The CISA exam used to be held three times each year. However, thanks to online registration and proctoring, you can now take this exam at any time. That’s right: the CISA exam dates for 2023 are whenever you want them to be! There’s no longer any need to worry about missing a testing window, though registration dates may still be important if you want to take the exam in person.
In this post, I am going to tell you how the CISA exam dates for 2023 will work, as well as any additional information you need to know about signing up for the CISA exam and taking it.
CISA Exam Dates 2023
Since the new exam in 2016, scheduling has become more flexible, but the exam fee has gone up considerably. This is something to be aware of when booking your exam date. However, at least you don’t have to worry about registration windows. Instead, once you register, you can schedule your exam for any time within the next 365 days. According to ICASA’s website:
Candidates are able to schedule their exam for any available date/time/location within their 365-day eligibility period. When scheduling an exam, candidates must select either online remote proctoring or an in-person testing center. Candidates who are unable to take their exam on their scheduled date are able to reschedule during their eligibility period if completed more than 48 hours prior to the original scheduled testing appointment.
This means you still must select a date and time to take the exam, but it doesn’t need to fall within a certain window. Additionally, if you need to reschedule, you can do so without a penalty as long as you reschedule more than two full days in advance.
If you prefer to take the test in person, you can select this option during scheduling. You’ll enter your location, and the website will tell you which days and times are available. You can look up specific dates, times, and locations on the testing company’s website, PSI Online. Simply select the CISA exam and your location.
How Many Times Can You Take the CISA Exam?
Fortunately, the expanded testing dates also mean expanded exam attempts. The “testing window” is now the 12-month period after you register, and you may take the exam up to four times within that one-year window. That includes your initial attempt plus three re-takes. However, be aware that you must allow a certain amount of time to pass before each retake.
- The second attempt must be at least 30 days after the first attempt
- The third attempt must be at least 60 days after the first attempt
- The fourth attempt must be at least 90 days after the first attempt
For instance, if you fail your first attempt at the CISA exam on January 15, you cannot make your second attempt until February 14. If you fail that, you cannot try again until March 16, and you cannot make a final attempt until April 15. Moreover, you must pay for a new exam registration for every attempt.
There are no limits on how many times you can take the exam in general, only how often you can take it in each registration period (four times).
ISACA Exam Candidate Information Guide for 2023 Exams
You may choose to download the official guide from ISACA to help you, along with the information I have provided in this post.
The ISACA Exam Candidate Information Guide includes candidate information about exam registration and scheduling and provides important key candidate details for exam-day administration. I encourage all exam candidates to review the information contained in this guide to familiarize themselves with the exam-day rules.
Exam date change requests:
- Rescheduling: must be done at least 48 hours prior to exam time. No fees will be charged.
- Update: exam fee is now non-refundable
Exam registration changes:
If you made an error with your name when registering for the exam, please update your profile by following these steps.
- Login toISACA
- Next, click on the My ISACA tab,
- Click on themyPROFILE>Account-Certification CPE-Demographic Info tab,
- Now, click the Edit button at the bottom of the profile to make your changes,
- Finally, click Save.
If there is an error in the exam type (CISA, CRISC, CISM, or CGEIT), please submit this to support.isaca.org immediately.
All changes must be completed a minimum of 48 hours prior to your scheduled exam.
CISA Exam – How Does It Work?
Now that you know the CISA exam dates, you may have a few questions about how the whole process works. Getting as much information as possible upfront will help you prepare properly.
The CISA exam is about your practical experience, more than just memorizing facts or figures. This is because it tests you on the things you will need to know when working as a CISA. This is also why it qualifies for CPE.
The exam covers the five domains, which are the sections or areas of expertise that the job tasks may fit into. It’s important that you know about these things and how to make decisions as if they were in a real-world situation.
The job practice domains and task and knowledge statements are as follows:
1—The Process of Auditing Information Systems (21%)
2—Governance and Management of IT (17%)
3—Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation (12%)
4—Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience (23%)
5—Protection of Information Assets (27%)
The exam covers each of these domains in job practice areas, as well as other areas of systems security, audit, and control as they apply to the work CISA does.
How Long is the CISA Exam?
On testing day, the exam takes four hours to complete. If you choose to take the exam in person at a testing center, you should arrive early to allow time for parking at the location, getting inside and identifying yourself, and preparing for the start time.
People also like to allow a few extra minutes at the end as there may be an after-exam survey. In total, you should allow for four hours of testing time and at least 30 additional minutes at the testing center.
