Understanding the CISA Exam Difficulty: How Hard is the CISA Exam?

How difficult is the CISA Exam? is the most common question that every aspirant have in mind. This is the most common dilemma that we often face as an aspirant of CISA credential. It is partially because of the subjective matter; however, there are few general aspects also upon which we shall try to figure out its difficulty level. The proper method to figure that out is by comparing it with other exams and qualifications, observations and comments from past test-takers us break it bit by bit and get clarity at every level.

So, to begin with, let us first understand the goal of that particular exam and what is that they measure to get a better understanding of the parameters and proficiency in which they are judging the candidate.

Aim of the CISA Exam:

The first step is to understand that the goal of the program exam is to validate the understanding and comprehension of the information contained in the curriculum. You pass the CISA exam when you have a proven understanding of the concepts and information contained within the exam. The CISA exam has a broader focus and goal of the CISA exam is to show that you have the knowledge and experience required for any job role that requires the CISA certification. Acquiring CISA certification demonstrates that you have gained and maintained the required skills to become a valuable asset to your organization in your field. As per ISACA, CISA a credential which is preferred among individuals and organization possessing IS audit, control and security skills across the world.

CISA primarily is designed for professionals with work exposure in Information System Auditing and it is a way to distinguish these professionals from those who are not qualified and certified. It can assist you in gaining higher quality for a new position or a raise or employment at a new organization or at your company, besides other benefits.

CISA Exam Content — Difficulty Level

As compared to other exams in the niche, it isn’t considered particularly very tough to crack. If we talk about the exam content and syllabus, the exam consists of only 150 questions, which is a lighter one that most aspirants and successful professionals would agree to. It covers basic knowledge on a wide range of topics versus the specific knowledge in a particular topic. It depends on your learning style and previous experience, it could be both easy and tough. Interestingly, since this certification requires 5 years of experience and therefore is not intended for that information on the exam that is easier and for someone who is just starting their career.

Job Profiles: Difficulty Levels

So, when talking about the job profiles for those who are starting out, it is always easier for those who have a couple of years experience than people who have no relevant experience in the field. It is known for a fact, that people who take CISA have already been working in the industry for 5 years and their perception or experience of the exam will vary. So, in the CISA exam also, it is completely a subjective matter.

Although, it is known that they have increased the difficulty level over the years has been increased with the evolving times and standards in the industry and hence the opinions can vary significantly.

Questions & CISA Exam Format

Now, let us figure out how many questions are there in CISA and what is the format.

Total Questions: 150

The number of questions has been reduced to 150 from 200. Total duration you have is of 4 hours to complete the exam, which is typically more than sufficient for anyone who wants to attempt the complete exam.

Material Covered

Let’s take a look at what kind of material you will find in these CISA exam questions. The exam questions cover all the five domains of CISA; however, there have been changes in the weightage of the five domains.

So, the best way is to prepare for the exam is upon gaining certain eligible experience and take up a training program for better preparation and increasing the passing chances. To sum up, it is always better to get a first-hand experience of the exam and study material, instead of going by the views presented by others as it is a completely subjective matter. All the best!