What is the passing score for the CISA exam?

The CISA exam uses a scaled scoring system from 200 to 800, with 450 being the passing score. This equates to correctly answering approximately 65-70% of the questions.

How long is the CISA certification valid?

The CISA certification is valid for 3 years. To maintain certification, you must earn and report a minimum of 20 CPE hours annually and a total of 120 CPE hours over the 3-year period.

What changed in the 2024 CISA exam update?

The 2024 CISA exam update includes revised domain weightings, new focus on cloud security, expanded coverage of privacy regulations, increased emphasis on business resilience, and updated questions reflecting current technology trends and threats.

CISA Exam Guide: 5 Domains & 2024 Updates

Q: What are the 5 domains of the CISA exam?

The 5 domains of the CISA exam are: 1) Information Systems Auditing Process (21%), 2) Governance and Management of IT (17%), 3) Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation (12%), 4) Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience (25%), and 5) Protection of Information Assets (25%).

What is the CISA Certification?

The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a globally recognized certification for IS audit, control, and security professionals. Established in 1978 by ISACA, CISA has become the gold standard for validating expertise in information systems auditing, control, and security.

CISA certification demonstrates to employers that you have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to:

Assess vulnerabilities and report on compliance within the enterprise

Understand business and IT controls

Govern and manage enterprise IT

Ensure that IT and business objectives are aligned

Provide credible assurance about the state of IT security

1978

Year Established

150,000+

Certified Professionals

$119,000

Average US Salary

180

Countries Represented

CISA Exam Structure (2024 Update)

The CISA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions to be completed within a 4-hour time frame. The questions are designed to test your knowledge and application of practices in the five domains of the CISA job practice.

In August 2024, ISACA updated the CISA job practice to reflect the evolving landscape of information systems auditing. The exam now places greater emphasis on cloud security, privacy regulations, and business resilience.

Domain	Description	Weight
1. Information Systems Auditing Process	Planning, execution, reporting, and follow-up of IS audit activities	21%
2. Governance and Management of IT	Ensuring alignment of IT strategy with business objectives	17%
3. Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation	Evaluating the acquisition, development, testing, and implementation of IS	12%
4. Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience	Ensuring systems are operating effectively and business continuity	25%
5. Protection of Information Assets	Security policies, standards, procedures, and controls	25%

Domain

Description

Weight

1. Information Systems Auditing Process

Planning, execution, reporting, and follow-up of IS audit activities

21%

2. Governance and Management of IT

Ensuring alignment of IT strategy with business objectives

17%

3. Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation

Evaluating the acquisition, development, testing, and implementation of IS

12%

4. Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience

Ensuring systems are operating effectively and business continuity

25%

5. Protection of Information Assets

Security policies, standards, procedures, and controls

25%

Why 50-60% of CISA Candidates Fail

⏰

Outdated Materials

Many candidates study with materials that don't align with ISACA's August 2024 job practice update, leading to exam questions they never prepared for.

❓

Confusing Question Style

ISACA's unique question wording and style catches many candidates off-guard, even those who understand the technical content.

⏱️

Time Pressure & Stress

66% of cybersecurity professionals report increasing job stress, making it difficult to create and stick to an effective study plan.

💰

High Cost Barrier

Official CISA materials cost $139+ on top of the expensive exam fee ($575-$760), creating a significant financial burden.

CISA Exam Preparation Tips

1. Understand the Exam Format

The CISA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 4 hours. Questions are scenario-based and require application of knowledge rather than simple memorization. Familiarize yourself with ISACA's question style through practice exams.

2. Create a Structured Study Plan

Allocate sufficient time to cover all five domains, with extra focus on the heavily weighted domains (4 and 5). Our 30-Day Study Plan breaks down the material into manageable daily tasks.

3. Use Updated Study Materials

Ensure your study materials reflect the August 2024 job practice update. Outdated materials can lead to studying irrelevant content while missing crucial new topics.

4. Practice with Exam-Style Questions

ISACA's question style is unique and can be challenging. Regular practice with exam-style questions helps you become familiar with their approach and improves your ability to identify the best answer.

5. Join Study Groups

Connecting with other CISA candidates can provide motivation, different perspectives, and additional resources. ISACA chapters often organize study groups for certification exams.

Success Stories from Our CISA Candidates

★★★★★

"After failing my first attempt with official materials, I used this guide and passed with a score of 620. The domain breakdowns and practice questions were incredibly helpful."

- Michael Chen, IT Auditor (4 years)

★★★★★

"The exam structure breakdown and tips were spot on. I was well-prepared for the question style and passed on my first try despite having no prior audit experience."

- Jennifer Williams, Cybersecurity Analyst (3 years)

★★★★★

"This guide helped me understand the 2024 updates to the exam content. The domain weightings were accurate, and I knew exactly where to focus my study time."

- Robert Taylor, Risk Manager (6 years)

CISA Exam Guide

What is the CISA Certification?

CISA Exam Structure (2024 Update)

Why 50-60% of CISA Candidates Fail

CISA Exam Preparation Tips

1. Understand the Exam Format

2. Create a Structured Study Plan

3. Use Updated Study Materials

4. Practice with Exam-Style Questions

5. Join Study Groups

Success Stories from Our CISA Candidates

Ready to Pass Your CISA Exam?