Introduction
The CISA certification continues to be one of the most valued professional certifications for IT auditors and information security professionals in 2025. Offered by ISACA, this globally recognized certification verifies expertise in the information systems auditing process, risk management, and business resilience.
With the growing need to protect an organization’s information technology, companies worldwide are prioritizing CISA certified candidates for auditing and compliance positions. However, one of the first questions every applicant asks is: what is the real CISA certification cost? This guide provides a transparent breakdown of exam fees, hidden expenses, and ongoing charges like the annual maintenance fee, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
TL;DR – CISA Certification Cost Breakdown 2025
- A globally recognized certification for IT auditors and security professionals.
- Exam fees: $575 (ISACA members) / $760 (non-members) + $50 application processing fee.
- Annual maintenance fee: $45–$85, depending on membership status.
- Total costs may vary depending on ISACA study materials and prep resources.
- Salaries: $95K – $130K+, with higher pay for audit managers and senior consultants.
- Requires continuing professional education (CPE) and adherence to ISACA’s professional ethics.
What Is CISA and Why Does It Matter
CISA Stands for Certified Information Systems Auditor
CISA stands for Certified Information Systems Auditor, and it’s a recognized globally credential trusted by employers for more than four decades. The designation proves a candidate’s expertise in information systems auditing, information systems acquisition, and information systems operations.
By earning this title, professionals validate their knowledge across the five key domains of auditing and control. It’s especially valued in industries where auditing control or security measures are critical for compliance.
Why the ISACA CISA Certification Is Recognized Globally
The ISACA CISA certification has become a benchmark for professional credibility in IT auditing. Backed by the audit and control association (ISACA), it provides assurance to employers that a candidate can manage systems audit and control, follow audit standards, and safeguard enterprise information systems.
It’s not just a technical badge — it’s proof that the holder understands the broader information system auditing process and how it ties into business systems and corporate governance.
CISA Requirements and Who Should Apply
To qualify for the CISA certification exam, candidates need at least five years of professional experience in IT audit, information systems auditing control, or related fields. In some cases, educational experience such as a master’s degree can be substituted for part of the requirement.
The credential is designed for:
- IT auditors seeking career growth.
- Audit managers responsible for compliance.
- Information security professionals who oversee cyber security operations.
- Specialists in information systems acquisition and systems audit and control.
For many, the investment in certification cost is justified by the long-term value of becoming CISA certified.
Complete Cost Breakdown of CISA Certification
CISA Exam Fees and Application Processing Fee
The biggest upfront expenses are the exam fees and the application processing fee. The exam cost varies depending on whether you’re part of the ISACA members network or not. Members get a discounted rate, while non-members pay more.
Total Cost and Factors That May Vary Depending on Membership Status
The total cost of the CISA exam can vary depending on your membership status. Joining ISACA has an upfront membership charge, but it lowers exam registration fees and the yearly annual maintenance fee.
Annual Maintenance Fee and Ongoing Costs
Beyond the one-time exam registration, certified candidates pay an annual fee to keep their credential valid. This annual maintenance fee supports ISACA’s continuing professional education requirements and ensures you remain in good standing with the control association.
Exam Registration and Related Expenses
Apart from the application processing fee, candidates should budget for training programs, study materials, and online review courses. These are not part of the official exam fees but are crucial for preparation.
CISA Exam Cost Breakdown (2025)
| Cost Component | ISACA Members | Non-Members | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Processing Fee | $50 | $50 | One-time, non-refundable. |
| Exam Fees | $575 | $760 | Paid during exam registration, covers the CISA certification exam. |
| Annual Maintenance Fee | $45 | $85 | Paid yearly to maintain active status. |
| Training & Study Materials | $200 – $1,000 | $200 – $1,000 | Includes official CISA review manual, online review course, and guides. |
| Total Cost | ~$870 – $1,900 | ~$1,095 – $1,900 | Actual certification cost will vary depending on study choices. |
Inside the CISA Exam
What the CISA Exam Consists Of
The CISA exam evaluates mastery across the five job practice domains. The exam consists of 150 questions, combining scenario-based and multiple-choice formats. Candidates must show deep knowledge of the information system auditing process, information systems acquisition, and information systems operations.
Five Job Practice Domains and Key Domains Explained
The exam is mapped to the five key domains, which form the backbone of ISACA’s job practice domains. These include:
- Information systems auditing and the information system auditing process
- Information systems acquisition, development, and implementation
- Information systems operations, maintenance, and support
- Protection of information systems through auditing control or security
- Governance, risk management, and compliance
These domains ensure that CISA certified professionals have balanced expertise in auditing, compliance, and technical oversight.
