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ISACA Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control CRISC Quick Facts
The ISACA Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification empowers professionals to lead with confidence in risk management and information systems control. This exam overview highlights the structure, focus areas, and essential knowledge points to help you navigate your certification journey with clarity and purpose.
How does the CRISC certification strengthen your professional impact in risk and control?
The CRISC certification validates your ability to identify, assess, and manage enterprise risks while designing and implementing robust control frameworks. It is ideal for IT and business professionals who bridge governance, risk, and compliance, ensuring that technology initiatives align with organizational goals. Certified CRISC professionals are trusted to translate risk insights into actionable business strategies, adding measurable value through proactive risk mitigation and organizational resilience.
Who should consider earning the ISACA Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) Certification?
The ISACA Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification is designed for professionals who are passionate about IT risk management, governance, and controls. It’s ideal for individuals who identify, assess, and manage risks, ensuring that business objectives are achieved while safeguarding the organization’s digital assets.
This credential is particularly valuable for IT risk managers, security professionals, compliance officers, control analysts, and business leaders responsible for defining risk strategies across their enterprises. Whether you’re building a foundation in risk management or advancing into a senior governance role, the CRISC certification provides the credibility and structure to grow your career confidently.
What types of roles benefit most from earning the CRISC credential?
Earning the CRISC certification opens doors to a variety of positions focused on IT risk, control, and governance. Professionals with this credential are well-positioned for roles such as:
- IT Risk Manager or Analyst
- Security Risk Consultant
- Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Specialist
- IT Audit or Assurance Professional
- Business Continuity Manager
- Chief Risk Officer (CRO) or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Organizations increasingly seek leaders who understand the intersection of business operations and information systems risk. The CRISC demonstrates not just awareness, but proven capability in designing and maintaining comprehensive risk frameworks.
How much does the ISACA CRISC exam cost?
Exam registration costs vary by membership status. The ISACA Member exam cost is US$575, while non-members pay US$760. Becoming an ISACA member before registering can save on exam fees and provide access to exclusive study resources, professional communities, and continuing education opportunities that extend beyond certification.
What is the format and structure of the CRISC exam?
The CRISC exam (exam code: CRISC) consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, designed to assess practical knowledge and application of enterprise risk management concepts. The questions blend direct knowledge checks with scenario-based items that mirror real professional challenges. You will have 240 minutes (4 hours) to complete the exam, ensuring adequate time to think critically through each domain area.
How is the ISACA CRISC exam scored?
ISACA uses a scaled scoring system from 200 to 800, with 450 as the minimum passing score. This ensures exam consistency and fairness across different versions. Your raw score (the number of correct answers) is adjusted to this scale, reflecting your overall mastery rather than performance by domain. A passing result validates your ability to identify, assess, and mitigate IT risks end-to-end within enterprise environments.
What languages can I take the CRISC exam in?
The CRISC exam is globally accessible in several languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese (Simplified), French, German, Korean, and Japanese. These language options ensure inclusivity and make it convenient for risk professionals worldwide to demonstrate their expertise in a language they are most comfortable using.
How long will I have to complete the CRISC exam?
Candidates receive 4 hours (240 minutes) to complete the 150-question computer-based exam. The generous time frame is carefully designed to allow for thoughtful analysis of scenario-based questions and risk decision-making challenges. Time management is key, but you’ll find the pace approachable if you prepare strategically.
How many questions are on the CRISC certification exam?
You’ll face a total of 150 multiple-choice questions, with many scenario-based items reflecting real business and IT risk management situations. These questions test your analytical and decision-making skills just as much as your technical knowledge, ensuring the certification translates into genuine professional value.
What are the main domains covered in the CRISC exam?
The CRISC exam blueprint includes four major domains, each focusing on a critical component of enterprise risk management:
- Governance
- Risk Assessment
- Risk Response and Reporting
- Technology and Security
These domains align theory with practical knowledge, ensuring that certified professionals can design holistic strategies for identifying, mitigating, and reporting risks across technological and business functions.
What prerequisites are required before taking the ISACA CRISC exam?
