CISA vs CRISC: Which is Better in 2025?

The IT industry is home to many highly skilled IT security professionals. These professionals boast of certifications such as CISA, Certified Information Security Manager, Certified in Risk, and Information System Control, etc., to name a few. These certifications accelerate the career progression of IT security experts, as they help you develop a better understanding of cyber security. When it comes to the preferred mode of learning, CISA certification online makes the cut due to the flexibility it brings for working professionals.

Many people tend to attain both certifications (CISA and CRISC). If you must do only one course and are confused about the same, this article is for you. Read on to learn all about these certification courses provided by KnowledgeHut. Let us begin by grasping what CISA and CRISC are.

What is CISA?

CISA is a certification exam wherein the IT professionals working in auditing roles and government are assessed. People who have attained CISA certification courses are considered to be experts in the field of IT auditing. Even non-auditors can also do the certification course. CISA professionals are primarily engaged in security, assurance, auditing, leadership roles, etc. 

This certification tests a candidate’s knowledge and ability to control, assess, and manage IT infrastructure. Below are the skills required to become an excellent IT auditor.

• Protection of informational assets 
• Acquisition, development, and implementation of all the information systems of the organization 
• Management and governance of IT 
• Auditing the information systems 
• service management, operations, and maintenance of the information systems

Candidates looking to get this certification must have five years of work experience in auditing, controlling, managing, and, most importantly. CISA exam requires utilizing software, reviewing manuals, going through study guides, etc. to pass it. As professionals clear the exam, they receive training accordingly. Talking about the salary, an IT auditor has an average salary of USD 97,117. If you are looking for a good certification course, you can go for online Cyber Security classes.

What is CRISC?

People who specifically work for IT risk management go for CRISC. After doing this course, the individual is said to have been certified in risk management and controlling information systems. Many job positions come under CRISC, like CIOs, Business managers, Project managers, and IT professionals. All these people have engaged in IT risk management, controlling, assurance activities, etc. The job domains for CRISC are listed below:

• Risk and control monitoring  
• Risk reporting 
• Risk response and mitigation 
• IT Risk Identification  
• IT risk assessment  

If one wants to be certified in risk management, then a minimum of three years of work experience is required in the Information Security Program. One should have worked in at least 2 job domains mentioned above to gain experience in managing and controlling risks.

As far as income is concerned, an average CRISC-certified IT professional earns up to USD 107 968. The salary of the CRISC professionals is higher compared to the CISA Professionals.

If you are confused regarding which certification course to go for, here are some points:

• The earnings of CRISC professionals are higher than CISA professionals.
• If you wish to become a professional auditor, CISA is the best course for you.
• If you wish to go into risk management, apply for the CRISC certification course. The course will include the strategic side of the safety of the organization’s information system.

To get either of the certification courses, one needs to get enrolled in a certification course. Both CISA and CRISC are different in terms of salary, work background, etc. Let us look at the difference between the two.

CISA vs CRISC: Key Differences

If you are facing the CRISC Vs CISA difficulty in choice, refer to these differences to make an informed decision. Let us begin.

Aspects	CISA	CRISC
Focus	The focus of the CISA certification course is auditing.	The focus of the CRISC certification course is risk management.
Roles of Individuals	People who do CISA certification courses can become. IT Auditor   Consultant   Security Professional,   Non-IT Auditor   Audit Manager, etc.	Individuals who do CRISC certification courses can become. CIO   CISO   Security director   Security Manager   System Engineer   Security Analyst   Professional Business Analyst   Control and Assurance Pro   Compliance Pro   Risk Management Professional, etc.
Domains	The domains for CISA are as follows: Auditing Information   IT Governance and management   Development, acquisition, and implementation of Information system operation   Service management   Protection of Information Assets	The domains of CRISC are as follows: Identifying the IT risk   Risk Assessment   Risk and control management, reporting, and monitoring   Risk mitigation, etc.
Experience	An individual must have a work experience of five years for CISA.	An individual must have a work experience of Three years for CRISC.
Number of Exams	One exam per year is conducted for CISA.	One exam per year is conducted for CRISC.
Exam Fee	For CISA, the examination fee is USD 575/- for members and USD 760/- for Non-Members.	For CRISC, the examination fee is USD 575/- for members and USD 760/- for Non-Members.
Annual Fee	USD 45 is the annual fee for members, whereas it is USD 85 for non-members.	USD 45 is the annual fee for members, and USD 85 is for non-members of CRISC.
Valid For	The certification course of CISA is valid for three years.	The certification course of CRISC is valid for three years.
CPE (Continuing Professional Education) Required for Recertification	In total, 120 CPEs (Continuing Professional Education) are required for the recertification of the course, i.e., 20 CPEs must be earned every year by an individual.	In total, 120 CPEs are required for recertification of CRISC as well, i.e., 20 CPEs per year must be earned by people undertaking the course.
Average Salary	USD 967,117 is the average salary of a CISA professional.	USD 107,968 is the average salary of a CRISC professional.

Having known the key differences, let us have a look at the in-depth differences between CISA and CRISC certification courses.

CRISC vs CISA: Detailed Comparison

In the Information Technology (IT) sector, two of the more well-known information security qualifications are the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and the Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) credentials.
According to the ISACA Certification Exams Candidate Guide, CISA candidates must have five or more years of experience in IS/IT audit, control, assurance, or security. For those with three years of experience, a waiver is offered. CRISC candidates must have three (or more) years of experience in IT risk management and IS controls to sit for the test.

CISA vs CRISC: Key Areas 

CISA  

A risk-based approach involves IT auditors assessing and managing risks in IT and business systems. They rely on internal and operational controls, company knowledge, and risk analysis to determine compliance or substantive testing. This approach considers changes in the company's environment and assigns ratings accordingly.