Passing Score, Exam Cost, and Exam Dates
The required passing score for the CISA certification exam is 450 on a scale of 200–800. The exam cost is fixed globally but may vary depending on local currency and membership status. Candidates schedule their exams during available testing windows and must complete exam registration ahead of time to secure a date.
CISA Certification Exam Process and Application
To begin, candidates must complete the CISA certification application after passing the test. This step verifies professional experience in IT audit and ensures compliance with ISACA’s professional ethics. Only then is the candidate officially recognized as CISA certified.
Study Materials and Preparation Resources
Official CISA Review Manual and Online Review Course
The official CISA review manual is the gold standard for preparation. It covers every domain and provides detailed explanations. Many candidates also enroll in the ISACA online review course to get structured training courses with interactive content.
Training Courses and Training Programs for IT Professionals
Various third-party training programs are available for it professionals who need extra help. These can be classroom-based or virtual training courses, and they often include access to mock exams and cisa questions banks.
Study Materials, CISA Questions, and Prep Tips
Other valuable CISA study materials include practice quizzes, and scenario-based cisa prep guides. Using multiple resources ensures complete coverage of the exam objectives.
Online Review Resources and CISA Prep Strategies
For self-learners, an online review combined with community discussions and feedback provides engaging ways to master the key domains.
Career Benefits and Salary Insights
Career Advancement for IT Auditors and Audit Managers
Becoming CISA certified provides real career advancement opportunities. From entry-level it audit roles to senior audit managers, the credential validates expertise in systems audit and control.
Average Salary of CISA Certified Professionals
The average salary for a CISA certified employee varies by location, but globally ranges between $95,000 and $125,000 annually. This makes it one of the top-paying professional certifications for auditors.
Professional Credibility and Recognition Globally
The ISACA CISA certification delivers unmatched professional credibility. It is a recognized globally qualification that proves you can safeguard enterprise information systems while meeting audit standards.
CISA Certification Worth in Cyber Security and Business Resilience
Many ask if the CISA certification worth the cost. Considering its impact in cyber security, business resilience, and compliance, the answer is yes. It remains highly relevant for cybersecurity professionals as well as information security managers.
Average Salary by CISA Role (2025)
| Role | Average Salary (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IT Auditors | $90,000 – $105,000 | Entry to mid-level it audit roles. |
| Audit Managers | $110,000 – $125,000 | Senior-level oversight of audit and control association domains. |
| Information Security Professionals | $115,000 – $130,000 | Oversee information security and business resilience. |
| Cybersecurity Professionals | $120,000 – $135,000 | Blend of cyber security expertise and auditing. |
| CISA Certified Senior Consultants | $130,000 – $150,000 | Advanced advisory positions in compliance and risk management. |
Maintaining Your CISA Certification
Annual Fee and ISACA Members Requirements
After certification, you’ll pay an annual fee to remain active. This fee is lower for ISACA members and slightly higher for non-members. It’s tied to your membership status and helps sustain the audit and control association community.
Continuing Professional Education (CPE) and Continuous Learning
All cisa certified professionals must complete continuing professional education CPE hours each year. This ensures continuous learning and alignment with evolving audit standards.
Professional Ethics and Long-Term Value of Certification
Holding the CISA requires adherence to ISACA’s professional ethics code. This commitment underscores the long-term reliability and professional credibility of the credential.
How Certification Cost Balances with Career Growth
While the certification cost may seem high initially, the career ROI is clear. From higher average salary to career advancement opportunities, the investment is worth it for those in it governance and auditing.
CISA Study Resources Comparison
| Study Resource | Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Official CISA Review Manual | ~$120 | Essential reference for job practice domains |
| Online Review Course | $400 – $700 | Guided prep with structured lessons |
| Training Programs | $500 – $2,000 | In-depth training courses with labs and practice |
| Practice Exams & CISA Questions | $50 – $200 | Self-testing and identifying weak areas |
| Study Materials & Guides | $100 – $300 | Supplemental support for cisa prep |
Final Thoughts on the CISA Certification in 2025
The CISA certification remains one of the most sought-after professional certifications for auditing and compliance. Though the certification cost includes exam fees, annual maintenance fee, and investment in study materials, the payoff is clear: higher average salary, stronger career advancement, and global recognition.
By preparing with the right online review, official CISA review manual, and structured training programs, you’ll not only pass the CISA exam but also establish yourself as a trusted certified information systems auditor. In today’s digital landscape, where information systems auditing and business resilience are critical, the CISA remains a credential that proves lasting value.
Last Updated on by Team CE
