TL;DR
- The CISA certification cost in 2025 ranges between $970 and $1,170 for ISACA members, and $1,245 to $1,445 for non-members.
- The CISA exam fee for ISACA members is $575, while non-members pay $760.
- A one-time application processing fee of $50 is required during the CISA certification application process.
- Every CISA certified professional must pay an annual maintenance fee, $45 for members and $85 for non-members to keep their certification active.
- The CISA exam includes 150 questions covering five job practice domains, such as information systems auditing process, IT governance, and business resilience.
- Additional expenses may include online review courses or the official CISA review manual, costing between $300 and $550.
- The average salary of a CISA certified professional in 2025 is around $110,000 annually, with higher pay for audit managers and information systems auditors.
- ISACA membership offers exam discounts, access to exclusive study materials, and reduced annual maintenance fees.
- The CISA certification is recognized globally and remains one of the most valuable credentials for IT auditors and information security professionals.
- Cert Empire provides updated ISACA exam study materials, PDF questions, and online review tools to help candidates prepare effectively and pass on the first attempt.
Introduction to CISA Certification Cost in 2025
The CISA certification continues to be one of the most globally recognized certifications for professionals in information systems auditing, IT governance, and information security. Offered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), this credential validates the expertise of those responsible for evaluating an organization’s information technology and ensuring compliance with audit standards.
As 2025 unfolds, the CISA certification cost has become an essential consideration for candidates planning their certification journey. The total expense includes exam fees, annual maintenance fee, application processing fee, and optional training courses. Whether you are an ISACA member or not, understanding each component helps you plan effectively and maximize your investment.
Overview of the CISA Certification
What CISA Stands For and Who It’s For
CISA stands for Certified Information Systems Auditor, a professional certification that validates skills in assessing, monitoring, and maintaining an organization’s information systems. It’s ideal for IT auditors, audit managers, and information security professionals working with information systems auditing and risk management frameworks.
Professionals who earn the CISA certified status demonstrate mastery in information systems acquisition, development, operations, and business resilience. The certification also helps build professional credibility in systems audit and control roles.
Globally Recognized and Valued Certification
The ISACA CISA certification is recognized globally and respected across industries such as banking, technology, and healthcare. As a certified information systems auditor, you become part of a global network of professionals who ensure the reliability and security of information systems. This globally recognized certification enhances your career advancement prospects and aligns you with ISACA’s core values of professional ethics, continuous learning, and business systems assurance.
CISA Certification Exam Structure and Fees
CISA Exam Overview
The CISA exam tests a candidate’s ability to manage, audit, and secure information systems. It consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering five job practice domains that reflect real-world responsibilities of IT auditors and information security professionals. The CISA certification exam is available year-round through online and in-person proctored testing.
The exam content focuses on:
- The Information Systems Auditing Process
- Governance and Management of IT
- Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation
- Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience
- Protection of Information Assets
These five key domains ensure a holistic understanding of information systems audit functions.
CISA Exam Fee Structure 2025
| Candidate Type | Exam Fees (USD) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| ISACA Members | $575 | Reduced fee for ISACA members with active status. |
| Non-Members | $760 | Standard cost for candidates without membership. |
| Application Processing Fee | $50 | One-time non-refundable payment. |
| Rescheduling Fee | $75 | Charged if the exam date is changed post-registration. |
The exam fees may vary depending on the candidate’s membership status and testing location. Candidates are encouraged to verify local currency rates when completing exam registration.
Membership and Annual Maintenance Costs
Why ISACA Membership Matters
Becoming an ISACA member before attempting the CISA exam is highly beneficial. Membership not only reduces the exam cost but also provides access to exclusive study materials, training programs, and the official CISA review manual. Members also gain entry to professional communities, events, and resources that support ongoing career advancement.
Annual Maintenance and Membership Fees
| Fee Type | ISACA Members | Non-Members | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Maintenance Fee | $45 | $85 | Mandatory to maintain active CISA status. |
| Membership Renewal | $135 | N/A | Provides continued access to ISACA benefits. |
| Continuing Professional Education (CPE) | $20 – $40 | Same | Required annually to retain certification. |
The annual maintenance fee ensures your certification remains valid and reflects your ongoing compliance with ISACA’s continuing professional education requirements. Failure to pay may result in certification revocation or inactive status.
Total CISA Certification Cost Estimate
How to Calculate Your Total Cost
When budgeting for your CISA certification, it’s important to consider both direct and indirect costs. Direct costs include exam fees and application fees, while indirect costs may involve study materials, online review courses, and travel if you choose an in-person test center.
Estimated Total Cost of CISA Certification (2025)
| Category | ISACA Member | Non-Member |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Fee | $575 | $760 |
| Application Fee | $50 | $50 |
| Annual Maintenance Fee (Year 1) | $45 | $85 |
| Optional Online Review Course | $300 – $500 | $350 – $550 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $970 – $1,170 | $1,245 – $1,445 |
The total cost of earning your CISA certification varies based on your membership status and the resources you choose for preparation. ISACA members save approximately $200–$300 in total, making membership a practical investment for long-term growth.
CISA Study Materials and Training Options
Official CISA Review Manual and Study Materials
The official CISA review manual remains the most trusted guide for exam preparation. Updated annually by ISACA, it includes in-depth explanations of the information systems auditing process and five job practice domains. Many candidates supplement the manual with online review courses, CISA questions, and interactive training programs.
Online Review Course vs In-Person Training
Online review courses are flexible and allow professionals to learn at their own pace, while in-person training courses offer structured sessions with certified instructors. Both formats cover key domains, audit standards, and information systems operations, ensuring learners can confidently approach the CISA exam.
The best option depends on your learning preferences and educational experience, whether you prefer guided classes or self-paced CISA prep resources.
