The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam is a globally recognized certification for IT auditors and professionals.
The CISA certification is ideal for IT auditors, risk managers, and professionals seeking to demonstrate their expertise in IT auditing and risk management.
The CISA exam for 2025 can be taken any time within a 365-day eligibility period after registration. It is computer-based, consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions covering five domains, and lasts four hours. The exam is scored on a 200-800 scale, with a minimum passing score of 450. Results are typically available within 10 business days after the exam.
Here are detailed insights covering the exam structure, topics and weights, grading system, scheduling, results, and passing criteria:
## Exam Structure and Duration
- The CISA exam has 150 multiple-choice questions.
- The time allotted is 4 hours.
- Questions are scenario-based, designed to test practical knowledge and application.
- The exam can be taken online remotely or at authorized in-person testing centers.
- Candidates can schedule the exam at any time within 365 days of registering, without fixed testing windows.
## Exam Domains and Topic Weightage
The exam content is divided into 5 domains with the following weight distribution:
- Information Systems Auditing Process: 21%
- Governance and Management of IT: 17%
- Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation: 12%
- Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience: 23%
- Protection of Information Assets: 27%
Each domain covers multiple subtopics such as:
- Auditing planning, risk-based audit strategies, evidence gathering (Domain 1)
- IT governance frameworks, strategic alignment, resource management (Domain 2)
- IT project governance, SDLC, business case development (Domain 3)
- Business continuity, operations management, resilience (Domain 4)
- Cybersecurity principles, asset protection, controls (Domain 5)
## Grading System and Passing Criteria
- Scores are scaled on a range of 200 to 800 points.
- A passing score requires at least 450 points.
- The scaled score reflects consistency in practical knowledge rather than a simple percentage correct.
- There is no penalty for guessing; only correctly answered questions count.
- Candidates may retake the exam up to four times within one year with a 30-day wait between attempts.
## Exam Scheduling and Results
- Candidates register and then can schedule their exam at any available date/time/location within 365 days.
- Rescheduling is permitted if done more than 48 hours before the scheduled exam date.
- Results are delivered and available online within approximately 10 business days after the exam.
- Candidates receive an official score email confirming pass or fail status.
This summary should assist in understanding the full scope of the CISA exam process, key topics, scoring, and scheduling flexibility for 2025.
If desired, further details on specific subtopics within each domain or study resources can be provided.Feel free 🆓 to Text on 9773464206. www.gmsisuccess.in
Here’s a tailored guide to the CISA certification specifically for Indian students:
1. Exam Schedule & Registration
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When to Register? Registration is open year-round through ISACA. Once registered and fee paid, you have a 12-month window to schedule and take the exam—either at an authorized PSI center or via remote proctoring .
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When Are Exams Held? While there are no fixed “windows” anymore, you can take the exam any time within your eligibility period. Previously, some Indian chapter notices referred to specific dates like second Saturdays of June, September, and December, but the current model is fully flexible .
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How to Schedule? You can book the exam as soon as 48 hours after registering. Availability shows up to 90 days in advance, so it’s best to check frequently if preferred slots are not visible immediately .
2. Cost Breakdown in India (Approximate INR)
| Cost Component | ISACA Member | Non-Member |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Fee | ₹47,000 | ₹62,000 |
| ISACA Membership (yearly) | ₹8,000–₹11,500 | N/A |
| Certification Application Fee | ₹4,000 (~$50) | ₹4,000 (~$50) |
| Annual Maintenance Fee | ₹3,750 | ₹7,050 |
| Study Materials (e.g., Review Manual) | ₹4,000–₹10,000 | ₹4,000–₹15,000 |
| Training/Prep Courses | ₹10,000–₹70,000 | ₹10,000–₹70,000 |
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Exam Fees: Members pay around ₹47,000; non-members around ₹62,000 .
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ISACA Membership: Annual cost ranges between ₹8,000 to ₹11,500 (sometimes up to ₹14,500 if including local chapter) .
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Application Fee: Around ₹4,000 to process certification after passing .
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Maintenance (CPE): Post-certification, members pay ₹3,750 annually; non-members, ₹7,050 .
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Study Materials: Official review manuals cost ₹4,000–₹10,000; additional resources may bring total prep costs to ₹15,000 or more .
