The CISA Test Guide
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The CISA Test Summary
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| What: This exam grants certification for Information System Auditors. | |
| Who: The exam was created for individuals with experience in information systems auditing, control or security. | |
| Where: The test is offered at multiple testing centers worldwide. | |
| When: The exam is offered twice a year in June and December. | |
| How: The exam is multiple-choice. | |
| Type: It is a written exam, taken in a proctored environment. | |
| Why: The exam is required for professional information systems auditors to become certified. | |
| Time: Exam sessions last four hours. | |
| Language: Candidates may choose to take the exam in one of many languages. For a full list of languages visit www.isaca.org/cisaterminology | |
| Preparation: Test guides and preparation materials are available for purchase. | |
| Cost: Early registration costs $415 for Members and $545 for Non-Members. Final Registration is $465 for Members and $595 for Non-Members. | |
By: Pamela Jordan, Tests.com Contributing Writer
With more than 75,000 professionals who have earned their CISA, it is evident that becoming an Information Systems Auditor is a field in high demand. The CISA, or Certified Information Systems Auditor is a certification that many professionals may want to pursue in order to demonstrate their proficiency in the field of information technology and security. The certification process is admiinisterd by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA).
Candidates are eligible for certification once they have successfully completed the CISA exam. All professionals in the information science, control or security fields are encouraged to take the exam; however, to become CISA certified you must be able to prove 5 years of professional work experience.
The exam is 200 multiple choice questions taken within a four hour time limit. The exam tests a professional’s knowledge of the following:
• The IS Audit Process (10%)
• IT Governance (15%)
• Systems and Infrastructure Life Cycle Management (16%)
• IT Service Delivery and Support (14%)
• Protection of Information Assets (31%)
• Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (14%)
Test takers will be mailed an admission ticket approximately two weeks before the exam, which will indicate the testing location, time and date. The ticket will also come with a schedule for the exam day and a list of items candidates must bring with them to the testing location. The test costs $415 for early registration members and $545 for non-members. For last registration the test costs $465 for members and $595 for non-members. All fees must be paid before a ticket will be mailed.
Candidates will only be allowed into the testing center with a valid government issued ID and an admission ticket. If you do not receive an admission ticket by June 1st, contact the ISACA certification department.
Within approximately eight weeks of taking the exam, the scores will be mailed and (with the test taker’s permission) emailed to the candidate. The ISACA ranks the score of the CISA exam based on a 200 to 800 point scale. For example, a score of 800 represents a perfect score. If a candidate receives a score of 450 or higher, they have passed.
However, passing the exam does not automatically award you the CISA title. To become fully certified a candidate must complete the following:
- Completinig of the CISA examination with a score of 450 or more
- Five years experience as an Information Systems Auditor
- Abiding by the Code of Professional Ethics
- Abiding by the Continuing Professional Education Program
- Following the agreement of the Information Systems Auditing Standards
You may register for the exam online or by mailing or faxing a registration form to ISACA. To avoid a more expensive registration charge, register by August 8th.
It is highly recommended that candidates thoroughly prepare for the exam, which is why upon completion of the registration form “The Candidates Guide to the CISA Exam” will be mailed to the candidate. It can also be found online.
For more information about the CISA exam please visit http://www.isaca.org
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