CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ in South Africa: order and cost

Which CompTIA certification to start with for IT support, networking or security roles, how the exams work, and what they cost in South Africa.

CompTIA certifications are vendor-neutral and appear in a large share of South African IT support and junior security adverts. The usual order is A+ for support roles, Network+ for networking, and Security+ as the entry point to cybersecurity.

What each one covers

A+: two exams (Core 1, hardware and networking; Core 2, operating systems and security), taken in any order. The standard filter for service desk and desktop support roles.
Network+: one exam on networking concepts, infrastructure and troubleshooting.
Security+: one exam on threats, architecture, operations and governance. The most requested entry-level security certification.

Steps

Buy a voucher from CompTIA or an authorised South African reseller.
Book the exam with Pearson VUE, at a test centre or online.
Renew every three years through continuing education, or by passing a higher certification.

Cost

Fee	Amount
A+ voucher, US list price (per exam; two exams needed)	USD 274
Network+ voucher, US list price	USD 399
Security+ voucher, US list price	USD 439
Network+ voucher from a South African reseller	R 3 587
Security+ voucher from a South African reseller	R 3 783

US list prices as reported for 2026; South African reseller prices from examvouchers.co.za. Local vouchers are usually cheaper than the US list price. Checked 02/10/2026.

Keyword lists for these roles: IT Support Technician · Network Engineer · Cybersecurity Analyst

Sources

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