Exam Candidate Guide - CISA
Exam Candidate Guide - CISA
Exam Candidate Guide - CISA
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ISACA Certification Exams
Candidate Guide
Table of Contents
Candidate Guide Overview ......................................................................................................... 1
Section I: Introduction................................................................................................................. 2
1.1 - ISACA Overview and Code of Ethics ................................................................................. 2
1.2 - ISACA Certification Program Summary ............................................................................. 4
Section II: Exam Registration and Scheduling .......................................................................... 6
2.1 - Before You Register .......................................................................................................... 6
2.2 - Registering for the Exam ................................................................................................... 6
2.3 - Scheduling the Exam Appointment ................................................................................... 9
Section III - Exam Preparation .................................................................................................. 10
3.1 - Getting Ready for the Exam ............................................................................................ 10
3.2 - Exam Day Rules.............................................................................................................. 12
3.3 - Exam Administration ....................................................................................................... 14
Section IV - After the Exam ....................................................................................................... 15
4.1 - Exam Scoring .................................................................................................................. 15
4.2 - Retake Policy .................................................................................................................. 16
4.3 - Post Exam Feedback ...................................................................................................... 16
4.4 - Certification ..................................................................................................................... 17
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ISACA Certification Exams
Candidate Guide
Section I: Introduction
Section Topic Page
1.1 ISACA Overview and Code of Ethics 2
1.2 ISACA Certification Programs Summary 4
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ISACA Certification Exams
Candidate Guide
Certificate Programs
• COBIT Certificates
• IT Risk Fundamentals
• Certificate of Cloud Auditing Knowledge
• Cybersecurity Audit
Certification Programs
Code of Ethics
ISACA sets forth a Code of Professional Ethics to guide the professional and personal conduct of its
members and/or certification holders.
• Members and those certified are required to abide by ISACA’s Code of Professional
Ethics.
• Failure to comply can result in an investigation and disciplinary measures including but not
limited to exam score nullification or certification revocation.
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ISACA Certification Exams
Candidate Guide
Designed for IT/IS Designed for those Designed for those Recognizes a wide Designed for those
auditors, control, experienced in the who manage, design, range of professionals experienced in the
assurance and management of IT risk oversee and assess an for their knowledge and governance,
information security and the design, enterprise’s application of enterprise architecture, and
Description
professionals. implementation, information security IT governance principles lifecycle of data privacy
monitoring and function. and practices. at a technical level.
maintenance of IS
controls.
Five (5) or more years of Three (3) or more years Five (5) or more years Five (5) or more years Three (3) or more years
experience in IS/IT audit, of experience in IT risk of experience in of experience in an of experience in data
control, assurance, or management and IS information security advisory or oversight privacy governance,
security. control. management. role supporting the privacy architecture,
Experience Experience waivers governance of the IT- and/or data lifecycle
Experience waivers are No experience waivers or related contribution to work.
Required are available for a
available for a maximum substitutions an enterprise.
of three (3) years. maximum of two (2) No experience waivers
years. Experience waivers are or substitutions.
available for a maximum
of one (1) year.
Chinese Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese Simplified Chinese Simplified Chinese Simplified
Chinese Simplified English English English English
English French Spanish Japanese Spanish
Exam
Languages German Hebrew Korean Spanish German
(Effective Nov 2022) (New for 2023)
Italian Japanese
Korean Portuguese
(New for 2023)
Spanish Turkish
Exam 4 hours (240 minutes), 4 hours (240 minutes), 4 hours (240 minutes), 4 hours (240 minutes), 3.5 hours (210 minutes),
Length 150 multiple choice 150 multiple choice 150 multiple choice 150 multiple choice 120 multiple choice
questions questions questions questions questions
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ISACA Certification Exams
Candidate Guide
Exam Fees
Exam registration fees are based on membership status at the time of exam registration.
• ISACA Member: US $575
• ISACA Nonmember: US $760
Exam registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
Resources
Below are some useful links and resources to help exam candidates learn more about ISACA
Certification exams.
CISA Certification
• CISA Exam Content Outline
• Prepare for the CISA Exam
• CISA Exam Information
• CISA Application Requirements
• CISA Maintenance Requirements
CRISC Certification
• CRISC Exam Content Outline
• Prepare for the CRISC Exam
• CRISC Exam Information
• CRISC Application Requirements
• CRISC Maintenance Requirements
CISM Certification
• CISM Exam Content Outline
• Prepare for the CISM Exam
• CISM Exam Information
• CISM Application Requirements
• CISM Maintenance Requirements
CGEIT Certification
• CGEIT Exam Content Outline
• Prepare for the CGEIT Exam
• CGEIT Exam Information
• CGEIT Application Requirements
• CGEIT Maintenance Requirements
CDPSE Certification
• CDPSE Exam Content Outline
• Prepare for the CDPSE Exam
• CDPSE Exam Information
• CDPSE Application Requirements
• CDPSE Maintenance Requirements
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ISACA Certification Exams
Candidate Guide
Please be aware that the exam eligibility and registration fees will be forfeited in the event the
candidate does not take the exam during the 12-month eligibility period if the testing
appointment is missed or if the candidate is more than 15 minutes late for a testing
appointment.
