The Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification from ISACA is a globally recognized credential for IT professionals specializing in enterprise IT risk management and information systems control. This guide covers what CRISC is, how to prepare effectively, exam details, and tips for SEO optimization to ensure this blog ranks well on search engines.
What is the ISACA CRISC Certification?
The CRISC certification validates expertise in identifying, assessing, and managing IT risks while implementing and maintaining information systems controls. It is designed for IT risk management professionals, compliance practitioners, business analysts, and project managers who aim to align IT risk strategies with business objectives. Since its inception in 2010, over 30,000 professionals worldwide have earned the CRISC, making it one of the top-paying IT certifications.
Key Benefits of CRISC
Career Advancement: Demonstrates proficiency in IT risk management, enhancing credibility with employers and stakeholders.
Global Recognition: Accredited by ANSI under ISO/IEC 17024:2012, CRISC is valued across industries.
Strategic Value: Equips professionals to mitigate risks, optimize governance, and support enterprise resilience, especially in AI and emerging technologies.
High Demand: CRISC-certified professionals are sought after in IT audit, cybersecurity, and risk management roles.
CRISC Exam Details
The CRISC exam is a rigorous, four-hour test assessing your knowledge of IT risk management and control. Below are the key details:
Exam Structure
Format: 150 multiple-choice questions.
Duration: 4 hours.
Passing Score: A scaled score of 450 out of 800 is required to pass, as set by ISACA’s certification working group.
Domains Covered: The exam tests four key domains:
Governance (26%): Understanding organizational strategy, risk appetite, and governance frameworks.
IT Risk Assessment (20%): Identifying and evaluating IT risks.
Risk Response and Mitigation (23%): Developing and implementing risk response strategies.
Risk and Control Monitoring and Reporting (31%): Continuous monitoring and reporting of risks and controls.
Languages: Available in multiple languages, including English, Chinese Simplified, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.
Delivery: Computer-based, administered at PSI testing centers globally or via remote proctoring.
Registration Fees:
ISACA Members: $575.
Non-Members: $760.
Early registration discounts: $525 for members, $710 for non-members.
Eligibility Period: Candidates must schedule and take the exam within 12 months of registration. No extensions are allowed.
Certification Requirements: To earn the CRISC certification, candidates must:
Pass the exam.
Provide proof of at least three years of work experience in IT risk management and information systems control across at least two of the four CRISC domains within the past 10 years.
Submit an application within five years of passing the exam.
Adhere to ISACA’s Code of Professional Ethics and Continuing Professional Education (CPE) policy (20 CPE hours annually, 120 over three years).
Pay application ($50) and maintenance fees ($45/year for members, $85/year for non-members).
Note: The CRISC Exam Content Outline will be updated effective November 3, 2025. New preparation materials will be available in September 2025, and current materials will not grant access to updated versions.
How to Prepare for the CRISC Exam
Preparing for the CRISC exam requires a strategic approach combining official resources, practice, and hands-on experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Understand the Exam Domains
Familiarize yourself with the four CRISC domains. Review the CRISC Exam Content Outline on ISACA’s website to understand the topics and tasks tested. This ensures your study plan aligns with the exam objectives.
2. Use Official ISACA Resources
ISACA offers a range of study materials tailored for CRISC preparation:
CRISC Review Manual (7th Edition): A comprehensive guide covering all exam domains. Read it cover-to-cover to build a strong conceptual foundation.
CRISC Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Manual (6th Edition): Includes 600 practice questions to simulate the exam experience. Review explanations for both correct and incorrect answers to reinforce understanding.
CRISC Questions, Answers & Explanations Database: A 12-month subscription to a 600-question pool for customized practice.
ISACA Glossary: Study key terms to ensure clarity, especially for non-native English speakers.
Online Review Courses: Self-paced courses with interactive modules covering governance, risk assessment, and more.
ISACA Engage Community: Join this member-exclusive forum to connect with peers, share study tips, and get expert advice.
3. Leverage External Resources
Supplement official materials with trusted third-party resources:
Practice Tests: Platforms like ExamTopics, EDUSUM, and Pocket Prep offer free and premium practice exams to simulate the real test environment.
Online Courses: Providers like Readynez and Invensis Learning offer CRISC-specific training, including 3-day boot camps or unlimited security training subscriptions.
Study Guides: Websites like Exam-Labs provide free study guides and practice questions tailored to CRISC.
Community Forums: Engage with platforms like Reddit or LinkedIn to share tips and clarify doubts. Verify information against official ISACA sources.
4. Create a Study Plan
Timeline: Allocate 8–10 weeks for preparation, depending on your experience level.
Schedule: Dedicate consistent study time daily or weekly, balancing work and personal commitments. Use a calendar to track progress.
Focus Areas: Prioritize weaker domains identified through practice tests. For example, if you struggle with risk monitoring, revisit the CRISC Review Manual for that section.
Mock Exams: Take timed practice tests to build stamina and familiarity with the exam format. Analyze incorrect answers to refine your understanding.
5. Gain Practical Experience
Hands-on experience in IT risk management or information systems control is crucial. If you lack the required three years of experience, focus on gaining it within five years of passing the exam. Practical knowledge also helps contextualize exam concepts.
6. Exam Day Tips
Time Management: Pace yourself during the 4-hour exam. Answer straightforward questions first, flag tricky ones for review, and take short breaks every 20–30 minutes to stay focused.
Read Carefully: CRISC questions often include keywords like “MOST,” “BEST,” or “MAJOR.” Pay attention to wording to avoid misinterpretation.
Stay Calm: If you encounter unfamiliar questions (about 5% of the exam), make an educated guess and move on. There’s no penalty for incorrect answers.
Conclusion
The ISACA CRISC certification is a powerful credential for IT professionals aiming to excel in risk management and information systems control. By understanding the exam structure, leveraging official and third-party resources, and following a structured study plan, you can pass the exam with confidence. With the CRISC Exam Content Outline updating in November 2025, start preparing early with the latest materials to stay ahead.
Ready to begin your CRISC journey? Enroll in ISACA’s training programs or explore practice tests to boost your preparation. Share this guide with your peers and join the ISACA Engage Community for expert support.
