Candidate’s Guide to the CISA® Exam and Certification - Exam and Certification Candidate Guide

Sep 4, 2026

The Candidate’s Guide to the CISA® Exam and Certification explains the purpose and value of the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) program, including how the designation reflects proficiency in information systems audit, control, and security. It outlines accreditation context under ISO/IEC 17024:2003, and provides essential exam logistics such as key dates, registration deadlines, change windows, refund terms, and deferral policies. The guide also covers exam preparation topics, scoring, and the application and maintenance requirements for CISA certification.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time30 min

AccessFree to download

Overview

CISA Program Accreditation Renewed Under ISO/IEC 17024:2003

The CISA Exam

Preparing for the CISA Exam

Administration of the CISA Exam

Scoring the CISA Exam

Types of Questions on the CISA Exam

Application for CISA Certification

Requirements for Initial CISA Certification

Requirements for Maintaining CISA Certification

ISACA Code of Professional Ethics

Revocation of CISA Certification

CISA Task and Knowledgement Statements

Certified Information Systems AuditorTM An ISACA Certification Candidate’s Guide to the CISA® Exam and Certification Candidate’s Guide to the CISA® Exam and Certification CISA Exams 2010— Important Date Information Exam Date—12 June 2010 Early registration deadline: 10 February 2010 Final registration deadline: 7 April 2010 Exam registration changes: Between 17 April and 23 April, charged a US $50 fee, with no changes accepted after 23 April 2010 Refunds: By 16 April 2010, charged a US $100 processing fee, with no refunds after that date Deferrals: Requests received on or before 23 April 2010, charged a US $50 processing fee. Requests received from 24 April through 27 May 2010, charged a US $100 processing fee. After 27 May 2010, no deferrals will be permitted. Exam Date—11 December 2010 Early registration deadline: 18 August 2010 Final registration deadline: 6 October 2010 Exam registration changes: Between 9 October and 15 October, charged a US $50 fee, with no changes accepted after 15 October 2010 Refunds: By 8 October 2010, charged a US $100 processing fee, with norefunds after that date Deferrals: Requests received on or before 15 October 2010, charged a US $50 processing fee. Requests received from 16 October through 24 November 2010, charged a US $100 processing fee. After 24 November 2010, no deferrals will be permitted. All deadlines are based upon Chicago, Illinois, USA 5 p.m. CT (central time) Table of Contents Overview .................................................................................3 CISA Program Accreditation Renewed Under ISO/IEC 17024:2003 .....................................................3 The CISA Exam........................................................................3 Preparing for the CISA Exam .................................................4 Administration of the CISA Exam ..........................................4 Scoring the CISA Exam...........................................................6 Types of Questions on the CISA Exam ..................................6 Application for CISA Certification ..........................................6 Requirements for Initial CISA Certification ...........................6 Requirements for Maintaining CISA Certification.................7 ISACA Code of Professional Ethics ........................................7 Revocation of CISA Certification............................................7 CISA Task and Knowledgement Statements.........................8 ISACA® With more than 86,000 constituents in more than 160 countries, ISACA ( [www.isaca.org](www.isaca.org)) is a recognized worldwide leader in IT governance, control, security and assurance. Founded in 1969, ISACA sponsors international conferences, publishes the ISACA Journal®, and develops international information systems auditing and control standards. It also administers the globally respected Certified Information Systems Auditor™ (CISA®) designation, earned by more than 60,000 professionals since 1978; the Certified Information Security Manager®(CISM®) designation, earned by more than 10,000 professionals since 2002; and the new Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT®(CGEIT®) designation. Disclaimer ISACA and the CISA Certification Board have designed the Candidate’s Guide to the CISA® Exam and Certification as a guide to those pursuing the CISA certification. No representations or warranties are made by ISACA that use of this guide or any other association publication will assure candidates of passing the CISA exam. Reservation of Rights Copyright © 2009 ISACA. Reproduction or storage in any form for any purpose is not permitted without ISACA’s prior written permission. No other right or permission is granted with respect to this work. All rights reserved. ISACA 3701 Algonquin Road, Suite 1010 Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 USA Phone: +1.847.253.1545 Fax: +1.847.253.1443 E-mail:

FAQs

What is the CISA program and what does the CISA designation represent?

The CISA program is the globally accepted standard in information systems (IS) audit, control, and security. Earning the CISA designation demonstrates proficiency and serves as a basis for measurement in the profession.

What accreditation standard is referenced for the CISA certification?

The guide states that the CISA certification is accredited under ISO/IEC 17024:2003, described with general requirements for bodies operating certification systems of persons.

What key exam administration deadlines and policies are covered in the guide?

It lists exam date(s) along with early and final registration deadlines, rules for exam registration changes (including fees and cutoffs), refund timing and processing fees, and deferral request windows with applicable fees.

Sep 4, 2026

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