2.2 - Registering for the Exam
Exam registration must be completed online by following the steps below:
Step Action
1. Select your certification exam: CISA | CRISC | CISM | CGEIT | CDPSE
2. Log-in or create an account.
Note: If you are creating an account, please ensure your name is the same as what
appears on your government-issued identification that you will present on exam day. See
the Exam Day Rules section in this document for acceptable forms of ID.
Before you register for the exam, it is important to verify there is a PSI test site with
availability near you or have a compatible device for remote testing. To test your
device, complete this compatibility check. If you are using a company device to
take your exam, you may need your IT department’s assistance or approval.
3. Complete the registration process
Please note, during the exam registration process you will be required to accept ISACA’s Terms
of Use, section 16. Exams, including the conditions set forth in this Candidate Guide covering
exam administration, certification rules, and the release of test results.
For step-by-step instructions on completing your online registration, please refer to the How to
Register Guide.
Candidates cannot schedule a testing appointment until exam registration fees are paid in full.
Exam fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
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ISACA Certification Exams
Candidate Guide
Registration Acknowledgement
You will receive a Notification to Schedule email within one (1) business day following registration
and payment of the exam.
The Notification to Schedule email provides information on scheduling your exam appointment.
Registering for the Exam with Special Accommodations
Special testing accommodations must be requested during the registration process and approved by
ISACA before scheduling the exam.
To request special testing accommodations please follow the steps below:
Step Action
1. During the exam registration process, make sure to check the special accommodation
requirement field.
Special accommodation requests will not be considered until exam registration fees are paid in
full. All requests must be submitted to ISACA no later than 4 weeks prior to your preferred exam
date and are only valid for that one exam administration.
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ISACA Certification Exams
Candidate Guide
Registration Changes
There are three common registration changes that candidates request. Refer to the table below.
Type of Change Steps
Name The name on your ISACA account must match the name on the ID
used to check-in for your exam.
1. Log-in at www.isaca.org/myisaca.
2. Click on the red MY ISACA PROFILE button.
3. Make the necessary changes.
4. Click Save.
Exam 1. Log-in at https://www.isaca.org/myisaca/certifications.
Language 2. Click the “Re-Schedule or Cancel Exam” link to proceed to PSI’s
scheduling page
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to schedule your testing appointment.
The Scheduling Guide is available to help you schedule and reschedule.
Note: If you need to change your exam language, you also must
reschedule the testing appointment. See Rescheduling an Exam for
details.
All change requests must be completed a minimum of 48 hours prior to your scheduled testing
appointment.
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ISACA Certification Exams
Candidate Guide
You will receive a scheduling confirmation email from no-reply@psiexams.com confirming your
exam appointment. Please view the Scheduling Guide for additional scheduling assistance.
Please note, exam appointments are only available 90 days in advance. If you do not see your exam
site or date available more than 90 days in advance, please check back when it is closer to your
desired exam date.
If you still do not see your desired exam site or date available, please verify that your exam eligibility
has not expired by logging into your ISACA Account, and clicking the Certification & CPE
Management tab.
Rescheduling an Exam
You can reschedule your exam anytime, without penalty, during your eligibility period if done a
minimum of 48 hours prior to your scheduled testing appointment.
If you are within 48 hours of your scheduled testing appointment, you must take the exam or
forfeit the registration fee. To reschedule an appointment: Log-in into your ISACA Account
and follow the rescheduling steps in the Scheduling Guide
Emergency Closing
Severe weather or an emergency could require canceling scheduled exams. If this occurs, PSI will
attempt to contact you by phone or email; however, ISACA suggests that you check for test
center closures by visiting www.psiexams.com. If the site is closed, the exam will be rescheduled
at no additional charge.
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ISACA Certification Exams
Candidate Guide
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ISACA Certification Exams
Candidate Guide
If you are using a company device to take your exam, you may need your IT
department's assistance or approval to download the secure browser.
*See the Exam Day Rules for more information.
Identification Requirements
To enter the testing center or check-in for your online exam, you must present an acceptable form
of identification (ID). An acceptable form of ID must be a current, valid, and original government-
issued ID that contains:
• Candidate’s name (as it appears on the Notification to Schedule email from ISACA). Please note, the first
and last name shown on your ID must match the name with which you registered for the exam, or you
may not be permitted entry to your exam. Middle names are not required for registration.
• Candidate’s signature (Driver's Licenses issued in Japan without a signature will be accepted.)
• Candidate’s photograph
All information must be demonstrated by a single form of ID (cannot be a copy or handwritten).
Any candidate who does not provide an acceptable form of ID will not be allowed to sit for
the exam and will forfeit their registration fee.