3. Experience & Certification Path in India
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Eligibility to Take the Exam: No prior experience is required to sit for the exam .
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Certification Requirements: To earn the CISA, you must demonstrate 5 years of relevant IS audit/control/security experience, acquired within the last 10 years or within 5 years post-exam .
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Waivers/Substitutions (Indian rules align with ISACA global):
- 1-year IS or non-IS auditing experience can substitute for 1 year of required experience.
- University degree credits (60–120 semester hours) can substitute for 1–2 years.
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s in IS/IT or being a full-time lecturer may substitute up to one year each .
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Associate Status: If you pass the exam but lack full experience, you'll receive an “Associate of CISA” designation. You have up to 5 years to fulfill the experience requirement and apply for full certification .
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Fees for Associate: There is no annual maintenance or CPE requirement until full certification is granted .
4. Training with Gmsisuccess Goregaon West Mumbai Tel 9773464206
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Gmsisuccess offers live mock sessions (~₹45,000 + GST) with practice tests on specified dates .
5. Salary Outlook for CISA in India
- Entry-level: ₹4.5 lakh to ₹7 lakh per year
- Mid-level (1–4 years): ₹7 lakh to ₹15 lakh
- Experienced: ₹15 lakh to ₹25 lakh; top salaries around ₹20 lakh in Bengaluru, ₹18 lakh in Mumbai/Delhi .
Community Insights (Reddit)
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Membership Worth It:
“It is cheaper to buy a membership … exam costs $575 if you're a member vs $760 if you are not.”
“After you pass … you have to pay a $45 annual fee to keep your CISA license active.”
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No Extra Taxes in India:
“When I paid $575 for my exam … no tax was added.”
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Associate Status Doesn’t Require Maintenance Fees:
“You do NOT have to do CPE courses/credits until you receive the certification.”
Quick Summary for Indian Students
- Exam: Flexible scheduling within 12 months post-registration.
- Costs: ₹47K (member), ₹62K (non-member) + optional prep materials and training.
- Membership: Recommend taking it—it often pays for itself through discounts.
- Experience: Exam-only allowed; full cert requires 5 years (waivers apply).
- Salience: Strong career prospects; salaries up to ₹25L depending on experience and location.
The contact details for the ISACA Mumbai Chapter are:
Address: D 721 / 722 Neelkanth Business Park, 7th Floor, Nathani Road, Vidyavihar (West), Mumbai 400 086, INDIA
Phone: 022-25164879 or +91 8097027187
Email: enquiry@isacamumbai.org
Website: https://www.isacamumbai.org
These details can be used to inquire about CISA exams, membership, training, events, and other ISACA Mumbai Chapter activities.
👍 here’s a set of sample MCQ questions with answers and explanations aligned to the CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) exam pattern. These are practice-style questions, not actual exam questions.
Sample CISA MCQs
Q1.
Which of the following is the PRIMARY objective of an information systems audit?
A. To ensure adherence to IT best practices
B. To evaluate whether IT systems safeguard assets and maintain data integrity
C. To verify compliance with all ISO standards
D. To confirm efficiency of all IT operations
Answer: B
✔ The main goal of an IS audit is to confirm that systems safeguard assets, maintain data integrity, and support organizational goals.
Q2.
Which of the following controls is most effective in preventing unauthorized changes to application source code?
A. Role-based access controls (RBAC)
B. Encryption of source code files
C. Restricted access to program libraries
D. Audit logging of developer activity
Answer: C
✔ Restricting access to program libraries prevents unauthorized changes before they occur (preventive control). Audit logs (D) are detective, not preventive.
Q3.
The MOST important reason to segregate duties between the systems development team and the operations team is to:
A. Improve system performance
B. Avoid resource conflicts
C. Prevent fraud and unauthorized changes
D. Reduce cost of operations
Answer: C
✔ Segregation of duties reduces the risk of fraud or unauthorized system modifications.
Q4.
During an IS audit, the auditor notices that backup tapes are stored at the same site as the data center. The auditor should recommend:
A. Encrypting all backup tapes
B. Moving backups to an offsite location
C. Increasing the frequency of backups
D. Storing backups in a locked cabinet
Answer: B
✔ Backups must be stored offsite to ensure disaster recovery capability. Encryption is good but doesn’t address physical disaster risk.
Q5.
