CISA is one of the most sought-after internationally recognized certifications. At some point in your career, you might also dream of acquiring it to give an instant boost to your career prospects.
But you might have several queries related to the CISA exam pass rate, and you might be confused whether you should go for this certification or not.
So if you know how the exam scoring works, the exam format, the passing score, and how many times you can apply will help you prepare for the exam in a much better way.
CISA Exam Scoring
Before going further, you should know the criterion to calculate the CISA certification exam passing score.
Once you complete the exam, you receive a raw score converted into a point scale between 200 and 800. The raw score comprises the number of questions you answered correctly out of the 150 questions. After that, a standard scale is used to convert this raw score to a number. The lowest marking is 200 and the maximum 800. The scaled result that you get describes your expertise as CISA professional.
Also, the exam score does not take into consideration percentages. So even if you scored 500, it does not mean your score is 50%. Hence your focus should be to give your best shot without worrying about the number of questions you answered correctly.
A score of 450 on a scale of 200 to 800 is fixed as a passing score and is considered the minimum standard of knowledge prescribed by ISACA. Also, you receive a credit for each correct answer, and there is no negative marking for the wrong answers. So if you do not know the answer to any question, does not leave it blank. Do guess and write the answer.
CISA Score Scale
A scaled score of 450 is the passing score and is considered the least standard of knowledge by ISACA.
A score of 800 represents you answered all questions correctly.
A score of 200 represents that you answered only a few questions correctly. All the domains covered in the exam have their respective scaled score. But the overall score is the result of the average of the scaled score of each domain.
The percentage of the domain shows the total number of questions for that domain out of the total number of questions. The passing score is evaluated for the questions in total.
You receive feedback for your performance in each domain, and it helps you analyze your weaknesses and strengths and work hard on areas that need improvement.
What if you can still not understand how the score is calculated?
Do not worry.
Though the CISA exam score calculation system is challenging to understand, it is fair. So, instead of wasting your time and resources on this matter, focus on exam preparation.
CISA Exam Pass Rate
You might be curious to know the CISA exam pass rate to clear it in the first attempt. However, ISACA does not release exact pass rates, and most experts believe it falls between 45% and 60%. But this is only an estimate. Some also consider that the exam pass rate is on the rise, and it might have been possible due to the vast amount of study material available nowadays compared to the past.
Also, you can gain more awareness about the CISA exam pass rate on forums. Here candidates who have taken the exam post their results and advise those appearing for the exam.
How to Increase your CISA Exam Pass Rate?
First, you should believe in yourself. If someone else has failed does not necessarily mean you will fail too.
The CISA exam focuses on real-life scenarios rather than facts and figures. So there is no role in memorization but getting your concepts cleared.
Also, if you work in a field prescribed in the CISA job description, your chances to clear the exam increases manifolds.
Do not take exam preparation casually. Create a proper study plan. Take out enough time to study appropriately to increase your chances to clear it in one go.
Take as many practice tests as possible.
During the exam, read the questions carefully. There are no true or false type questions.
There is only one correct answer to each question. Even if you think multiple answers are possible, read the question several times and select the best possible answer.
To pass the exam, study thoroughly and buy the right study material. Also, you can appear for the exam only up to four times in a one-year testing window. And upon failing, you need to wait for 30 days before the next attempt.
CISA Exam Result Declaration
The exam results are declared at two different times.
As soon as you finish the test, you will get preliminary results. It shows you whether you are have passed the exam or not. After that, your official score is sent by email within 10 business days from the exam date.
Due to security reasons, you cannot request results by phone or fax, and the email notification you get is also encrypted. You can also check your final score in your profile section on the ISACA website.
If you have cleared the exam, you will be updated about the guidelines to apply for the certification. If you do not receive result details within ten days, you should contact ISACA for further assistance.
CISA Certification Exam Report
The report contains much more than your pass percentage. You get a complete overview of what you scored in each of the domains, and it can help you prepare accordingly for a retake if you wish.
Also, if you are not satisfied with the result, you can go for a rescore. It will cost you around $75 and must be submitted within 30 days of the result release date, and requests submitted after this period will not be processed.
The Final Words
I hope this article clears all your doubts related to the CISA exam pass rate and a good CISA score. The entire process can be a bit confusing initially, mainly if you are appearing for the first time.
However, you can use this information as a guide to clarify your doubts. Also, you can read a comprehensive write-up about CISA certification and exam day rules if you are serious about getting certified. It will give you detailed insights into the certification.
If you have any queries feel free to ask in the comment box below. Our experts will be more than happy to help you.