How Do You Apply for the CISA Exam?
You can apply or register to take the CISA exams on the ISACA website. Here are four valuable steps they offer for how to register for the CISA exam 2023 and scheduling your testing date.
- If you have not already created an ICASA account, do so now. You will need it to register for the exam.
- Sign in using your account and register to begin your 12-month testing window. You’ll start by filling in some personal information and paying your registration fee. You must choose “pay now” in order to begin the scheduling process.
- As soon as your registration fee has been paid, you’ll receive an email with a link to schedule the CISA exam. Click on that link to begin.
- On the page titled “My ICASA Dashboard,” you will select the “Certifications & CPE Management” tab. Then, you can scroll down until you see the exams for which you’re registered and a button to click in order to schedule the test.
- First, you must decide whether to take the exam at a testing center or online. Make your selection and click “Continue.”
- If you want to take the exam at a testing center, search by date and location. Testing center experiences vary, so pick the right experience for you. Compare exam experiences
- If you want to take the exam online, you will still need to select a date and time.
- Regardless of which choice you pick, you’ll be allowed to review your choice before final scheduling.
- Finally, if you have chosen the remote online option, you’ll want to ensure that your computer is compatible with the testing program. After you have scheduled your exam, the confirmation page will contain a link that says “System Compatibility Link.” Click on it to confirm that you can take the test on your computer. If you can’t, you will have to find another computer to use or reschedule an in-person exam.
How Do You Take the CISA Exam?
After you have thoroughly prepped and studied for the exam, it’s time to register for and schedule your exam. When you sign up for the CISA exam in 2023, you will register as explained above and also pay the fee (explained below).
After you have properly registered and paid, if you choose an in-person exam, you just show up on the testing day, ready to go. You will have four hours to complete the entire test, and there will be breaks for going to the bathroom or getting water. If you choose the remote online option, you will receive further instructions for accessing the exam on the proper day and time.
How is the CISA Exam Scored?
ISACA uses a 200-800 point scale to score the CISA exam. You need to score at least 450 to pass. A scaled score is the conversion of the raw score to a common scale. This is confusing to some people. However, what you really need to know is that it is not based on a percentage or average or arithmetic.
A score of 800 represents a perfect score. This would mean you answered all 150 questions correctly. The lowest scaled score possible is 200, which means that only a small number of the test questions were answered correctly.
A passing score of 450 or higher represents a minimum consistent standard of knowledge, according to the ISACA Certification Committee. It means you have answered the minimum number of questions to show that you have the practical knowledge needed for the job task.
With this passing score and meeting the other requirements, you can apply for CISA certification.
When Will You Receive the Results of Your CISA Exam 2023?
Once it’s all said and done, you’re going to want to know how you did on the exam. However, you have to wait a little while to get your results for the CISA exam 2023. You will receive a preliminary pass/fail on the screen when you finish the exam, so you at least know if you passed.
That said, you won’t get the full results on-site. Instead, you will need to wait to receive an email within 10 days of the exam. Be sure to double-check that your email address is correct on the day of testing so you don’t miss your results. ICASA will not release your test scores by telephone or fax.
Can I take the CISA, CRISC, CISM, and CGEIT exams in the same exam window?
Yes, you may take the CISA, CRISC, CISM, and CGEIT within the same 12-month window.
Where Can I Find Testing Locations?
Do you want to plan in advance where to take your test?Exams are administered at PSI testing locations worldwide. PSI is the testing vendor for ISACA, and they do change their testing sites from time to time.
They try to build the network larger so there are more locations available to candidates for testing. This is meant as a guideline only. Remember that test center availability is always first-come, first-served, so you want to be there early if you’re in a busy location.
How Much Is the CISA Exam Fee 2023?
If you’re going to take the CISA exam this year, it will be important to know the cost of the CISA exam fee 2023. Because the fees for some of these exams can be pretty steep, it’s good to know how much it’s going to set you back.
ICASA Member | Non-Member |
| US $575 | US $760 |
The online registration process will let you register for an exam and purchase study aids and an ISACA membership. This membership will immediately provide significant exam-related discounts, as noted above, for the CISA exam fee. The final step of the process will enable you to pay online using a credit card or indicate that payment will follow by check or wire.
Exam registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
How To Get CISA Certification
What is the process for CISA certification after you have taken the CISA exam? Once you’ve completed the exam, you can breathe a big sigh of relief. Most of the hard part is over!
The studying, the test prep, and even the fees are all behind you now. Provided you passed, there is an application you need to fill out to get your actual certification.
