CGEIT certification exam details and process [updated 2021]

Introduction

For those seeking certification in enterprise IT governance, the Certified in Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) is a certification that they may be considering. Offered by ISACA, the CGEIT exam has undergone a hefty amount of changes that have taken effect in July of 2020. 

This article will explore the details and process of the new CGEIT certification exam and will delve into fifteen of the most pressing questions that those thinking about taking the CGEIT exam will have. Think of this article as your go-to FAQ for this enterprise IT governance certification.

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The top 15 CGEIT certification exam FAQs

1. What are skill and work requirements for the CGEIT exam?
2. What are the domains that are covered by the CGEIT?
3. How do I register for the CGEIT exam?
4. What is the cost of the CGEIT exam?
5. What is the CGEIT exam like?
6. How can I find a convenient CGEIT testing location?
7. When is the CGEIT certification exam offered?
8. Where can I find more information on CGEIT exam scheduling and exam dates?
9. What is a passing score for the CGEIT exam?
10. Apart from the CGEIT exam registration fee, are there other fees that I need to be aware of?
11. How will I receive my CGEIT exam results?
12. What are the other requirements for obtaining the CGEIT certification, other than passing the exam and having the required work experience?
13. What are the recommended study materials for the CGEIT exam?
14. I have complaints and concerns about the CGEIT testing environment and the exam itself. How do I report this?
15. What is the CGEIT certification job practice?

What are skill and work requirements for the CGEIT exam?

The skill requirement of CGEIT is that the candidate has relevant professional work experience supporting organizational enterprise information technology. The work requirement is that the candidate needs to have a minimum of five years of this work experience.

What are the domains that are covered by the CGEIT?

The CGEIT is composed of four domains of knowledge for the 2020 job practice. This is a change from the previous versions of this exam, which had five domains. The fifth domain, Strategic Management, was eliminated and has been absorbed by the other domains. 

Below is a list of domains, their respective sub-topics and their percentage weights of exam content.

Domain 1: Governance of enterprise IT (40%)

• Governance framework
• Technology governance
• Information governance

Domain 2: IT resources (15%)

• IT resource planning
• IT resource optimization

Domain 3: Benefits realization (26%)

• IT performance and oversight
• Management of IT-enabled investments

Domain 4: Risk optimization

• Risk strategy
• Risk management

How do I register for the CGEIT exam?

The registration process for the CGEIT certification exam is performed online and available here. Part of the process involves paying a non-refundable, non-transferable exam registration fee.

What is the cost of the CGEIT exam?

The cost of the exam registration fee is $575 for members of ISACA and $760 for non-members. This makes you eligible to take the exam within 12 months (365 days), which is called “continuous testing”. If you do not schedule to take the exam during this time, you will forfeit the exam registration fee.

What is the CGEIT exam like?

The CGEIT exam is computer-based and can be taken online and remote proctored or at an in-person testing center. Aside from this difference, the exam is concerned with candidates being able to apply the knowledge the exam covers, which requires that five-year minimum work experience mentioned earlier.

How can I find a convenient CGEIT testing location?

Once you have registered for the exam (including payment), you will be notified by email that you are eligible to schedule for the exam. This is done online via your ISACA profile. When scheduling your exam, if you want to take it at an exam location, you can search by country, city and postal code. You also have the option to take the exam online which will be remote proctored in which case you can take the exam anywhere with a reliable internet connection.

The advent of continuous testing means that there is an increased chance that candidates will find a seat at a location at the date and time they wish.

When is the CGEIT certification exam offered?

For in-person testing, this depends on the testing location. You can find when your exam location offers the CGEIT exam here. For the online, remote proctored option, you will need to check the CGEIT exam calendar in your ISACA account. Candidates are allowed to schedule a testing appointment within 48 hours of payment of the exam fee.

Where can I find more information on CGEIT exam scheduling and exam dates?

For more information, please consult the ISACA Exam Candidate Information Guide, which can be found here.

What is a passing score for the CGEIT exam?

The passing score of the CGEIT exam has not changed: candidates will need a scaled score of 450 to pass the exam. The one change related to this is that a new passing point has been established by ISACA by performing a standard setting analysis on the 2020 exam blueprint.

Apart from the CGEIT exam registration fee, are there other fees that I need to be aware of?

Aside from the exam fee, candidates will be responsible for an annual maintenance fee. This fee is $45 for ISACA members and $85 for non-members.

How will I receive my CGEIT exam results?

CGEIT candidates will be able to view their passing status on the screen of their exam as soon as it is completed. Then, within ten working days, candidates will receive their official scores both via email and online in their MyISACA account.

What are the other requirements for obtaining the CGEIT certification, other than passing the exam and having the required work experience?

CGEIT certification holders will need to earn continuing professional education (CPE) credits to maintain their certification. They must earn at least 20 CPEs annually and 120 within a three-year period.

What are the recommended study materials for the CGEIT exam?

The recommended study materials for the CGEIT exam are:

• CGEIT Review Manual, 8th Edition
• CGEIT Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Manual, 5th Edition
• Questions, Answers & Explanations Database – 12-Month Subscription and 6-Month Extension

I have complaints and concerns about the CGEIT testing environment and the exam itself. How do I report this?

Those with complaints and concerns about the exam need to contact ISACA support within 48 hours of the conclusion of the exam at support.isaca.org. Candidates will need to provide the following information:

• ISACA ID number
• Testing center location
• Date and time tested
• Any relevant details on the specific issue

What is the CGEIT certification job practice?

The CGEIT certification job practice is the basis of the exam outline and the certification exam itself. The 2020 CGEIT job practice consists of four domains of knowledge that are sub-topics, and secondary tasks which organize the exam material.

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Conclusion

CGEIT is a vendor-neutral enterprise IT governance certification which can help take your career to new heights. In July of 2020, this certification exam underwent a proverbial facelift and now it may seem like a different animal altogether. Do not let these changes stymie your career plans! Armed with the FAQ above, you will be well-positioned to give it your all on exam day.

Sources

What are the major changes to the CGEIT job practice in 2020?, ISACA Support

CGEIT Exam Content Outline, ISACA

ISACA, “CGEIT Review Manual, 8th Edition,” 2020