ExamWizardz vs CompTIA CertMaster
Written by Jonathon Eades, who builds ExamWizardz — so read accordingly. Every claim below is verifiable from the linked public sources. Last verified October 13, 2026.
CertMaster is CompTIA's own training for the exam it writes. For A+ it comes as CertMaster Learn (the self-paced course), CertMaster Labs (browser-based labs on live virtual machines), CertMaster Practice (practice tests) and CertMaster Perform, which CompTIA describes as the product formerly called CertMaster Learn+Labs. It also absorbed TestOut: CompTIA bought TestOut in 2023 and renamed its LabSim platform CertMaster.
ExamWizardz is an independent A+ course, not affiliated with CompTIA, that puts lessons, practice questions, PBQs and simulated labs in one subscription. The biggest difference is the labs: CertMaster's run on real virtual machines, ours are simulations built around the tasks A+ tests.
Choose ExamWizardz if you want the whole course, 184 interactive PBQs and 90 simulated labs in one low-cost plan, and want to try it free before paying.
Choose CertMaster if you want training from the exam's publisher, labs on live virtual machines, or a bundle that includes your exam vouchers with a retake — or if your school already provides it.
Side by side
| Feature | ExamWizardz | CompTIA CertMaster |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Independent course, not affiliated with CompTIA | CompTIA, which writes the A+ exam |
| Hands-on labs | 90 simulated hands-on labs: 60 desktop labs, 28 PC bench builds, 2 command-line labs | CertMaster Labs: browser-based labs on live virtual machines, $139 per exam |
| Performance-based questions | 184 interactive PBQs across 9 interaction types, 90 of them full hands-on labs | PBQs and guided labs inside CertMaster Learn |
| Practice questions | 1,691 practice questions | CertMaster Practice: timed and untimed tests with a mastery score |
| Lessons | 311 human-reviewed lessons and 443 short video lessons | CertMaster Learn self-paced course |
| Training for both cores | $99 for 6 months, or $24 a month | Labs $278, Learn $684, Practice $279, Perform $844 |
| Exam vouchers | Not included ($274 per exam from CompTIA) | In bundles: $1,293 for Perform, Practice and 2 vouchers with a retake each |
| Access | Month to month or 6 months, cancel anytime | 12 months, redeemable within 12 months of purchase |
| Free to try | First 4 sections of each exam, 1 full mock a month, and free PBQs with no account | Paid products on CompTIA's store |
Both columns verified October 13, 2026from public pages and our production database. “Not published” means the vendor doesn't state a figure publicly.
Live virtual machines vs exam-style simulations
This is the real trade-off. CertMaster Labs run live virtual machines in your browser: a real operating system where any command works and any mistake is possible. That is closer to the job. ExamWizardz labs are simulations — a Windows or Linux desktop, a terminal, or a PC bench — that respond to the tasks A+ tests and grade you the moment you submit.
The exam itself sits on the simulation side. CompTIA lists A+ among its certifications with simulation PBQs, which it describes as an approximation of an environment or tool rather than a full virtual machine. So simulations rehearse the exam's format, and live VMs build broader hands-on skill. If you have the time and the budget, both help.
What it costs to cover both cores
At CompTIA's US store prices, CertMaster Labs is $139 per exam ($278 for both), CertMaster Learn is $684 for both cores and CertMaster Practice is $279. The Complete Bundle — Perform, Practice and two vouchers with a retake each — is $1,293. Two vouchers with a retake cost $718 on their own, so the training in that bundle works out to about $575.
ExamWizardz is $99 for six months or $24 a month for everything: lessons, questions, PBQs, labs and unlimited mock exams. Vouchers are extra either way, at $274 per exam from CompTIA. Prices checked October 13, 2026; check both stores for current numbers.
When CertMaster is the better pick
If your school or employer already pays for CertMaster, use it: it is the publisher's material and its labs are real systems. If you are buying vouchers anyway, the bundles cost less than the pieces bought separately, and each voucher comes with a retake. CertMaster is also built for classrooms, with student access keys and instructor tools.
If you already own CertMaster Labs and want more PBQ practice, ExamWizardz's free tier opens the first four sections of each exam, and the free PBQs need no account at all, so you can see whether the extra practice is worth it before paying.
Where ExamWizardz wins
- Everything in one plan: $99 for six months or $24 a month, against $278 for CertMaster Labs alone
- 184 interactive PBQs and 90 simulated labs, including PC bench builds
- A free tier, and free PBQs you can play with no account
- Month to month: cancel anytime
- Pass Guarantee: Pass, or we extend your access free until you do.
Where CertMaster wins
- Made by CompTIA, the company that writes the exam
- Labs on live virtual machines, not simulations
- Bundles include two vouchers with a retake each ($1,293 Complete Bundle)
- Built for schools: student access keys and instructor tools
Sources
- CompTIA A+ V15 store page, Core 1 and 2 (bundles and prices)
- CompTIA A+ Core 1 V15 store page (CertMaster Labs price)
- CertMaster Labs product page
- CertMaster Perform product page
- CompTIA: why LabSim was renamed CertMaster
- CompTIA: performance-based questions explained (A+ uses simulation PBQs)
- ExamWizardz pricing
- Free ExamWizardz A+ labs
Judge it yourself
The free tier includes the first course sections, the public practice test, and every free tool — no credit card required.