Cost of The ISACA CRISC Certification: A Complete Breakdown

ISACA’s CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control) certification is a globally recognized credential for IT professionals specializing in risk management and governance. A CRISC certification helps you stay one step ahead of real-world threats and demonstrates your IT risk management expertise.

As a CRISC, you will be ready to address emerging technology, including AI risk assessment and general best practices for risk management and mitigation related to AI data governance and ethics

If you’re considering the CRISC certification, you need to understand the associated costs to plan for your investment. There are several factors to consider from exam fees to study materials before taking this step in your career. The cost of the CRISC certification can be anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 or more, depending on fees and training.

In today’s blog, we’ll break down all the costs and help you decide if CRISC is the right move for you. And is the CRISC certification even relevant today? We’ll discuss this and show you how Cyberkraft can be a trusted partner along your journey to becoming CRISC certified.

What Is the CRISC Certification?

The Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification is a prestigious credential designed for IT professionals who specialize in managing enterprise risks and implementing information systems controls.

Issued by ISACA, a globally respected organization for IT governance certifications, the CRISC certification validates a professional’s ability to identify, assess, and mitigate IT risks while ensuring systems are compliant and secure. This certification is highly sought after by employers looking for individuals who can bridge the gap between business objectives and IT risk management.

Key benefits of the CRISC certification include:

• Industry recognition: Acknowledged worldwide as a standard of expertise in IT risk.
• Enhanced skills: Focuses on critical areas such as risk assessment, control design, and governance.
• Career advancement: Helps professionals secure roles in risk management, IT auditing, and compliance.

With its emphasis on practical knowledge and strategic thinking, the CRISC certification is a valuable asset for anyone looking to build a career in IT governance or risk management.

CRISC Certification Cost: Fees, Exam, Training, and Renewal Costs

The total cost of earning the CRISC certification depends on several factors, including exam fees, study materials, and maintenance costs. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Exam Registration Fees

• ISACA Members: $575 + $50 Application processing fee
• Non-Members: $760 + $50 Application processing fee

Becoming an ISACA member before registering can save you money, as well as grant access to exclusive study resources and networking opportunities.

Additional Costs

1. Study Materials:
   • Official ISACA CRISC Review Manual: Between $87 and $139 (depending on the edition and where it’s purchased.
   • Online training courses and bootcamps: Variable depending on the provider.
2. ISACA Membership Fees:
   • Annual membership: $145 for basic dues
   • Chapter dues: $10 to $50 per year (varies by region).
3. Exam Retake Fee:
   • If you don’t pass on your first attempt, retaking the exam costs $575 (members) or $760 (non-members).
4. Annual Maintenance Fees and Continuing Professional Education (CPE):
   • Annual maintenance fee: $45 for members or $85 for non-members.
   • Maintaining certification requires 20 CPE hours annually, which may involve additional training or resources costing $200 to $500 per year.

Hidden Costs

• Time Investment: Preparing for the exam requires 3–6 months of study, which can impact work-life balance.
• Travel Expenses: If in-person testing is required, travel costs may add to the overall expense.

Is the Cost of CRISC Certification Worth It?

For many IT and risk management professionals, the answer is a resounding yes. The CRISC certification is a worthwhile investment that opens doors to high-paying roles and career advancement. But is it the right choice for you? Let’s break it down:

Demand in the Market

With businesses increasingly dependent on IT systems, the need to manage risks has skyrocketed. According to ISACA, CRISC-certified professionals are in high demand across industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology. This certification signals your ability to align IT risk management with business objectives, a skillset that’s critical in today’s landscape.

Return on Investment (ROI)

The CRISC certification often leads to significant salary increases. According to recent salary surveys:

• The average annual salary for CRISC-certified professionals is approximately $146,000.
• Roles such as IT Risk Manager or Cybersecurity Auditor often pay higher than industry averages due to the specialization.

Additionally, CRISC-certified professionals report greater job security and opportunities for leadership positions.

Who Should Get It?

The CRISC certification is ideal for:

• IT risk managers looking to validate their expertise.
• IT auditors seeking to expand into risk and governance roles.
• Compliance professionals aiming to deepen their understanding of risk management.

While the cost may seem steep initially, the long-term benefits of higher salaries, job security, and career progression often outweigh the investment.

Jobs and Salaries for CRISC-Certified Professionals

The CRISC certification opens doors to lucrative roles in IT risk management and governance. Employers value the certification for its focus on bridging the gap between technical IT skills and strategic business objectives.

CRISC certification holders often qualify for high-demand positions, including:

• IT Risk Manager
• Cybersecurity Auditor
• Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Analyst
• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
• IT Compliance Manager

CRISC-certified professionals earn competitive salaries worldwide ranging from $80,000 to $250,000 + per year for leadership-level roles. According to ISACA, the global average salary for CRISC-certified professionals is $146,000, placing it among the top-paying certifications in the industry.

The CRISC certification not only increases earning potential but also positions professionals for leadership roles in IT risk management. Organizations across industries actively seek CRISC-certified candidates to design risk frameworks and align IT controls with business goals, ensuring long-term career stability and progression.

How Cyberkraft Can Help You Achieve Your CRISC Certification

Preparing for the CRISC exam can be a challenging process, but Cyberkraft offers our ISACA CRISC Training Bootcamp programs designed to help you succeed. Our comprehensive approach focuses on equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to confidently pass the CRISC exam and thrive in IT risk management roles.

Cyberkraft is one of only a handful of Accredited Premium partners in the world. We use the official ISACA course materials and only employ accredited ISACA instructors. Cyberkraft has passed rigorous third-party assessments to ensure our course instruction meet’s ISACA’s strict quality standards. Enroll with us and enjoy the piece of mind that comes with trusting an ISACA Accredited Premium Partner.

What’s Included in Cyberkraft’s CRISC Training Bootcamp?

• Detailed coverage of all four CRISC domains, including risk identification, assessment, response, and reporting.
• Access to practice exams that mirror the actual CRISC exam format.
• Tips and strategies to approach the most challenging exam questions.
• Ongoing support from instructors and an active community of learners. 40 hours of live instruction with our ISACA Accredited Instructors
• 12-Month subscription to the ISACA Official Question, Answer & Explanation (QAE) database
• Official ISACA Review Manual (Digital or Physical Copy)
• Unlimited practice exam attempts
• Lifetime access to Cyberkraft training materials and bootcamp recordings
• ISACA membership
• Exam voucher
• First Time Exam Pass Guarantee
• Career Assistance

Although the cost of the CRISC certification can be high, Investing in Cyberkraft’s CRISC certification training can significantly increase your chances of passing the exam on your first attempt while building the practical skills needed to excel in your career.

The Benefits of the CRISC Certification > Cost of CRISC Certification

The CRISC certification is a valuable investment for professionals aiming to excel in IT risk management and governance. With comprehensive knowledge of enterprise risk and information systems control, CRISC-certified individuals stand out in a competitive job market.

By partnering with an official ISACA Accredited Premium Partner like Cyberkraft, you’ll be fully prepared for the CRISC Certification Exam and pass it on the first attempt – guaranteed.

If you’re ready to take the next step, contact us here. With the right approach, this certification can transform your career and open doors to exciting opportunities in IT risk management.