Some Questions on CISA^® & CISM^® Answered 

Q-1. Who is eligible to write the CISA^®  Exam?

Any individual who is interested in Information Systems Auditing can write the exam. There are no pre-requisite qualification or experience requirements to write the Exam. The examination is open to all individuals who have an interest in the information systems auditing, control and security domains. All are encouraged to work towards and take the examination.

Q-2. Are there test centers in India?

Yes, there are 8 Test centers in India. They are at Chennai, Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, Calcutta, Coimbatore, Bangalore and Hyderabad.

Q-3. What is the CISA^® Exam fee?

The fees for CISA Exam are US$ 335 for members if paid within the February deadline, and US $ 385 after that. Non-members have to pay an additional US$ 120 towards registration fees. ISACA also provides for online registration via the ISACA website for which there is a concession of.

For Online registration click here  

Q-4. What is the membership fee?

Dues for members from India is US$ 135 plus a one-time admission fee of US $ 30. Local Chapter due is US $ 15. However, members joining between 2nd June and 2nd September of a year have to pay only 50% of the annual membership fees. Members joining after 2nd September will get free membership for that year and their fees will be valid till end of following year

Q-5. Can I write the CISA^® exam without becoming a member?

Yes. You can write the CISA®   Exam without becoming a member. However, if you are not a member you have to pay Registration fees of US $ 115. Considering the value and benefits of membership, it is worthwhile to become a member.

Q-6. To whom should I send the fees for the CISA^® exam?

The fee in US dollars favoring ISACA®  should be sent along with the registration form directly to the CISA®   examination registrar at ISACA, USA (The address is mentioned on   the exam application). Please send a copy of your application to the local chapter for information.

You can also register online

Q-7. What is the nature of the exam?

The   CISA® / CISM®  exam consists of 200 multiple-choice   questions administered over a continuous four hour session.  There are no parts and a single booklet will be given covering all the seven job domains of the CISA® Body of Knowledge. Candidates are expected to apply their knowledge of IS Audit while answering the questions in CISA® Exam. Most of the questions are focused on practical issues of IS Audit. The exam tests for minimum level of competence for conducting IS Audit.

Q-8. How frequently is the exam held?

The exam is held on the second Saturday of June and December every year.

Q-9. Can you give me details and weightage for the job domains?

        Click here for details

Q-10. What is the level of exam - undergraduate or graduate?

The exam is considered to be an entry-level examination   generally applicable for anyone who would like to audit computer based information systems. Any   individual   who is thorough with     the fundamentals and practical aspects of the   subjects mentioned above should be able to pass the CISA® examination.  The minimum passing score is 75 percentile (not %).

Q-11.  I understand that the subject may not be tough, but the exam being international may be tough. Can I pass the CISA® exam?

The exam is tough because the selection of right choice involves your ability to understand Information technology, its risks, and related security and audit procedures. Hence, conceptual clarity of the   subject and practical orientation of understanding the situation   given and choosing the right answer is important.  The International   passing  % is 50 to 55. In India, the passing  % varies from 40% to 75%. Passing the Exam primarily depends on your own preparation and efforts. CISA® Pass Statistics from Bangalore Chapter

Q-12.  Can I get the question papers of prior exams?

CISA® Exam is a closed book exam. Question and Answer papers are not released. However, enough questions are available for practice and preparation. The CISA®  Review Technical Information Manual is the basic study material for the course has sample questions at end of each domain. Further the CISA® Review Questions & Explanations Manual (selected sample questions, answers and explanations contains questions which are representative of   CISA® questions) and CISA® Review Questions & Explanations Manual (selected sample questions, answers and explanations) provide useful reference questions for practice.   These are published by ISACA®. A CD containing more than 800 questions is available for practice.  There   are   other Publications that offer sample questions. Chapters also develop Sample questions for candidates who attend the CISA® Review Courses of the chapter. The ISACA® Website has practice questions, which can be answered online

Q-13. Does the Bangalore chapter offer coaching for CISA aspirants?

Yes, local chapters do conduct CISA® Review courses. The Bangalore Chapter conducts CISA® Review classes to aid and assist candidates in preparing for the CISA® Exam. These review classes are   generally held on Saturdays & Sundays. Those interested in joining for the CISA® Review Course may contact the CISA® Coordinator:

Q-14. For self-study, what is the best strategy?

If you have an audit background, team up with an IT person and vice versa. As mentioned earlier, you need to understand IT and methodology & principles of Audit. Hence, IT, Audit and IS Audit knowledge is essential   pre-requisite to aid in your study.

To gain sufficient knowledge to pass the Examination the current Version of the CRM (CISA® Review Manual) is sufficient. You can buy the CRM at the ISACA® Bookstore . There are various other publications that you could use for reference a few of which are listed below.

Please visit Publications for the latest books available for sale at ISACA® Bookstore. The ISACA® Chapters in India do not stock or sell any of the publications. Candidates have to make their own arrangements to buy the required publications. Sample reference books are:

1. Computer Audit, Control and Security by Robert Moeller, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York,
2.  Handbook on EDP Auditing by Michael A.Murphy and X.L.Parker, Warren, Gorham & Lamont, Inc., Boston, Ma.1989.
3.  Auditing & EDP objectives questions and explanations, Gleim publications Inc. Gainesville, FL.
4. The only Indian publication available is EDP Auditing by RON WEBER, published by McGraw Hill Publications. 

Q-16. I am not designated as an IS Auditor because there is no such designation in our organisation, even though I have some   experience relating to   IS Auditing.  After passing the examination. How do I quality for the title CISA®?

The designation is not important, to be certified as a CISA® your experience in at least one of   the seven job domains is relevant for the minimum period   specified and it has to be certified by your supervisor. Requirements for Certification

Q-17. What are the career prospects on becoming a CISA®?

IS Audit is a nascent profession which is rapidly gaining   roots in India.  CISA® is presently recognized mostly in the financial sector. In the private sector, most large organizations including multi-national firms and Big 4 Audit   firms recruit CISA® for conducting IS Audits.

Disclaimer:

These FAQ s are only for providing information and aiding candidates in understanding some key issues & requirements for the CISA® Exam and do not provide any express or implicit warranty of success in the CISA® Exam. If you have any other questions or require any further clarification, please do contact the Chapter CISA® Coordinator