The testing center reserves the right to ask for additional forms of identification for verification
purposes. If there is any doubt surrounding your identity, you will be turned away from the test and
ISACA will be notified. This will be considered a no-show and you forfeit your exam fees. To take the
exam in the future, you will be required to re-register and pay the exam fee again. 11
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ISACA Certification Exams
Candidate Guide
Your workspace must be completely cleared of all other items and materials during your exam. You will
be required to face toward the screen for the duration of your exam so the proctors can properly
monitor the exam session.
You are prohibited from having the following items with you during your exam:
• Reference materials, study materials, paper, notes, notepads, language dictionaries, or other aids
• Calculators
• Multiple monitors
• Any type of communication, surveillance or recording devices including but not limited to:
o Mobile phones, electronic devices, or recording devices
o Tablets
o Smart watches or glasses
o Headphones / earbuds
• Baggage of any kind including handbags, purses, or briefcases
• Weapons
• Tobacco products or vaping
• Food or beverages (this includes water, and applies to both on-site and remotely proctored exams)
• Visitors
If exam candidates are viewed with any such communication, surveillance or recording devices during
the exam administration, their exam will be voided, and they will be asked to immediately leave the exam
site if applicable. Candidates are not permitted to take screenshots or photos of any portion of the
exam, including the exam results screen.
• Accessing items stored in the personal belongings area before the completion of the exam. 12
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ISACA Certification Exams
Candidate Guide
Personal Hardship Guidelines
If you fail to arrive for a testing appointment due to a personal hardship you may be able to reschedule
without forfeiting your exam registration fee.
Step Action
1. Contact PSI* no later than 72 hours following the scheduled appointment.
Death of an immediate family Must include the date of death and deceased name and
member including: relationship to the deceased.
• Spouse
• Child/dependent
• Parent
• Grandparent
• Sibling
Traffic Accidents Police report, receipt from the mechanic or towing company
which must include the date and contact information.
If the request is denied, you are required to register again and pay the full exam registration fee.
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ISACA Certification Exams
Candidate Guide
Consequences
If you violate the Terms of Use or Exam Day Rules or engage in any kind of misconduct you will
be subject to the following:
• Dismissal or disqualification
• Voiding of exam
• Revocation of ISACA membership and any certifications currently held
• Banned from taking any ISACA exam
Your exam may be administered in a room with other test takers. Please note that some noise should
be expected and is considered normal.
Here is a video of the PSI Test Center Experience.
ISACA does not reissue scores based on question updates. Our subject matter experts use
these comments to improve future examinations.
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ISACA Certification Exams
Candidate Guide
4.4 - Certification
How to become Certified
Taking and passing an ISACA certification exam is just the first step in becoming certified.
To become certified, an individual must first meet the following requirements:
Step Action
1. Successfully pass the Certification Exam.
2. Pay the $50 application processing fee.
3. Submit an application to demonstrate the experience requirements.
4. Adhere to the Code of Professional Ethics.
5. Adhere to the Continuing Professional Education Policy.
Candidates have (5) five years from passing the exam to apply for certification.
Additional resources are included below for more information about becoming certified.
2. Pay the $50 Application Processing Fee: CISA | CISM | CGEIT | CRISC | CDPSE
3. Submit the Application for Certification: CISA | CISM | CGEIT | CRISC | CDPSE
4. Adhere to ISACA’s Code of Professional Ethics, Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy
5. Adhere to the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Policy: CISA | CISM | CGEIT | CRISC
|CDPSE
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ISACA Certification Exams
Candidate Guide
Why certify?
ISACA certifications are globally accepted and recognized. They combine the achievement of passing
an exam with credit for your work and educational experience, giving you the credibility, you need to
move ahead in your career. Certification proves to employers that you have what it takes to add value
to their enterprise. In fact, many organizations and governmental agencies around the world require or
recognize ISACA’s certifications.
Independent studies consistently rate ISACA’s designations among the highest paying IT and impactful
certifications that an IT professional can earn. Earning and maintaining an ISACA certification:
• Boosts your earning potential.
• Counts in the hiring process.
• Enhances your professional credibility and recognition.
ISO/IEC 17024:2012 Compliant
• The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has accredited the CISA, CRISC, CISM and
CGEIT certifications under ISO/IEC 17024:2012, General Requirements for Bodies Operating
Certification Systems of Persons.
• Accreditation by ANSI signifies that ISACA’s procedures meet ANSI’s essential requirements for
openness, balance, consensus, and due process.
• With this accreditation, ISACA anticipates that significant opportunities for CISAs, CRISCs,
CISMs and CGEITs will continue to present themselves around the world.
ANSI Accredited Program
PERSONNEL CERTIFICATION #0694
ISO/IEC 17024
CISA, CISM, CGEIT and CRISC Program Accreditation
Renewed Under ISO/IEC 17024:2012
• ANSI is a private, nonprofit organization that accredits other organizations to serve as third-
party product, system, and personnel certifiers.
• ISO/IEC 17024 specifies the requirements to be followed by organizations certifying individuals
against specific requirements.
ANSI describes ISO/IEC 17024 as “expected to play a prominent role in facilitating global
standardization of the certification community, increasing mobility among countries, enhancing
public safety and protecting consumers.”
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