CRISC 

Enterprise IT risk management involves applying risk management methods to manage IT risks related to information technology, including use, ownership, operation, involvement, and adoption within an organization.

CISA vs CRISC: Career Stage to give exam

CISA 

• Entry-level to mid-level IT professionals.
• Internal and IT auditors who conduct information security compliance audits.
• Any position involving risk and compliance.

CRISC 

IT professionals at their mid-levels seeking advances in their careers in IT risk.

CISA vs CRISC: Which is more proficient, CISA or CRISC? 

Everything relies on the goals you have. It all comes down to your goals when deciding between the CISA vs. CRISC credentials, which are highly sought-after in the world of information security. CRISC is more concerned with managing risk, whereas CISA is more concerned with governance, auditing, and the protection of information systems.

CISA vs CRISC: Which exam is hard to pass – CISA or CRISC 

CRISC is a difficult exam to pass. It necessitates much planning and investigation. To be successful, candidates must possess an in-depth understanding of the CRISC areas and know how to apply them in practical settings.

The CISA certification has a specialized risk management and audit component in addition to risk management. CISA will probably be difficult for individuals who need to learn more about its topics.

CISA vs CRISC: Difference domain wise 

CISA is more focused on auditing, and CRISC is focused on Risk Management.

Governance is a common domain in both certifications, and the weightage in CRISC is 26%, and at the same time, CISA weightage is less than 17% even though it cusses not only on governance, it includes management of IT also.

Auditing in CISA and IT Risk assessment in CRISC are the unique domains as per certification wise.

The last common factor in other domains is IT & Security in CRISC, and Protection of Information Assets are common factors to identify the alignment of business practices with framework and standards.

CISA vs CRISC: Hands-on Labs 

CISA and CRISC are exams that do not include any hands-on labs. The exams are based on objective-based and knowledge-based. 

CISA vs CRISC: Future scope 

CRISC and CISA certifications are in high demand in security and information management, with employers seeking skilled experts to manage and secure information. The future of these certifications is bright, as they help professionals advance their careers and open specialized job opportunities. Businesses recognize the importance of security in information and data security.

CISA vs CRISC: Benefits

Benefits of CRISC

1. Increase in Pay  

People who are CRISC professionals often have high-paid jobs. The salary might be less for beginners, but it will eventually increase once one has gained some work experience. The certified CRISC professionals will be paid higher as compared to other non-certified IT professionals.

2. Future Roles 

Earning a CRISC certification course will fix you up for getting promoted to different roles in the future. Those who are certified can have a successful career. They can become security managers, Chief Information Security Officers, etc. The CRISC certification offers enormous help in terms of having a good career.

3. Robust Resume  

Any certification or formal education can boost your resume and make it look robust and strong. Thus, by doing certain certification courses, one can get an add-on experience in the resume, which will further help in getting better career opportunities.

4. Knowledge of Managing Risks 

Becoming a CRIC certified professional requires a lot of learning and understanding of the topics regarding risk management. Once you opt for the course, the individuals will get in-depth knowledge about the subject along with the required skill set, resources, tools, etc., for further IT jobs.

Becoming a CRISC Professional can boost your career in many ways and open the doors to wider opportunities. CRISC professionals are said to have updated knowledge regarding risk management. Thus, becoming a CRISC professional is highly beneficial. For now, let us look at the benefits of CISA.

Benefits of CISA

1. Developing Market  

The field of CISA is experiencing exponential growth in the IT sector. As the field grows, IT professionals are required for analyzing and helping secure information systems. Getting a certification in CISA will open wide doors of opportunities that will boost your career in many ways. CISA certification also lays emphasis on the fact that the person has expertise in the field of auditing.

2. High Salary  

It is no wonder that IT professionals like auditors receive higher salaries compared to others. A CISA certificate holder earns up to USD 107,342 every year. Isn’t that amazing? These are the highest standards in the markets that are currently going on.

3. Growth Opportunities 

There is no looking back once you have the CISA certification. Your career graph will only move upward in terms of promotions, salaries, getting managerial promotions, etc. CISA certification will help you get a perfect job, thereby boosting your career.

Learn Why Employers Hire CISAs? 

How are they Similar?  

CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) and CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control) are both certifications offered by ISACA. They are similar in that they are both focused on IT auditing, control, monitoring and assessment. However, CISA is more focused on auditing while CRISC is more focused on risk management. CISA is designed for professionals who audit, control, monitor and assess an organization’s information technology and business systems. CRISC is designed for professionals who have experience with IT risk management and control. Both certifications require passing an exam and meeting certain experience requirements.

What Should You Choose Between CISA vs CRISC?

CISA and CRISC are both certifications offered by ISACA. They are similar in that they are both focused on IT auditing, control, monitoring and assessment. However, CISA is more focused on auditing, while CRISC is more focused on risk management. CISA is designed for professionals who audit, control, monitor and assess an organization’s information technology and business systems. CRISC is designed for professionals who have experience with IT risk management and control. Both certifications require passing an exam and meeting certain experience requirements.

If you are looking to choose between the two certifications, it depends on your career goals. If you are interested in auditing, then CISA might be the right certification for you. If you are interested in risk management, then CRISC might be the right certification for you. You can also consider getting both certifications if you want to have a well-rounded skillset.

Conclusion

CISA and CRISC certifications offer a wide range of growth opportunities not only in India but also internationally. It is not essential to get a certification but having one will help you have a bright future. With a wide range of job positions, who knows if you will become a CIO or Senior Risk Manager? Enroll for the KnowledgeHut CISA certification online and boost your career with opportunities that cannot be missed. So, what are you waiting for? Apply now!