How Hard Is the CISA Exam? Cost, Duration, Everything You Need to Know

The CISA certification is more than just a credential that cybersecurity or tech professionals add to their résumés; it’s a respected stamp of authority in IT audit and cybersecurity. 

But one question echoes across forums, webinars, and prep groups: How hard is the CISA exam?

Here’s the short answer: it’s tough, but not impossible. The CISA exam tests more than memory; it evaluates your ability to think like an auditor, apply frameworks to real-world scenarios, and manage time under pressure.

In this guide, we’ll examine every angle: the structure of the CISA exam syllabus, how difficult the CISA exam questions really are, comparisons with other certifications like the CPA, the CISA exam pass rate, and whether the reward is worth the effort.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your tech career journey, cybersecurity is the simplest and high-paying field to start from. Apart from earning 6-figures from the comfort of your home, you don’t need to have a degree or IT background. Schedule a one-on-one consultation session with our expert cybersecurity coach, Tolulope Michael TODAY! Join over 1000 students in sharing your success stories.

How Hard Is the CISA Exam?: Summary Table

Category	Details
Full Name	Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Governing Body	ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association)
Exam Format	150 Multiple-Choice Questions
Exam Duration	4 Hours
Passing Score	450 (on a scale of 200–800)
CISA Exam Syllabus	1. IS Auditing Process (21%)2. Governance & Management of IT (17%)3. IS Acquisition, Development & Implementation (12%)4. IS Operations & Business Resilience (23%)5. Protection of Information Assets (27%)
CISA Exam Questions Style	Scenario-based, practical, and application-focused—not just memorization
CISA Exam Difficulty	Moderate to High. Challenging due to applied reasoning, time management, and breadth of domains
CISA Exam Pass Rate (Est.)	45%–60% (ISACA doesn’t publish official rates)
CISA Exam Cost	$575 (ISACA Member) / $760 (Non-Member)Additional prep costs: $110–$1,400 depending on materials/training
Study Time Recommended	100–150 Hours over 2–3 Months
Experience Requirement	5 Years in IS Audit/Security/Control (up to 3 years can be waived)
Validity & Maintenance	Valid indefinitely with 20 CPEs/year and 120 CPEs/3 yearsAnnual fee: $45 (member) / $85 (non-member)
Beginner Eligibility	Beginners can take the exam but must meet experience requirements to get certified
Compared to CPA/CISSP	CISA is more practical/audit-focused than CPACISSP is broader and deeper in technical cybersecurity
Worth It?	Yes, high ROI, global recognition, $149K average salary, opens doors in IT audit and cybersecurity

RELATED ARTICLE: CGRC Vs CISA: Salaries, Roles, Other Key Differences

What Is the CISA Exam and Who Should Take It?

The CISA certification, short for Certified Information Systems Auditor, is awarded by ISACA and recognized globally as the gold standard for professionals in IT audit, control, and security. If your role involves reviewing, managing, or safeguarding an organization’s information systems, this credential was designed with you in mind.

It’s not limited to traditional auditors. Professionals in roles like cybersecurity analysts, IT risk consultants, compliance officers, and even IT project managers often pursue the CISA to deepen their credibility and expand their career options. This is because the exam isn’t just about audit theory; it’s about demonstrating your ability to apply assurance and governance principles across real business environments.

Employers across industries, finance, healthcare, tech, and government value the CISA because it signals you understand not just how systems work, but how they can fail, be exploited, or fall out of compliance. That’s why the CISA isn’t just a test, it’s a career accelerator.

CISA Exam Syllabus & Structure: What You’re Up Against

Before you ask how hard is the CISA exam, you need to understand what it actually covers. The CISA exam isn’t built to trick you, it’s designed to assess your real-world readiness. That’s why ISACA organizes the exam around five core job practice domains, each with its own weight and focus.

Here’s a breakdown of the official CISA exam syllabus:

1. Information Systems Auditing Process (21%)

This domain focuses on audit planning, execution, reporting, and follow-up. You’ll need to know how to conduct audits in alignment with global standards and identify control weaknesses.

2. Governance and Management of IT (17%)

This section tests your understanding of IT governance structures, policies, organizational strategy, and risk management.

3. Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation (12%)

Expect questions on project management, feasibility analysis, vendor evaluation, and change control processes.

4. Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience (23%)

You’ll be evaluated on system operations, data management, backup and recovery, and incident response planning.

5. Protection of Information Assets (27%)

The largest domain it covers access controls, security architecture, physical security, and data classification.

The exam includes 150 multiple-choice questions, and you have 4 hours to complete them. These aren’t simple recall questions; most are scenario-based, testing how well you can apply frameworks and judgment to realistic situations.

That’s what makes the exam uniquely challenging. You’re not just being asked what a control is, you’re being asked which control is most appropriate in a specific context. That requires not only theory, but intuition developed through exposure and practice.

