A complete guide for preparing for CGEIT Certificate Exam
Effective enterprise governance is recognized as the key to strategic IT management due to the ever-increasing reliance on information technology to supply services and the growing burden of compliance with laws and regulations. As a result, there is a rise in demand for CGEIT professionals to handle IT governance. ISACA’s Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) accreditation is the benchmark for professionals in charge of coordinating and managing IT governance within an organization. It provides professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to plan, implement, and manage IT governance processes that adhere to international standards. They also gain knowledge on ensuring compliance with laws and regulations like ISO 27001:2013 and safeguarding the integrity of company information systems.
CGEIT Certification enables individuals to rise swiftly through the ranks and take on senior positions within an organization. According to ISACA, there are fewer CGEIT professionals in the world, with 77% of them occupying executive positions including CEOs, CIOs, CISOs, and IT directors. So how does one get this prestigious certificate? Individuals must pass the written exam and meet the experience criteria defined by ISACA to obtain this credential.
What are the things required to obtain CGEIT Certificate?
Professionals should take the CGEIT Exam if they wish to obtain the CGEIT Certificate. The exam lasts four hours and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that measure professionals' knowledge in four domains. It is accessible in both English and simplified Chinese. Candidates have the option of taking examinations in-person at a testing facility or online with remote proctoring. They must score 450 out of 800 points to pass the exam.
In addition to the CGEIT Exam, professionals have to fulfill certain experiences. Individuals need a 5-year experience requirement in managing, serving in the advisory role, or supporting the governance of IT-related contributions to an enterprise. Out of these 5 years, one year of experience should be in management and the establishment of a framework for governing enterprise IT. The additional 4 years of experience can be in 2 or more of the CGEIT domains specified by ISACA. Furthermore, all work experience must be completed within 5 years following the passing date or within the 10-year period prior to the application date for certification.
What are the four domains of the CGEIT Exam?
The following are the four domains of the CGEIT Exam:
- Governance of Enterprise IT (40%)
- IT Resources (15%)
- Benefits Realization (26%)
- Risk Optimization (19%)
These four areas are designed to address new trends, technology, and changing business requirements. It is also intended to enhance business performance and keep candidates at the highest professional level possible.
Domain 1: Governance of Enterprise IT
The first domain examines a candidate's knowledge of the enterprise governance structure with regard to COBIT, ISO, ITIL, and other best practices. It involves creating a framework for enterprise IT governance that helps the firm achieve its goals and objectives while taking cyber risks and optimization into account. Domain further encompasses the delegation of duties and techniques related to an organization's information management procedures. It also contains all the requirements, principles, policies, processes, infrastructure, organizational structures, skills, and competencies required to create, manage, and maintain an IT governance framework.
Domain 2 – IT Resources
The planning and optimization of IT resources are covered under the second domain. It also involves asset management, capacity planning, sourcing and purchase strategies, and human resource development. Furthermore, it assesses candidates' knowledge of service-level agreements, data management, and IT resource management. Knowledge of IT roles and duties, documentation and communication techniques, prioritizing procedures, possible obstacles to strategy alignment, and present and emerging technology are also included in this domain. Additionally, applicants must make sure that the right procedures are in place for identifying, acquiring, and maintaining IT capabilities.
Domain 3: Benefits Realization
This area focuses on the KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) that demonstrate the organization will profit from the expenditures made to improve the IT infrastructure. Candidates must be familiar with benefit calculation techniques, the concepts of continuous improvement, and how to track and evaluate the return on investment (ROI) of IT-enabled investments. They may also be tested in this domain's business case development, strategy-related methodologies and procedures, and the development, transfer, implementation, and maintenance of IT services and solutions.
Domain 4: Risk Optimization
The last area tests a candidate's ability for understanding how a given framework exemplifies effective governance. Since the IT management framework aids in the identification, analysis, monitoring, management, communication, and mitigation of business risks related to IT. Additionally, this domain calls for knowledge of pertinent legal and regulatory guidelines as well as the capacity to explain risk to senior-level managers. Candidates must be familiar with business continuity planning, disaster recovery planning (DRP), common risk management frameworks, key risk indicators, and the ability to report on analytical data.
Things you should know before taking the CGEIT Exam
- Candidates can schedule for CGEIT Exam 48 hours after paying the exam registration fee.
- Upon registration, candidates have a twelve-month eligibility period to take their exam. Registration fee must be paid in full before scheduling and taking the exam.
- Aspirants can register for CGEIT Exam by logging in or creating an account at the ISACA website.
- A valid form of identification must be presented by professionals to access the testing facility or register for the online exam. An ID must be a current, valid, and original government-issued ID that includes the candidate's name, signature, and photograph.
- Candidates are prohibited to take reference materials, study materials, paper, notes, calculators, mobile phones, electronic devices, multiple monitors, smart watches, glasses, food, beverages, baggage, and headphones/earbuds inside the testing center.
The CGEIT exam is difficult since many of the questions demand that test-takers think like IT executives. However, the certificate can only be obtained by passing the test. Therefore, it is advised to thoroughly prepare and be knowledgeable about the exam domains. Candidates can choose CGEIT Training, which considerably aids them in developing their knowledge and expertise in the areas covered by CGEIT Exams.
Certified individuals are familiar with all possible motives behind cyber attacks. Based on each motive, they analyze the strategies or to be deployed accordingly. The training program instills a zero trust mindset in aspirants. They always adhere to the principle “Never trust, always verify” irrespective of the type of data stream, application, device, and user. Such professionals are in demand for their assurance of data protection to organizations. Authentication of every security breach possibility is their aim.
Individuals possessing the certification are adept at estimating both probabilities of identified threat sources taking actions and those completing them. Training teaches them to prepare an inventory of all software and devices present in the physical infrastructure of organizations. This helps them present to organizations their available range of IT assets. Certified professionals provide the framework for regular tracking of organizational software and hardware assets.