterprises — up to 100%). The KFS co-financing application is submitted to the district employment office, and the process requires advance planning because funds are limited and distributed at specific times. As a training company, we help our clients prepare the documentation necessary to obtain KFS co-financing.
Bundled certifications are another strategy — some programmes offer discounts when planning several exams simultaneously. Microsoft has an Enterprise Skills Initiative programme for companies, and CompTIA offers bundle packages for its certifications.
Do IT certifications pay off — how to calculate ROI?
The question of return on investment in IT certification is a key issue both for specialists making an individual decision and for managers justifying training expenditure to the board.
The basic certification ROI formula looks as follows: take the difference between expected annual salary increase after certification and the total cost of obtaining it (exam + training + materials + preparation time), then divide by the total cost. If the total investment in AWS Solutions Architect Associate certification cost you 5000 PLN (training + exam + materials), and the certification translated into a salary increase of 1500 PLN monthly, then the return on investment occurs after less than four months.
Data from portals such as Bulldogjob, Just Join IT and No Fluff Jobs indicates that holders of recognised IT certifications can expect higher salary brackets compared with uncertified colleagues in similar positions. The difference depends on the certification, level of experience and specialisation, but cybersecurity certifications (particularly CISSP) and advanced cloud certifications (AWS SA Professional, Azure Solutions Architect) consistently correlate with the highest brackets on the market.
It’s worth remembering that certification ROI extends beyond salary alone. A certification can open access to projects that were previously unavailable, increase credibility in clients’ eyes, facilitate changing employers or specialisations, and in the case of freelancers — justify higher rates. For companies meanwhile, a certified team is often a condition for obtaining technology partner status (e.g. AWS Partner Network requires a specific number of certified employees) or winning a tender.
Certifications with the shortest return on investment time are usually those that combine relatively low exam cost with significant earnings impact. PSM I ($150, lifetime), AWS Solutions Architect Associate ($150) and Azure AZ-104 ($165) regularly appear at the top of such rankings.
How to plan a certification budget for an IT team?
Planning a certification budget is a challenge faced by every L&D manager responsible for technical skills development. Too low a budget means losing talent that will leave for companies investing in development. Too high — difficulties justifying expenditure to the board.
The first step is inventory of competencies and certification gaps in the team. Which certifications are required by clients or projects? Which will open new business opportunities? Which support the company’s existing technology strategy? Answers to these questions will help establish priorities.
When planning the budget, include the full certification cost per person, not just the exam price. A typical budget for one certification includes preparation training (the largest cost item), additional materials, practice exams, exam fee and any retake. For cloud certifications (AWS, Azure) the total cost typically falls within the range of 4000-8000 PLN per person, depending on the chosen training format. For cybersecurity certifications (CISSP, CEH) amounts can reach 10,000-15,000 PLN.
Good practice is spreading the certification plan across the whole year instead of a one-off expenditure. A quarterly approach allows better budget management and evenly distributes team workload. In the first quarter, entry-level certifications for new team members, in the second and third, intermediate and advanced certifications for experienced specialists, in the fourth — recertifications and planning for the next year.
Negotiating volume discounts with training providers is standard for companies certifying more than a few people annually. For groups above five to six participants, closed (dedicated) training becomes more cost-effective than open training, and additionally allows programme adaptation to the company’s specific tech stack.
How does EITT help in planning and implementing IT certifications?
At EITT, we’ve been supporting both individual specialists and organisations in the IT certification process for years. Our experience encompasses over 2500 completed training courses, and the team numbers over 500 experts — trainers with current certifications and practical industry experience.
One of the greatest assets of our approach is training + certification packages, which combine authorised preparation training with an exam voucher. Such a package not only reduces the total certification cost, but above all maximises the chance of passing the exam first time — which eliminates the potential retake cost. Our preparation programmes are delivered by trainers who themselves hold the discussed certifications and know the exam specifics first-hand.
For companies, we offer comprehensive certification path planning for teams. We begin with an analysis of current competencies and organisational needs, then design a time-distributed and cost-optimised certification programme. We also support the preparation of documentation necessary to obtain KFS co-financing, which allows significant cost reduction.
Our training quality rating of 4.8/5 reflects an approach where the priority is the practical value of training, not just covering material. Training is delivered in workshop format, with hands-on elements and access to technical laboratories. We offer both open training (with a set date, ideal for individuals) and closed training (dedicated for companies, with a programme adapted to team needs).
Frequently asked questions
Which IT certification is cheapest in 2026?
The cheapest certification among popular programmes is PSM I (Professional Scrum Master) from Scrum.org at $150. An additional advantage is that the certification is lifetime — it requires no recertification or maintenance fees. Among technical certifications, the cheapest are entry-level ones from cloud providers: Azure AZ-900 ($99) and AWS Cloud Practitioner ($100).
Do IT certification prices rise year on year?
The general trend is upward, though the rate of growth differs between providers. AWS and Microsoft raise prices every few years, whilst CNCF maintains relatively stable prices for Kubernetes certifications. The largest price jumps concern cybersecurity certifications. It’s worth planning certification earlier to avoid potential price increases.
Is it worth buying preparation materials, or are free resources sufficient?
It depends on the certification and your experience. For entry-level certifications (AWS CP, AZ-900), free resources — official documentation, free courses from providers and community materials — may suffice. For intermediate and advanced certifications, particularly practical ones like CKA or CISSP, investing in professional materials and preparation training significantly increases the chance of passing first time.
How much time is needed to prepare for an IT certification?
Preparation time depends on the certification level and your experience. For entry-level certifications (Cloud Practitioner, AZ-900), usually two to four weeks of after-hours study suffices. Intermediate certifications (SA Associate, CKA) require six to twelve weeks of intensive study. Advanced certifications (CISSP, AWS SA Professional) may require three to six months of preparation, particularly if they require filling experience gaps.
Should an employer cover certification costs?
From an employer’s perspective, employee certification is an investment, not a cost. A certified team is more competent, productive and motivated. Many companies in Poland cover full certification costs that are significant for ongoing projects, and additional co-financing from KFS can cover up to 80% of costs. As an employee, it’s worth preparing a concrete business case showing the certification’s value to the organisation.
How to choose your first IT certification, considering budget?
If budget is limited, start with certifications offering the best value-to-price ratio. PSM I ($150) is an excellent choice for people interested in Agile and Scrum. AWS Cloud Practitioner ($100) or Azure AZ-900 ($99) are ideal starting points for a cloud path. These certifications not only cost relatively little, but also build a foundation for more advanced certifications in the future.
Are CNCF (Kubernetes) certifications worth taking despite the high price?
CNCF certifications cost $395 per exam, which at first glance is a higher amount than many entry-level certifications. However, the price includes a free retake and access to the killer.sh training environment. Kubernetes certifications are highly valued on the market — the practical exam format means a CKA or CKAD holder is perceived as a specialist with confirmed skills, not just theoretical knowledge. Considering the growing demand for Kubernetes specialists, investment in a CNCF certification pays off quickly.
Planning IT certification? Check training + certification packages at EITT — we combine authorised preparation training with exam vouchers at competitive prices.
Managing a team training budget? Contact us to plan a certification programme tailored to your organisation’s needs — we’ll also help with KFS documentation.
Read Also
- PRINCE2 Pass or Fail: A Complete Guide to Certification
- Closed vs Open Training — Complete Decision Guide
- AWS vs Azure - Which Cloud Certification in 2026?
Develop Your Skills
This article is related to the training AWS Architect certification - preparing for the exam. Check the program and sign up to develop your skills with EITT experts.