By Quick answer: Which certification has the best return on investment in 2027?
- Best ratio — AWS SAA: $150 vs $155,597 average.
- Highest pay — CISSP, with experience.
- Free ROI — Skillshop in marketing.
- Caution — survey pay reflects seniority.
Key takeaways
- ROI depends on your starting point.
- Low-cost exams with strong demand give the best ratio.
- Experience requirements drive senior pay.
Return on a certification depends on its cost, the time it takes and the role it helps you reach. Survey data gives one view.1
Certifications that answer this
Ranked for this reader. Costs and formats come from each issuer's own page, checked on 3 November 2026; prices change, so confirm before you book.
| # | Certification | Cost | Time | Prove it free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AWS Certified Solutions Architect – AssociateAmazon Web Services | $1502 | 130 minutes, 65 questions | Free test |
| 2 | AWS Certified Cloud PractitionerAmazon Web Services | $1003 | 90 minutes, 65 questions | Free test |
| 3 | CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security ProfessionalISC2 | See ISC2 page4 | Check issuer | Free test |
| 4 | CISM – Certified Information Security ManagerISACA | US$575 ISACA members / US$760 non-members5 | Check issuer | Free test |
| 5 | CISA – Certified Information Systems AuditorISACA | US$575 ISACA members / US$760 non-members6 | Check issuer | Free test |
| 6 | Google Ads & Google Analytics Certifications (Skillshop)Google Skillshop | Free7 | Self-paced | Free test |
Prove it free before you pay for an exam
Take the free test first. Pay for an exam only when you pass.
Every pick above has a matching free practice test on Science of Apps, one of the world's largest libraries of free certification tests (1,200+). Check your level before you pay for an exam, or add a verifiable credential to LinkedIn while you study. (Disclosure: we publish these tests; the certifications above earn us nothing.)
- AWS Solutions Architect Associate Practice ExamPractise for AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate before you pay.Start free test →
- AWS Cloud Practitioner Practice ExamPractise for AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner before you pay.Start free test →
- CISSP Practice TestPractise for CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional before you pay.Start free test →
- CISM Practice TestPractise for CISM – Certified Information Security Manager before you pay.Start free test →
Each certification, and why it's here
- AWSAWS Certified Solutions Architect – AssociateStrong cost-to-pay ratio$150
- AWSAWS Certified Cloud PractitionerCheap start$100
- ISC2CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security ProfessionalHighest survey paySee ISC2 page
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
- Cost
- $1502
- Format
- 130 minutes, 65 questions
$150; US average $155,597.1 AWS's associate exam tests designing secure, resilient, high-performing and cost-aware systems on AWS. It's 130 minutes with 65 questions and costs $150, and it's the cloud credential most often named in job posts.
Best forstrong cost-to-pay ratio
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- Cost
- $1003
- Format
- 90 minutes, 65 questions
$100; US average $142,704.1 AWS's entry exam covers cloud concepts, core services, security and billing. It's 90 minutes with 65 questions and costs $100, so it's the usual first cloud exam for beginners and non-technical staff.
Best forcheap start
CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional
- Cost
- See ISC2 page4
- Entry
- 5 years of paid security work experience
US average $168,060;1 five years' experience. ISC2's senior credential covers eight broad security domains and requires five years of paid security experience. It's ANAB-accredited, and US holders averaged $168,060 in Skillsoft's 2025 survey, the highest of any IT certification there.
Best forhighest survey pay
CISM – Certified Information Security Manager
- Cost
- US$575 ISACA members / US$760 non-members5
US average $157,189;1 US$575/$760. ISACA's credential for security managers covers governance, risk, programme management and incident management. It costs US$575 for ISACA members and US$760 for non-members and requires management experience.
Best formanagement
CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor
- Cost
- US$575 ISACA members / US$760 non-members6
US average $155,362;1 US$575/$760. ISACA's audit credential covers auditing information systems, governance, operations and protection of assets. It costs US$575 for ISACA members and US$760 for non-members and is the standard for IT auditors.
Best foraudit
Google Ads & Google Analytics Certifications (Skillshop)
- Cost
- Free7
Free; useful in marketing. Google's Ads and Analytics certifications on Skillshop are free and recognised across agencies and in-house marketing teams. Each takes hours rather than weeks; check Skillshop for current renewal rules.
Best forfree
Cost vs survey pay
| Certification | Exam cost | US survey average |
|---|---|---|
| AWS SAA | $150 | $155,597 |
| AWS CCP | $100 | $142,704 |
| CISSP | See ISC2 | $168,060 |
| CISM | US$575–760 | $157,189 |
| CISA | US$575–760 | $155,362 |
Table: Cost vs Skillsoft 2025 US survey averages
How we ranked these picks
Answers draw on official certification pages checked 3 November 2026 and the sources listed.
Frequently asked questions
What has the best ROI?
AWS SAA on cost vs survey pay.
Are survey salaries guaranteed?
No; they reflect holders' experience.
Is CISSP worth the cost?
For experienced professionals.
Do free certifications have ROI?
In marketing and learning, yes.
Is there a free test?
Yes. Science of Apps offers free practice tests.
Sources
- Skillsoft — Top-paying IT certifications
- Amazon Web Services — AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Amazon Web Services — AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- ISC2 — CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- ISACA — CISM – Certified Information Security Manager, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- ISACA — CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Google Skillshop — Google Ads & Google Analytics Certifications (Skillshop), official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Checked November 4, 2026. Figures that change — fees, salaries, prices — are reviewed every six months; if something is out of date, tell us.
Where to go from here
- The best online certifications of 2027 — the full top 10 across every field
- Certification FAQ 2027: 50 Questions Answered — related guide
- Best AI Certifications of 2027: 10 Ranked by Career Impact — related guide
- Career guides by Science of Apps for 2027The certifications employers value most in 2027: ten respected across industriesThe 10 certifications employers value most in 2027: PMP, CISSP, AWS SAA, Security+, CISA, CISM, CFA, AZ-104, CCNA and PL-300, with survey pay where available.
- Career guides by Science of Apps for 2027Are cybersecurity certifications worth it in 2027? An honest answer from entry level to CISSPAre cybersecurity certifications worth it in 2027? Security+ and CISSP usually are; many others aren't. Survey pay data and 5 worth the money.
- Career guides by Science of Apps for 2027Are cloud computing certifications worth it in 2027? An honest answer, with survey pay dataAre cloud certifications worth it in 2027? Associate exams usually are; fundamentals alone rarely get jobs. Survey pay data and 5 worth the money.
- Career guides by Science of Apps for 2027CISM review for 2027: is it worth it, who it's for and the best alternativesCISM review for 2027: fees, survey pay of $157,189 (US), who it suits and how it compares with CISSP and CISA.
- Career guides by Science of Apps for 2027The highest-paying IT certifications for 2027, from Skillsoft's salary surveyThe highest-paying IT certifications for 2027 from Skillsoft survey data: CISSP, CISM, AWS Solutions Architect, CISA and AWS Cloud Practitioner, with fees.
- Career guides by Science of Apps for 2027CISA review for 2027: is it worth it, who it's for and the best alternativesCISA review for 2027: fees, survey pay of $155,362 (US), who it suits and how it compares with CISM. With costs, pros, cons and alternatives.
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