Once you have passed the CISA exam, you can fill out this certification application and send it in with the required documents. There is a $50 fee for the certification, due when you apply.
What are the qualifications to earn the CISA credential?
The CISA designation is awarded to individuals with an interest in Information Systems auditing, control, and security who meet the following requirements:
- Earn a passing score on the CISA exam
- Adhere to the ISACA Code of Professional Ethics
- Commit to abide by the CISA Continuing Professional Education Policy
- Acquire a minimum of 5 years of professional information systems auditing, control, or security work experience (as described in the job practice areas). Substitutions and waivers of such experience may be obtained if certain education and general IS or audit experience requirements are met.
- Comply with Information Systems Auditing Standards
CISA Exam Dates 2023 Conclusions
Now that you have this important information about the CISA exam, you’re ready to go. You can make an informed decision about testing, registering for the exam, and getting your CISA certification. I understand that it can all feel a bit overwhelming, especially if this is your first time.
The information I have provided in this post will help you get a better handle on the entire process. You can feel confident going into the CISA exam and getting your proper certification afterward. Do you have any questions I didn’t answer for you here? Let us know in the comments!
For Your Reference
- What are the CISA exam fees?
- What topics are tested on the CISA exam?
- Frequently asked questions from CISA candidates
FAQs
CISA Exam Dates 2023: New Changes to Testing Windows? ›
That's right: the CISA exam dates for 2023 are whenever you want them to be! There's no longer any need to worry about missing a testing window, though registration dates may still be important if you want to take the exam in person.
How often is CISA exam updated? ›ISACA updates the CISA job practice (as well as those for the CISM, CDPSE, CGEIT and CRISC certifications) every 5 years (at a minimum), or when changes to practices within the related profession warrant an update.
What is the latest version of CISA exam? ›To aid CISA candidates in their exam studies, ISACA publishes the CISA Review Manual, also known as the CRM. The CRM covers the entire CISA exam syllabus. The 27th edition of the CISA Review Manual is the most recent edition of the manual.
When can I take the CISA exam? ›Upon registration, CISA exam candidates have a twelve-month eligibility period to take their exam. This means that from the date you register, you have 12 months to take your CISA exam. It is important to note that the exam registration fee must be paid in full before an exam candidate can schedule and take an exam.
How soon can you retake CISA? ›After taking and not passing the exam (attempt 1): Retake 1 (attempt 2): Customers must wait 30 days from the date of the first attempt. Retake 2, (attempt 3): Customers must wait 90 days after the date of the second attempt. Retake 3 (attempt 4): Customers must wait 90 days after the date of the third attempt.
How much does a CISA make in 2023? ›As of Apr 11, 2023, the average annual pay for the CISA jobs category in the United States is $109,226 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $52.51 an hour. This is the equivalent of $2,100/week or $9,102/month.
Is CISA exam changing? ›The CISA exam used to be held three times each year. However, thanks to online registration and proctoring, you can now take this exam at any time. That's right: the CISA exam dates for 2023 are whenever you want them to be!
Why do so many people fail CISA? ›Accountants spend a few semesters studying audit and then obtain extensive work experience. Many IT professionals fail the CISA exam simply because they are not well prepared for the audit component. This book was written to summarize the essential audit aspects of the CISA exam.
What is the failure rate for CISA? ›You're probably curious about the CISA pass rate and your chances of passing on the first go. Regardless, the ISACA does not release the exact figures on the CISA pass rates. Still, most experts claim that the pass rate is somewhere between 45% and 60%.
Which ISACA exam is easiest? ›Several ISACA credentials are available, but the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is the easiest and most beneficial. It is also the most widely held ISACA credential.
What is the salary of CISA in USA? ›
Average salary for CISA-certified IT auditors
As you can see in the image below, the average salary range for a professional holding the CISA certification ranges approximately from $52,459 to $122,326. The average salary according to payscale is $102,856.
In general, if you study for 2 to 3 hours a day, you'll be ready to sit for the exam within 2 months. However, this rule depends on how well you learn to apply the concepts (which field experience facilitates).
How do I pass CISA in first attempt? ›- Understand the Core Concepts. ...
- Gauge Your Existing Knowledge with Self Analysis. ...
- Design Your Study Plan. ...
- Familiarize with the Exam Question Format. ...
- Put on the ISACA Hat when Answering Questions. ...
- Analyze Your Answers and Read All Explanations. ...
- Don't Blindly Memorize. ...
