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Compare certifications Pick up to 3 certifications and compare them side-by-side on cost, exam format, recertification, salary signal, quality, and domain coverage.
PECB · professional
PECB 27001LA PECB ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor
The PECB ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor is aimed at professionals who want to independently lead or conduct ISMS audits according to ISO 27001. The certificate is well established in Europe and is recognized by many organizations as proof of audit competence. The exam is demanding and combines standards knowledge with practical auditor expertise. Compared to ISO auditor certifications from other providers, PECB positions itself in the mid-price segment with broad international distribution. For beginners without audit experience, the Foundation level is recommended first.
Official page ISACA · professional
CISA Certified Information Systems Auditor
IS audit, governance, control testing, and assurance.
Official page Comparing
PECB PECB 27001LA
ISACA CISA
› Cost Exam fee
PECB 27001LA $1,100
CISA $760
Annual maintenance fee
—
$45/yr
3-year cost of ownership
PECB 27001LA $1,100
CISA $895
3-year cost of ownership
$1,100
$895
› Exam mechanics Pass mark
PECB 27001LA 70%
CISA 450/800 (scaled)
Pass mark
70%
450/800 (scaled)
Retake policy
PECB 27001LA $0 fee · 0d wait
CISA $575 fee · 30d wait · 4/yr cap
Retake policy
$0 fee · 0d wait
$575 fee · 30d wait · 4/yr cap
Study time
PECB 27001LA 80–160 hrs
CISA 120–250 hrs
Study time
80–160 hrs
120–250 hrs
Validity
PECB 27001LA 3 yrs
CISA 3 yrs
Delivery
PECB 27001LA mixed
CISA test center
› Salary signal (US base) Range
PECB 27001LA $90K – $140K
CISA $100K – $150K
Range
$90K – $140K
$100K – $150K
Median
PECB 27001LA $115,000
CISA $122,000
Role context
PECB 27001LA ISO 27001 lead auditor / GRC consultant, US, 3–7 years.
CISA IT Auditor / SOX auditor / IS audit manager, US, 5+ years.
Role context
ISO 27001 lead auditor / GRC consultant, US, 3–7 years.
IT Auditor / SOX auditor / IS audit manager, US, 5+ years.
› Quality (4-axis rubric · 0–10) › Recognition & lifecycle Recognition
PECB 27001LA Global
CISA Global · US · EU · UK · DACH
Recognition
Global
Global · US · EU · UK · DACH
Holders worldwide
—
165,000
Current version
PECB 27001LA Aligned to ISO/IEC 27001:2022 (2023-01)
CISA 2024 job-practice analysis (2024-06)
Current version
Aligned to ISO/IEC 27001:2022 (2023-01)
2024 job-practice analysis (2024-06)
› Domain coverage A1 Governance, Risk & Compliance
PECB 27001LA ● core
CISA ● core
A1 Governance, Risk & Compliance
● core
● core
A12 Data Security, Privacy & Protection
PECB 27001LA ·
CISA ○ touched
A12 Data Security, Privacy & Protection
·
○ touched
A13 Supply Chain Security
PECB 27001LA ·
CISA ○ touched
A13 Supply Chain Security
·
○ touched
A18 Security Leadership
PECB 27001LA ·
CISA ○ touched
A18 Security Leadership
·
○ touched
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