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How to Get CGEIT Certified in 2025: ISACA Exam, Requirements, and Career Impact

Published: October 5, 2025 | 5 min read

Hey there, future IT leaders! Are you ready to take your career to the next level and become a true strategic force in the world of technology? If you're an experienced IT professional looking to make a real impact, then buckle up because we're diving deep into the world of CGEIT certification.

1. Introduction to CGEIT Certification

What is CGEIT?

CGEIT (Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT) is a globally recognized credential awarded by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association). Think of it as your stamp of approval, verifying that you possess the expertise to govern IT effectively within an organization.

But what does "governance of enterprise IT" (GEIT) even mean? It's all about ensuring that IT aligns with business objectives, investments are managed wisely, risks are minimized, and IT operations and governance are top-notch.

The beauty of CGEIT is that it's framework-agnostic. This means the principles you learn apply across various IT governance frameworks like COBIT, ISO, and ITIL. You're not just learning one specific system; you're gaining a holistic understanding of how to govern IT effectively, no matter the environment.

In short, CGEIT demonstrates that you understand how to make IT a strategic asset, not just a cost center.

Administering Body: ISACA

ISACA is the global association that administers the CGEIT certification. They're the go-to source for all things related to IT governance, control, security, and audit. They set the standards, develop the exam, and ensure that CGEIT-certified professionals maintain their knowledge and skills through continuing education.

2. Who is CGEIT For? (Target Audience)

Let's be clear: CGEIT isn't for entry-level folks fresh out of college. This certification is designed for experienced professionals who are already knee-deep in IT governance.

Are you in a management, advisory, or assurance role with significant responsibilities related to GEIT? Then CGEIT might be perfect for you. Here are some roles that would benefit immensely from CGEIT certification:

  • IT Managers

  • Governance Professionals

  • Auditors

  • IT Strategy Consultants

  • Compliance Managers

  • IT Directors

  • CIOs (Chief Information Officers)

  • CISOs (Chief Information Security Officers)

  • Chief Data Officers

  • Enterprise Architecture Directors

  • GRC Managers (Governance, Risk, and Compliance)

  • Information Security Managers

  • Business Continuity Managers

  • Head of IT Operations

  • Cyber Security Engineers

  • Risk Analysts

Ultimately, CGEIT is ideal for those aspiring to or already holding C-suite positions. It's for professionals who are responsible for ensuring that IT is governed from the top down and aligns perfectly with the organization's business goals.

3. Why Get CGEIT Certified? (Benefits & Career Value)

Okay, so you know what CGEIT is and who it's for, but why should you actually invest your time and money in getting certified? Let's break down the benefits:

Global Recognition and Credibility

CGEIT isn't just some obscure certification; it's recognized and respected worldwide. Earning this credential enhances your professional standing and gives you instant credibility in the eyes of employers, clients, and peers. It's also ANAB (ANSI National Accreditation Board) accredited, so you know it meets rigorous quality standards.

Career Advancement

CGEIT is often considered a capstone certification, meaning it can be the final piece of the puzzle that unlocks senior executive, advisory, and leadership roles. It demonstrates that you have the strategic thinking and expertise to lead IT governance initiatives and drive business value.

Higher Earning Potential

Let's talk about money! CGEIT consistently ranks among the top-paying IT certifications. While salaries can vary based on location, experience, and specific role, CGEIT holders generally command impressive compensation.

  • Average Salaries: Expect to see salaries ranging from $100,000 to $160,000+ annually in North America. Some averages reach around $135,000-$141,000, with projections for 2025 soaring up to $152,838.

  • Specific Roles:

    • IT Director: $143,803

    • Risk Manager: $140,127

    • Chief Risk Officer: $198,163

  • ISACA Reports: ISACA themselves report that CGEIT holders experience a 70% improvement in job opportunities and a 22% increase in pay.

Who doesn't want a salary bump like that?

Strategic Decision-Making Expertise

CGEIT helps you develop a deep understanding of how to align IT strategies with business objectives. You'll learn how to bridge the gap between IT and the business, ensuring that technology investments are driving real value and contributing to the organization's success.

Risk Management Expertise

In today's world, IT-related risks are a major concern for organizations of all sizes. CGEIT empowers you to identify and mitigate these risks effectively, ensuring data security and regulatory compliance. You'll be able to develop and implement robust risk management frameworks that protect the organization's assets and reputation.