- Don't Forget the Mock Exam.
The scaled score of 450 or higher passing score represents the minimum consistent standard of knowledge as established by ISACA's certification working groups. A score of 800 represents a perfect score with all questions answered correctly.
Does CISA score expire? ›How long is the CISA certification good for? A full CISA renewal cycle takes three years. This means paying the maintenance fee three times (once every year), and also reporting on CPEs earning every year.
How hard is it to pass the CISA exam? ›CISA Exam Difficulty Level in Terms of Exam Content. Most readers tend to agree: the syllabus and exam content isn't particularly tough. After all, it is a one-part exam with only 150 questions. Compared to other exams in the niche, it is lighter.
Is CISA in high demand? ›The need for CISA-certified auditors continues to increase, unaffected by the high rate of national unemployment. There are currently more available jobs that require the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) designation than there are auditors with the credentials.
What is the salary of a CISA holder? ›| Job Title | Range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Security Consultant, (Computing / Networking / Information Technology) | Range:₹776k - ₹2m | Average:₹1,264,407 |
| Internal Auditor | Range:₹290k - ₹6m | Average:₹975,000 |
| Information Technology (IT) Consultant | Range:₹438k - ₹2m | Average:₹1,011,304 |
CISA is among the most prestigious IT audit certifications in the world. It is approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and is recognized by many other nations.
How many people pass CISA? ›Statistics show that CISA pass rate is around 50% every year. Whether a 50% pass rate is considered high or low is subject to interpretation. ISACA CISA exam duration is 4 hours, and you will have to complete 150 multiple-choice questions. CISA passing score is 450 on a scale of 200-800.
Is CISA better than CPA? ›
While CPAs learn auditing techniques, auditing is not a primary or exclusive function of the credential, and not all CPAs are auditors. In contrast, CISAs are highly skilled auditors trained to assess policies, processes and technology systems. Also, CPAs focus on financial numbers.
How many CISA certified in the world? ›More than 164,000 CISAs have been certified since its inception in 1978. CISA is globally recognized as the gold standard credential for IT auditors.
Is CISA harder than CIA? ›It is mandatory that you pass all the 3 exams within the duration of 4 years from the time of the first exam. It would generally take 1 to 2 years to appear all the 3 CIA exams. The CIA is respected more than CISA due to its broader nature. The CIA exam is harder in comparison to CISA.
Is CISA or CISSP harder? ›Is CISSP harder than CISA? The CISSP is generally considered the more difficult certification to get out of the two. CISSP is more about the technicalities, so it is more challenging than CISA.
What are the hardest cybersecurity certificates? ›Many consider the hardest security certification to obtain to be the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). This certification requires a minimum of five years of experience in the field of information security and passing an extensive exam.
What is the highest score in CISA exam? ›The CISA exam is graded on a scale of 200 to 800 points. To pass, you'll need to earn a score of 450 or higher.
What happens if you fail CISA exam? ›Individuals have 4 attempts within a rolling twelve-month period to pass the exam. Those that do not pass on their first attempt are allowed to retake the exam a total of 3 more times within 12 months from the date of the first attempt.
Can I take CISA without experience? ›The CISA exam is open to anyone who has an interest in information security. You can still take the CISA exam even if you haven't met the experience requirements yet, although you'll have to meet those before getting certified.
Which is the world hardest cyber security exam? ›Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
One of the hardest IT exams to pass is the CEH exam. Consider the following if you want to pursue this certification. At least two years of information security experience is required. The application fee of $100 is non-refundable.
Certified information security manager (CISM)
According to ISACA, this is one of the most sought-after security certifications, and holding it can help you secure a higher salary.
What is the best study material for CISA? ›
- CISA Certified Information Systems Auditor Study Guide.
- CISA Certified Information Systems Auditor All-in-One Exam Guide.
- CISA Review Manual.
- CISA Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Manual.
- CISA Exam Flashcard Study System.
CISA-certified professionals can command annual compensation above $100,000 and reach nearly $200,000 a year, a 38% increase over the salary of a CISM certification professional.
Is CISA an accountant? ›CISAs are responsible for planning and executing audits within an organization. Accountants obtaining CISA certification typically enjoy courses related to accounting information systems and information technology. Unlike the CPA exam, students can take the CISA exam without having a degree in hand.
How much does a CISA Cissp make? ›Salaries of CISA and CISSP Certification
As per PayScale, the average salary for a CISSP certification is $107,000 per annum whereas the average salary for a certification in CISA is $99,000 per annum. Altogether, when it comes to CISSP and CISA, nobody can compare the two in terms of the benefits that they hold.
