In the rapidly changing world of IT and cybersecurity, professionals are constantly looking for certifications that prove their expertise and enhance their credibility. One of the most prestigious credentials in this space is the CISA Certification — Certified Information Systems Auditor. Offered by ISACA, the CISA validates your skills in auditing, control, and assurance. It’s a gold-standard certification for IT auditors, compliance specialists, and risk management professionals. But before you dive into the journey, it’s essential to understand the CISA certification cost, including registration fees, membership discounts, and preparation expenses.
Let’s break down everything you need to know before investing in this globally recognized certification.
TL;DR: CISA Certification Cost (2025)
The CISA certification from ISACA validates your skills in IT auditing, governance, and risk management.
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Exam fee: $575 (members) or $760 (non-members)
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Membership: $135–$190 annually (optional but saves money)
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Study materials: $400–$1,000 depending on resources
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Application fee: $50
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Total estimated cost: $1,200–$2,000
Becoming a CISA may seem costly, but it’s a long-term investment that leads to high-paying roles like IT Auditor, Compliance Officer, and Cybersecurity Manager, with salaries often exceeding $110K annually. Joining ISACA and using trusted resources (like Cert Empire) can help you save money and pass the exam on your first attempt.
What Is the CISA Certification?
The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification focuses on assessing and managing vulnerabilities, ensuring compliance, and establishing controls within an organization’s information systems. It’s perfect for professionals working in IT auditing, cybersecurity, and risk management. This certification not only validates your technical knowledge but also proves your ability to evaluate business processes — a combination that’s rare and highly sought after.
Earning the CISA credential opens doors to positions like IT Auditor, Information Security Manager, Compliance Analyst, and Risk Consultant across industries like finance, government, and technology.
CISA Certification Cost Breakdown
The total Cost for CISA Certification depends on your ISACA membership status, exam registration time, and training method. Here’s a breakdown of all the major expenses involved:
1. Exam Registration Fee
The CISA exam registration cost varies based on whether you are an ISACA member:
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ISACA Members: Around $575 USD
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Non-Members: Around $760 USD
Becoming a member before registering can save you a significant amount. Besides discounts, members gain access to study resources, webinars, and exclusive job opportunities.
ISACA offers early registration discounts several months before the official exam window opens, so registering early can further reduce costs.
2. ISACA Membership Fee
If you choose to join ISACA, expect an annual membership fee that typically ranges between $135–$190 USD, depending on your local chapter. This fee includes global membership benefits such as digital libraries, exam discounts, and professional networking.
While optional, this membership is well worth the price for those planning to pursue multiple ISACA certifications like CISM, CRISC, or CGEIT in the future.
3. Exam Training and Study Materials
Preparing for the CISA exam is a crucial part of your investment. The cost of study materials varies depending on whether you choose self-study, online courses, or instructor-led training.
Here’s what you can expect:
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ISACA Official Study Guide: $110–$150
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Online Training Courses: $300–$1,000 (depending on the provider)
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Instructor-Led Boot Camps: $1,000–$2,500
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Practice Exams & Dumps: $50–$150
Many candidates prefer to use official ISACA resources for reliability, while others supplement with affordable and effective options from trusted platforms like Cert Empire, which offer realistic practice exams and updated CISA study materials aligned with the latest syllabus.
The key is to find the balance between quality content and cost efficiency.
4. Application and Maintenance Fees
Once you pass the CISA exam, you’ll need to submit a certification application fee, which is currently $50 USD.
After you’re certified, maintaining your CISA credential requires earning Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits and paying an annual maintenance fee:
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ISACA Members: $45
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Non-Members: $85
This ongoing investment ensures you stay updated with new regulations, technologies, and best practices in auditing and security.
Total Estimated CISA Certification Cost
Here’s a rough idea of your overall cost depending on your choices:
| Category | ISACA Member | Non-Member |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Registration | $575 | $760 |
| Membership (Annual) | $135–$190 | N/A |
| Study Materials | $400–$1,000 | $400–$1,000 |
| Application Fee | $50 | $50 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $1,200–$1,800 | $1,300–$2,000 |
Keep in mind these are estimates for 2025 and may vary slightly depending on your region and study resources.
CISA Exam Format and Difficulty
The CISA exam is a 4-hour test consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions. It covers five key domains:
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Information System Auditing Process
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Governance and Management of IT
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Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation
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Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience
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Protection of Information Assets
The passing score is 450 out of 800, and questions are designed to test both conceptual understanding and practical knowledge.
While challenging, thorough preparation with updated CISA study materials and mock exams significantly improves your success rate.
Tips to Save Money on CISA Certification
If you’re looking to make your CISA journey more affordable, here are some practical tips:
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Join ISACA before registering for the exam to access discounted rates and exclusive materials.
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Register early to take advantage of lower exam fees.
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Use digital study materials instead of printed ones to cut costs.
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Bundle your courses — some platforms offer combined study packages at lower prices.
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Utilize community resources, such as ISACA forums or Reddit groups, where candidates share free study advice.
By being strategic, you can reduce your total certification expenses by several hundred dollars.
Career Value of the CISA Certification
While the upfront cost may seem high, the return on investment is substantial. Professionals with a CISA certification often see salary increases ranging from 20% to 40% compared to their uncertified peers. Average annual salaries for CISA-certified professionals in 2025 range between $110,000 and $150,000 USD, depending on experience, location, and job role.
Roles that frequently require or prefer CISA certification include:
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IT Auditor
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Cybersecurity Manager
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Risk and Compliance Officer
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Information Security Analyst
The prestige of CISA, combined with real-world auditing expertise, makes it one of the most financially rewarding credentials in tech.
Final Thoughts
The CISA certification cost may seem like a major investment, but it pays off for years to come. From the initial exam fee to ongoing membership renewals, every dollar you spend contributes to long-term career advancement and credibility in cybersecurity and auditing. By planning your budget carefully and choosing reliable preparation resources like Cert Empire, you can minimize expenses and maximize your chances of passing on the first attempt. Earning your CISA in 2025 isn’t just about adding letters after your name; it’s about unlocking global opportunities in information systems auditing and governance.