Competitive Advantage

In a crowded job market, CGEIT helps you stand out from the competition. It signals to employers that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience to excel in IT governance roles.

Expanded Professional Network

When you become CGEIT certified, you automatically become part of the ISACA community, a global network of peers and experts. This provides you with invaluable opportunities to connect with other professionals, share knowledge, and learn from the best in the field.

Comprehensive Skill Set

CGEIT validates your expertise across a wide range of IT governance domains, including risk management, resource optimization, and performance measurement. You'll gain a holistic understanding of how to manage IT effectively and drive business value.

Continuous Professional Development

The CGEIT certification requires you to engage in ongoing professional development through CPE (Continuing Professional Education) requirements. This ensures that you stay updated on the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in IT governance.

4. CGEIT Eligibility Requirements

Before you jump into studying for the CGEIT exam, you need to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. Here's a breakdown:

Work Experience

This is the big one. To become CGEIT certified, you need:

  • A minimum of five (5) years of experience in an advisory, management, or oversight role supporting the governance of IT-related contributions to an enterprise.

  • At least one (1) year of this experience must be specifically in the "Governance of Enterprise IT" domain (Domain 1: Definition, Establishment, and Management of an IT Governance Framework).

  • The remaining four (4) years can be spread across at least two (2) of the other CGEIT domains (IT Resources, Benefits Realization, Risk Optimization).

  • Your experience must be gained within the ten (10) years preceding your application date or within five (5) years of passing the exam.

  • And, most importantly, your experience must be verified by a supervisor or manager.

Examination

Of course, you'll need to successfully pass the CGEIT exam. We'll dive into the exam details in the next section.

Formal Education

Good news! There are no formal educational prerequisites for CGEIT certification. Your experience is what truly matters.

Application Submission

Once you've passed the exam, you'll need to submit a completed CGEIT application within five (5) years. There's a one-time US$50 application processing fee.

Code of Professional Ethics

You'll need to agree to and comply with ISACA's Code of Professional Ethics. This ensures that CGEIT-certified professionals maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct.

Continuing Professional Education (CPE)

As mentioned earlier, you'll need to commit to ISACA's CPE Policy to maintain your certification.

Experience Waivers

There's a possibility of getting a maximum of one (1) year waiver for experience. If you hold the COBIT Design and Implementation certificate, you may be able to waive the one-year experience requirement in Domain 1.

5. CGEIT Exam Details

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of the CGEIT exam.

Exam Format

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions.

Duration

You'll have four (4) hours (240 minutes) to complete the exam. Time management is crucial!

Delivery

The exam is computer-based and can be taken at authorized PSI testing centers globally or via remotely proctored exams.

Scheduling

Registration is continuous, and you can schedule your appointment as early as 48 hours after payment.

Passing Score

You'll need a scaled score of 450 out of 800 to pass the exam.

Languages

The exam is available in English and Simplified Chinese.

Cost

  • ISACA Members: US$575

  • Non-Members: US$760

Keep in mind that these fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Eligibility Period

You have 12 months to complete the exam after registration.

6. CGEIT Exam Content (Domains and Weightings - 2020 Update)

The CGEIT exam covers four key job practice domains, reflecting real-world IT governance practices.

Domain 1: Governance of Enterprise IT (40%)

  • Focus: Establishing and maintaining a framework for GEIT.

  • Key Points: Organizational structures, roles, responsibilities, strategic planning, legal and regulatory compliance, information governance (architecture, asset lifecycle, ownership, classification), business ethics, organizational culture.

  • Skills: Evaluating, directing, and monitoring IT strategic planning processes to ensure alignment with enterprise goals.

This domain is all about setting the foundation for effective IT governance. You need to understand how to create a framework that aligns IT with the organization's overall strategy and ensures accountability at every level.

Domain 2: IT Resources (15%)

  • Focus: Management and optimization of IT resources (information, services, infrastructure, applications, people).

  • Key Points: Strategic planning for IT infrastructure, applications, human resources; sourcing and acquisition strategies; capacity planning; asset management; human resource development; IT resource management, data management and governance, service-level agreements (SLAs).

