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What does CISM certification cost?
Using the official fees checked on 27 July 2026, an existing ISACA member should budget at least $625 for the exam and certification application. A non-member should budget at least $810. Your actual total can also include membership, local chapter dues, taxes, preparation materials, travel, retakes, and ongoing maintenance.
Required, optional, and variable CISM costs
The exam and certification application are the core paid steps. Membership and study products are choices. Chapter dues, taxes, travel, and retakes depend on the candidate.
| Item | Cost type | Member | Non-member | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CISM exam registration | Required to take the exam | $575 | $760 | Verify immediately before registration. |
| Certification application | Required after passing to apply | $50 | $50 | Paid when applying for certification. |
| Professional membership | Optional and variable | US$145 to join; US$135 renewal | Not applicable | Local chapter dues may also be required. |
| Official CISM QAE subscription | Optional preparation | $299 | $399 | Six-month subscription; price checked 25 July 2026. |
| CertArc 21-Day Free Access | Optional independent practice | $0 | $0 | Eligibility follows the Baseline Assessment; no credit card. |
CISM exam registration
Type: Required to take the exam
Member: $575
Non-member: $760
Verify immediately before registration.
Certification application
Type: Required after passing to apply
Member: $50
Non-member: $50
Paid when applying for certification.
Professional membership
Type: Optional and variable
Member: US$145 to join; US$135 renewal
Non-member: Not applicable
Local chapter dues may also be required.
Official CISM QAE subscription
Type: Optional preparation
Member: $299
Non-member: $399
Six-month subscription; price checked 25 July 2026.
CertArc 21-Day Free Access
Type: Optional independent practice
Member: $0
Non-member: $0
Eligibility follows the Baseline Assessment; no credit card.
Does ISACA membership reduce my total CISM cost?
It can, but the answer depends on your local chapter dues and which member discounts you will actually use. The exam-price difference alone does not prove that every candidate saves money.
| Decision question | Current planning value | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| What is the displayed exam-price difference? | $185 | This is the maximum exam-only saving before membership, chapter dues, taxes, or other purchases. |
| What does professional membership display? | US$145 to join | ISACA also says local chapter dues apply; verify your actual checkout total. |
| What is the exam-only headroom? | $40 | If chapter dues and taxes exceed this amount, exam savings alone may not cover first-year membership. |
| What else can affect the decision? | Material discounts and benefits | Include only the official resources and membership benefits you genuinely plan to use. |
What is the displayed exam-price difference?
$185
This is the maximum exam-only saving before membership, chapter dues, taxes, or other purchases.
What does professional membership display?
US$145 to join
ISACA also says local chapter dues apply; verify your actual checkout total.
What is the exam-only headroom?
$40
If chapter dues and taxes exceed this amount, exam savings alone may not cover first-year membership.
What else can affect the decision?
Material discounts and benefits
Include only the official resources and membership benefits you genuinely plan to use.
Local chapter dues matter. ISACA says professional members are generally required to join a local chapter unless one does not exist in their area. Check your chapter and membership checkout before using a break-even calculation.
Illustrative CISM budgets
These examples are calculations, not package quotes. They separate known prices from costs that vary by candidate.
| Planning path | Existing member | Non-member | Includes | Still excludes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exam and application only | $625 | $810 | Exam registration and the certification application fee. | Membership, chapter dues, taxes, preparation, travel, CPE, and retakes. |
| Exam, application, and official QAE | $924 | $1,209 | Exam registration, application fee, and the current six-month QAE subscription. | Membership, chapter dues, taxes, other study materials, travel, CPE, and retakes. |
| Official QAE plus CertArc free path | $924 | $1,209 | The previous row plus eligible CertArc 21-Day Free Access at no additional paid cost. | Membership, chapter dues, taxes, other study materials, travel, CPE, and retakes. |
Exam and application only
Existing member: $625
Non-member: $810
Includes: Exam registration and the certification application fee.
Excludes: Membership, chapter dues, taxes, preparation, travel, CPE, and retakes.
Exam, application, and official QAE
Existing member: $924
Non-member: $1,209
Includes: Exam registration, application fee, and the current six-month QAE subscription.
Excludes: Membership, chapter dues, taxes, other study materials, travel, CPE, and retakes.
Official QAE plus CertArc free path
Existing member: $924
Non-member: $1,209
Includes: The previous row plus eligible CertArc 21-Day Free Access at no additional paid cost.
Excludes: Membership, chapter dues, taxes, other study materials, travel, CPE, and retakes.
How should I budget for a CISM retake?
A retake requires another registration. Use the official price that applies when you register again, not a saved screenshot or an old article. Your membership status may also be different by then.
The current candidate guide also sets attempt limits and waiting periods. Review the official ISACA Certification Exam Candidate Guide before choosing a new date.
What does CISM cost after certification?
ISACA currently displays annual maintenance fees of US$45 for members and US$85 for non-members. It also requires at least 20 CPE hours each year and 120 over a three-year reporting period. CPE activities can create additional costs, although some qualifying activities may be free or employer-funded. Verify the official maintenance requirements before planning a renewal cycle.
CISM cost FAQ
What is the minimum paid cost to become CISM certified?
Using the fees displayed by ISACA on 27 July 2026, the exam plus the US$50 certification application fee totals $625 for an existing member or $810 for a non-member. This excludes membership dues, local chapter dues, taxes, preparation materials, travel, and retakes.
Does ISACA membership reduce my total CISM cost?
The displayed member exam price is $185 lower than the non-member price. ISACA also displays US$145 to join as a professional member and US$135 per year after, plus local chapter dues. Compare the actual membership checkout total and any material discounts you will use before deciding.
Is there a separate CISM certification application fee?
Yes. ISACA displays a one-time US$50 application processing fee. You pay it after passing when you are ready to apply and document the required experience.
Do I have to buy CISM study materials?
Preparation materials are optional costs, not certification fees. Choose them based on your baseline, exam date, learning needs, and budget. Official resources and independent third-party practice serve different purposes.
What does a CISM retake cost?
A retake requires a new exam registration. Budget using the current member or non-member exam price at the time you register again, because fees and your membership status can change.
What free CISM preparation does CertArc provide?
Eligible learners can complete a 25-question Baseline Assessment and activate 21-Day Free Access covering four 25-question Foundation Sprints and one 30-question Practice Exam. That is 155 original scenario questions, with no credit card required.
What does it cost to maintain CISM?
ISACA currently displays an annual maintenance fee of US$45 for members and US$85 for non-members. Maintaining CISM also requires at least 20 CPE hours each year and 120 over a three-year reporting period.
Why can my CISM checkout total differ from this page?
Membership promotions, local chapter dues, taxes, exchange rates, regional checkout rules, and product prices can change. Treat this page as a planning model and verify every amount at the official checkout before paying.