Certification Roadmap

ISACA Certification Path

Governance, audit, and risk management credentials for senior IT professionals

Each cert requires 5 years relevant experience — study time 3–6 months each
3 certifications across 1 levels

ISACA certifications are the standard for IT governance, audit, risk management, and information security management. CISM and CISA are among the highest-paying IT certifications globally and are required by many financial institutions, regulators, and consulting firms. All require relevant work experience for full certification.

Where to start — by experience level

IT audit background

CISA is the natural target — it's the most recognised IT audit credential globally.

Security management / CISO path

CISM + CISSP is the combination most senior security leaders hold.

Risk management focus

CRISC is the most targeted credential for enterprise IT risk professionals.

ISACA certification tiers

Professional Level

All ISACA certs require relevant work experience

CISM

Certified Information Security Manager

3–5 mo
5 years IS experience, 3 in security management
CISA

Certified Information Systems Auditor

3–5 mo
5 years IS audit/control/assurance experience
CRISC

Certified in Risk and Info Systems Control

3–5 mo
3 years IT risk management experience
Core path (recommended sequence)
Optional / elective

ISACA certification — frequently asked questions

Is CISM or CISSP more valuable?

They complement each other. CISM is management-focused (governance, risk, programme management). CISSP is broader and more technically weighted. Senior security leaders often hold both.

Can I sit ISACA exams without the required experience?

Yes — you can pass the exam first and have up to 5 years to submit your experience verification. You receive the certification once experience is confirmed.

Practice every exam on this path

JT Exams covers all ISACA certifications with full question banks, domain tracking, and AI-powered explanations. One subscription. Every cert.

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