CISA Exam Domains and Preparation Approach
The Five Key Job Practice Domains
The CISA exam focuses on five essential domains that form the foundation of information systems auditing and control:
- Information Systems Auditing Process
- Governance and Management of IT
- Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation
- Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience
- Protection of Information Assets
Mastering these key domains ensures candidates can assess organization’s information technology effectively and provide valuable insights to management and auditors.
Study Plan and Preparation Tips
A well-structured study plan should balance official CISA review manual reading with practice questions and mock exams. Candidates should schedule 8–12 weeks of CISA prep time depending on their prior information systems audit experience.
- Begin with the information systems auditing process domain.
- Focus on risk management, audit and control association principles, and professional ethics.
- Review CISA exam topics regularly and reinforce weak areas through online review sessions.
CISA Certification Value and Career ROI
Is the CISA Certification Worth It in 2025?
The CISA certification worth lies in its ability to open doors to senior IT audit and information security roles. The average salary of a CISA certified professional in 2025 is around $110,000 annually. For audit managers and information systems auditors, salaries can reach up to $140,000, depending on experience and industry.
This high return on investment makes the CISA certification one of the most valuable professional certifications in the job market for technology and auditing professionals.
Career Advancement and Professional Growth
With CISA certification, professionals gain access to senior roles such as information systems auditor CISA, audit manager, and IT governance consultant. The certification signals that you understand both technical and business aspects of information systems.
CISA certification also strengthens your career advancement by validating professional experience, continuous learning, and risk management skills, all essential for long-term success in the information systems auditing field.
Maintaining Your CISA Certification
Annual Maintenance and CPE Requirements
To retain your CISA certified status, ISACA requires payment of the annual maintenance fee and completion of 20 CPE hours per year. This ensures ongoing alignment with ISACA’s standards and auditing standards framework.
Certification Revocation and Renewal Process
Failure to comply with CPE requirements or pay the annual maintenance fee can result in certification revocation. Renewing your certification demonstrates adherence to professional ethics and continuous improvement in information systems auditing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the total CISA certification cost in 2025?
The total CISA certification cost in 2025 ranges between $970 and $1,170 for ISACA members and $1,245 to $1,445 for non-members. The amount includes exam fees, application processing fee, and the first-year annual maintenance fee.
How much does the CISA exam cost for ISACA members and non-members?
For ISACA members, the CISA exam costs $575, while non-members pay $760. Candidates can save money by joining ISACA before exam registration, which also offers access to exclusive study materials and discounts on online review courses.
What does the CISA certification application process include?
The CISA certification application requires payment of a $50 application processing fee, submission of education and experience details, and agreement to ISACA’s professional ethics and continuing professional education policies.
Are there any annual fees after passing the CISA exam?
Yes. Every CISA certified professional must pay an annual maintenance fee, $45 for ISACA members and $85 for non-members. This keeps your certification valid and supports compliance with ISACA’s continuing professional education (CPE) requirements.
What are the five job practice domains in the CISA certification exam?
The CISA exam focuses on five major job practice domains:
- Information Systems Auditing Process
- Governance and Management of IT
- Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation
- Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience
- Protection of Information Assets
These five key domains evaluate your knowledge of information systems auditing and risk management practices.
Is the CISA certification worth it for IT auditors?
Absolutely. The CISA certification is highly valued in IT audit, information systems auditing, and information security careers. It enhances professional credibility, improves career advancement potential, and can lead to an average salary exceeding $110,000 annually.
What is the CISA passing score?
The CISA exam uses a scaled score ranging from 200 to 800, with a passing score of 450. Achieving this score demonstrates proficiency in the information systems audit and control principles required for certification.
Do I need a specific educational background to take the CISA exam?
A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in computer science, information systems, or information security is helpful but not mandatory. ISACA also allows experience waivers for candidates with relevant professional experience in information systems auditing or IT governance.
How often must I renew my CISA certification?
The CISA certification must be renewed annually by paying the annual maintenance fee and earning at least 20 CPE hours per year. This ensures you remain up to date with the latest developments in information systems auditing and business resilience.
What happens if I fail to pay the annual maintenance fee?
Failure to pay the annual maintenance fee or meet CPE requirements can result in certification revocation. Professionals are advised to maintain continuous learning to avoid losing their CISA certified status.
What’s included in the official CISA review manual?
The official CISA review manual includes explanations of audit standards, detailed information systems audit concepts, and practice questions. It’s a must-have study tool for candidates preparing for the CISA certification exam.
Where can I get updated and verified CISA exam prep materials?
Cert Empire offers updated CISA exam resources, including verified study materials, PDF practice questions, and exam simulators based on ISACA’s 2025 syllabus. With 3-month free updates and 24/7 support, Cert Empire simplifies your CISA prep and boosts your confidence for the real test.
Final Thoughts
The CISA certification remains one of the most respected credentials for professionals in information systems auditing and information security. Its value extends beyond exam completion; it enhances professional experience, career advancement, and salary potential.
In 2025, understanding the complete CISA certification cost from exam fees to annual maintenance helps candidates make informed financial decisions and plan their journey strategically. With ISACA’s continuous focus on information systems governance, this certification ensures your skills stay relevant in a changing digital world.
Whether you’re an IT auditor, audit manager, or aspiring information systems auditor CISA, the investment is worthwhile. The combination of global recognition, skill validation, and long-term career ROI makes it a cornerstone in the field of information systems auditing.
Cert Empire stands ready to support your preparation through reliable CISA exam resources, verified study materials, and a complete online review course designed for success. With the right training, focus, and dedication, you can earn your CISA certification and become part of an elite group of CISA certified professionals leading the information systems industry in 2025 and beyond.
Last Updated on by Team CE
