5 Future-Proof Certifications Offered by ISACA in 2023
This blog covers:
List of Top ISACA Certifications
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)
- Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE)
1. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification is world-renowned as the standard of achievement for those who audit, control, monitor and assess an organization’s information technology and business systems. The recent quarterly IT Skills and Certifications Pay Index (ITSCPI) from Foote Partners ranked CISA among the most sought-after and highest-paying IT certifications. This certification is a must-have for mid to advanced-career IT professionals looking for leverage in career growth.
Targeted Audience
Designed for IT/IS auditors, control, assurance and information security professionals.
Exam Languages
Chinese Traditional, Chinese Simplified, English, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Turkish.
Exam Length
4 hours (240 minutes), 150 multiple-choice questions
Experience Required
Five (5) or more years of experience in IS/IT audit, control, assurance, or security. Experience waivers are available for a maximum of three (3) years.
Exam Topics
The exam domains and their respective percetages are given below:Â
Domain | Percentage |
Information Systems Auditing Process | Â 21% |
Governance & Management of IT | Â 17% |
Information Systems Acquisition, Development & Implementation | Â 12% |
Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience | 23% |
Protection of Information Assets | Â 27% |
Read more:Â CISA Certification worth
2. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
Our Certified in Risk and Information Systems Controlâ„¢ certification indicates expertise in identifying and managing enterprise IT risk and implementing and maintaining information systems controls. You will gain instant recognition and credibility with CRISC and boost your career. If you are mid to advanced-career IT professional with a focus on IT and cyber risk and control, CRISC can get you the leverage you need to grow in your career.
Targeted Audience
Designed for those experienced in the management of IT risk and the design, implementation, monitoring and maintenance of IS controls.
Exam Languages
Chinese Simplified, English, Spanish, Korean
Exam Length
4 hours (240 minutes), 150 multiple choice questions
Experience Required
Three (3) or more years of experience in IT risk management and IS control. No experience waivers or substitutions
Exam Topics
The exam domains and their respective percetages are given below:Â
Domain | Percentage |
Governance | 26% |
IT Risk Assessment | 20% |
Risk Response and Reporting | 32% |
Information Technology and Security | 22% |
Follow up: Worth of CRISC certification
3. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
ISACA’s Certified Information Security Manager certification indicates expertise in information security governance, program development and management, incident management and risk management. If you are a mid to advanced-career IT professional aspiring to senior management roles in IT security and control, CISM can get you the visibility you need.
Designed for those who manage, design, oversee and assess an enterprise’s information security function.
Exam Languages
Chinese Simplified, English, Japanese, Spanish
Exam Length
4 hours (240 minutes), 150 multiple choice questions
Experience Required
Five (5) or more years of experience in information security management. Experience waivers are available for a maximum of two (2) years.Â
Exam Topics
The exam domains and their respective percetages are given below:Â
Domain | Percentage |
Information Security Governance | 17% |
Information Security Risk Management | 20% |
Information Security Program | 33% |
Incident Management | 30% |
Read more: CISSP vs CISM Which is right for you
4. Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)
ISACA Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT® is unique and framework agnostic. It is the only IT governance certification that can give you the mindset to assess, design, implement and manage enterprise IT governance systems aligned with overall business goals. You will gain visibility at the executive level with CGEIT.
Recognizes a wide range of professionals for their knowledge and application of enterprise IT governance principles and practices
Exam Length
4 hours (240 minutes)
Exam Questions
150 multiple-choice questions
Exam Languages
Chinese Simplified, English
Experience Required
Five (5) or more years of experience in an advisory or oversight role supporting the governance of the IT related contribution to an enterprise. Experience waivers are available for a maximum of one (1) year
Exam Topics
The exam domains and their respective percetages are given below:Â
Domain | Percentage |
Governance of Enterprise IT | 40%Â |
IT Resources | 15% |
Benefits Realization | 26%Â |
Risk Optimization | 19 % |
Read more: A Detailed Comparison of CISA VS CISMÂ
5. Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE)
Modern privacy laws and regulations require organizations to implement privacy by design and, by default, into IT systems, networks, and applications. To do so, privacy professionals must partner with software developers, system and network engineers, application and database administrators, and project managers to build data privacy and protection measures into new and existing technology environments.