There are no formal prerequisites to sit for the CRISC exam. However, to earn the certification, you must have at least three years of professional experience in IT risk management and information systems control. This experience must align with the tasks outlined in the CRISC job practice. You have up to five years after passing the exam to complete and submit your certification application.
What’s the average salary for CRISC-certified professionals?
CRISC-certified professionals command among the highest salaries in the IT risk management industry. The average annual salary exceeds US$151,000, reflecting the global demand for risk experts capable of bridging the gap between technical systems and business goals. This certification is a proven differentiator for professionals pursuing senior leadership roles in governance, security, or enterprise risk management.
How do I register for the CRISC certification exam?
You can register directly through ISACA’s online portal at any time of the year. The CRISC exam is offered continuously, allowing you to schedule at authorized PSI testing centers or take it through remote online proctoring. Registration is confirmed once payment is received, and you can schedule your session as early as 48 hours after registration.
Where can I take the CRISC exam?
You have two convenient testing options:
- At a PSI testing center: Get the traditional in-person experience in a controlled exam environment.
- Online via remote proctoring: Take the CRISC exam securely from home or your office with live remote supervision.
Both options follow identical security and administrative protocols to ensure exam integrity.
How soon will I receive my CRISC exam results?
Preliminary results are displayed immediately after completion, showing whether you achieved a passing status. The official scaled score will appear in your ISACA account and via email within 10 business days after the exam. Once certified, you can proudly share your credential on professional platforms such as LinkedIn to showcase your achievement.
What is the passing score for the ISACA CRISC exam?
The minimum passing score is 450 on a scale of 200 to 800. This approach standardizes scoring across all test forms so that every candidate is measured fairly. Achieving a passing score shows a strong command of enterprise risk and control principles consistent with global best practices.
What study resources are recommended for the CRISC exam?
ISACA offers high-quality study tools, including official review manuals, question databases, and online training options. For additional practice that reflects real exam scenarios, you can use authentic CRISC practice questions and exams to strengthen your test readiness and identify areas for deeper study.
How long is the CRISC certification valid once earned?
Your CRISC certification remains valid for three years. To maintain active status, you’ll need to adhere to ISACA’s Continuing Professional Education (CPE) policy, earning at least 20 CPE hours annually and 120 hours over three years. This commitment ensures your skills remain current in the fast-evolving fields of technology and risk management.
What’s included in the CRISC certification maintenance requirements?
To remain in good standing, CRISC-certified professionals must:
- Earn and report required CPE credits each year.
- Pay the annual maintenance fee.
- Abide by ISACA’s Code of Professional Ethics.
These requirements help maintain the integrity of your credential and ensure CRISC holders uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and competency.
What makes the CRISC certification so valuable?
The CRISC credential isn’t just about passing an exam; it’s about mastering a mindset. It showcases your ability to translate complex risk data into actionable business strategies. Employers recognize CRISC holders as trusted advisors capable of guiding enterprise decisions, aligning technologies with governance frameworks, and strengthening vulnerability resilience.
Are there any other ISACA certifications related to CRISC?
Yes. ISACA offers several complementary certifications that align with your career progression, including CISA, CISM, CGEIT, CDPSE, and CCOA. Many professionals earn CRISC first and then expand into governance or audit domains to create a balanced portfolio of risk and leadership expertise.
What should I pursue after earning my CRISC?
Once certified, consider moving toward advanced or specialized roles that leverage your CRISC foundation. Pursuing credentials such as CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) or CGEIT (Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT) adds depth and enhances your impact as a strategic business leader. These certifications complement CRISC beautifully, allowing you to shape enterprise security and governance at the executive level.
Where can I find the official ISACA CRISC certification details?
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the official ISACA CRISC certification page. There you can find official guides, domain outlines, exam registration details, and resources to help you plan every step of your certification journey.
Earning your ISACA Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification is one of the most powerful ways to demonstrate expertise in managing enterprise risk. With proper preparation, commitment, and guidance, you’ll gain a credential that enhances professional credibility and helps shape the future of risk-informed business leadership.