READ MORE: VyOS vs OPNsense: Which One is Right for Your Network?

What Makes the CISA Exam Difficult?

So, really, how hard is the CISA exam?

The answer lies in how it tests you. Unlike exams that reward rote memorization, CISA demands practical reasoning. The exam challenges both your foundational knowledge and your ability to apply it in complex, real-world scenarios.

Here are the core factors that make the exam difficult:

1. Breadth Over Depth

The CISA exam syllabus spans five large domains, each touching on vital areas of audit, security, governance, and operations. Mastering all five—at once—requires time, discipline, and strategic planning.

2. Scenario-Based Questions

Most CISA exam questions are not “what is…” but “what would you do if…?” You’ll need to evaluate control effectiveness, risk levels, audit scope, and incident response plans, all under timed conditions. This mimics the real-life decision-making auditors face daily.

3. Applied Logic Over Theory

You may know COBIT, NIST, and ISO frameworks, but CISA tests whether you understand how and when to use them. Choosing the “most effective” control in a given situation often separates pass from fail.

4. Time Management

You get 4 hours for 150 questions. That’s 1.6 minutes per question. You’ll need to pace yourself while decoding lengthy scenarios. Time pressure can cause even the most prepared candidates to stumble.

5. Experience Gap

Candidates with real IT audit or governance experience often have an edge because they’ve seen these situations firsthand. For those without hands-on exposure, bridging that gap through intense study and mock exams is essential.

In short, CISA is hard because it’s designed for professionals, not students. But that’s also what makes it respected. The difficulty is intentional, and it’s what gives the certification its weight in the job market.

SEE ALSO: Cybersecurity Audit Certificate Vs CISA: A Comprehensive Analysis

CISA Exam Pass Rate: What the Numbers Reveal

While ISACA doesn’t officially release pass rate statistics, industry consensus and anecdotal evidence suggest that the CISA exam pass rate typically ranges between 45% to 60% globally. That alone tells you something: this exam isn’t just difficult, it filters.

Unlike university-style tests, where most students pass, the CISA exam is designed to be a benchmark. Only candidates with both knowledge and critical thinking skills make it through on the first attempt.

So, what does a 50% pass rate really mean?

• You can’t wing it. Even IT professionals with years of experience have failed due to underestimating the exam’s applied nature.
• You must prepare deliberately. Those who pass often log between 100–150 hours of study using official ISACA resources and timed practice exams.
• It’s about alignment. Align your study approach with how the exam is structured, and your odds improve significantly.

The pass rate shouldn’t discourage you; it should prepare you. The CISA exam is tough because the credential is prestigious. Employers know that if you’ve passed it, you’re equipped to handle real-world audit responsibilities without supervision.

Is CISA Harder Than CPA or Other IT Certifications?

A common question among professionals weighing their next credential is: Is CISA harder than CPA?

The answer depends on your background. The CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exam is traditionally more academic, deeply rooted in accounting theory, financial reporting, and regulation. It typically requires a degree in accounting or finance and tests across four sections, each challenging in its own right.

By contrast, the CISA certification is tailored for IT, audit, and risk professionals. It leans more toward applied knowledge of systems, governance, cybersecurity, and compliance frameworks. If you come from an accounting background, CISA might feel more technical. If you come from IT, CPA might feel more abstract.

Beyond CPA, let’s look at how CISA compares to other IT certifications:

• CISA vs. CISM: While CISA focuses on auditing and assurance, CISM leans toward information security management and strategy. CISA tends to be more technical in its testing style.
• CISA vs. CISSP: CISSP covers broad cybersecurity concepts and often dives deeper into security architecture. CISA, however, is more focused on evaluating systems and controls from an audit perspective.

In terms of difficulty, CISA is not necessarily harder; it’s different. Its rigor lies in its real-world application, not in the depth of theory. If you’re used to analytical thinking and structured evaluations, CISA might feel more intuitive than you’d expect.

Still, for those asking “How hard is the CISA exam compared to others?”, know this: it’s held in equal regard as CISSP, CPA, and CISM. The difficulty isn’t in the complexity alone, but in the expectation that you can think like a professional in high-stakes environments.

MORE: FIA vs GRC: Key Differences, Salaries & Real-World Examples

The Real Cost of Taking the CISA Exam

Understanding the CISA exam cost goes beyond just the registration fee—it includes financial, mental, and time investments that every candidate should consider.

Direct Costs

• Exam Registration:
  • ISACA members: $575
  • Non-members: $760
    Membership can be purchased to access discounted pricing and other benefits.
• Study Materials:
  • CISA Review Manual (Digital or Print): ~$110
  • Question & Answer Database: ~$299 (members), ~$399 (non-members)
  • Online Review Course: $795–$895 for a 12-month subscription
• Instructor-Led Training:
  • Virtual or in-person bootcamps range from $1,000 to $1,400

Time Costs

• Most successful candidates report studying 100–150 hours over 2–3 months.
• Balancing this with a full-time job, family, or school makes it a significant time commitment.

