CompTIA A+ Exam Voucher: Core 1 + Core 2 Bundles Explained

A complete breakdown of A+ voucher options — individual vouchers, the Core 1+2 bundle, retake assurance variants, and how to pick the right combination for your situation.

A+ is unique among CompTIA certifications: it requires two separate exams (Core 1 and Core 2), which means two separate voucher decisions. Add in retake assurance and bundle pricing, and the choices multiply quickly.

This guide breaks down every voucher option, when each makes sense, and how to avoid overpaying or under-protecting yourself.

The Five Voucher Options for A+

For A+ V15 (220-1201/1202), IT-MASTER Co. offers a complete range of voucher products:

1. Standard Voucher — Core 1 (220-1201)

Single attempt at the Core 1 exam.

👉 A+ Core 1 Voucher (220-1201)

2. Standard Voucher — Core 2 (220-1202)

Single attempt at the Core 2 exam.

👉 A+ Core 2 Voucher (220-1202)

3. Voucher Bundle — Core 1 + Core 2

Both exams, single purchase, better combined pricing.

👉 A+ Voucher Bundle (Core 1 + Core 2)

4. Voucher + Retake — Core 1

Single attempt at Core 1, plus a guaranteed second attempt within 12 months if you don't pass.

👉 A+ Core 1 Voucher + Retake (220-1201)

5. Voucher + Retake — Core 2

Single attempt at Core 2, plus a guaranteed second attempt within 12 months.

👉 A+ Core 2 Voucher + Retake (220-1202)

All vouchers are 100% genuine, sourced directly from CompTIA's official distribution channels, with 12-month validity from delivery. Delivered to your email within 4–8 hours.

Decision Framework: Which Combination Is Right for You?

The right voucher choice depends on three factors: your confidence level, your budget, and your timeline.

Scenario 1: Confident, Budget-Conscious, Flexible Timeline

You've done full prep, you're scoring well on practice exams, and you can afford a retake if needed.

Best choice: Voucher Bundle (Core 1 + Core 2) — saves money vs buying separately, no extra retake cost since you don't expect to need it.

Scenario 2: Nervous, Budget-Conscious, Flexible Timeline

This is your first cert, you don't know how you'll perform under exam pressure, but you want to stretch your budget.

Best choice: Core 1 Voucher + Retake first. See how the first exam goes. If you pass Core 1 confidently, buy a standard Core 2 voucher without retake. If Core 1 was a struggle, buy the Core 2 Voucher + Retake.

This is the most cost-efficient strategy because you're calibrating your second purchase to your demonstrated performance.

Scenario 3: Nervous, Tight Timeline (e.g., Job Deadline)

You have a hard deadline — maybe a job offer contingent on certification — and you can't afford weeks lost to a failed exam.

Best choice: Buy Core 1 Voucher + Retake and Core 2 Voucher + Retake individually. Total cost is higher, but you have a safety net on both exams.

Scenario 4: Very Confident, Experienced

You're an experienced IT pro just formalizing the cert, with strong existing knowledge.

Best choice: Voucher Bundle (Core 1 + Core 2) — lowest cost, no retake premium needed.

The Honest Cost Analysis

Let's call the standard voucher price $X per exam. Approximate ratios:

The math: If you think there's even a 30% chance you might not pass either exam on the first try, the retake bundle pays off. If you're confident in 90%+ first-attempt pass odds on both exams, the standard bundle is the most efficient choice.

Common Questions

Can I take Core 1 and Core 2 in the same day? Yes, technically, but it's not recommended. A+ exams are long (90 minutes each) and content-dense. Most learners benefit from taking them weeks apart, with focused prep for each.

Do I have to take Core 1 first? No — you can take them in either order. Most learners take Core 1 first because it's more conceptual; some take Core 2 first because they prefer to tackle OS/security earlier.

How long do I have to take both exams? You have 12 months from passing the first exam to pass the second. If you don't pass the second within 12 months, your first pass expires and you'd need to retake it.

Can I buy a voucher and not use it? Vouchers expire 12 months from delivery. After that, they're gone — no refund. Buy when you're close to ready, not way in advance.

Are these vouchers official? Yes — 100% genuine, sourced directly from CompTIA's official distribution channels. Identical to what you'd buy from CompTIA's own store.

How fast is delivery? Typically 4–8 hours. Sometimes up to 24 hours. Always check your Spam/Junk folder if you don't see the email in your Inbox.

Can I use these vouchers internationally? Yes — valid globally at any Pearson VUE testing center and for online proctoring worldwide.

Can I refund a voucher I changed my mind about? No — due to the digital nature of the codes, all sales are final once delivered. Verify your selection carefully before purchasing.

Practical Tips

1. Don't buy vouchers until you're ~3 weeks from your planned exam date. The 12-month clock starts at delivery.
2. Schedule the exam at Pearson VUE after you receive the voucher. Slots fill up — especially during weekday business hours.
3. Choose your testing format thoughtfully. Online proctoring is convenient but requires a clean room, single monitor, no notes. In-person at a testing center is less convenient but easier to focus.
4. If you use the retake, wait 2–4 weeks before re-testing. Review what went wrong first. Same-week retakes rarely improve the outcome.
5. Save your CompTIA Central account information. This is where vouchers redeem, and it's also where you'll see your certification status when you pass.

Pairing the Voucher with the Rest of Your Stack

For complete A+ prep, combine your voucher choice with:

• CertMaster Learn for A+ Core 1 | Core 2 — Theory.
• CertMaster Labs for A+ Core 1 | Core 2 — Hands-on.
• CertMaster Perform for A+ Core 1 | Core 2 — Integrated all-in-one.
• CertMaster Practice for A+ Core 1 | Core 2 — Final-stretch.

For the full study strategy, see The Complete Guide to CompTIA A+ (220-1201/1202) in 2026.

Make Your Choice

👉 A+ Voucher Bundle (Core 1 + Core 2) — Best overall value for most candidates. 👉 A+ Core 1 Standard Voucher | Core 2 Standard — Individual purchases. 👉 A+ Core 1 Voucher + Retake | Core 2 Voucher + Retake — With safety net.

All vouchers 100% genuine, delivered in 4–8 hours, valid globally.