What Is CISA Certification Cost in 2025? A Complete Breakdown

Before we dive into numbers, let’s answer a crucial question: What is CISA Certification Cost, and why is it worth paying?

CISA stands for Certified Information Systems Auditor, a globally respected credential issued by ISACA. It validates your skills in:

• Auditing IT systems
   
• Ensuring data security
   
• Managing compliance and governance
   
• Evaluating IT risk controls

Professionals who pursue this credential include:

• IT Auditors
   
• Security Analysts
   
• Compliance Officers
   
• Risk Consultants
   
• Cybersecurity Managers

In short, if your work involves checking systems for vulnerabilities, compliance issues, or data integrity, CISAis your credibility booster.

Here’s what most candidates in India and worldwide ask upfront:“How much does CISA certification cost?”

Here’s a quick breakdown:

India (Approximate)

• ISACA Members: ₹47,000
   
• Non-Members: ₹62,000

Globally (Official Fees from ISACA)

• ISACA Members: $575
   
• Non-Members: $760

These figures exclude additional charges like training, study materials, and retake fees. Currency fluctuations apply, so always check the official ISACA pricing page before applying.

So, if you’re budgeting for CISA certification cost in India, make sure to convert USD to INR with a buffer for currency changes and tax components.

Let’s dissect the CISA certification cost breakdown into specific categories so you can estimate end-to-end expenses confidently:

Exam Fee

• ISACA Member: $575 (₹47,000 approx.)
   
• Non-member: $760 (₹62,000 approx.)

Application Fee

• One-time fee: $50
   
• Paid after passing the exam, required to process the credential

ISACA Membership Fee

• Approx. $135 or ₹11,000 annually
   
• Recommended if you’re serious about auditing/governance as a long-term career
   
• Offers discounts on exams, CPE webinars, and study kits

Annual Maintenance Fee

• Member: $45/year or ₹ 3,750/year
   
• Non-member: $85/year or ₹ 7,080/year
   
• Mandatory for keeping your CISA certification active

Study Material

• Official ISACA Review Manual: ₹4,000–₹5,000
   
• Add-on question banks or flashcards: ₹2,000–₹6,000 extra

• Can range depending on the training provider for instructor-led courses
   
• Self-paced programs may cost less, but usually lack mentoring support.

 Always check if the fee includes the CISA training and exam cost or just one component.

This is where aspirants get caught off guard. Here are some hidden but common expenses that factor into the cost of becoming a CISA:

Retake Fees

• Didn’t crack the exam on the first attempt?
   
• You’ll have to pay the full exam fee again (no discounts)

CPE Requirements

• To maintain your certification, ISACA mandates 20 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits/year.
   
• These could cost money if you attend paid webinars, events, or training programs.

Additional Training Aids

• Flashcards, live doubt sessions, and mock exams may not be included in basic training packages.

Travel & Logistics (for In-Person Exams)

• Although remote proctoring is available, some prefer or are required to visit test centers, factor in travel and accommodation.

Membership Renewal

• If you want to keep enjoying discounted pricing and access to ISACA’s resource library, you’ll renew annually for ₹11,000+

Absolutely, if you’re serious about building a high-trust, high-paying IT audit career, the return is solid.

Here’s why:

High Demand in 2025

• Over 20,000+ job listings worldwide mention “CISA preferred” or “CISA required.”
   
• In India, platforms like Naukri and LinkedIn show 3,000+ active openings for IT auditors.

• Average salaries:
   
  • India: ₹25 LPA–₹31 LPA based on experience & role
     
  • US/Global: $75,000–$150,000 annually
     
• Source: PayScale

Global Value

• Recognized in 180+ countries
   
• Used by firms like Deloitte, PwC, EY, Accenture, Infosys, Cognizant

Career Growth Potential

• Open doors to managerial and leadership roles in:
   
  • Audit
     
  • Governance
     
  • Risk Management
     
  • Compliance

If you're calculating the cost of becoming a CISA, compare it with the long-term gain: salary hikes, global mobility, and career stability. That’s a compelling ROI.

Here’s where it gets exciting, and we mean business.

At NovelVista, we don’t just train you, we transform your confidence and capability. We’re not here to just tick a checkbox. We’re here to help you clear CISA in one go and get ROI from your certification.

Here’s our high-conviction offer:

• Accredited Training Partner: Official curriculum, real-world application.
   
• Live Interactive Classes: 16+ hours with industry experts who’ve been there, done that.
   
• Study Materials Included: You get ISACA’s official review guide and curated practice sets.
   
• Strategic Exam Prep: Mock questions, doubt sessions, and the mental map to tackle tricky MCQs.
   
• 98.3% Success Rate: Yes, we track our numbers. And yes, we win consistently.

Still stuck thinking about what is CISA certification cost?

One wrong course = wasted money. One right mentor = future secured.

You’re not just spending money, you’re investing in your own transformation.

Here’s how to do it smartly:

Join ISACA Before the Exam

• You’ll save big on the exam fee.
   
• You’ll also get access to free webinars, discounts, and ISACA community forums.

Always prioritize structured training.

• Self-study can work, sure, but you don’t want to fumble in your first attempt.
   
• Training cuts your prep time by 40% and increases pass probability by 2x.

Plan Your Budget Fully

• Include exam, training, ISACA fees, and materials.
   
• Avoid last-minute spending shocks.

Practice Before Your Exam 

• Use mock tests like a gym routine.
   
• Know the pattern, learn the time management tricks, and train your brain for exam pressure.

Stay Certified

• Don’t just pass and forget, renew your membership, earn CPEs, and grow.

So, how much does CISA certification cost? Quite a bit, if you add it all up.

But the CISA certification cost breakdown tells you this:If you do it right, with planning, coaching, and commitment, you’re not just earning a certificate. You’re gaining credibility, career leverage, and a long-term edge in a competitive market.

CISA is more than just a course.It’s a commitment to excellence in IT governance.

And NovelVista? We’re your partner in making that excellence real.