If you are going to begin preparation, check your contemporary performance, so why not try the CISA exam now. As a known rule, on the slightest chance that you study for 2 to 3 hours every day, you'll be prepared to take the exam in 2 months or less.
How many hours study for CISA? ›study Schedule: About 1-2 hours during weekdays and 2-3 on weekends bumping up to 8 hours on weekends the last two weekends before the exam. I was working full time while studying. I bought and used the ISACA QAE and the Hemang Doshi CISA book and his Udemy videos and highly recommend them all.
Does CISA require a college degree? ›To work as a CISA, you'll need a bachelor's or master's degree in accounting. Many CISAs also hold a master's degree in information security or information technology.
What to do after passing CISA? ›CISA Certification Application
After you've passed the CISA exam and fulfilled the work experience requirements, all you have left to do is complete and submit the CISA application for certification. And, as mentioned, you must submit the CISA application within 5 years of passing the CISA exam.
However, CISA is not intended for beginners as the courseware focuses on advanced IS audit concepts and practices. Because of this, we recommend for students to possess the same qualifications ISACA requires for those interested in obtaining the CISA certification.
How long does IT take to get CISA exam results? ›Your official score will be emailed and available online within 10 business days from the date that you take the exam. If you are successful you will receive details on how to apply for certification.
How much does CISA exam cost? ›
CISA Exam Cost
The cost of the CISA exam is $575 for an ISACA member and $760 for a non-member. It's important to note that you are eligible to take the exam from the date of your registration; this eligibility period is good for 12 months.
Target audience
The CISA Certification is required for everyone who manages, monitors, or evaluates an organisation's information technology and business systems.
You can see both paths have many similarities, the greatest difference is their focus. If you seek a job as an IT auditor – the CISA is a must. For most jobs in the cybersecurity field, the CISSP is your best bet first, then add the CISA to enhance future opportunities.
Can I get a refund for CISA exam? ›Eligibility Terms
Once purchased, certification maintenance fees cannot be refunded.
A payment button will be available within your Certification Dashboard any time that fees are due. The cost of the annual maintenance fee is US$45 for ISACA members and US$85 for non-members. Once you hold more than two ISACA certifications, the cost to renew your 3rd (4th, 5th, etc.)
Is CISA preliminary result accurate? ›According to the ISACA, the likelihood that your CISA preliminary not passed result was incorrect is very slim. Still, if you worry that conditions could have interfered with the computer scoring, you can request a rescore.
Why do so many people fail the CISA exam? ›Accountants spend a few semesters studying audit and then obtain extensive work experience. Many IT professionals fail the CISA exam simply because they are not well prepared for the audit component. This book was written to summarize the essential audit aspects of the CISA exam.
How long should I study for the CISA exam? ›How Long Should You Study for the CISA Certification Exam to Pass with Flying Score? A brief answer to the question phrased in this article's title is that it can take between three to four months to prepare for the ISACA CISA Exam. Passing on the principal work counts on your experience working in the field.
Does preliminary pass mean I passed? ›While preliminary scores are typically an indication of your performance, they are not official or final. Official score reports are typically available within three weeks from your exam date. PTCB cannot expedite the processing of exam results or certification information.
Is CISA or Cissp harder? ›Is CISSP harder than CISA? The CISSP is generally considered the more difficult certification to get out of the two. CISSP is more about the technicalities, so it is more challenging than CISA.
How to pass CISA exam in first attempt? ›
- Understand the Core Concepts. ...
- Gauge Your Existing Knowledge with Self Analysis. ...
- Design Your Study Plan. ...
- Familiarize with the Exam Question Format. ...
- Put on the ISACA Hat when Answering Questions. ...
- Analyze Your Answers and Read All Explanations. ...
- Don't Blindly Memorize. ...
- Don't Forget the Mock Exam.
In general, if you study for 2 to 3 hours a day, you'll be ready to sit for the exam within 2 months. However, this rule depends on how well you learn to apply the concepts (which field experience facilitates). With this variation from person to person, study time is subjective.
What are the hardest cybersecurity exams? ›Many consider the hardest security certification to obtain to be the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). This certification requires a minimum of five years of experience in the field of information security and passing an extensive exam.
Can I take CISA exam without experience? ›The CISA exam is open to anyone who has an interest in information security. You can still take the CISA exam even if you haven't met the experience requirements yet, although you'll have to meet those before getting certified.