This domain focuses on how to manage and optimize the various IT resources at your disposal. It covers everything from strategic planning for IT infrastructure to managing human resources and ensuring service-level agreements are in place.

Domain 3: Benefits Realization (26%)

  • Focus: Managing, tracking, and reporting on the performance of IT investments to ensure optimized business benefits.

  • Key Points: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), benefit calculation techniques, continuous improvement, performance management, change management, governance monitoring and reporting, quality assurance, process development and improvement, tracking and evaluating ROI of IT-enabled investments.

  • Skills: Analyzing IT-enabled technology investments to ensure they deliver the expected benefits.

This domain is all about measuring the value of IT investments. You need to understand how to track and report on the performance of IT initiatives and ensure that they are delivering the expected business benefits.

Domain 4: Risk Optimization (19%)

  • Focus: Ensuring IT risk management frameworks align with enterprise risk management (ERM).

  • Key Points: Identifying, analyzing, managing, mitigating, monitoring, and communicating IT-related business risks; relevant legal and regulatory guidelines; Business Continuity Planning (BCP); Disaster Recovery Planning (DRP); common risk management frameworks; Key Risk Indicators (KRIs); reporting on analytical data; risk appetite and tolerance.

This domain focuses on managing IT-related risks and ensuring that IT risk management frameworks align with the organization's overall enterprise risk management (ERM) strategy.

7. How to Prepare for the CGEIT Exam

Okay, now that you know what's on the exam, let's talk about how to prepare for it.

Official Study Materials from ISACA

ISACA offers a range of official study materials to help you prepare for the CGEIT exam:

  • CGEIT Review Manual (8th Edition): This is your comprehensive reference guide. It's available in both digital and print formats.

  • CGEIT Questions, Answers & Explanations (QAE) Database: This online database contains a huge pool of practice questions with detailed explanations. A 12-month subscription is highly recommended.

  • Free CGEIT Practice Quiz: This quiz familiarizes you with the exam's difficulty and format.

  • CGEIT Planning Guide: This guide provides information on exam benefits, registration, preparation, and maintenance.

  • ISACA Engage Community (CGEIT Study Groups): This online forum allows you to interact with peers and get guidance from experts.

Training Courses

ISACA and third-party providers offer various training courses, including group training, self-paced training, and intensive exam preparation courses (in-person and online boot camps).

Study Plan Tips

  • Understand Exam Structure: Familiarize yourself with the question types, time limits, and domain weightings.

  • Leverage Professional Experience: Apply your real-world knowledge to the concepts you're learning, but adopt a "CIO mindset" for the exam.

  • Structured Study Plan: Create a daily roadmap, break down the material into manageable chunks, and ensure consistency.

Effective Practice Methods

  • Practice Questions Religiously: Use the QAE database and complete timed blocks of questions (e.g., 50 questions at a time).

  • Analyze Answers Deeply: Understand the reasoning behind both correct and incorrect choices to identify your knowledge gaps.

  • Simulate Exam Conditions: Take full-length practice exams (150 questions in 4 hours) and aim for 85-90% on practice tests.

  • Reinforce Learning: Read additional frameworks (COBIT, Risk IT, Val IT, NIST EA) and thought leader publications.

8. The Certification Process (After Passing the Exam)

Congratulations, you've passed the CGEIT exam! Now what?

  • Pass CGEIT Exam: Check!

  • Pay Application Fee: US$50 one-time processing fee.

  • Submit Application: Fill out and submit the CGEIT application within five (5) years of passing the exam, demonstrating your required work experience (verified by your supervisor/manager).

  • Adhere to Ethics: Agree to and comply with ISACA's Code of Professional Ethics.

  • Adhere to CPE Policy: Commit to ISACA's Continuing Professional Education Policy.

9. Maintaining Your CGEIT Certification

Once you're CGEIT certified, you need to maintain your certification by:

  • Continuing Professional Education (CPE):

    • Earning a minimum of 20 CPE credits annually.

    • Accumulating a total of 120 CPE credits over a three-year period.

    • CPEs can be earned through ISACA conferences, training, webinars, volunteering, and on-demand learning.

  • Adherence to Code of Professional Ethics: Ongoing compliance is required.

  • Annual Maintenance Fee:

    • ISACA Members: US$45

    • Non-Members: US$85

    • Reduced fees for third/subsequent certifications ($25 for members, $50 for non-members).

