Understanding CISA Certification Cost: Your Investment Guide!

What is CISA Certification?

CISA is a globally recognized certification that displays an IT auditor's knowledge and expertise in assessing vulnerabilities and implementing IT controls in an enterprise environment.

The ISACA issues certifications to people to ensure that business systems and IT are managed, monitored, and protected. The certification is presented once the testing and application processes are completed. The certification is designed for audit managers, security professionals, IT auditors, and consultants.

It is beneficial to get a CISA certification as it is recognized by employers worldwide and is a requirement for security information management and IT audit positions. With this certification, the holder gets greater visibility in the job application process.

CISA Certification Cost

The process of CISA certification can cost around $1,000 or more, depending on the path chosen by an individual. The cost is different for different segments.

• ISACA membership cost: The first ISACA membership category is a professional certification, where new members must submit up to $310. The next category includes the recent graduate category, with members paying $140. The student category is the last category, where members pay $55.
• CISA exam cost: The CISA fees are non-transferable and non-refundable. It includes all the expenses incurred by the organization with the scoring process, exam proctors, and using the testing center. ISACA members pay $575, and the non-ISACA members pay $760.
• CISA certification cost: Each eligible successful applicant should pay $50 as an application processing fee while submitting the CISA certification application.
• Annual maintenance fee: Members of ISACA should submit an annual fee of $45, and non-ISACA members should pay a yearly fee of $85 for CISA certification maintenance.
• Miscellaneous CISA certification cost: Applicants also need to invest in their courses or study materials, which come under miscellaneous CISA certification costs.

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Benefits of Obtaining CISA Certification

The CISA certification is acknowledged across the globe as proof of the excellence of an individual in information system auditing. Some of the major benefits of CISA certification are as follows: 

• Enhanced value of the professional within their organization.
• An advantage in the job market and career growth.
• Better credibility in the workspace. This is because of the combination of educational experience, work recognition, and achievement of clearing the exam.
• Valid proof of an individual's experience, knowledge and expertise in the field, and demonstrating their ability to meet challenges successfully.

CISA Certification Requirements

Candidates for CISA should have at least five years of professional experience in information systems auditing, security, or control. There are many work experience waivers and substitutions, for a maximum of three hours that candidates must hold.

• One year of experience in information systems or one year of experience in non-information systems and auditing.
• 60 credit hours to substitute one year of experience and 120 credit hours to substitute work experience of two years.
• A master's degree in information technology or security from an ISACA-accredited university.
• A bachelor's or master's degree from a university that sponsors ISACA programs.

Average Salary of a Certified Information Systems Auditor

The average salary of a certified information systems auditor ranges between $87,848 to $1,15,00. However, according to Payscale, the average salary of a certified information systems auditor is $1,15,00. Glassdoor mentions $1,15,852 as the average salary of a CISA professional and Salary.com displays $87,848. The salary of IT auditors is increasing rapidly, and the salary figures of different individuals depend on their use of experience, location, organization, position and industry.

Conclusion

CISA is the most prestigious and well-recognized IT audit certification globally. The American National Standards Institute approves the certification, which is appreciated by several nations. Hence, enterprises embracing digital transformation must manage systems by implementing the right governance measures to create a sustainable IT landscape. CISA-certified professionals help protect and strengthen IT infrastructure, making them among the most demanded roles in the world.

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FAQs

1. Does the CISA certification cost vary by country or region?

Yes, the CISA certification cost does vary by country or region.

2. What payment methods are accepted for the CISA certification fees?

The CISA certification fees must be paid online through a credit card.

3. Are there any financial aid options available for aspiring CISA candidates?

No, there are no financial aid options available for aspiring CISA candidates.

4. What is the cost-benefit of obtaining CISA certification in the long term?

As CISA-certified IT auditors are considered more worthy and knowledgeable than other auditors, they are always paid well than other auditors. Moreover, the CISA certification is recognized globally, helping them grab better job positions all over the world.

5. Is the CISA exam fee refundable if I decide to cancel my registration?

Yes, you can get a refund of your CISA exam fee by sending a written notice 30 days prior to the date of purchase to get a full refund.