Short answer: pick the certifications you are considering, choose how many years you plan to keep them, and the calculator adds up the exam fees and the renewal or maintenance fees for that period. Prices are US list prices we checked against the vendors in September and October 2026. Training, books and membership dues are not included.
How the calculator works
- Exam: the US list price for one attempt, plus any one-time application fee (ISACA’s $50, EC-Council’s $100 for self-study CEH candidates). Tick “Budget one retake” to add a second attempt at full price.
- Upkeep: yearly fees (ISC2’s annual maintenance fee, ISACA’s maintenance fee, EC-Council’s $80 a year) multiplied by the years you choose, plus fees charged once per renewal cycle (CompTIA’s continuing-education fee every 3 years, GIAC’s renewal every 4 years). It assumes you renew with continuing education rather than by retaking the exam.
- Not included: training, practice tests, ISACA or other membership dues, taxes, and discounts from student, military or reseller vouchers, which can cut the exam price.
- Stacking CompTIA certs: renewing a higher CompTIA certification can renew lower ones in the same path, so the calculator may overcount CompTIA upkeep if you hold several.
Prices change. Before you buy, confirm the current price on the vendor’s page. For what each exam covers and who it suits, see our cheapest cybersecurity certifications comparison and the cybersecurity certification path.
Sources
- ISC2 exam pricing (CC $199, CISSP $749, CCSP $599)
- ISACA CISM (exam $575 members, $760 non-members)
- GIAC pricing (GSEC $999 attempt, $499 renewal)
- CompTIA certifications (US store prices after the June 1, 2026 increase)
- Microsoft Learn, AWS Certification
FAQ
What is the cheapest cybersecurity certification?
Of the certifications in this calculator, Microsoft SC-900 has the lowest exam fee at $99, and Microsoft Fundamentals certifications do not expire. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is $100.
How much does the CISSP cost over three years?
About $1,154 in the US: the $749 exam plus ISC2’s $135 annual maintenance fee for three years. Training and retakes are extra.
How much does Security+ cost to earn and keep?
The Security+ exam is $439 at US list price, and renewing through continuing education costs a $150 fee every three years, so about $589 over three years.
Does the calculator include training costs?
No. It covers exam, application and renewal or maintenance fees only. Training, practice tests and membership dues vary too much to estimate.