The CISSP certification is one of the most respected credentials in cybersecurity, but earning it requires more than just hard work—it also requires financial planning. From exam fees to training resources, there are several costs you should consider when budgeting for this advanced security certification.
In this blog, we’ll give you a complete CISSP exam cost breakdown, explain the different fees involved, and share tips to help you plan your investment wisely.
TLDR: Too Long; Didn’t Read
The CISSP exam costs $749 USD as the standard registration fee. You may also need to budget for study materials, training programs, and an annual maintenance fee (AMF) of $125 USD. Discounts, vouchers, and employer reimbursements can help reduce the total cost.
1. CISSP Exam Registration Fee
The most significant upfront cost of earning the CISSP certification is the exam fee.
| Fee Type | Cost (Approx.) |
| CISSP Exam Registration | $749 USD |
| Retake (if needed) | $749 USD |
| Rescheduling (within 48 hrs) | $50 USD |
Key Notes:
- Payment is required at the time of registration.
- You can register through the official ISC2 website and schedule your exam via Pearson VUE.
- Rescheduling less than 48 hours before the exam may result in additional fees.
2. Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF)
After passing the exam, maintaining your CISSP certification requires paying an Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF).
| Annual Fee | Amount |
| AMF | $125 USD per year |
This fee supports ISC2’s certification program and must be paid each year to keep your certification active. Over the three-year certification cycle, you’ll pay $375 USD in AMF.
3. Training and Study Material Costs
Effective preparation is key to passing the CISSP exam, and quality study materials are an essential part of your investment. Costs vary depending on the resources you choose.
| Study Resource | Typical Cost Range |
| Official ISC2 CISSP Study Guide | $70 – $100 USD |
| CISSP Video Courses (Udemy/Cybrary) | $20 – $200 USD |
| Practice Exams & Question Banks | $50 – $300 USD |
| Bootcamps or Instructor-Led Training | $1,500 – $3,000 USD |
Saving Tip:
Use trusted providers like Cert Empire, which offers real exam practice questions and exam simulators at a fraction of the cost of full bootcamps.
4. Optional Costs
In addition to core exam fees and study materials, there may be optional costs depending on your preparation style and career goals.
| Optional Expense | Estimated Cost |
| Professional coaching or tutoring | $200 – $500 USD |
| Additional practice exams | $50 – $150 USD |
| Travel (if test center is far) | Varies |
Why It Matters:
Considering these optional costs in your budget ensures there are no surprises during your certification journey.
5. Total CISSP Certification Cost Estimate
Let’s calculate a typical total cost range for earning and maintaining the CISSP certification:
| Cost Category | Minimum Estimate | Maximum Estimate |
| Exam Fee | $749 | $749 |
| Study Materials | $100 | $500 |
| Optional Bootcamp | $0 | $3,000 |
| Annual Maintenance Fee (3 years) | $375 | $375 |
| Total Estimate | $1,200 | $4,600 |
Budgeting Tip:
If your employer offers training reimbursement or if you qualify for ISC2 membership discounts, you can significantly lower these costs.
6. How to Save on CISSP Exam Costs
There are several strategies to reduce the total cost of earning your CISSP certification:
- Employer Sponsorship: Many companies will pay for your certification as part of professional development.
- Discount Vouchers: Keep an eye on ISC2 promotions or partner training discounts.
- Affordable Resources: Use reliable but cost-effective resources like Cert Empire’s CISSP practice questions and exam simulators.
Quick Summary
The CISSP exam requires an upfront $749 USD exam fee, plus an annual maintenance fee (AMF) of $125 USD. Depending on your choice of study materials and training, your total investment could range between $1,200 and $4,600 USD. Employer sponsorship, vouchers, and budget-friendly practice questions can help reduce costs.
Tips to Reduce Your CISSP Certification Costs
| Savings Method | Potential Savings | How It Helps |
| Employer Sponsorship | Up to 100% of exam & training costs | Many companies reimburse cybersecurity certifications |
| ISC2 Discount Vouchers | 10%–25% off exam fees | Periodic promotions and partner deals |
| Affordable Study Resources | $200 – $500 | Use cost-effective providers like Cert Empire for real exam-style practice |
| Group Study or Shared Bootcamps | $300 – $1,000 | Split course fees with peers to lower costs |
Final Thoughts
Investing in the CISSP certification is a smart move for cybersecurity professionals looking to advance their careers. By understanding all potential costs—from the exam fee and study materials to the annual maintenance fee—you can create a realistic budget and avoid surprises. With careful planning and the right preparation, the CISSP certification will quickly pay for itself through higher salaries and better job opportunities.
More Resources
For deeper insights into the CISSP exam, visit our complete ISC2 CISSP exam guide.
Explore these related resources to enhance your preparation:
- Common CISSP Exam Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- The Best CISSP Practice Questions and Resources for Exam Success
Last Updated on by Team CE
