CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) Requirements & Prerequisites
Everything you need to know before registering for the CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor), eligibility, cost, format, and what to expect on exam day.
Cost
$575-$760
Provider
ISACA
Validity
3 years (40 CPE/year)
Available
Global
Education
Check official exam requirements
Experience
1-3 years of hands-on experience recommended
Specific Requirements
- There are no prerequisites to sit the exam. ISACA states the CISA exam is open to anyone with an interest in information security, and you can take it before meeting the experience requirement.
- To become certified you need five or more years of professional information systems auditing, control, assurance, or security work experience as described in the CISA job practice areas.
- That experience must have been gained within the ten-year period preceding your certification application date.
- ISACA allows experience waivers for a maximum of three of the five years. The accepted substitutions are listed on the CISA application form.
- You must pay a one-time US$50 application processing fee and submit the application within five years of your passing date.
- You must agree to ISACA's Code of Professional Ethics, the Continuing Professional Education policy, and the Information Systems Auditing Standards.
Number of Questions
150 questions
Duration
4 hours (240 minutes)
Question Format
Multiple-choice with one best answer, each item having a stem and four options, Scenario-based sets where a described situation supports two or more linked questions, Unscored pretest items mixed in and not identified to the candidate
Passing Requirement
450 on a scaled range of 200 to 800
How It Is Delivered
Computer-based at an authorized PSI testing centre or as a remotely proctored online exam. Registration is continuous and appointments can be scheduled as early as 48 hours after payment.
Languages Offered
English, Spanish, Chinese Simplified, French, German, Korean, Japanese
Visit the official ISACA certification page
Create an account and select your exam
Choose a test center or online proctoring option
Pay the exam fee and schedule your date
- Two forms of valid ID (one government-issued with photo)
- Appointment confirmation email
- For online proctoring: webcam, microphone, clean desk, stable internet
What are the prerequisites for the CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)?
There are no prerequisites to sit the exam. ISACA states the CISA exam is open to anyone with an interest in information security, and you can take it before meeting the experience requirement.. To become certified you need five or more years of professional information systems auditing, control, assurance, or security work experience as described in the CISA job practice areas.. That experience must have been gained within the ten-year period preceding your certification application date.. ISACA allows experience waivers for a maximum of three of the five years. The accepted substitutions are listed on the CISA application form.. You must pay a one-time US$50 application processing fee and submit the application within five years of your passing date.. You must agree to ISACA's Code of Professional Ethics, the Continuing Professional Education policy, and the Information Systems Auditing Standards..
How much does the CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) cost?
The CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) exam costs $575-$760. This includes the exam fee only, study materials are additional.
How do I register for the CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)?
Visit the official ISACA certification page → Create an account and select your exam → Choose a test center or online proctoring option → Pay the exam fee and schedule your date
What should I bring to the CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)?
Two forms of valid ID (one government-issued with photo). Appointment confirmation email. For online proctoring: webcam, microphone, clean desk, stable internet.
Ready to prepare for CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)?
Get the complete exam guide with study plan, tips, and practice questions.
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