  • CPE Audit: You may be selected for an audit of your CPEs.

  • Consequence of Non-Compliance: Failure to meet these requirements can lead to revocation of your certification.

10. CGEIT vs. Other IT Governance Certifications

The world of IT certifications can be confusing. Let's compare CGEIT to some other popular certifications:

  • CGEIT:

    • Focus: Broad, strategic view of IT governance (framework-agnostic for the individual).

    • Target Roles: Senior IT professionals, directors, consultants, C-suite.

    • Prerequisites: 5 years of IT governance experience (1 year in a framework).

    • Renewal: 20 CPEs annually, 120/3 years, annual fee.

  • COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies):

    • Focus: Comprehensive framework for the governance and management of enterprise IT.

    • Target Roles: Audit, risk, security, compliance, and business managers.

    • Prerequisites: Foundation has none; higher levels require Foundation.

    • Renewal: Foundation does not expire; Assessor is 2 years, renewal fee.

  • ISO/IEC 38500 (IT Governance Certifications):

    • Focus: International standard for principles and models of effective IT use.

    • Target Roles: IT directors, managers, consultants, and auditors.

    • Prerequisites: None for Foundation; experience recommended for advanced.

    • Renewal: 3 years, CPD points, annual maintenance fees.

  • ITIL 4 (Information Technology Infrastructure Library):

    • Focus: Best practices for IT service management.

    • Target Roles: Professionals managing and delivering IT services.

    • Prerequisites: Foundation has none; higher levels require Foundation.

    • Renewal: 3 years, retake exam, higher cert, or 20 CPD points annually.

  • CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor):

    • Focus: IT audit, control, and security.

    • Target Roles: IT auditors, assurance professionals, and security experts.

    • Prerequisites: 5 years in IS auditing, control, assurance, or security.

    • Renewal: 20 CPEs annually, 120/3 years, annual fee.

  • CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control):

    • Focus: Managing enterprise IT risk.

    • Target Roles: IT professionals, project managers, and IT risk managers.

    • Prerequisites: 3 years in IT risk management and IS control (across 2 of 4 domains). No waivers.

    • Renewal: 20 CPEs annually, 120/3 years, annual fee.

  • CISM (Certified Information Security Manager):

    • Focus: Information security management.

    • Target Roles: Info security managers and IT managers responsible for security programs.

    • Prerequisites: 5 years in info security management (3 years across 3+ domains). Waivers possible.

    • Renewal: 20 CPEs annually, 120/3 years, annual fee.

The key takeaway here is that CGEIT provides a strategic governance perspective, while the other certifications are often more specialized (audit, risk, security, or service management) or focused on specific frameworks. ISACA certifications generally require significant experience.

11. Frequently Asked Questions & Common Misconceptions

Let's clear up some common questions and misconceptions about CGEIT.

FAQs

  • What is CGEIT? A vendor-neutral IT governance certification by ISACA for managing and advising on enterprise IT.

  • Who is it for? Experienced professionals in leadership and advisory IT governance roles.

  • Prerequisites? 5 years of IT governance experience (1 year framework-specific) to be certified; no exam prerequisites.

  • Exam content? 150 multiple-choice questions, 4 domains (GEIT, IT Resources, Benefits Realization, Risk Optimization).

  • Cost? $575 (members), $760 (non-members) for the exam.

  • Maintenance? 20 CPEs/year, 120 CPEs/3 years, annual fee, adhere to ethics.

  • Benefits? Career boost, global recognition, credibility, salary increase, strategic skills.

Myths & Misconceptions

  • Myth: CGEIT is for entry-level. Reality: It's for seasoned professionals in senior governance/leadership roles.

  • Myth: CGEIT is purely technical. Reality: It focuses on strategic decision-making, risk, and business alignment, not hands-on technical tasks.

  • Myth: CGEIT is vendor-specific. Reality: It is vendor-neutral and applicable across technologies and environments.

  • Myth: Passing the exam grants certification. Reality: Work experience and formal application submission are also required.

  • Myth: Only relevant for large enterprises. Reality: The principles apply across various organizational sizes and domains.

12. Employer Perspective / Hiring Managers' View

What do employers think of CGEIT? Let's take a look from their perspective:

  • Validation of Expertise: It's a strong indicator of a candidate's deep understanding and ability to implement effective IT governance frameworks.