Which of the following is the GREATEST risk when using end-user developed applications (e.g., Excel-based systems)?
A. Lack of centralized version control
B. Higher maintenance costs
C. Increased processing time
D. Poor user interface design
Answer: A
✔ Without centralized version control, errors, unauthorized changes, and inconsistent results are common, creating high risk.
Q6.
Which type of control is a firewall considered?
A. Detective
B. Corrective
C. Preventive
D. Compensating
Answer: C
✔ Firewalls prevent unauthorized network access → preventive control.
Q7.
The MOST important role of an IS auditor during a system implementation is to:
A. Approve the system design before go-live
B. Ensure that controls are built into the system during development
C. Conduct parallel testing with the old system
D. Train users in system functionality
Answer: B
✔ The auditor ensures that adequate controls are embedded early in development to prevent costly redesign later.
Q8.
Which of the following methods is BEST for an IS auditor to use when verifying that users have appropriate system access rights?
A. Reviewing security logs
B. Performing a role-based access review with management
C. Observing user activities on the system
D. Running penetration testing
Answer: B
✔ A role-based access review with management validates whether access is appropriate for job responsibilities.
Q9.
Which of the following is the PRIMARY concern with wireless networks?
A. Network speed limitations
B. Unauthorized access due to weak encryption
C. Higher cost of installation
D. Compatibility with wired networks
Answer: B
✔ The major risk is unauthorized access if encryption/authentication is weak.
Q10.
An IS auditor is assessing an organization’s disaster recovery plan (DRP). Which of the following should be the FIRST step?
A. Verify backup storage location
B. Review recovery time objectives (RTOs)
C. Test the failover to the backup site
D. Review the business impact analysis (BIA)
Answer: D
✔ DRP should be based on the business impact analysis (BIA), which defines critical systems and acceptable downtime.
👉 These 10 cover core CISA domains: governance, risk management, IT operations, security, and audit practices.
More MCQ Questions ⁉️CISA exam MCQ Questions with answers
Here are some sample CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) exam multiple choice questions (MCQs) with answers to aid in exam preparation:
1. An auditor finds terminated employees still have active user accounts. What should the auditor do next?
- A. Report to management immediately
- B. Ignore the issue
- C. Verify if accounts were used after termination
- D. Recommend a complete overhaul of access control
**Answer:** C. Verify if accounts have been used after termination
_(This helps to assess any possible misuse)_
2. Which framework is commonly used for IT governance?
- A. ISO 9001
- B. COBIT
- C. Six Sigma
- D. ITIL
**Answer:** B. COBIT
_(COBIT provides guidelines on IT governance and management)_
3. What is the type of backup that copies only data changed since the last full backup?
- A. Full backup
- B. Incremental backup
- C. Differential backup
- D. Snapshot backup
**Answer:** B. Incremental backup
_(Saves time and storage by copying only changed data)_
4. Which of the following represents a technical control?
- A. Security awareness training
- B. Background checks
- C. Access control lists
- D. Physical access controls
**Answer:** C. Access control lists
_(Use technology to restrict access)_
5. What is the objective of a Business Impact Analysis (BIA)?
- A. Identify IT threats
- B. Assess impact of disruptions on business
- C. Develop security policies
- D. Perform system maintenance
**Answer:** B. Assess impact of disruptions on business operations
_(Helps prioritize recovery efforts)_
6. Which of the following is a common method to verify data integrity?
- A. Encryption
- B. Hashing
- C. Compression
- D. Tokenization
**Answer:** B. Hashing
_(Produces a unique hash to validate data)_
7. An organization wants to implement MFA for remote employees. Which combination provides MFA?
- A. Username and password
- B. Password and security token
- C. Password and email address
- D. Username and email address
**Answer:** B. Password and security token
_(Two different factor types: something you know and have)_ [1]
8. Which of the following is a common social engineering attack technique?
- A. Encryption
- B. Firewall evasion
- C. Password cracking
- D. Phishing
**Answer:** D. Phishing
_(Using deceptive messages to steal info)_
These questions cover key domains like IT governance, risk management, audit process, protection of information assets, and social engineering. They are representative of typical topics found on the CISA exam. Detailed explanations accompany the answers for better understanding.
Feel free 🆓 to discuss with me if you have any questions ‼️ Call or Text on 9773464206.
www.gmsisuccess.in
