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ISACA Advanced in AI Audit AAIA Quick Facts
The ISACA Advanced in AI Audit (AAIA) Certification empowers professionals to lead with confidence in the fast-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. This overview provides clear insights into the exam’s structure, domains, and objectives so you can step forward with purpose and precision on your certification journey.
Exploring the ISACA Advanced in AI Audit (AAIA) Certification
The ISACA Advanced in AI Audit AAIA certification validates your ability to apply globally recognized ISACA best practices in evaluating, governing, and auditing AI-powered systems across enterprise environments. It demonstrates that you understand both the technical and governance dimensions of artificial intelligence, including how to design, implement, and assess AI programs responsibly.
This certification is ideal for auditors, risk managers, and governance professionals who seek to expand their expertise in AI ethics, lifecycle management, data governance, and AI-related risk. It equips you to align AI assurance activities with strategic organizational goals while ensuring compliance, transparency, and trust in automated decision-making systems.
Who Should Pursue the ISACA Advanced in AI Audit (AAIA) Certification?
The ISACA Advanced in AI Audit (AAIA) certification is designed for professionals who want to lead the future of auditing and advisory in the Artificial Intelligence era. It’s an advanced credential tailored to those who already hold foundational designations such as CISA, CIA (IIA), or CPA (AICPA) and want to specialize in AI governance, risk, and audit practices.
This certification is ideal for:
- Experienced IT auditors, risk managers, and consultants
- Professionals assessing, managing, or auditing AI-based systems
- Individuals helping organizations ensure AI compliance, transparency, and accountability
If you’re eager to position yourself as a trusted advisor guiding organizations through AI adoption, the AAIA certification opens the door to the next generation of digital trust and assurance.
What Kind of Roles Can I Qualify for with an AAIA Certification?
The AAIA certification establishes credibility for high-impact roles at the intersection of AI, audit, and governance. Earning this credential helps you stand out in advanced positions such as:
- AI Audit Leader or AI Compliance Specialist
- Senior IT Auditor focusing on intelligent systems and automation
- AI Governance Consultant or Risk & Controls Advisor
- Advisory Manager in digital transformation projects
Because this certification validates your understanding of both assurance and AI technologies, it also supports your transition into strategic roles where audit insights drive enterprise innovation.
How Many Questions Are on the AAIA Exam?
The Advanced in AI Audit exam includes 90 multiple-choice questions. Each question measures your ability to apply practical AI governance, risk, and auditing concepts. While every item has one correct or “best” answer, some may test deeper reasoning and scenario-based judgment.
A total of 150 minutes (2.5 hours) is allocated for the entire test, giving you ample time to review, analyze, and respond confidently.
How Much Time Should I Plan for the Exam?
You’ll have 2.5 hours (150 minutes) to complete the exam. This duration allows sufficient time for reading, interpretation, and answering each question without rushing.
Candidates are encouraged to develop strong time management habits during practice sessions. Spend the first few minutes reviewing the exam tutorial, and then pace yourself—aiming for about one and a half minutes per question on average.
How Much Does the ISACA AAIA Certification Exam Cost?
Exam costs vary by membership status. ISACA members receive a reduced fee of US$459, while non-members pay US$599. The fee covers your exam registration and access to scheduling through ISACA’s global partner, PSI.
You’ll need to pay your fee in full to schedule the exam, and it’s important to note that the fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Membership often pays off by providing discounts, exclusive resources, and networking benefits that extend far beyond exam day.
What Is the Passing Score for the AAIA Exam?
The passing score is 450 on a scaled scoring system ranging from 200 to 800. This model ensures fairness across different exam versions. A passing score represents the minimum level of knowledge and experience required to demonstrate competency in AI auditing practices.
Unlike percentage scores, scaled scoring adjusts for slight differences in question difficulty between test versions. As long as your final scaled score is 450 or higher, you’ve successfully met ISACA’s global standard for AI audit expertise.
How Is the AAIA Exam Structured?
The AAIA exam is composed entirely of multiple-choice questions designed to test your ability to analyze, evaluate, and apply core AI audit principles. Each question presents four possible answers, requiring you to select the one that best fits the scenario.
The questions are balanced across three weighted knowledge domains, each addressing critical areas of AI assurance: Governance and Risk, AI Operations, and AI Auditing Tools & Techniques.
What Domains Are Covered in the AAIA Exam?
The AAIA certification exam is grounded in three well-defined domains that shape your expertise as an AI audit professional:
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AI Governance and Risk
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AI Operations
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AI Auditing Tools and Techniques
Each domain equips you to assess and assure AI-enabled systems confidently across complex enterprise environments.
In Which Languages Is the Exam Offered?
The AAIA exam is available in English, Simplified Chinese, and Spanish, ensuring candidates around the globe can test in their preferred language. ISACA frequently reviews its language portfolio to support its worldwide membership base, making the certification truly global in accessibility and recognition.
What’s the Format of the Advanced in AI Audit Exam?
