How much Does CISSP Certification Cost in 2026?

CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) is one of the popular IT/security certifications that professionals around the globe opt for. Completing his certification proves that the candidate has a deeper level of knowledge, when it comes to security and can prove to be an asset to the organization. However, it takes a lot of effort and hard work to attain this certification, and you have to spend some money. This article will help you to understand the CISSP certification cost and other expenses, preparing you for everything that is coming.   

CISSP Certification Overview   

This certification program is governed by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, (ISC) ². It is specifically designed for IT professionals who wish to gain expertise in managing security programs within an organization. The certification course covers over 8 security domains, including risk management, security architecture, and likewise. It is ideal for anyone working in this field and hoping for a career progression, such as an IT security manager, security consultant, or CISO.  

There is a stringent eligibility criterion that the candidates have to fulfill to be rewarded with this certification. The basic eligibility includes five years of paid work experience and an education background related to IT or software development. It is succeeded by a challenging test for which you sit after paying the CISSP exam price that evaluates practical knowledge of several cyber security principles. Once you clear the test, you will be pronounced CISSP certified. After that, you have to maintain the certification to enjoy the perks of being a certified professional.  

Breakdown of CISSP Certification Costs  

The overall CISSP certification cost is an elaborate expense, including the cost for multiple aspects. You have to pay for the training, study material, registration, renewal, and the list goes on. Let us discuss about these fees or expenses in detail.  

CISSP Exam Registration Fee  

The first cost of CISSP certification is the registration fee for the CISSP exam. The current fee is $749, and it is the same all over the world. This fee enables candidates to sit for the exam, which is held at designated exam centers, or online under supervised CCTV camera. To ensure that you get the worth of your money, you should be ready to answer the questions and clear your exam on the first attempt.  

Additional Costs to Consider  

Apart from the registration and training costs, you should consider the additional charges listed below.  

• Rescheduling Charge: If you reschedule your exam within 48 hours of the test date, you have to pay a $50 fee.  
• Retake Fee: If you fail to clear the exam, you have to pay the full registration fee and retake the exam.  
• Test Center Cost: If you opt for an offline exam, consider the cost of traveling and reaching your test center and lodging expenses, if involved. 
• Membership Charges: Once you are a certified professional, you have to maintain your ISC membership which costs $125 annually.  

CISSP Training Cost  

CISSP training is not mandatory to sit for the exam, but it is advisable to get trained to increase the likelihood of clearing the exam on your first attempt. Now, there are different ways to get trained, and the cost depends on the medium you choose.  

1. Self-Paced: You can join any online course where you get access to study materials and can learn at your own pace. It costs between $300 and $2000.  

2. Instructor-Led: Another option is a classroom setup where a qualified trainer carries out a study session. It costs between $2000 and $5000.  

3. Study Materials: You can do self-study and only sign up for study materials. It will cost you between $100 and $500.  

Another factor that has a significant impact on how much the CISSP training will cost is your geographical location. The table below explains the cost in different countries for better understanding. 

Country	CISSP Training Cost
USA / Canada	$2000 - $2800
EU	$2600 - $3200
UAE / Saudi Arabia	$800 - $1300
NewZealand / Australia	$2000 - $2600

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CISSP Recertification and Maintenance Costs  

CISSP certification holders need to get re-certified every three years in order to retain their certification status. It requires you to gather 120 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. Furthermore, you have to pay another annual membership maintenance fee of $125 as the CISSP price. Together this will sum up to $375 over the three-year cycle of the project.  

You can accumulate the CPE credits by attending specific events in the accounting field, joining training courses, or writing articles in professional journals. The aim is to make sure that the certified practice the skills and make efforts to keep updating their knowledge.  

If the certified professionals fail to meet the CPE requirements or do not pay the CISSP certification cost for renewal, their certification gets suspended or revoked. If suspended, you must correct the said deficiencies within 90 days, or the certification will be withdrawn. So, it is suggested to keep practicing to get a CISSP renewal. 

Why is CISSP Certification Right for you?  

CISSP certification is an internationally acknowledged certification that signifies superior knowledge of cybersecurity. It is therefore advisable for IT professionals practicing in the cyber security field to attain this certification and give a push to their career. It is specifically fruitful for those who are seeking international opportunities as IT security manager, CISO, or a higher level position with an impressive salary.  

CISSP prepares you to provide professional solutions to today’s security complications. Besides confirming your competence in the respective area, the certification also adds to the overall reliability of the employee in the highly competitive employment area. Moreover, the average salary that professionals get in the US after CISSP is over $120,000 PA, making the cost for CISSP certification that you paid all worth it.  

Conclusion  

The CISSP certification is a renowned achievement for IT specialists in the cybersecurity domain. It provides them with acknowledgment and confidence in having solutions for all potential security threats.  Although it is time-consuming and the CISSP certification price is a bit high, the returns are great in the long run. It is important for you to have a clear idea about how much CISSP costs so that you can plan things well and enrol into this certification at the right time in your career.  

Understand that all you need is focus and determination to succeed, coupled with great planning, and this accreditation will open doors to unparalleled job opportunities in this field of cyber security.