CISA
Certified Information Systems Auditor · ISACA
The CISA is the global benchmark for information systems auditors: it proves you can plan and run an IT audit, assess governance, acquisition projects, operations, resilience and the protection of information assets. Audit firms, internal audit departments, banks and insurers ask for it routinely, in France as internationally. Its strength is unrivalled recognition in audit and control; its limit is that it is not a technical security credential and requires five years of verified experience.
- Exam
- 150 multiple-choice questions in 4 h, scaled score from 200 to 800 with a pass mark of 450. In a PSI test centre or online with remote proctoring.
- Exam price
- $575ISACA member price; non-members pay US$760. A US$50 application fee is due when applying for certification after passing.
- Required experience
- Five years in IS audit, control, assurance or security, within the ten years before applying (apply within five years of passing). Waivers of up to three years (degrees, general audit experience), keeping at least two years of direct experience.
- Validity and maintenance
- At least 20 CPE hours per year and 120 over 3 years, plus an annual fee of US$45 (members) or US$85 (non-members).
- Format
- Multiple choice
- Recognition
- ISO/IEC 17024 accredited · DoD 8140 approved
Who is it for?
IT auditors, internal auditors, control and compliance staff, and consultants in audit firms who already have, or are building, several years of audit experience.
Domains covered
- Information systems auditing process: 18%
- Governance and management of IT: 18%
- IS acquisition, development and implementation: 12%
- IS operations and business resilience: 26%
- Protection of information assets: 26%
Belinda’s take
Information checked on 2 October 2026 against the official site. Prices exclude tax and training, and may change.
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