5 Future-Proof Certifications Offered by ISACA in 2023

ISACA is a nonprofit, independent and worldwide association that is aimed to provide the preparation, configuration and implementation of advanced and updated knowledge and skills utilized in Information Systems. It is a highly recognized platform that promotes guidelines together with effective governance skills and tools for the candidates. It can be regarded as the warehouse where one can get a stock of knowledge in technical solutions, control and management, auditing and security skills. The worth and importance of ISACA certifications is unmatchable. No one would deny the opportunity to gain an ISACA credential as it is a potential medal to showcase your IT skills. But the biggest trouble is choosing which certification must be taken. This is the stage where you would have to pursue your interest. ISACA offers certifications in IT risk, auditing, cybersecurity and enterprise governance. Follow your interest and opt for the best ISACA pathway. This blog provides a detailed guide about the top certifications offered by ISACA. Proceed reading further to learn every detail you need to know to make the best decision for your future.
5 Best ISACA CERTIFICATIONS

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: 

Domain

Percentage 

Information Systems Auditing Process

  21%

Governance & Management of IT

  17%

Information Systems Acquisition, Development & Implementation

  12%

Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience

23%

Protection of Information Assets

  27%

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: 

Domain

Percentage 

Governance

26%

IT Risk Assessment

20%

Risk Response and Reporting

32%

Information Technology and Security

22%

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. 

Exam Topics

The exam domains and their respective percetages are given below: 

Domain

Percentage 

Information Security Governance

17%

Information Security Risk Management

20%

Information Security Program 

33%

Incident Management 

30%

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: 

Domain

Percentage 

Governance of Enterprise IT

40% 

IT Resources 

15% 

Benefits Realization

26% 

Risk Optimization

19 % 

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: 

Domain

Percentage 

Privacy Governance

34%

Privacy Architecture 

36%

Data Lifecycle

30% 

Click Here : For more information about the exam guide of ISACA Certifications 

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. 
  • You would connect to the ISACA community which comprises more than 160,000+ candidates worldwide. 
  • Training and credentials make the learning much easier for the members.
  • Special discounts are available for the members  
  • Exam take fee is less for ISACA members than the non-members. 
  • You can enjoy free CPE credits which are useful for maintaining your certifications. 

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+ 

CISM 

US$149,000+ 

CRISC 

US$151,000 

CDPSE 

US$150,000 

CGEIT 

US$141,000 

How Fast Is ISACA Growing Among IT Professionals?

5 best ISACA CERTIFICATIONS

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 or 

  1. Log-in or create an ISACA account.
  2. Fill in the required information, and schedule your date, language and time.
  3. Deposit the payment. 

Can I Retake The ISACA Certification Exam?

Yes, you can retake the ISACA exam as per the policies provided by ISACA. 

Number of exam attempts 

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. 

Cost of the exam attempts 

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. 

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. 

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

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. 

It takes 20 days to learn the ISACA exam. You need to study for 2 hours daily to complete the preparation.

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. 

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