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CRISC Certification

Alice Musyoka
Last Updated April 17, 2024 4:39 am

The CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control) certification is a qualification that shows proficiency in risk management. It’s awarded by ISACA to IT professionals, certifying that they can effectively identify and manage risks by developing, implementing, and maintaining information systems controls.

What Is the CRISC Certification? 

With the CRISC certification, IT professionals can prove their expertise in IT risk assessment, information technology, and security. ISACA awards CRISC certifications to candidates with at least three years of relevant work experience upon passing a rigorous online exam. 

CRISC-certified professionals help enterprises understand business risks and implement the most practical information systems procedures and controls to optimize resources and ROI.

To attain certification, applicants must meet these requirements:

  • Hold a passing score on the CRISC exam from the last five years
  • Have relevant cumulative work experience of at least three years
  • Must submit the CRISC Certification Application 
  • Adherence to ISACA’s Code of Professional Ethics 
  • Commitment to the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Program

What Is the Exam Format for the CRISC Certification? 

ISACA determines applicant eligibility at the time of exam registration. Before applicants can schedule and take the exam, they must register and pay. If they don’t take the exam during the eligibility period (12 months), they forfeit their fees. No eligibility deferrals or extensions are allowed.

There are four CRISC domains in which professionals are examined:

  • Domain 1: Governance (26% of exam)
  • Domain 2: IT Risk Assessment (20% of exam)
  • Domain 3: Risk Response and Reporting (32% of exam)
  • Domain 4: Information Technology and Security (22% of exam)

Professionals can choose print, online, self-paced, and/or instructor-led training and study materials designed to suit their learning style.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Certified? 

Applicants need to pay a $50 application processing fee for all submissions. This fee is a one-time, non-refundable payment.

How Long Does It Take to Get Certified? 

Professionals who’ve passed the exam by scoring at least 450 out of 800 will receive details on how to apply for certification. Applications for certification are reviewed as they are received, but it takes about six to eight weeks to get certified.

Where Can I Get Certified?

To get certified, professionals apply for certification directly on the ISACA website.

What Are the Benefits of Earning a CRISC Certification?

These are some of the most comment benefits that professionals experience after earning their CRISC certification:

  1. Proves a professional’s knowledge, expertise, and understanding of IT risks and how they impact organizations. 
  2. Grants access to the ISACA global community of knowledge with the most current IT risk management ideas 
  3. Knowledge of how to devise accurate plans and strategies for risk mitigation
  4. Competitive edge over other candidates seeking promotions or applying for related IT jobs 
  5. ISACA’s requirements for continuing education and ethics support lifelong learning and quality work performance

Top Careers for a CRISC Certification

IT and a variety of other business professionals can benefit from the learning and development offered by CRISC coursework and certification. These are some of the most common career paths for CRISC-certified professionals and what they do in their roles:

  • Business analyst: uses data to evaluate past and current business practices to improve decision-making processes within an organization.
  • Compliance professional: helps organizations comply with relevant laws, regulations, and policies by monitoring compliance activities, advising management, and liaising with government agencies.
  • IT professional: designs, implements, supports, maintains, and improves hardware and software in an organization.
  • Project manager: plans, organizes, and directs the day-to-day management of projects. 
  • Risk management specialist: identifies potential risks that might affect an organization then utilizes resources to prepare for uncertainties, minimize threats, and mitigate losses.

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