Finance & accounting Certifications: Cost Comparison
Informational only — not financial or career advice. Exam fees and certification requirements change, and the figures here are accurate only as of the listed verification date. Confirm the current fee and rules directly with the certifying body before you register or budget. We report the official-body exam fee for a single attempt; it excludes prep courses, materials and retakes, and is not the total cost of certifying.
A comparison of five major finance and accounting professional certifications reveals a significant spread in official single-attempt exam fees. As of June 2026, official exam costs range from $317 for the IRS Enrolled Agent examination to $1,490 for the CFA Level I exam. The other certifications surveyed fall within this range, demonstrating substantial variation in the direct cost of attempting each credential. These figures reflect official exam fees only and do not account for required or recommended study materials, prerequisite courses, application fees, or renewal costs that may apply to each certification.
Prospective candidates should verify all fees directly on each issuing body's official website before budgeting, as pricing is subject to change. A lower exam fee does not necessarily indicate lower total certification cost when preparation expenses and other requirements are factored in. Each certification carries distinct prerequisites, difficulty levels, and career outcomes that vary by individual circumstances and professional goals. Candidates are encouraged to research the specific requirements and time commitments of each credential through the issuing organizations themselves to make an informed decision aligned with their own situation.
| Certification | Issuing body | Exam fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrolled Agent (IRS SEE) | IRS / Prometric | $317 | 3-year enrollment cycle (72 CE hrs) |
| FRM (Financial Risk Manager) Part I | GARP | $800 | Maintained via membership |
| CFP (Certified Financial Planner) | CFP Board | $925 | 2 years (CE) |
| CPA (Certified Public Accountant) | AICPA / NASBA / state boards | $1,051 | License renewed per state (CPE) |
| CFA Level I | CFA Institute | $1,490 | Charter after 3 levels + experience |
Exam fees compiled from each issuing body, verified June 2026. How we compile this. Confirm before you pay.
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