VoltExam vs Dakota Prep
Both apps help tradespeople pass certification exams. Dakota Prep has a larger question bank and an AI tutor. VoltExam has built-in job-site calculators and costs a fraction of the price.
$17.99 one-time
Pay once, use forever. No account. Offline.
- ✓ Built-in trade calculators included
- ✓ 20 certifications covered
- ✓ Full offline — no Wi-Fi needed
- ✓ 12 free web tools at voltexam.com/tools
$90–$150 / trade
Per-trade pricing. Focused on electrician & HVAC.
- ✓ 3,000+ question bank (electrician)
- ✓ AI tutor included in Pro
- ✕ No built-in calculators
- ✕ Covers ~3–5 trades only
Dakota Prep Pro costs up to 8× more than VoltExam for a single trade.
At $90–$150 vs $17.99, you could buy every VoltExam app for the price of one Dakota Prep Pro license.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | VoltExam | Dakota Prep |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | One-time purchase | One-time per trade (higher price) |
| Price | $17.99 forever | $90–$150 per trade (Pro plan) |
| Trades covered | 20 certifications | ~3–5 trades (electrician focus) |
| Question bank size | 1,000+ per app | 3,000+ (electrician/HVAC) |
| AI tutor | Coming soon | ✓ Included in Pro |
| Built-in trade calculators | ✓ Included (voltage drop, load chart, pipe sizing, etc.) | ✕ Not included |
| Offline access | ✓ Full offline | Limited |
| Account required | ✗ No account needed | ✓ Account required |
| Platform | iOS | iOS + Android + Web |
| Free web tools | ✓ 12 calculators at voltexam.com/tools | ✕ Not offered |
| Price per year (3 years) | $17.99 total | $90–$150 total (single trade) |
Certifications Covered
| Certification | VoltExam | Dakota Prep |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician (Journeyman/Master) | ✓ | ✓ |
| HVAC / EPA 608 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plumber (Journeyman) | ✓ | ✓ |
| CDL Hazmat Endorsement | ✓ | ✕ |
| Crane Operator (NCCCO) | ✓ | ✕ |
| EMT / NREMT | ✓ | ✕ |
| ServSafe Food Manager | ✓ | ✕ |
| FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot | ✓ | ✕ |
| Real Estate License | ✓ | ✕ |
| Notary Public | ✓ | ✕ |
| Security Guard | ✓ | ✕ |
| Forklift / OSHA | ✓ | ✕ |
| Pesticide Applicator License | ✓ | ✕ |
| Sterile Processing (CRCST) | ✓ | ✕ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VoltExam cheaper than Dakota Prep?
Yes. VoltExam costs $17.99 one time per app. Dakota Prep Pro costs $90–$150 per trade. Over 3 years, VoltExam costs $17.99 total — Dakota Prep costs $90–$150 for a single trade.
Does Dakota Prep have more questions than VoltExam?
Dakota Prep's electrician app has 3,000+ questions. VoltExam has 1,000+ questions per app, curated to the most exam-relevant content — plus built-in job-site calculators you'll actually use after passing.
Does VoltExam work offline like Dakota Prep?
VoltExam works fully offline once downloaded — no Wi-Fi or cell signal needed. Study on the job site, in a basement, or anywhere with limited connectivity.
Which app covers more trades?
VoltExam covers 20 certifications across electrician, HVAC, plumbing, CDL hazmat, crane operator, EMT, real estate, and more. Dakota Prep focuses primarily on electrician and HVAC exams.
$17.99 once. 20 trades. Offline. No account.
Get the built-in calculators, 1,000+ curated questions, and lifetime access — for less than a tenth of what Dakota Prep Pro charges.
Browse VoltExam Apps →