Soft Costs

• Stress, lifestyle adjustments, late-night study sessions, and the pressure of high expectations.
• If you fail, the cost to retake the exam is the same, so being underprepared can be expensive.

Maintenance Costs

• Annual CISA certification renewal fees:
  • $45 for members
  • $85 for non-members
• Plus, you must earn 20 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours per year (120 every 3 years).

So, while the CISA exam cost might seem steep upfront, it’s important to weigh that against the return: higher earning potential, stronger job security, and access to elite roles in auditing and cybersecurity. For most professionals, it’s a worthwhile investment if you commit to passing it the first time.

SEE: What Is Zero Trust Architecture in Cybersecurity?

How to Prepare for the CISA Exam (and Actually Pass)

Now that you know how hard the CISA exam is, let’s talk strategy. Success isn’t about cramming facts; it’s about structuring your study plan to align with how ISACA tests you.

Here’s a proven approach:

1. Master the CISA Exam Syllabus

Start by breaking down the five domains. Know their individual weights and focus more on higher-weighted areas like Protection of Information Assets (27%) and Operations and Business Resilience (23%). Use the syllabus as your roadmap.

2. Use Official ISACA Materials

Don’t cut corners here. The CISA Review Manual and ISACA’s Q&A Database are tailored to the actual exam format. They’re not just content, they teach you how ISACA thinks.

3. Commit to a Study Schedule

Aim for 2 hours per day, 5–6 days a week, over 2–3 months. Break down your weeks by domain and build in time for review and mock exams.

4. Practice Under Exam Conditions

Use full-length CISA exam questions under timed settings. This sharpens your time management and familiarizes you with scenario-based reasoning. Analyze every mistake, not just the right answer, but why you missed it.

5. Apply Real-World Thinking

If you work in IT or audit, link every topic to your experience. If you don’t, use case studies, online forums, or project simulations to practice applying concepts, not just remembering them.

6. Join Study Communities

Reddit threads, LinkedIn groups, and Discord communities are full of CISA aspirants sharing insights, motivation, and useful resources. Don’t isolate yourself—study smarter by learning from others’ mistakes and strategies.

Preparing for CISA is about mastering how to think like an auditor. The more your preparation mirrors the exam’s structure and scenarios, the more confident you’ll be when it matters most.

ALSO: Is TLS 1.2 Deprecated? Key Difference from TLS 1.3

Is the CISA Worth the Challenge?

With all the preparation, cost, and pressure, it’s natural to ask, Is the CISA certification really worth it?

For most professionals in IT audit, cybersecurity, or compliance, the answer is a firm yes. Here’s why:

Career Impact

CISA opens doors. Whether you’re eyeing a promotion, switching industries, or transitioning into governance roles, the certification gives you an instant credibility boost. Job titles commonly held by CISA-certified professionals include:

• IT Auditor
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• IT Risk Manager
• Compliance Officer
• Internal Controls Consultant

Higher Earning Potential

According to ISACA, CISA holders earn an average of $149,000 per year, a figure well above many other IT and finance roles. In high-demand regions like North America or the UK, CISA certification can add six figures to your long-term earnings.

Growing Market Demand

With increasing global focus on data privacy, regulatory compliance, and IT risk management, the demand for skilled auditors and risk professionals is accelerating. Cyberseek data shows over 50,000 job openings in the U.S. alone looking for someone with CISA certification.

Professional Trust

Unlike many certifications that test only theory, CISA proves you can handle real-world audit and compliance situations. That’s why employers trust it, and why passing it feels like such a milestone.

So yes, the CISA exam is hard, but it’s hard for a reason: to preserve the value of the credential. And if your career goals align with IT audit, governance, or risk, the challenge is not only justified, it’s one of the best investments you can make.

Final Thoughts

Let’s bring it full circle: How hard is the CISA exam?

It’s challenging, yes. But not unreasonably so. It demands focused preparation, a strategic study plan, and the ability to think beyond textbook definitions. If you treat it like a professional milestone rather than a school test, your approach (and results) will shift.

The CISA exam questions will test how you think under pressure, how you apply audit principles to real-world scenarios, and whether you truly understand risk, not only in theory, but in business reality. That’s why the CISA exam pass rate is lower than average. It filters for readiness.

But it’s also passable. Thousands of professionals, many with full-time jobs, families, and little audit background, pass it every year with structured effort. And the reward? A globally respected credential, higher earning power, and a seat at the table where compliance and strategy intersect.

So no, you shouldn’t be worried. You should be prepared. And if you are, there’s no reason this exam can’t be your next big win.

FAQ