How much does CISA certification cost?

CISA exam costs $575 for ISACA members or $760 for non-members. ISACA membership ($135/year) reduces the exam fee and includes study resources. Study materials add $150–$400. Total first-year cost: $860–$1,160. The CISA is maintained by ISACA, the same body that certifies CISM and CRISC.

How much does CISA certification increase salary?

CISA holders average $125,000–$140,000 in IT audit and IT governance roles versus $95,000–$110,000 for uncertified IT auditors — a premium of $25,000–$35,000. Financial services, Big 4 accounting firms, and regulated industries (healthcare, government) show the largest CISA salary premiums. Senior IT audit managers and IT risk directors with CISA can reach $150,000–$175,000.

What is the CISA payback period?

CISA payback runs 4–5 months. At $1,000 total cost and a $30,000 annual salary increase, the monthly benefit is $2,500, giving payback under 5 months. Because CISA is required or strongly preferred for senior IT audit roles at banks, accounting firms, and government agencies, many employers reimburse the full exam cost — making payback immediate.

What experience is required for CISA?

CISA requires 5 years of professional experience in information systems auditing, control, or security. Some experience can be substituted: a 2- or 4-year degree substitutes for 1 or 2 years of experience. A master's degree in information security or IT substitutes for 1 year. Candidates can pass the exam before meeting requirements and submit experience within 5 years of the exam date.

CISA vs CISM vs CISSP — which to get?

CISA is specifically for IT auditors, IT risk professionals, and compliance-focused roles. CISM is for information security managers. CISSP is for technical security architects and senior practitioners. If you work in IT audit, internal audit, or IT compliance at a bank, accounting firm, or regulated company — CISA. If you're a security manager — CISM. If you're a technical security architect — CISSP. Many senior professionals hold multiple ISACA certifications.

CISA Certification Cost & ROI

CISA is the standard credential for IT auditors at banks, Big 4 firms, and regulated industries. $30,000 salary premium, 4-month payback. Here's who should pursue it.

CISA Certification: Cost and Salary Impact

Item	Cost
Exam fee (ISACA member)	$575
Exam fee (non-member)	$760
ISACA membership	$135/yr
Study materials	$150–$400
CPE maintenance (120 hrs / 3 yrs)	Time only (many free sources)
Average salary without CISA	$95,000–$110,000
Average salary with CISA	$125,000–$140,000
Typical salary increase	+$30,000/yr
Payback period	~4 months

Salary data: BLS OEWS, ISACA State of Cybersecurity 2025, Robert Half Technology Salary Guide.

Where CISA Makes the Biggest Impact

Financial services and banking

CISA is nearly required for IT audit roles at major banks and credit unions. SOX compliance, FFIEC examinations, and regulatory audit requirements drive demand. Senior IT auditors with CISA at large banks average $130,000–$160,000.

Big 4 and advisory firms

Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG require CISA for IT audit manager and senior associate promotions. CISA is a standard milestone on the partner track in technology risk and advisory practices.

Healthcare and government

HIPAA compliance, FISMA, and FedRAMP audit requirements drive CISA demand in healthcare IT and federal agencies. GRC analyst roles at government contractors frequently list CISA alongside CISSP or CISM.

CISA vs CISM: The Practical Difference

CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) and CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) are both ISACA credentials, both cost the same, and both have 5-year experience requirements. The difference is in career direction: CISA is for auditors, compliance professionals, and risk assessors who evaluate whether controls are working. CISM is for practitioners who build and run security programs.

If you're in internal audit, external audit, or compliance roles at a regulated company, CISA is the right credential. If you're running a security operations center or managing a security team, CISM is more relevant. The salary premiums are similar ($30,000 for CISA vs. $35,000 for CISM), with CISM slightly higher due to the more senior roles it supports.

Many professionals hold both CISA and CISM — particularly Chief Audit Executives and IT risk directors who span governance, audit, and management functions. For professionals at Big 4 firms or in senior corporate audit roles, CISA + CISM together command the highest premiums in IT governance.

Your CISA Payback Calculator

Current Annual Salary

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ROI Calculator CISM ROI CISSP ROI CPA Exam ROI Best ROI Rankings

Data: BLS OEWS, ISACA State of Cybersecurity 2025, Robert Half Technology Salary Guide. Updated March 2026.

Data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Official Certification Body Fee Schedules, O*NET Occupation Data

Last updated: January 2025

How we calculate this · Payback calculations assume you qualify for and secure a role that values the certification. Outcomes vary by employer, region, and experience level.