  • Suitability for Senior Roles: Highly valued for CIO, CTO, IT Director, Governance Consultant, CISO, and other leadership positions.

  • Strategic Thinking & Business Alignment: It demonstrates the ability to bridge technology and business strategy, ensuring IT investments deliver value.

  • Risk Management & Compliance Acumen: It signals expertise in identifying, mitigating, and ensuring compliance with IT-related risks and regulations.

  • Career Advancement & Increased Earning Potential: Seen as a high-value credential leading to advanced roles and higher compensation.

  • Credibility & Global Recognition: It enhances professional standing and provides a competitive edge.

  • Demonstration of Significant Experience: The prerequisites ensure that certified individuals bring substantial practical experience.

  • Demand: It addresses the growing demand for skilled IT governance professionals.

13. Scholarships, Discounts, and Employer Sponsorship

Worried about the cost of CGEIT certification? Here are some ways to potentially reduce your expenses:

  • Scholarships:

    • The ISACA Foundation (formerly One In Tech) offers scholarships for academic and professional development, focusing on underrepresented populations.

    • Includes funds for higher education and the "ISACA Career Building Bundle" (cert prep, networking, mentorship).

    • Specific chapter-level scholarships may be available.

  • Discounts:

    • ISACA members receive discounts (up to 20%) on certifications, training, materials, and events.

    • Higher membership tiers offer greater savings.

    • Occasional promotional discounts from ISACA (e.g., 20% off online review courses).

    • Third-party providers may offer discounted exam vouchers and training.

  • Employer Sponsorship:

    • Many organizations sponsor CGEIT due to its value (skilled workforce, improved reputation, reduced turnover, enhanced risk management).

    • Employees should highlight business benefits to managers/HR.

    • Programs may include study days, exam vouchers, and training tutorials.

    • Review terms (e.g., pay-back clauses) if accepting funding.

14. Day-to-Day Job Functions & Limitations

What does a CGEIT-certified professional actually do on a day-to-day basis?

  • Day-to-Day Job Functions:

    • Implementing and maintaining IT governance frameworks (e.g., COBIT).

    • Conducting IT risk assessments and developing mitigation strategies.

    • Ensuring regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR).

    • Establishing and implementing IT policies and procedures (data security, access control).

    • Providing IT governance guidance to stakeholders.

    • Driving IT process improvement and optimizing operations.

    • Participating in IT strategy development and ensuring alignment with business objectives.

    • Managing IT investments for optimized business benefits.

  • Limitations:

    • Focus on Governance, Not Technical Execution: Not for hands-on technical tasks (coding, hardware config, network security). Primarily strategic leadership and oversight.

    • Requires Significant Experience: Not for entry-level positions.

    • Ongoing Maintenance Commitment: CPE hours and annual fees require continuous effort.

    • Framework-Agnostic, but Specific Framework Knowledge May Be Needed: While broad, organizations may require in-depth knowledge of specific frameworks like COBIT.

    • Not a Substitute for Deep Technical Specialization: Complements but does not replace specialized technical expertise (e.g., cybersecurity engineering).

15. CGEIT Certification Holder Testimonials, Reviews, and Experiences

What do people who have actually taken the CGEIT exam say about it?

  • Exam Difficulty: Frequently described as challenging and difficult. Questions often differ from practice materials, presenting complex scenarios with tricky multiple-choice answers.

  • Study Materials: The official CGEIT review manual is primary, but some find its language complex. The QAE database is crucial.

  • Preparation: Requires diligent practice, repeated readings, and understanding concepts from a "CIO mindset" or "governance landscape" perspective.

  • Impact: Holders attest to a significant positive impact on professional recognition, career trajectory, and strategic contribution to IT governance.

16. Conclusion

The CGEIT certification by ISACA is a premier credential for seasoned IT professionals seeking to validate and advance their expertise in the strategic governance of enterprise IT. It equips individuals with the knowledge to align IT with business goals, optimize investments, manage risks, and drive organizational value, opening doors to influential leadership roles and higher earning potential.

So, if you're ready to take your IT career to the next level and become a true strategic leader, CGEIT might just be the perfect certification for you! Good luck on your journey!