The exam (code AAIA) is delivered through a computer-based testing system managed by PSI. You can choose to take it in person at an authorized test center or online via remote proctoring, depending on your region’s availability.
Remote proctoring allows candidates to complete the exam securely from a private location using an approved device, webcam, and connection. Physical test centers remain an excellent choice for those who prefer structured, distraction-free environments.
Are There Any Prerequisites Before Taking the AAIA Exam?
Yes, candidates must hold one of the following active designations: CISA, CIA (IIA), or CPA (AICPA). Equivalent professional credentials, such as ACCA, FCCA, or recognized regional CPA qualifications, also qualify.
This prerequisite ensures every candidate enters with a strong understanding of IT audit or advisory fundamentals, making the AI-specific material more applicable to your existing expertise.
How Is the Exam Scored?
Each of your correct answers contributes to your total raw score, which is then converted to a scaled score between 200 and 800. To pass, you must achieve at least 450, signifying mastery of the essential content domains.
Within ten business days of completing the exam, your official score report becomes available in your MyISACA account. You’ll also receive an email confirming your result and information about next steps toward certification.
How Often Can I Retake the Exam If Needed?
If you don’t pass on your first try, ISACA allows up to four attempts within a 12-month rolling period. However, you must wait a specific number of days between each attempt (30 days after the first attempt and 90 days after subsequent ones).
Each retake requires a new registration and full payment. This retake policy supports integrity while giving you multiple chances to demonstrate your readiness for certification.
What Study Resources Are Available?
ISACA offers several official prep materials to help you get ready with ease:
- AAIA Review Manual (Digital or Print) – A comprehensive reference guide for all exam domains.
- AAIA Online Review Course – An interactive, on-demand course designed by subject matter experts.
- AAIA QAE Database – Over 200 practice questions with explanations to reinforce understanding.
- Free Practice Exam – A 12-question sample test to preview the real exam format.
Additionally, you can connect with other candidates through ISACA’s Engage Study Groups—a great way to learn collaboratively from professionals around the world.
How Long Is the Certification Valid After Passing?
Your AAIA certification does not expire as long as you maintain your ISACA membership, adhere to continuing professional education (CPE) requirements, and demonstrate ongoing commitment to professional ethics.
You’ll need to earn and report annual CPE hours that show you’re staying current with AI governance, technology advancements, and assurance standards.
How Do I Apply for Certification After Passing the Exam?
After successfully passing the exam, complete the following steps to earn your official AAIA certification badge:
- Confirm your qualifying designation (CISA, CIA, or CPA) is active.
- Pay the US$50 application processing fee.
- Submit your application for certification through your MyISACA portal.
- Agree to uphold the Code of Professional Ethics and remain compliant with ISACA’s standards.
Each certified professional becomes part of ISACA’s global community advancing digital trust in the age of AI.
What Makes the AAIA Certification Unique?
The AAIA certification stands as the first advanced credential in AI audit worldwide, combining assurance expertise with leading-edge knowledge in artificial intelligence systems. It bridges the gap between auditors and intelligent automation, validating your ability to provide insights and oversight in an AI-driven environment.
Holding this certification signals that you’re not only aware of emerging technologies—you’re equipped to govern, audit, and guide them with professionalism and foresight.
How Can I Practice for the AAIA Exam Effectively?
Building confidence before exam day starts with realistic preparation. You can sharpen your knowledge and timing with high-quality AAIA certification practice tests that mirror ISACA’s testing environment. These resources provide detailed answer explanations that reinforce best practices and deepen your understanding of audit methodologies applied to AI systems.
Where and How Can I Register for the ISACA AAIA Exam?
You can register directly through your MyISACA account once you’ve verified you meet the eligibility requirements. After payment, you’ll receive a scheduling notice within one business day, allowing you to choose a test center or remote exam session.
ISACA exams are offered continuously year-round, with availability up to 90 days in advance. This flexibility makes it easy to plan your testing around professional commitments and personal preferences.
Why Earn the ISACA Advanced in AI Audit Certification?
Earning the AAIA certification validates your leadership in one of the most rapidly evolving disciplines in audit and risk management. It demonstrates that you can guide organizations toward AI transparency, fairness, and trustworthiness—all critical to sustainable growth in the digital economy.
Certified professionals gain global recognition, build stronger career mobility, and become sought-after voices in shaping responsible AI practices across industries.
How Does ISACA Support Certified Professionals After Certification?
Once you’re certified, you join a global network of over 460,000 professionals working across IT governance, audit, risk, and cybersecurity. ISACA supports you with annual conferences, local chapter events, CPE resources, and leadership programs to help you continue growing personally and professionally.
Members benefit from exclusive research, frameworks like COBIT and the Digital Trust Ecosystem, and global recognition that keeps your career advancing.
Where Can I Learn More?
For full certification details, registration steps, and policy information, visit the official ISACA Advanced in AI Audit (AAIA) certification page. There you’ll find everything you need to start your certification journey and connect with official resources that ensure your success.