Designed for those experienced in the governance, architecture, and lifecycle of data privacy at a technical level.
Exam Length
3.5 hours (210 minutes)
Exam Questions
120 multiple choice questions
Exam Languages
Chinese Simplified, English, Spanish, Germane
Experience Required
Three (3) or more years of experience in data privacy governance, privacy architecture, and/or data lifecycle work. No experience waivers or substitutions.
For more information about certifications follow the certificate program exam guide
Exam Topics
The exam domains and their respective percetages are given below:Â
Domain | Percentage |
Privacy Governance | 34% |
Privacy Architecture | 36% |
Data Lifecycle | 30%Â |
Click Here : For more information about the exam guide of ISACA CertificationsÂ
What Are The Perks And Advantages Of Becoming An ISACA Member?
- ISACA offers membership to candidates all around the world. Member of ISACA enjoys many perks and advantages.Â
- You would connect to the ISACA community which comprises more than 160,000+ candidates worldwide.Â
- Training and credentials make the learning much easier for the members.
- Special discounts are available for the members Â
- Exam take fee is less for ISACA members than the non-members.Â
- You can enjoy free CPE credits which are useful for maintaining your certifications.Â
How Much Do I Need To Pay To Become An ISACA Member?
You need to pay a membership fee to become an ISACA member. The total membership consists of an international fee and a local chapter fee. The international fee is the same for all members, i.e., $149. The local chapter fee depends on your region. For US members, the local chapter cost ranges from $15 to 100$.
How Much Earnings Would I Receive Through ISACA Certifications?
Certification | Annual Salary |
CISA | US$149,000+Â |
CISMÂ | US$149,000+Â |
CRISCÂ | US$151,000Â |
CDPSEÂ | US$150,000Â |
CGEITÂ | US$141,000Â |
How Fast Is ISACA Growing Among IT Professionals?
What Is The Cost Of Taking The ISACA Certification Exams?
The cost of the ISACA exams is different for candidates who are ISACA members and those who are non-members. ISACA members need to pay $575, while nonmembers have to pay $760. Similarly, the exam retake fee varies for ISACA members and non-members.
How to Register For ISACA Certification?
Select your certification exam: CISA, CRISC, CISM, CGEIT, CDPSE orÂ
- Log-in or create an ISACA account.
- Fill in the required information, and schedule your date, language and time.
- Deposit the payment.Â
Can I Retake The ISACA Certification Exam?
Yes, you can retake the ISACA exam as per the policies provided by ISACA.Â
Number of exam attemptsÂ
You can avail 4 attempts in 1 year. It means that if you are not successful in passing your first attempt, then you will 3 more attempts to pass the same exam.Â
Cost of the exam attemptsÂ
ISACA exam attempt is not free of cost. You have to pay the registration fee for every exam attempt. For ISACA members, the exam retake fee is $249. For non-members, the exam retake fee is higher than the members. Non-members need to pay $249.Â
Waiting period
When you cannot pass the exam, you would have to wait 30 days to attempt the first retake. If you are not successful in the first retake, you would have to wait for 90 days to take the second retake. Similarly, if you are not able to ace the second retake, you have to wait for 90 days to attempt the third retake.Â
Final Remarks
ISACA certifications are usually mid-level to expert credentials. This means that they contain deeper and more precise learning material. Thousands of candidates who are a part of the ISACA community recommend to take an appropriate ISACA credential that would help them to spotlight their skills. These certifications are a passport to success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best ISACA certification?
According to the survey organized by ISACA, CISM is the most popular credential. A huge majority of the candidate choose ISACA to learn this course.Â
How long does it take to learn the ISACA certification exams?
It takes 20 days to learn the ISACA exam. You need to study for 2 hours daily to complete the preparation.
What is the best study material for preparing for ISACA exams?
The best way to prepare for ISACA is to choose the right material and course that can help you to ace the exams. Many courses for ISACA exams are available online. Lastly, you can practice and revise your concepts before taking the exam.Â